TAMBA

One of the most original fine-dining menus in Las Vegas can be found in Town Square. Tamba offers modern Indian cuisine that draws influences from Japan, China, Thailand and beyond. The exciting food is complemented by a visually stunning dining room that is warm, simple and effortlessly chic. Service is impeccable, with a staff hand-picked by a team of fine-dining veterans from the Strip. Town Square, 6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite A117; 702.798.7889; tambalasvegas.com. $$

American

HONEY SALT

Proof that you can find stellar dining off the Strip lies in Honey Salt’s creative menus of upscale American fare, packed with options you won’t find in most neighborhood restaurants. They include cast-iron branzino with shaved fennel, bacon-wrapped farmhouse meatloaf with tomato jam and the mighty kale salad. The brunch menu is also loaded with hits. Get a brookie (a combination brownie and cookie) for dessert. 1031 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702.445.6100; honeysalt.com. $$

Brunch

TOASTED GASTROBRUNCH

Are you looking for a bottomless mimosa brunch on a weekday? Chef Sami Ladeki has you covered. The owner of Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza chain shocked many when he converted the West Flamingo Road location into a Toasted Gastrobrunch. However, the morning classics menu, in both traditional and innovative forms, quickly won over locals. The booze program has something for everyone: signature cocktails, Prosecco, wine, three Bloody Marys, eight coffees, three Bellinis and five mimosas. And yes, there are bottomless options available. 9516 W. Flamingo Rd.; 702.638.9500; toastedgastrobrunch.com. $$

Café/Deli

BRONZE CAFE

Fast-casual meets healthy cuisine at Bronze Café, where the salads, sandwiches and sweets have secured a loyal following among locals throughout the valley. Focusing on “fit-friendly” eats, the menu features a sizable vegan section. Carnivores are not ignored here, with options like the Bacon Chicken Chop salad and the What What sandwich, made with turkey, pepperoni, Arcadia greens, basil aioli, oregano vinaigrette, tomato and red onion. There’s an entire pastry case of all-vegan sweets, many of which are gluten-free. 2380 N. Buffalo Dr.; 702.852.2830. $

Eclectic

EAT YOUR HEART OUT

The Durango Hotel and Casino’s Eat Your Heart Out food hall blends quick and casual counters with full-service, sit-down mini-restaurants. The former includes new-to-market concepts like Irv’s Burgers, Uncle Paulie’s sub-style sandwiches from Los Angeles and New York’s Prince Street Pizza. Among the larger spaces, Philadelphia’s Marc Vetri offers his most casual Las Vegas concept with Fiorella Pasta Bar. At the same time, native Gene Villiatora provides a fresh take on Hawaii street food at Ai Pono Cafe. Shang Artisan Noodle, Yu-Or-Mi Sushi, Vesta Coffee and one of Station’s beloved Oyster Bars are also highlights. Durango Resort, 6915 S. Durango Dr., Las Vegas; 702.767.7777; durangoresort.com. $$

Italian

AL SOLITO POSTO

Chef James Trees’ Tivoli Village Italian spot differs from his Arts District restaurant, Esther’s Kitchen, in one main way: its focus. Where Esther’s has a West Coast energy, Al Solito Posto (“the usual place” in Italian) is a tribute to the East Coast Italian cuisine that dominated Las Vegas during the Rat Pack’s heyday. Here, Trees and his team prove that the classic red sauce dishes many of us grew up with (think chicken parm) deserve more respect than they receive at your local pizza place. Tivoli Village, 430 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702.463.678; alsolito.com. $$

AMARI

Amari is much more than the resident Italian restaurant at UnCommons in the Southwest Valley. The focaccia bread and pizzas are made with the same exquisite dough, using a 25-year-old ancient grain starter that produces complexity in taste and texture. The menu features updated pasta classics, including a shrimp scampi appetizer reimagined with sea urchin butter and Bolognese sauce topped with nutmeg ricotta. It all pairs well with wine, cocktails and the restaurant’s exceptional amaro selection. UnCommons, 6825 Tom Rodriguez St., Las Vegas. amarilv.com. $$

