The Most Anticipated Las Vegas Restaurant Openings of Spring 2015

Welcome to 2015, the year of the dozens of openings all across Las Vegas. Forty-eight restaurants, lounges and nightclubs have already laid out plans to infiltrate Sin City by the end of the year. Some have already tipped their concepts. The cavalcade of big names includes Gordon Ramsay, Brian Malarkey, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Tony Gemignani and Masaharu Morimoto. Big projects such as the Grand Bazaar Shops and Downtown Summerlin have their own subset of restaurants and bars. Here's a look at what's on the horizon for restaurant and bar openings in 2015 arranged by area of town. See something missing? Drop it in the comments or send an email to vegas@eater.com.

THE STRIP

Bardot Brasserie

Location: Aria
The Players: Michael Mina
The Situation: This French Brasserie from Michael Mina takes over the former American Fish space at Aria. The bar highlights the space, and brunch with Champagne flows on the weekends. Expect French fare such as steak frites and Croque Madame.
Opening: Jan. 16
All Coverage of Bardot Brasserie [ELV] 

White Castle

Location: Casino Royale
The Situation: The frenzy over White Castle heading west made this one of the biggest stories on 2014. The family-run home to sliders craved by Harold and Kumar sold nearly 20,000 a day at the Las Vegas Foodie Fest.
Opening: January
All Coverage of White Castle [ELV]

Searsucker

Location: Caesars Palace
The Players: Brian Malarkey and Hakkasan Group
The Situation: The former Top Chef contestant brings his fun and casual approach to dining to Caesars Palace in the former Munchbar space. On the menu, find a lot of items in quotes. Look for a 38-ounce bone-in ribeye "tomahawk," eggs and bacon "pork belly" with a soft poached egg with brown butter Hollandaise, the beer-braised short rib and horseradish with fried onions, pan sauce and butter potatoes. Malarkey’s sides include jalepeño chorizo "corn off the cob" and fried Brussels sprouts with walnuts in an anchovy red wine jalapeño vinaigrette
Opening: April
All Coverage of Searsucker [ELV]

Lago

Location: Bellagio
The Players: Julian Serrano
The Situation: Julian Serrano takes inspiration from Milan for his new Italian restaurant going in front and center at Bellagio. A mosaic measuring 15 feet tall and spanning 100 feet made of colorful Italian glass portraying an aerial map of Milan promises to wow guests as they enter the bar area.
Opening: March
All Coverage of Lago [ELV]

Morimoto

Location: Mirage
The Players: Masaharu Morimoto
The Situation: Touted for nearly two years as going into the Japonais space at the Mirage, Morimoto still hasn’t started on construction. Rumors point to a lack of funds to build the elaborate restaurant.
Opening: Unknown
All Coverage of Morimoto [ELV]

Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips

Location: The Linq
The Players: Gordon Ramsay
The Situation: Long rumored, Gordon Ramsay’s fourth restaurant in Las Vegas will take over a 740-square-foot space on the promenade of The Linq near the High Roller. Expect to find dishes such as bangers and mash, chicken planks, sausages and hearty seafood chowder on the menu as well as the namesake fish and chips, made with cod.
Opening: Spring?
All Coverage of Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips [ELV]

Mr Chow

Location: Caesars Palace
The Players: Michael Chow
The Situation: The legend of Mr Chow brings Beijing cuisine in early spring to Caesars Palace in the second-story space former Empress Court space overlooking the Garden of the Gods. The restaurant that spans the globe from Beverly Hills to London treats guests to European-style service of its chicken satay, green prawns, hand-pulled noodles and Beijing duck.
Opening: Spring
All Coverage of Mr Chow [ELV]

Hakkasan Group [Official Site]

Omnia

Location: Caesars Palace
The Players: Hakkasan Group
The Situation: Pure Nightclub shut down to make way for Omnia, a sprawling 75,000-square-foot nightclub, ultra lounge, mezzanine and rooftop garden. The name reflects the venue’s anticipation of being an experience for all to enjoy.
Opening: Spring
All Coverage of Omnia [ELV]

