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25 Restaurants Where You're Likely to Spot Whales

by Bradley Martin Jan 28, 2013, 2:00am PST

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by Bradley Martin Jan 28, 2013, 2:00am PST

Las Vegas lives off its power players. Whether they're the high roller gambling big dough at the casino, politicians or business moguls, they all have their places they like to congregate. Here's a field guide to where to do some whale watching in Vegas. Twenty-five restaurants made the list, but feel free to add your own places in the comments.

Susan Stapleton contributed to this article.

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Bar Masa

Chef Masa Takayama has masterminded of the world’s most expensive restaurants and backed up the high-ticket entry with an obsession to infuse his Japanese menu with freshness and flavor. Well-heeled fans obsess over his modern and minimalist dishes and barMASA’s equally considered restaurant design. The $68 Toro tartare with caviar appetizer sets a tone of expensive but highly impactful servings.

3730 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare

Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare offers seafood and Italian cuisine in a setting fit for a whale. Guests can sit back enjoy the view as a rolling cart brings the catch of the day to your table, like some of their clientele, just flown in from the Mediterranean. The true whale will wish to dine outside in private cabanas surrounding a lagoon.

3121 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Carnevino

The high-end steaks at Carnevino merit a high-end price that draws whales to sate their steakhouse craving, but in a steakhouse "al'Italiano" style. The Italian style extends to the old world décor and traditional menu options such as antipasti or crudo. But the beef tasting menu for $150 per person ensures the committed meat fan a flavorful journey from cheek to ribeye .

3325 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Cili

Power brokers head to Cili for lunch overlooking the Bali Hai Golf Club. Lunchtime features power players dining on American cuisine with Asian influences.

Open in Google Maps

5160 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89119

Visit Website

é Bar by José Andrés

Only available for the whale who likes to plan ahead, Jose Andres’ eight-seat restaurant hidden at the rear of Jaleo requires a reservation weeks in advance. At $195 a person for 23 courses, expect high-concept gastromolecular style merged with traditional Spanish dishes. A beverage pairing requires another $300 investment. The presentation, chef interaction and intricate details down to the hand typed receipt make the evening as much a theatrical event as a culinary experience.

Open in Google Maps

3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Visit Website

eat.

Want to find Tony Hsieh? Just head over to Natalie Young's Eat around lunchtime to see the Zappos head honcho conducting some kind of business meeting.

707 Carson St., Las Vegas, NV 89101

Visit Website

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Golden Steer

The Golden Steer’s legend as a steakhouse extends to the consistency of its experience and the often infamy of its clientele. A celebrity favorite since 1958, and one which has locals returning year after year, The Golden Steer has never coasted on its laurels or history and maintained its the quintessential old Vegas charm that draws whales for that only in Sin City night out.

308 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89102

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Joël Robuchon

“Chef of the Century” Joël Robuchon’s jewel-box restaurant at MGM would entice a whale just by the strength of their décor, but the multiple course French cuisine tasting menus ensure a passionate following for an evening of indulgence, not shy on highlighting Langoustines or caviar, and starting at an indulgent price of $325 per person.

Open in Google Maps

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Visit Website

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Whales not willing to devote and an entire evening to Joël Robuchon’s creations opt for L'Atelier where tapas and counter unique counter service save on gambling time but don’t shave off quality. A seasonal discovery menu includes sophisticated creations such as celery mousse with wasabi, beef stew gelée and foie gras. A la carte dishes allow for experiencing the Robochon concept in compact form.

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Le Cirque

Le Cirque’s circus themed space is enough to impress, but the Bellagio fountains view complements a modern and innovative French menu. Degustation menus highlight the breadth of their imagination and a seasonally shifting menu assures a stream of repeat and loyal customers. Bold enough to experiment with suckling pig and yellowtail tartare on the same menu, their limited truffle tasting menu creations are destination events that whales fly in to indulge.

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Michael Mina

Michael Mina’s front garden is the Bellagio Conservatory. Behind a seafood and American focused cuisine and a strong vegetarian focus, and the whole roasted foie gras is designed for sharing, the lobster pot pie to be savored alone. What whale wouldn’t want to experience the sight of the famed caviar cart wheeled tableside?

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV

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miX

Chef Alain Ducasse’s miX provides one of the finest views in the city with one of the best dining choices. On the 64th floor, whales can go for broke indulging in a French- and American-influenced menu that includes a popular, seasonal grand tasting menu. After the meal, they can retreat to the adjacent miX lounge to ensure the view never fades away.