ANIMA BY EDO

Anima is the second restaurant by the team behind the award-winning Spanish restaurant EDO, which includes repeat James Beard Award nominee Chef Oscar Amador. While a few dishes cross over between restaurants, Anima has a distinct menu with stronger Italian and Mediterranean influences. Prices are a solid value for food of this caliber. Like EDO, Anima offers tasting menus, and the kitchen team is accommodating when it comes to working around allergies or preferences. The Gramercy, 9205 W. Russell Road; 702.202.4291; animabyedo.com. $$$

BASILICO

Located within the southwest’s Evora community, Basilico courts locals who appreciate the nuances of a modern dining room, an inviting outdoor patio and a unique vision of Italian cuisine. The creative menu transcends expectations with avant-garde technique, unexpected ingredients and original presentations. It all stays grounded with respect for the basics, particularly pizzas and pasta. Standouts include a duck mousse “cigar” served in an oversized ashtray, accompanied by sesame-truffle “ash.” For something more traditional, you can get oysters for just $1 apiece on Wednesdays. 6111 S. Buffalo Dr.; 702.534.7716; basilicolv.com. $$

LA STREGA

Chef Gina Marinelli gained her local fame on the Strip, running celebrity chef Scott Conant’s D.O.C.G. in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. After leaving that position, she traveled to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, which influenced La Strega. There’s no chicken parm on this menu. Instead, you’ll find lots of seafood, light pasta, delicious pizzas, steaks, chops and game meats. Fun fact: The restaurant’s name is Italian for “The Witch.” 3555 S. Town Center Dr.; 702.722.2099; lastregalv.com. $$

MONZÚ ITALIAN OVEN

Chef and owner Giovanni Mauro operates Monzú in the space that once housed his mother’s landmark restaurant, Nora’s Italian Cuisine. The food here, however, is a bit more adventurous, having been inspired by the chef’s travels through Italy. Rectangular Roman “pizza alla pala” is offered alongside unique takes on Sicilian classics: heirloom pumpkin with chicken gizzards, lemon leaf stuffed with meat croquettes, and milk-poached whipped salt cod with caviar. Enjoy these delectable bites with live music on weekends. 6020 W. Flamingo Rd.; 702.749.5959; monzulv.com. $$

OSTERIA FIORELLA

Chef Marc Vetri is a Philadelphia culinary legend who operates a brilliant fine-dining restaurant atop the Palms. Osteria Fiorella is more approachable, or as he puts it, “a little bit more red sauce-y.” You’ll find lasagna al forno, rigatoni with sausage ragù, and bucatini pomodoro, as well as amazing pizzas and more exotic pastas, like Swiss chard tortelli in a sage brown butter sauce. His devotion to high-quality ingredients and meticulous execution, however, remains consistent across all his restaurants. Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702.797.7777; redrockresort.com. $$

Mediterranean

STEPHANO’S

A fast-casual Greek restaurant that emphasizes takeaway orders, Stephano’s has three locations throughout the valley, plus an extra ghost kitchen for deliveries. Favorites include skewers of tender chunks of filet mignon or chicken, creamy tzatziki and lentil rice, which critics have hailed as one of the best side dishes in Vegas. Or you can grab a classic gyro: shaved lamb, tomatoes, lettuce, onions and tzatziki inside a fluffy slice of pita bread or crumbly falafel balls. For those with a sweet tooth, the baklava is a sticky-sweet combination of pistachios, honey and phyllo dough, served by the piece or in packages. Multiple locations, including: 6115 S. Ft. Apache Road; 702.795.8444; stephanoslv.com. $

Mexican

EL DORADO CANTINA

When you walk through the doors at El Dorado Cantina’s Tivoli Village location, the stage is set with candles, a wall of red roses and plush red couches. However, it’s the regional Mexican food, which emphasizes organic and non-GMO ingredients (and promises the absence of seed oils), that has propelled El Dorado to three (soon to be four) locations throughout the valley. House specialties include grilled mahi, chile rellenos, and cedar plank salmon, as well as street and signature tacos, enchiladas, taquitos, queso fundido, fajitas and more. Tivoli Village, 430 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702.333.1212; eldoradocantina.com. $$

Pizza

DOM DEMARCO’S PIZZERIA & WINE BAR

Dom DeMarco’s is a descendant of the famous Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn, and its New York pedigree shows in its square Sicilian and round Brooklyn-style pies in the Queensridge/Peccole Ranch neighborhood. Pizza lovers can whet their appetites with eggplant pizzettes or the ever-popular garlic knots, while those who aren’t in the mood for pizza can choose from several pasta dishes. The covered (and heated) outdoor patio offers a great al fresco experience year-round. 9785 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702.570.7000; domdemarcos.com. $