Grand Bazaar Shops

Location: Bally’s
The Players: Caesars Entertainment
The Situation: Originally slated to open in the fall, this new shopping mall promises 150 restaurants and boutiques at the front of the resort. A massive Crystal Starburst from Swarovski promises to light up the sky like New Year’s Eve nightly.
Opening: Late February
All Coverage of the Grand Bazaar Shops [ELV]

Wahlburgers

Location: Grand Bazaar Shops
The Players: Mark, Donnie and Paul Wahlberg
The Situation: Run by executive chef Paul Wahlberg and brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, the famed family turned their Hingham, Mass., burger joint into a huge hit on its own merits, but was put over the top as the focus of the A&E network's Wahlburgers TV show, now in its second season. In September, the show sent out a casting call to create a cast of characters in Las Vegas set to rival Vegas' own Pawn Stars. Wahlburgers plans three franchises of its restaurant in Las Vegas, teaming up with Vegas American Hospitality Inc. A press release in September suggested that Wahlburgers will debut in Las Vegas in early 2015 "at a location soon to be disclosed." Two more plan to open in the next five years.
Opening: Late February
All Coverage of Wahlburgers [ELV]

Skinny Fats

Location: Grand Bazaar Shops
The Players: Reed Allen Slobusky
The Situation: Local restauranteurs open this third version of SkinnyFats with its healthy and happy sides of the menu. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant marks the first on the Strip
Opening: Late February
All Coverage of SkinnyFats [ELV]

Nacho Daddy

Location: Grand Bazaar Shops
The Situation: Las Vegas can’t seem to get enough of the Mexican restaurant that specializes in nachos. This marks the fifth location and first on the Strip. Yes, there will be scorpion shots.
Opening: Late February
All Coverage of Nacho Daddy [ELV]

Katana-Ya

Location: Grand Bazaar Shops
The Situation: The Michelin-recommended noodle shop out of San Francisco expands to Vegas with its gyoza, tempura, sushi and ramen.
Opening: Late February
All Coverage of Katana-Ya [ELV]

Rainforest Cafe

Location: Harmon Corner
The Players: Landry’s
The Situation: Rainforest Cafe will take over the former Goretorium horror themed attraction, filling the 3,002-square-foot main entrance, plus two mezzanines and the 11,493-square-foot, third-floor, main dining space with outdoor balcony seating. Rainforest already operates a location at the MGM Grand. Local speculation doubts both cafes will stay in business, leaving a prime MGM Grand restaurant footprint in play.
Opening: Summer
All Coverage of the Rainforest Cafe [ELV]

TopGolf

Location: MGM Grand
The Players: TopGolf
The Situation: Take golf, bars, restaurants and an eye to the nightclub crowd, then drop 117,000-square-foot of concept on the southwest corner of Koval and Harmon and you have the latest addition to the MGM Grand family.
Opening: Sometime in 2015
All Coverage of TopGolf [ELV]

DOWNTOWN

Glutton

Location: 612 Carson St.
The Players: Bradley Manchester
The Situation: This neighborhood restaurant plans to feature whole roasted meats and fish from a wood-burning stove. Craft cocktails and beers will be served from the bar. Glutton plans to serve lunch and dinner, with room for 70 inside and 30 outside.
Opening: January
All Coverage of Glutton [ELV]

Vegenation

Location: 612 Carson St.
The Players: Donald Lemperle
The Situation: Next door to Glutton, a 100 percent vegan restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner spot.
Opening: January?
All Coverage of Vegenation [ELV]

Zydeco Po-Boys

Location: 612 Carson St.
The Players: Brandon Trahan
The Situation: "Cajun style cuisine" will be served at a walk-up counter for diners to enjoy at their small interior dining space or take to go. The kitchen will create in-house specialties including sausages and gumbo. The design will feature an urban, rustic approach with "exposed concrete floors, reclaimed wood accent walls, brick veneering accent walls, and exposed ceilings."
Opening: January?
All Coverage of Zydeco Po-Boys [ELV]

