Are you looking for the best places to eat in Las Vegas whatever you budget? We understand the challenges of finding somewhere to eat after a whirlwind day of exploring the neon lights of the strip and beyond.
It’s definitely overwhelming with a plethora of options to dine and not wanting to break the bank. We’ve been there.
To overcome these challenges, we have curated a list of some of the best places to eat for all budgets. Whether you’re looking for cheap eats, foodie eager to explore, or just someone looking for a memorable meal, this guide is crafted for you.
Let’s enjoy some of the tantalising culinary delights on offer.
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Table of Contents
Best budget-friendly eats in Las Vegas
Looking for some cheap eats in Vegas, then here are our recommendations:
Shake Shack
A well-known fast-food chain across the USA, although this was our first encounter in Las Vegas, it still felt like a local gem.
While there are three Shake Shack locations the only one on the Las Vegas Strip is nestled within New York New York hotel.
They offer a small but mighty menu and a very healthy portion size, from burgers, hotdogs, chicken nuggets and fries.
You can even enjoy a refreshing soft drink or something from their selection of alcoholic beverages.
The burgers are a real knockout, whether you choose beef, chicken or plant-based, they’re packed with fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes, all encased in a soft bun.
If you’re a fan of fries, we’d recommend their cheese fries or the indulgent bacon and cheese fries to kick things up a notch.
Vegetarians won’t feel left out either, with several tasty options available. And the meal prices ranging from $10-$20, including drinks.
The restaurant, is spacious and stylish, making this a perfect spot to relax and refuel before continuing your adventures.
It is popular at Shake Shack, so you might encounter a queue, which is a good sign.
This is definitely one of the best spots for budget-friendly dining, although not the healthiest option. Yet with Shake Shack, you know the food will be good, while the atmosphere is vibrant and an affordable price, compared to the much more extravagant experiences in Las Vegas.
Best restaurants and fine dining experiences
If you have a little extra cash to splurge on, then these are the best restaurants and fine dining experiences in Las Vegas.
Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar
This top-quality Mexican restaurant is located right in the middle of the strip. It’s nestled nicely on a little side street off Las Vegas Blvd. Across from Caesars Palace and next to the Venetian this is as nice a place as any to stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner while exploring what Las Vegas has to offer.
Chayo offers authentic Mexican food. You have the variety of burritos, fajitas, tacos. Its signature entrees are the enchiladas. They also offer a standard cheeseburger or chicken club sandwich if you’re interested. There does not seem to be a vegan option. What really sells this place is the wide variety of drinks it offers. You have multiple choices for Margaritas and specialty cocktails.
Tip: Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita and El Capo cocktail are highly recommended.
Don’t expect it to be cheap. Being on the strip this place will charge a few extra dollars compared to what you will find outside main Las Vegas but the food and drinks is good enough to make up the difference. It also has a lot of foot traffic if you’re a fan of people watching.
They also have Latin Night every weekend for those who want to dance the night away in the midnight hours with free admission and charismatic DJ’s. If you’re looking to try somewhere new if you are a regular visitor to Las Vegas or just want a simple place to put your feet up from the strip this is the place to be.
Written by Nicholas from The World Overload
Trevi
One of the best places to eat in Las Vegas is Trevi, an Italian Restaurant located in the heart of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. The restaurant has a beautiful indoor dining room, but its major draw is the picturesque “patio,” which is physically indoors but is decorated to look exactly like dining al fresco right next to a beautiful fountain inspired by the actual Trevi Fountain in Rome.
The ambience at Trevi is what draws customers in. It’s a perfect location to eat following an afternoon of shopping at the Forum Shops, or before heading into the casino at Caesar’s Palace. It’s also a great air conditioned dining retreat on those hot summer Las Vegas days. The colors, sounds, and tastes of Trevi provide a welcome escape into an Italian foodie dream.
While the ambience is what draws customers in to Trevi, it’s the amazing Italian dishes, cocktails, and desserts that keep them coming back. With a wide variety of menu items like brick oven pizzas, deep-dish lasagna, pasta selections, and Italian salads, there is something at Trevi for everyone. There are shareable appetizers, a walk up gelato bar, and vegetarian and vegan options as well.
Trevi has won many restaurant awards and offers a medium price point. It’s a great place for a lunch or dinner, and has enough beauty and delicious food options to impress any date or group. And, as the tradition goes at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, be sure to throw a coin into the fountain at Trevi Restaurant to ensure you will one day return.
Written by Olivia from the Girl With Blue Sails
Gordon Ramsay Steak
Ready to travel from Paris to London in luxury? Then Gordon Ramsay Steak in the Paris Las Vegas is the perfect restaurant for you!