3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89119

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Nobu

For whales with a rocker’s spirit, Nobu at the Hard Rock Hotel enables the younger heavy hitters to leave the tables and walk just steps into an iconic Japanese restaurant. Small dishes such as tartare with caviar, kuamoto oyster sashimi and King crab tempura will rack up the bill, or the daily created multi-course Omakase menu for $200 per person will provide a sampler for the Nobu style.

4455 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169

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Oscar's Beef Booze & Broads

Former Mayor Oscar Goodman’s steakhouse at the Plaza draws every power player in the city from politicians to attorneys, including his wife, Mayor Carolyn Goodman.

1 S. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89106

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The Paiza Club

Entry to 36th floor of the Venetian hotel Paiza Club requires high rollers to put their money on the table. Only gamblers with a gambling credit line of hundreds of thousands of dollars can gain entry. A dedicated 24 hour kitchen serves Asian offerings, but are never not limited to a menu and any dish will be created for you in the private, invite-only dining and gambling club. A karaoke room is available between playing whale-size bets.

3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las vegas, NV

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19 Secret Restaurants and Speakeasies in Las Vegas

Picasso

Picasso’s ritzy clientele feels at home surrounded by real Picasso paintings on the walls and Chef Julian Serrano’s European creations on their plate. And outside, the patio seating with views of the Bellagio fountains provide an equally multi-million dollar setting for a world-class experience. Quail salad appetizer, fallow deer or sautéed steak of foie gras entrées stack the odds against any starving artists being your table neighbors.

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Piero's

Piero’s Old World charm and consistent high standards lures whales to encounter an old Las Vegas experience with a contemporary touch. For 31 years, Piero’s Italian cuisine has drawn celebrities, politicians, wise guys and whales looking to see and be seen in the company of regulars such as Mike Tyson and Nicholas Cage. The "garbage" Caesar salad and osso bucco are famed favorites at a restaurant seen in the movie, Casino.

355 Convention Center Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Raku

Raku is the choice of savvy whales not afraid to venture off Strip and away from the tables. The Japanese charcoal grill is already a favorite of local chefs after hours, but whales gravitate to the myriad of small dishes including yellowtail carpaccio or foie gras. The seasonal Kaiseki menu of 15 courses for $150 allows for a long night of eating through their bold selection of grilled dishes, oden and noodles.

5030 W. Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas, NV 89146

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Restaurant Guy Savoy

Everyone will feel like a whale experiencing Chef Guy Savoy’s master-class in modern French dining. Specializing over in tasting menus starting at $348 per person, the Michelin-starred cuisine is served in a space filled with contemporary art and a view of the Eiffel Tower Las Vegas style. Armed with an entourage, the whale can book the Krug Room and accompanying $750 per person six-course menu paired with a series of Krug vintage champagne.

3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Rick Moonen RM Seafood

Whales know to head upstairs at Chef Rick Moonen’s rm seafood. The $205 Prestige tasting menu includes Wagyu strip, foie gras and Maine lobster or they can be chosen a la carte in the more intimate addition to his main restaurant. The sustainable seafood menu is international in scope and allows diners to indulge in high-end twists on comfort food or veer towards the purely high-end such as Spanish Oscetra caviar at $225 an ounce.

3930 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89119

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Spago

Wolfgang Puck's American cuisine at Spago remains a singular draw favored by celebrities and whales alike. With 20 years residency in Las Vegas Puck’s generations of high-rollers have now dined at the trailblazing restaurant. The daily changing menu includes signature favorites such as smoked salmon pizza and Cantonese-style roasted duck.

3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

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The Steak House

This old-school steak house at Circus Circus still serves as a setting for power brokers to get down to business. Mesquite-grilled steaks, prime rib, lobster and crab legs all make the menu in this traditional steakhouse setting.

2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Tetsu

Chef Masa Takayama’s teppanyaki grill restaurant Tetsu maybe joined to barMASA, but the intimate and interactive dining experience draws a wealthy crowd with a particular longing for the ultimate in grilled Japanese dishes. All fish served are only 24 hours removed from the waters and the smaller bijou bites can quickly add up to a sensation of taste and dollar signs.

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3730 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Twist by Pierre Gagnaire

Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s Twist surrounds the whale in a $7 million creation on the 23rd floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel. The artistic creations fuse style and modern molecular technique for a “twist” on French cuisine. The three-course tasting menus provide an adventurous introduction to Gagnaire’s vision and can escalate from $110 to $395 per person with the addition of the Grand wine pairing.

