Masso Osteria’s Emily Hansen Shares Her Favorite Las Vegas Restaurants

Sin City is home to a lot of restaurants and bars, but there are tons of hidden gems that the majority of Las Vegans aren’t unearthing. To help guide readers to these potential discoveries, Eater Vegas enlisted some of the city’s food players to share their recommendations for a feature dubbed Dining Confidential.

Emily Hansen takes over the kitchen at Masso Osteria, Scott Conant’s new restaurant at Red Rock Resort. San Francisco Bay-area native Hansen has more than a decade of culinary experience including six years operating her own business as a private chef. In 2016, Chef Hansen appeared as a finalist on Food Network’s Chopped, which features chef Conant among its panel of judges. Before she owned her own business, Hansen worked under chef Tyler Florence at El Paseo in Mill Valley, California, and Wayfare Tavern in San Francisco, as well as chef Daniel Humm at New York’s Eleven Madison Park and executive chef Mark Ladner at New York’s Del Posto. Here she shares some of her new finds in Las Vegas.

Do you remember your first trip to Vegas? What happened that was memorable?

I do. It was back in college for New Year’s Eve, a super fun trip with some friends. But it was my second time that was the more memorable. It was a few years back, and I came out with a friend for a wedding. It was my first time doing the lazy river and cabana thing. Also, dinner at Ferraro’s. It was an excellent meal and dining experience.

What made you decide to move to Las Vegas?

I got offered the job as executive chef at Masso Osteria at Red Rock. It was a quick turnaround. It took about two weeks to make the decision and I packed up my place in San Francisco and hit the road.

Where do you like to eat breakfast in Las Vegas?

To be honest, I really don’t get up early enough to eat breakfast. Occupational hazard. A lot of my friends have recommended some great spots downtown, such as Eat and Siegel’s 1941 at El Cortez, though and I can’t wait to try them out.

What about lunch?

I think I’d have to go with Bouchon oyster bar. Maybe it’s because it makes me feel like home, or maybe because it is always a solid experience. Give me a glass of bubbles and a dozen oysters any day. I’m also a Shake Shack fan. I missed it so much when I left New York City for San Francisco, and now that it’s close I remember why it’s so good.

If you’re going out for dinner, which restaurants do you like to frequent? What makes them special? Any dishes you can recommend?

Being new to town I haven’t gotten to go everywhere on my list yet, but I’d say right now I’m digging Other Mama. The salmon sashimi salad is clean and simple and just super yum! I’m also simple and love a good burger, and FukuBurger seems to do just that.

Are there any brunches in town you like to frequent?

Brunch in Vegas is epic, so I hear. I’m looking forward to going to Aces & Ales and Hawthorn Grill soon.

Let’s say you want to hang out with your friends after work. Where do you like to go?

The Onyx Bar at Red Rock has a great bartender and he makes a mean Negroni.

• All Coverage of Masso Osteria [ELV]

• All Dining Confidentials [ELV]