Sweta Kathuria
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The 12 Most Coveted Reservations in Las Vegas (2026 Guide)

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If there is one thing I have learned covering this city for years, it is this: In Las Vegas, where you eat is not just about the food. It is about the scene.

As we settle into 2026, the dining landscape has shifted dramatically. The days of the generic celebrity steakhouse are fading. The new era is defined by narrative, specificity, and theater. We aren't just going out for dinner anymore; we are going out for a story.

From the Riviera-inspired seafood palace replacing a legend at Bellagio to the London import that has everyone talking, these are the twelve hardest tables to secure in Las Vegas right now—and exactly what you need to order when you get in.
Carbone Riviera (Bellagio)
#1

Rank 1: 1. Carbone Riviera (Bellagio)

The Vibe: The Era of the "Seafood Palace" Taking over the legendary space formerly occupied by Picasso, this is arguably the most significant opening of the decade. Major Food Group has completely reimagined the room with a mid-century "Italian Riviera" aesthetic designed by Martin Brudnizki. It feels brighter, airier, and more energetic than its predecessor, with terra cotta tones and original art by Picasso and MirĂł.

Why Go: For the theatrics. The "Captains" in tuxedos don't just serve you; they perform. The tableside preparations are choreographed perfectly against the backdrop of the Fountains of Bellagio dancing outside the windows.
Order This: While the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka remains a staple, this concept is seafood-forward. You must order the Spicy Lobster Meatballs and the massive Whole Branzino, baked in salt and cracked open tableside.

Insider Flex: The ultimate power move in 2026 is the Riva Yacht Experience. The restaurant features a private dock with a 33-foot Riva "Anniversary" boat. If you know the right people, you can arrive via a private champagne cruise on the lake before dinner.

Delilah (Wynn)
#2

Rank 2: 2. Delilah (Wynn)

The Vibe: The Modern-Day Roaring '20s Years after opening, Delilah remains the hardest door in Vegas because it refuses to feel like a "public" restaurant. It operates like a private social club. The "No Photos" policy is strictly enforced, which means the A-list crowd actually relaxes here.

Why Go: The energy. The live jazz band, the dancers, and the art deco design create a dinner-theater atmosphere that feels glamorous, not cheesy. It is the only place in Vegas where you feel underdressed without a blazer.

Order This: The Beef Wellington is the architectural centerpiece of the menu. However, the true insider order is the Famous Chicken Tenders. Yes, really. They are a "secret" late-night MVP that locals swear by.

Gymkhana (Aria)
#3

Rank 3: 3. Gymkhana (Aria)

The Vibe: Colonial Club Sophistication This opening has changed the game for international dining on the Strip. Coming from London with two Michelin stars, Gymkhana brings an elite, colonial-style aesthetic—think rattan furniture, dark woods, ceiling fans, and sepia photographs.

Why Go: It fills a massive gap in the market. For years, the Strip lacked high-end Indian fine dining. Gymkhana isn't just a curry house; it’s a sophisticated social club that feels transported directly from Mayfair.

Order This: The menu features items you won't find anywhere else. The Wild Muntjac Biryani is legendary. For a Vegas-exclusive splurge, order the Goan Lobster Curry—it balances rich coastal spices with the indulgence of fresh lobster.

Komodo (Fontainebleau)
#4

Rank 4: 4. Komodo (Fontainebleau)

The Vibe: Southeast Asian High-Energy Glam If you want dinner to feel like the pre-game for a nightclub, this is your spot. The design is stunning, featuring "birds nest" seating—private, floating pods that offer privacy while letting you watch the scene unfold.

Why Go: It captures the new energy of the north Strip. The Fontainebleau has brought a younger, more fashion-forward crowd, and Komodo is their cafeteria. It’s loud, it’s fun, and the design is incredibly Instagrammable.

Order This: The Peking Duck. You’ll see them hanging in the window as you walk in—it’s crispy, fatty, and served with perfect pancakes. Also, the Money Bag dim sum (with gold leaf) is the visual hook you need for your stories.

Mother Wolf (Fontainebleau)
#5

Rank 5: 5. Mother Wolf (Fontainebleau)

The Vibe: Roman Grandeur Chef Evan Funke is a pasta obsessive, and Mother Wolf is his temple. The room feels like a wealthy Italian grandmother’s palazzo—grand, warm, and centering around a massive open kitchen where you can watch the pasta being hand-rolled.

Why Go: In a city of "scene" dining, this place actually prioritizes the craft. Funke’s dedication to Roman traditions means the food has a soulfulness that is often missing in casino restaurants. It honors the "shepherds, popes, farmers, and artisans" of Rome.

Order This: Do not overcomplicate it. The Roman classics are the test of a great chef. The Rigatoni all'Amatriciana and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe are flawless. For a main, the Scottadito di Agnello (lamb chops) are grilled to perfection.