Chow

Location: 1020 Fremont St.
The Players: Natalie Young
The Situation: Natalie Young’s sophomore effort brings Southern fried chicken and Chinese food to a desolate section of Fremont Street.
Opening: Spring?
All Coverage of Chow [ELV]

M&M Soul Food Cafe

Location: 2211 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
The Situation: M & M Soul Food Cafe is expanding from its current westside location to take over the former Kaew Thai restaurant across Las Vegas Boulevard from the Stratosphere.
Opening: January
All Coverage of M&M Soul Food Cafe [ELV]

Pawn Plaza

Location: 713 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
The Players: Pawn Stars' Rick Harrison and family
The Situation: A container setting right next to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, scene of the History Channel’s Pawn Stars, brings at least two bars from Rick Harrison. Shopping and restaurant are on the bill as well.
Opening: Unknown
All Coverage of Pawn Plaza [ELV]

Saffron Flavors of India

Location: 700 Fremont St.
The Situation: Saffron plans to open a second location bringing Indian flavors in a 72-seat restaurant with room for 10 on the outdoor patio. For now, the project, quite an undertaking at the former City Center Motel, is delayed.
Opening: Delayed
All Coverage of Saffron Flavors of India [ELV]

The Venue of Las Vegas

Location: 700 Fremont St.
The Situation: The 36,000-square-foot event space is designed to host parties, meeting events, mitzvahs and weddings with room for up to 2,000 guests spread over three floors. Individual areas are available to rent with built-in audio and visual support.
Opening: Spring
All Coverage of The Venue of Las Vegas [ELV]

PublicUS

Location: 1126 Fremont St.
The Situation: This restaurant and coffee house planned to open last year with a 3,600-square-foot venue and a Seattle barista at the helm. Maybe this year?
Opening: Unknown
All Coverage of PublicUS [ELV]

Fremont Social

Location: Fifth and Fremont
The Situation: The proposed 4,149-square-foot tavern will take over the Dollar Store$ shop, located between the Vanguard Lounge and the Emergency Arts center.
Opening: January
All Coverage of Fremont Social [ELV]

Tenaya Creek Brewery

Location: 841 W. Bonanza Road
The Situation: Tenaya Creek Brewery plans to create a 13,071-square-foot brew pub with an on-site, fully operational, 11,293-square-foot brewery.
Opening: Unknown
All Coverage of Tenaya Creek Brewery [ELV]

Westside

Tapas by Alex Stratta

Location: Tivoli Village
The Players: Alex Stratta
The Situation: Originally slated to open in December, Alex Stratta’s return to Las Vegas was delayed. Expect a menu of small plates including 50 tapas and paella and maybe even one night a week featuring his stellar creations from his days at the Michelin-starred Alex at Wynn Las Vegas.
Opening: January
All Coverage of Tapas by Alex Stratta [ELV]

Alex Stratta Italian Steakhouse

Location: Gramercy
The Players: Alex Stratta
The Situation: Alex Stratta Italian Steakhouse will be a 5,300-square-foot restaurant on the northwest corner of the Gramercy. Expect a separate bar and live entertainment as well as a glass-enclosed patio with Strip views. Stratta plans to serve fresh pasta and flatbreads made in a wood-burning oven, as well as a shellfish, a raw bar and steaks.
Opening: March
All Coverage of Alex Stratta Italian Steakhouse [ELV]

Little Tony’s

Location: Palace Station
The Players: Tony Gemignani
The Situation: Little Tony's from Gemignani will feature classic Italian, classic American, Sicilian, New York, traditional Chicago cracker thin with a cornmeal crust and gluten-free options. For those with a scorecard, this would be his fourth restaurant in the Vegas area with Pizza Rock at the Downtown Grand, another coming to Green Valley Ranch and his new Slice House also going in the Henderson resort.
Opening: Soon?
All Coverage of Little Tony’s [ELV]