3752 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89158

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Vintner Grill

Summerlin’s Vintner Grill still manages to draw whales off Strip for their American bistro that is frequently packed with locals and celebrity diners. Tapping into a loyal clientele, the location and service provides a respite from the harried Strip for whales looking for an upscale experience away from the crowds.

10100 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89135

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Bar Masa

3730 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Chef Masa Takayama has masterminded of the world’s most expensive restaurants and backed up the high-ticket entry with an obsession to infuse his Japanese menu with freshness and flavor. Well-heeled fans obsess over his modern and minimalist dishes and barMASA’s equally considered restaurant design. The $68 Toro tartare with caviar appetizer sets a tone of expensive but highly impactful servings.

3730 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Visit Website

Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare

3121 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare offers seafood and Italian cuisine in a setting fit for a whale. Guests can sit back enjoy the view as a rolling cart brings the catch of the day to your table, like some of their clientele, just flown in from the Mediterranean. The true whale will wish to dine outside in private cabanas surrounding a lagoon.

3121 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Visit Website

Carnevino

3325 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

The high-end steaks at Carnevino merit a high-end price that draws whales to sate their steakhouse craving, but in a steakhouse "al'Italiano" style. The Italian style extends to the old world décor and traditional menu options such as antipasti or crudo. But the beef tasting menu for $150 per person ensures the committed meat fan a flavorful journey from cheek to ribeye .

3325 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Visit Website

Cili

5160 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89119

Power brokers head to Cili for lunch overlooking the Bali Hai Golf Club. Lunchtime features power players dining on American cuisine with Asian influences.

Open in Google Maps

5160 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89119

Visit Website

é Bar by José Andrés

3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Only available for the whale who likes to plan ahead, Jose Andres’ eight-seat restaurant hidden at the rear of Jaleo requires a reservation weeks in advance. At $195 a person for 23 courses, expect high-concept gastromolecular style merged with traditional Spanish dishes. A beverage pairing requires another $300 investment. The presentation, chef interaction and intricate details down to the hand typed receipt make the evening as much a theatrical event as a culinary experience.

Open in Google Maps

3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Visit Website

eat.

707 Carson St., Las Vegas, NV 89101

Want to find Tony Hsieh? Just head over to Natalie Young's Eat around lunchtime to see the Zappos head honcho conducting some kind of business meeting.

707 Carson St., Las Vegas, NV 89101

Visit Website

Golden Steer

308 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89102

The Golden Steer’s legend as a steakhouse extends to the consistency of its experience and the often infamy of its clientele. A celebrity favorite since 1958, and one which has locals returning year after year, The Golden Steer has never coasted on its laurels or history and maintained its the quintessential old Vegas charm that draws whales for that only in Sin City night out.

308 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89102

Visit Website

Joël Robuchon

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

“Chef of the Century” Joël Robuchon’s jewel-box restaurant at MGM would entice a whale just by the strength of their décor, but the multiple course French cuisine tasting menus ensure a passionate following for an evening of indulgence, not shy on highlighting Langoustines or caviar, and starting at an indulgent price of $325 per person.

Open in Google Maps

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Visit Website

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Whales not willing to devote and an entire evening to Joël Robuchon’s creations opt for L'Atelier where tapas and counter unique counter service save on gambling time but don’t shave off quality. A seasonal discovery menu includes sophisticated creations such as celery mousse with wasabi, beef stew gelée and foie gras. A la carte dishes allow for experiencing the Robochon concept in compact form.

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Visit Website

Le Cirque

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Le Cirque’s circus themed space is enough to impress, but the Bellagio fountains view complements a modern and innovative French menu. Degustation menus highlight the breadth of their imagination and a seasonally shifting menu assures a stream of repeat and loyal customers. Bold enough to experiment with suckling pig and yellowtail tartare on the same menu, their limited truffle tasting menu creations are destination events that whales fly in to indulge.

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Visit Website

Michael Mina

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV

Michael Mina’s front garden is the Bellagio Conservatory. Behind a seafood and American focused cuisine and a strong vegetarian focus, and the whole roasted foie gras is designed for sharing, the lobster pot pie to be savored alone. What whale wouldn’t want to experience the sight of the famed caviar cart wheeled tableside?

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV

Visit Website