Seafood

THE LEGENDS OYSTER BAR

This small, aquatic-themed restaurant in a Strip mall between The Lakes and Summerlin offers a wide variety of seafood, from oysters and pan roasts to steamers and boils, as well as some amazing clam chowder. Thai-born chef and owner Jack Jarukasem, who ran the culinary operation at the Rio when it had the best seafood buffet in town, offers one of the valley’s best oyster selections and other raw bar delicacies. But don’t overlook the fried appetizers (especially the calamari) or the Louisiana gumbo. 3220 S. Durango Dr.; 702.476.8887; thelegendsoysterbar.com. $$

Steak

ECHO & RIG

Chef Sam Marvin’s Tivoli Village spot combines a full-fledged butcher shop and restaurant. The butcher shop shares a first-level space with the restaurant’s bar and lounge, its glass-enclosed meat vault on full display. The steakhouse upstairs offers extensive small plates and a variety of steaks, including tri-tip, hanger steak, New York strip, ribeye cap, Wagyu filet tenderloin, skirt steak and Spencer steak. Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702.489.3525; echoandrig.com. $$$

HARLØ STEAKHOUSE & BAR

Harlø is what you get when you take an indulgent, modern steakhouse from the Strip and transplant it into Downtown Summerlin. Chef Gina Marinelli, the creative force behind the local Italian favorite La Strega, offers fantastic cuts of beef from around the country, grilled over an open flame, alongside pasta, side dishes and seafood. The caviar presentation is a sight, as the precious eggs are carefully weighed on a triple-beam scale. Downtown Summerlin, 1720 Festival Plaza Dr.; 702.333.0402; harlosteak.com. $$$$

SCOTCH 80 PRIME

The crown jewel of the Palms restaurant portfolio, Scotch 80 Prime is one of the most elegant, sophisticated and delicious steakhouses in Las Vegas. Chef Marty Lopez challenges expectations with high-end products, classic techniques and a modern point of view. Beef from top producers in Nebraska, Kansas, Australia and Japan is offered alongside Mary’s free-range chicken, Duroc pork and Muscovy Duck. And guests get 30 percent off 18 of their most popular items, Mondays through Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 10 p.m. 4321 W. Flamingo Road; 866.942.7780; palms.com. $$$

T-BONES CHOPHOUSE

This modern American chophouse offers spectacular views, an expansive menu, handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list and stunning indoor and outdoor dining options. T-Bones Chophouse features USDA Prime, dry-aged, and wet-aged beef cuts, as well as grass-fed bison and premium Japanese wagyu. Their seafood options include Alaskan king crab, Dover sole, branzino, crab cakes and Bigeye tuna. Round it out with sides like spicy cream corn, fresh-cut French Fries or mouthwatering mac and cheese. Be sure to check out the happy hour menu. Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702.797.7777; redrockresort.com. $$$

Wine Bars

ADA’S FOOD & WINE

Recently recognized for having the Most Original Wine List in the world at The World’s Best Wine Lists awards in London, it’s worth a visit just to have “wine goddess” Kat Thomas pour you something new and interesting. But Ada’s is also a fantastic restaurant and the most experimental of chef and restaurateur James Trees’ local spots. Executive Chef Jackson Stamper appears to be having fun with the eclectic menu, mixing things up with offerings that range from mussels in coconut broth and shrimp with garlic and chili to lamb ribs, a 40-day-aged steak, and a fantastic smash burger. Tivoli Village, 410 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702-462.2795. $$

WINEAUX

Wineaux, a bright and modern space with white and beige decor, marble accents and natural light, is a gem of the UnCommons project. Retail sales are a large portion of the business, but welcoming couches lining a wall of windows lure wine lovers of all experience levels to open a bottle in the store or sample a glass. Chef Shawn McClain (Balla Italian Soul, Libertine Social) has created a beautiful menu of shareable seafood, flatbreads, spreads and gourmet snacks. 6887 Helen Toland St., Las Vegas; 702.527.6009; wineauxlv.com. $$