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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.
Executive chef Bryan Fyler of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas grew up in his family’s catering business as the official taste tester. By 2002, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in culinary nutrition from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and moved to Florida to work at Boca Raton Resort & Club. He remained there for four years, working his way up to chef de cuisine of the club’s Chauncey’s Restaurant before heading to North Carolina as chef de cuisine of The Ridges Resort & Club. Fyler then joined China Grill Management as the executive chef of Asia De Cuba at the Mondrian Hotel. He moved to Las Vegas in 2010 to be part of the opening team at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. As executive chef of the property, Fyler oversees the day-to-day culinary operations for the resort’s restaurants, developing menu, training staff, and taking care of special events. Here he shares some of his top dining picks in Las Vegas.
Do you remember your first trip to Vegas? What happened that was memorable?
My first trip to Vegas, believe it or not, was to interview with the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for the position of executive sous chef. I was flown out during the resort’s pre-opening stage, so they put me up at the Hard Rock Hotel. I remember seeing the infamous Rehab pool party and thinking “Wow! That is A LOT of people in one pool!”
Where do you like to eat breakfast in Las Vegas?
I’m a pretty simple man when it comes to breakfast. I really enjoy Jamms Restaurant on Rainbow and Charleston; it’s super consistent, friendly ownership and staff, and great value.
What about lunch?
For lunch, I currently like the new Cuban spot on Fort Apache called Cubanidad 1885. They have a great lechon plate and their congri is delicious. I have some Cuban roots living in Miami for a few years so this takes me back. If I’m working, then Block 16 Urban Food Hall is my go-to. Whether it’s a Bronx Bomber from Lardo or pad Thai from Pok Pok Wing, you can’t go wrong!
If you’re going out for dinner, which restaurants do you like to frequent? What makes them special? Any dishes you can recommend?
My wife is a big fan of sushi and we love Sen of Japan on Desert Inn. They have a great late-night happy hour and the fish is always on point. Aside from the assorted nigiri selections I always order the crispy calamari with jalapeno salsa. I’ve also had great meals at Sparrow & Wolf and Other Mama. It’s great to see talented chefs moving off the Strip and doing their own thing successfully.
Where do you like to dine for a special occasion?
For me Rose. Rabbit. Lie. is one of the best overall dining experiences in the city. From the music and entertainment to the food and mixology program it’s certainly a great night out. If I want to impress someone, this is where I bring them.
Let’s say you want to hang out with your friends after work. Where do you like to go?
If I’m grabbing a beverage after work, it’s going to be at Tommy Rocker’s. Kat and Bruce are awesome, and they make a mean Red House!
• All Coverage of Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas [ELV]
• All Dining Confidentials [ELV]