Year in Eater

The Prettiest Restaurants That Opened in Las Vegas in 2017

New dramatic spaces entered the Las Vegas dining scene in the past year

by Susan Stapleton Dec 29, 2017, 2:00pm PST

Big name chefs and local restaurants alike debuted pretty new restaurants in Las Vegas over the past year. David Chang’s Momofuku, Zuma, the Bromberg brothers’ Blue Ribbon and Bavette’s at the Monte Carlo, soon to be the Park MGM, brought pretty dining rooms, while off-Strip, Hamptons at Tivoli Village, Hawthorn Grill at the JW Marriott, The Black Sheep, and Bandito Latin Kitchen & Cantina featured dramatic and memorable looks. Take a look at some of the prettiest new restaurants to open in Las Vegas in 2017.

Momofuku

Opened: January 2017

The Look: DesignAgency out of Toronto created the look and feel of Momofuku, taking inspiration from the brand’s other locations while creating a series of spaces. The space adds fresh and luxurious textures, materials and artwork that complement its bold and playful vibe, and the allure of the Vegas locale.

Take a tour of Momofuku.

Hawthorn Grill

Opened: January 2017

The Look: Designer Randy Apel created the look here with a mix of contemporary and classic designs meant to complement the views of the waterfalls and ponds that surround the restaurant.

Take a tour of Hawthorn Grill.

The interior of a Japanese restaurant — Zuma

Zuma

Opened: January 2017

The Look: Noriyoshi Muramatsu of Tokyo-based Studio Glitt designed the 9,000-square-foot space using capture four natural elements — earth, fire, water and air, as well as wood, rusted iron, stone and glass. Neon lights and man-made structures create Zuma’s focal point. Look for organic materials, such as a feature wall composed of natural stone from Chiang Mai in Thailand. The reception desk, bar and sushi counter are all made of tree trunks, also sourced from Thailand. The patchwork wall in the lounge has been created from boldly colored Japanese paper.

Note: Zuma won Eater Vegas’ Design of the Year award.

Take a tour of Zuma.

Chica

Opened: May 2017

The Look: 50 Eggs collaborated with Wilson Associates on the look and feel. Handmade vintage tiles, bright accents and colonial-styled ironwork decorate the space with large pieces of art on the walls representing a female-centric theme.

Take a tour of Chica.

MB Steak

Opened: May 2017

The Look: Customers walk through an entry passage that leads to the main dining room and bar on the first floor. Hidden behind the main bar is a “private bar room” with an exclusive, social setting for mingling. LED lights illuminate the staircase to the second level with a soft glow. Upstairs, diners find a 60-person private dining room as well as a garden bar and lounge. Twenty-five feet above the upstairs island bar sits a skylight outfitted with a mix of succulents and moss pouring in from above. The room is framed with operable windows that open to views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Take a tour of MB Steak.

The Black Sheep

Opened: May 2017

The Look: The 50-seat restaurant features gray shiplap walls, industrial lighting, a mirrored accent wall and an aluminum awning, anchored by a 24-foot mural of a landscape dotted with sheep. The music playlist shuffles between ’90s hip hop, soul and rock n' roll.

Take a tour of The Black Sheep.

Blue Ribbon

Opened: July 2017

The Look: A piece of New York comes to Las Vegas with design elements from original New York restaurant, including the lighting, a classic mahogany bar and table tops, and banquette fabrics. The private dining room even has its own private entrance.

Take a tour of Blue Ribbon.

Hamptons

Opened: September 2017

The Look: The two-level restaurant features patios on the ground level and on the second story, as well as an indoor/outdoor bar on the lower level and second level. A private dining room with space for up to 97 customers seated or 150 standing sits on the second floor.

Take a tour of Hamptons.

Bandito Latin Kitchen & Cantina

Opened: June 2017

The Look: A mix of rustic and modern decor includes finished metals, hand-distressed woods and bright colors, all lit with natural light that fills the restaurant through its 30-foot tall glass windows. At the front of the restaurant, customers find a hand-pressed tortilla station anchoring the open kitchen. A rectangular bar features distressed butcher-block counters, hand-laid tile and a 30-foot steel shelving structure that houses the liquor and a pair of 60-inch television sets. Local artist Brett Rosepiler created two huge murals of “Bandito” and “Rosie” in the main dining room that seats 150 in the cantina and dining room, and also on its outdoor patio.

Take a tour of Bandito.

Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar

Opened: October 2017

The Look: The 10,035-square-foot steakhouse from Chicago’s Hogsalt features a speakeasy vibe with a massive wooden door opening to a curved entryway that leads to the hostess stand. Inside, diners discover rooms within rooms, all dimly lit in an almost seductive tone with chandeliers, Tiffany lamps, and table lamps offering a glimpse of the handsome leather seatings and wood decor. To the left, the bar and lounge area, where customers can order from the full menu. On the right, two private dining rooms. A mix of semicircular booths and tables fill the dining room. At the rear, another hidden room, this time a sultry little lounge. Vintage art and murals by artist David Plunkert line the walls while jazz provides the soundtrack.

Take a tour of Bavette’s.

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