I’d Fly Back to Vegas Just For These Restaurants! ✈️🍽️

I visited Las Vegas over Christmas and followed a pretty relaxed itinerary — but ended up discovering several amazing restaurants. The kind where you wish you had more stomach space, and can’t wait to go back! Here’s my list: 🥩 Samurai Japanese BBQ Super popular online, and it totally lives up to the hype — tongue lovers, do NOT miss this! They offer four types of beef tongue: thick-cut, toro, thin-cut, and smoked. Thick-cut is the champion — great quality, beautifully scored, juicy and slightly crispy when grilled. We ordered a full portion, then another! Toro is richer and fattier, sizzling and super flavorful — tender and juicy. Best part? The value is incredible — a huge plate of thick-cut tongue is only $28, putting LA’s tongue bowls to shame. Thin-cut is leaner, and smoked wasn’t really my thing — but you can order half portions to try. Also a must: sweet shrimp — four huge, sweet, marinated pieces for just $9. You can order half portions or single slices, and even do a wagyu tasting if you’re worried about richness. First-timers should try the beef boat combo. 🍕 Esther’s Kitchen Found this randomly on Google Maps — not super hyped online but loved by locals. What drew me in: nine different dips like scallion burrata, basil ricotta, pecorino with honey, strawberry chicken liver pâté… You can choose three or go all out, served with their house-made sourdough — carb heaven! 🥖 But the pizza was even better — wood-fired, with a chewy, airy, crispy crust. We had the duck confit with truffle sauce, cheese, and jam — absolutely amazing. The pasta at the next table looked incredible too — I really wish I lived in Vegas just to eat my way through their menu. Other solid spots (not mind-blowing but no regrets): 👍 Yuegang Seafood Restaurant A random find filled with Cantonese-speaking uncles and aunties pushing dim sum carts — super authentic. Dim sum was standard, but the sweet-spicy chili sauce was great, and they had my favorite white sugar sponge cake! 👍 Oyster Bar Good seafood pan roast, but we still waited over an hour at the less-crowded Durango location. Super slow service and limited seating — maybe overhyped. 👍 Mon Ami Gabi Solid French bistro on the Strip. Duck confit recommended; almond trout and shrimp pasta were a bit rich. But the atmosphere and location are perfect — right by the Bellagio fountains and Eiffel Tower. 👍 Shigotonin High-quality, fresh sashimi. Their seafood rice is seasoned with kelp — unique and tasty. 👍 Hash House A Go Go Classic American breakfast spot — wouldn’t go out of my way, but if it’s included with your hotel stay, it’s hearty, huge, and satisfying. #LifeInNorthAmerica #LasVegas #VegasEats 🎰✨