Yojie Japanese Fondue

Location: Village Square
The Players: Mendrick Leelin
The Situation: Dip chips into salsa you can cook shabu shabu, or as they prefer to call it, Japanese fondue. Focused around pots of boiling water, diners "swish-swish" items like Kobe style or Angus beef, salmon, chicken, vegetables and noodles which are rapidly cooked in the pots. The compact menu also includes desserts and a selection of sake and cocktails.
Opening: Soon?
All Coverage of Yojie Japanese Fondue [ELV]

DW Bistro

Location: Gramercy
The Players: Dalton Wilson and Bryce Krausman
The Situation: The restaurant and market will feature grab-and-go dishes along with a counter for ordering from an open kitchen in an 8,000-square-foot space on the ground floor of Building 2.
Opening: Spring?
All Coverage of DW Bistro [ELV]

Great American Food

Location: 7780 S. Jones Blvd.
The Players: Piero Broglia
The Situation: The chef behind Cafe Chloe plans a sandwich shop with an optional drive-thru.
Opening: Unknown
All Coverage of Great American Food [ELV]

Chinatown

Haza Yakatori

Location: Jones Boulevard and Desert Inn Road
The Situation:This yakatori being built from scratch has released no information, but will take up 2,865 square feet of space, with entrances framed by mock doric columns.
Opening: Soon?
All Coverage of Haza Yakatori [ELV]

Henderson

Pizza Rock

Location: Green Valley Ranch
The Players: Tony Gemignani
The Situation: Expect classic Italian entrees, pasta, gourmet pizzas in a variety of styles, hand-crafted artisan cocktails and an extensive imported beer and wine list all served up in an artistic and energetic atmosphere. Yes, there will be a semi-truck deejay booth.
Opening: Spring
All Coverage of Pizza Rock [ELV]

Mercadito

Location: Green Valley Ranch
The Players: Sandoval Brothers
The Situation: Mercadito lands a second location, modeled after the markets chef and partner Patricio Sandoval shopped at while growing up in his native Mexico. Expect handmade corn masa tortillas used for tacos, ceviches, guacamoles and salsas just like the Red Rock Resort location. Creative variations of classic cocktails, incorporating Mexican ingredients and an extensive tequila list will be featured as part of an extensive beverage program.
Opening: Spring
All Coverage of Mercadito [ELV]

Tippling Hall

Location: Green Valley Ranch
The Players: Tad Carducci and Paul Tanguay
The Situation: Tippling Hall plans to embrace the culture of drinking rituals from across the globe. Renowned as trendsetters in the beverage industry, Tad Carducci and Paul Tanguay- the Tippling Bros. Expect a collage of beverages with innovative and creative presentations to create a temple to all things alcohol including kegged cocktails nad traditional brews. A globally inspired comfort food menu comes from chef and partner Guillermo Tellez.
Opening: Spring
All Coverage of Tippling Hall [ELV]

Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Location: Green Valley Ranch
The Players: Tony Gemignani
The Situation: Expect a casual venue to try slices of Tony Gemignani’s world-famous New York, Sicilian, and California style pizzas along with calzones, strombolis, paninis, baked ziti, seasonal salads, meatball subs, sausages and peppers.
Opening: Spring
All Coverage of Slice House [ELV]

Hash House A Go Go

Location: Stephanie Street and Sunset Road
The Players: Jim Rees
The Situation: This fifth location of Hash House A Go Go in Las Vegas plans to feature brunch dishes into the evening.
Opening: February
All Coverage of Hash House A Go Go [ELV]

BOULDER CITY

Scratch House Restaurant

Location: 1300 Arizona St., Boulder City
The Players: Charles Lawson
The Situation: For nearly 60 years, this former home to Big Horn Restaurant has been some type of dining establishment, and Scratch House has meticulously torn out the old to bring in the new. Expect dishes made from scratch, including the bread and ketchup.
Opening: Winter
All Coverage of Scratch House Restaurant [ELV]

DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN

Andiron Steak & Sea

Location: Downtown Summerlin
The Players: Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla
The Situation: The couple's third restaurant is an homage to all things, grilled, roasted, shucked and seared. Premium meats are the name of the game here. Seasonal market sides will accompany these dishes. Designer Thomas Schlesser, who created the looks for Bar Boulud, David Burke Kitchen and Má Pêche is in charge of the look and feel of the restaurant.
Opening: Early spring 2015
All Coverage of Andiron Steak & Sea [ELV]

CREAM

Location: Downtown Summerlin
The Players: Jimmy and Gus Shamieh
The Situation: CREAM, standing for "Cookies Rule Everything Around Me," serves freshly baked cookies with a full range of flavors such as snickerdoodle, turtle and lemon heaven and they also offer gluten free and vegan cookies including oatmeal raisin and the "tuxedo," made with chocolate dough and black and white chocolate chips. The 24 different ice cream flavors range from soy blueberry, to royal caramel swirl, to strawberry cheesecake and chocoholic. All can be used in the ice cream tacos.
Opening: Spring?
All Coverage of Cream [ELV]

Gelato Messina

Location: Downtown Summerlin
The Players: Nick Palumbo and three co-owners from Australia
The Situation: The shifting menu includes 40 choices of gelato, large gelato cakes and monoporzione. Aside from classic flavors, their top 10 gelato flavor combinations include pear and rhubarb with chocolate fondant, Italian nougat and tiramisu and poached figs in marsala and gianduia. The Dr Evil's Magic Mushroom and other elaborate gelato cakes are the name of the game here.
Opening: Winter
All Coverage of Gelato Messina [ELV]

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Location: Downtown Summerlin

The Players: Gabriel Caliendo
The Situation: Lunch and dinner daily along with brunch on Saturday and Sunday, this restaurant with 14 locations plans to have a dog-friendly patio. The craft brew list is highlighted by Lazy Dog's own brand created in collaboration with Golden Road Brewing.
Opening: Early 2015
All Coverage of Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar [ELV]

Pancho's Mexican Restaurant

Location: Downtown Summerlin

The Players: The Lawrence family out of Manhattan Beach, Calif.
The Situation: The lively Manhattan Beach sports bar features a full menu of authentic Mexican dishes. Pancho's is also known for regular live entertainment, from karaoke to jazz combos. Although famed for their margaritas, the tale of the Harvey Wallbanger originating with Pancho's is an urban cocktail legend.
Opening: Soon?
All Coverage of Pancho's Mexican Restaurant [ELV]

Public School 702

Location: Downtown Summerlin
Public School 702
The Players: Bob Spivak
The Situation: This restaurant out of California uses the tagline, "An Education in the Art of Food and Beer." The fare here includes a bacon cheddar tots served with Sriracha ketchup, a Colorado lamb burger with tomato cranberry jam, and shrimp and Grafton cheddar grits. New for Vegas only, a late-night menu. On tap, 24 craft beers and more than half of them rotating to feature seasonal and regional brews.
Opening: Spring 2015
All Coverage of Public School 702 [ELV]

Ribs & Burgers

Location: Downtown Summerlin
The Players: Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group in Australia
The Situation: Their beef, lamb or pork ribs are slow cooked for eight hours and caramelized with their "secret basting." All their burger meat is free range and hormone free.
Opening: Winter
All Coverage of Ribs & Burgers [ELV]

Roc Resto-Lounge

Location: Downtown Summerlin
The Players: Gaston Garcia
The Situation: By day, the retail store serves men and women with fashion items starting at $10 and settling around the $35 range and a lunch menu with grilled salmon with vegetable of the day, roasted pepper coulis and mango salsa priced at $15, the Roc-A-Taco for $8, and the Lil Roc burger sliders. By night, the cocktail scene begins with the signature Roc Candy cocktail created with Grey Goose, Xrated Fusion and cranberry juice which is shaken and poured over cotton candy. Dinner specials include large plate dishes like lobster Pappardelle pasta, miso and ginger sea bass and the "Roc 'N' BBQ" glazed rib.
Opening: Winter
All Coverage of Roc Resto Lounge [ELV]