Start this high-end dining experience by traveling through the “Tube” from Paris to London. Once you step out, you’ll be treated to a soaring ceiling decorated with British insignia. From there, you’ll be greeted by the awesome waitstaff before being shown to your table.
Gordon Ramsay Steak offers up a traditional menu and a tasting menu. This is a high-end experience so you should expect to pay over $100 per person, but the food selections cannot be beat. Savor oysters, Wagyu steak, Scotch eggs (a Ramsay specialty!), Foie Gras, and more. Make sure to save room for dessert, though – the sticky toffee pudding with brown butter ice cream is absolutely out of this world.
The best value is definitely the tasting menu, offering up reasonably sized portions from the menu. This culinary journey will tickle your tastebuds and leave you feeling adequately full. If you enjoy wine, definitely opt for the wine pairing – the wines are masterfully selected for each dish. You’ll even get a signed photo of Gordon Ramsay himself!
Gordon Ramsay Steak is more than a steakhouse, it is an experience. If you’re looking to splurge a little, you absolutely cannot beat this restaurant.
Written by Gabby from Office Escape Artist
Tips for finding the best places to eat in Las Vegas
The dining options in Las Vegas are endless. Whether you’re looking for budget friendly eateries or looking for a tantalising foodie experience, here are some tips to help you discover the best places to eat in Sin City.
Research online reviews and recommendations
Take advantage of experienced travellers like us, who have visited Las Vegas and selected the best places to eat. We aren’t biased, we will only recommend places that we will truly visit again. If a place we visit isn’t up to standard, we’ll either tell you, or not recommend it.
Other websites such as TripAdvisor are a great source of information. You can find out more about the restaurant, read reviews and in some cases order a meal online.
Pay attention to the most recent reviews first, as this will give a more accurate view of the restaurant’s quality.
Look out for any trends in the reviews, such as multiple people commenting on a popular dish or criticise the same aspect.
Ask locals for their favourite eateries
Locals are the best people to ask, when it comes to places to eat in Las Vegas. Ultimately, they have the local knowledge, they know the right places to go and can steer you away from the tourist traps to some affordable hidden gems.
Ask the hotel staff, taxi driver or even a friendly bartender. Ask them for their favourite place to eat and why.
It’s likely that the local will know, where the tastiest tacos, the most authentic sushi or the best breakfast spots that are affordable and located away from the tourist hot spots.
Discover different neighbourhoods away from the Strip
Las Vegas is the place to find different cuisine and experiences.
While the Strip is home to many of the famous chefs and luxurious dining options, venture beyond the Strip and into the neighbourhoods around Las Vegas, as you’ll also find authentic and affordable spots.
Venturing to different neighbourhoods, will broaden your culinary horizon but also allow you to see a different side to Las Vegas, that many visitors may not experience.
Tips for eating out in Las Vegas on a budget
The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas may be perceived as an expensive place to visit, but there are plenty of ways to maximise your trip without breaking the bank.
Here are some practical tips for eating out in Las Vegas on a budget:
Take advantage of happy hour
Many restaurants and bars will offer a happy hour, where they provide discounts or cheaper food and drinks.
Take advantage of these discounted prices, for an affordable meal.
Use dining coupons and apps
Look out for dining discounts and coupons online, in travel brochures or apps like Groupon for significant savings.
Check ahead of time for any special deals and discount prices on the restaurant website or social media channels as you could pick up a bargain.
Lunch specials
Lunch time menus are usually cheaper than dinner, or restaurants offer lunch specials. Opt for a large lunch and a small light dinner, this could stretch that budget just a little further.
Grocery stores
Shopping at grocery stores can really drive down your spending on food. Choose picnic options, if there is a kitchenette in your accommodation, you could cook meals.
This is our number #1 saving hack while travelling, as we cut down our costs on breakfast, snacks and lunch or dinner.
Conclusion
Las Vegas is a culinary wonderland, with a wide range of dining options that cater for every taste and budget. From luxurious foodie experiences to cheap fast-food outlets.
It is far too easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip and casinos, but we would encourage you to venture beyond, as you’ll not only discover some amazing food experiences but at an affordable price. You never know, you might find a hidden gem or two.
If you are still overwhelmed by the choices available, we would recommend being a little creative and mix and match your dining. From grocery shopping for sandwiches and snacks, to casual meals and cheap eateries. If your budget can stretch on a little splurge, then you could include a fine dining experience.
As budget travellers, we are always conscious of spending as little money, but still enjoying a culinary experience. As many top restaurants can offer affordable deals and discounts, take advantage of these, so you can get the same high-quality food at a fraction of the price.
Dive into Las Vegas with this ultimate guide to the best places to eat in Las Vegas and no longer feel overwhelmed with the prospect of spending all your money in one vacation.
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