COTE (The Venetian)
#6

Rank 6: 6. COTE (The Venetian)

The Vibe: The Interactive Feast COTE is the world’s only Michelin-starred Korean Steakhouse, and its arrival at The Venetian (in the Waterfall Atrium) has been a massive hit. It replaces the stuffy, silent steakhouse dinner with a loud, interactive, smokeless grill right at your table.

Why Go: It is the most fun you can have eating steak. The "Butcher’s Feast" allows you to try multiple cuts of USDA Prime and Wagyu beef without having to make impossible decisions.

Insider Flex: Order the BlackJack Sandwich. It is exclusive to the Las Vegas location—a decadent milk toast stack filled with A5 Wagyu and black truffles. It is the ultimate "high-roller" bite.

Pisces (Wynn)
#7

Rank 7: 7. Pisces (Wynn)

The Vibe: Mediterranean Yacht Life Taking over the beloved Lakeside space, Pisces (full name Pisces Bar & Seafare) has quickly become the crown jewel of the Lake of Dreams. The room is stunning—think 400 Murano glass orbs and fish-skin leather chairs—but the real draw is the patio. It feels like dining on a private dock in Portofino, just with a better view of the shows.

Why Go: For the "Dry-Aged Fish" program. Chef Martin Heierling is treating fish like steak, aging it to intensify the flavor and crisp the skin.

Order This: The Blue Lobster (a rare find) and the Salt-Baked Loup de Mer. For dessert, the "If Wishes Were Fishes" is the visual stunt you need: warm fudge melts white chocolate bones to reveal cake inside.

Carversteak (Resorts World)
#8

Rank 8: 8. Carversteak (Resorts World)

The Vibe: Digital-Age Luxury This is the steakhouse for the 2026 power player. It sheds the dark wood of the past for a massive 70-foot quartzite bar and a lush outdoor terrace that feels more like a lounge than a restaurant. It is sleek, bright, and tech-forward.

Why Go: The Knife Shop. You can literally choose your weapon (steak knife) from a curated collection before you eat. It’s a small detail that adds a layer of personalization you don’t find elsewhere.

Order This: The 42oz Tomahawk Rib Chop is the main event, but surprisingly, their Vegan Chop is famous even among carnivores for being indistinguishable from the real thing.

Chyna Club (Fontainebleau)
#9

Rank 9: 9. Chyna Club (Fontainebleau)

The Vibe: The Cantonese Club If Komodo is the pre-game, Chyna Club is the main event. Tucked away in Fontainebleau, it balances the energy of a nightclub with the culinary rigor of serious Cantonese cooking. The design is moody, eclectic, and designed to keep you lingering long after the food is gone.

Order This: The Peking Duck is mandatory. It is carved tableside and served with perfect crĂȘpes. Pair it with the Lobster Wontons for a mix of comfort and luxury.

Don's Prime (Fontainebleau)
#10

Rank 10: 10. Don's Prime (Fontainebleau)

The Vibe: 1950s Mob Wife Aesthetic While the rest of the city chases the future, Don's Prime doubles down on the past.This is pure, unadulterated mid-century glamour. We are talking tuxedoed waiters, trolley service, and a room that feels like it holds secrets.

Why Go: It brings back the art of the "Trolley." From the dessert cart to the carving station, the food comes to you.
Order This: The A5 Wagyu, but let the sommelier guide you—their cellar is one of the deepest in the new north Strip.

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés (The Palazzo)
#11

Rank 11: 11. Bazaar Meat by José Andrés (The Palazzo)

The Vibe: The Hunter’s Lodge on Acid Years later, this remains the most intellectually interesting restaurant in Vegas. It isn't a steakhouse; it's a meat celebration. The open kitchens (fire pits, rotisseries) make the room feel alive and primal.

Why Go: To have your boundaries pushed. José Andrés doesn't just serve food; he plays with it. It is the best place in Vegas for a group of adventurous eaters.
Order This: Start with the Cotton Candy Foie Gras (it disappears in your mouth instantly). For the main, you are here for the Suckling Pig—crispy skin, tender meat, ordered by the quarter.

Insider Flex: Ask for the "Jose's Shoe" (a sneaker served with chicken croquetas) if you want the table next to you to ask what you ordered.

Michael Mina (Bellagio)
#12

Rank 12: 12. Michael Mina (Bellagio)

The Vibe: The Conservatory’s Quiet Neighbor Located just off the chaotic Botanical Gardens, this room feels like a sanctuary. It is elegant, refined, and entirely focused on seafood artistry.

Why Go: Consistency. In a city of flash-in-the-pan concepts, Michael Mina delivers perfection every single night. It is the safest bet for a business dinner where you need to impress without shouting.

Order This: There is only one answer: The Lobster Pot Pie. It is a tableside ritual—the server carves the puff pastry lid perfectly to reveal a truffle cream sauce that is arguably the best bite of food on the Strip.