18 new restaurants to check out in Las Vegas

If you're looking for an indication that Las Vegas is coming back from the Great Recession, all you have to do is take a look at the following list of restaurants, all of which have opened in the past few months.

Henderson

Blaze Pizza, 10520 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson: A Chipotle-style make-your-own pizza spot, with a second valley location that recently opened at 6211 N. Decatur Blvd.

Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Galleria at Henderson, 1300 W. Sunset Road, Henderson: A sister restaurant to the Brio Tuscan Grille locations in Town Square and Tivoli Village, it's somewhat more casual, with an atmosphere reminiscent of Italy.

Larsen's Grill, Galleria at Henderson, 1300 W. Sunset Road, Henderson: An offshoot of a small California-based group, it specializes in steaks and seafood served in an elegant atmosphere.

Summerlin and west valley

Andiron Steak & Sea, 1720 Festival Plaza Drive in Downtown Summerlin: From the husband-and-wife team of Kim Canteenwalla and Elizabeth Blau, it serves steaks and a creative menu of other dishes.

Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, 1770 Festival Plaza Drive in Downtown Summerlin: This one's from the Blue Ribbon Bromberg brothers, who also have Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.

Cafe 6, The Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road: Palms Place pool-view restaurant with a playful approach to food in dishes such as the Dr. Pepper Shroom Burger.

Hussong's Cantina, 740 S. Rampart Blvd.: This second valley branch for the restaurant in Ensenada, Mexico, where the margarita was created is a fast-casual version of its sister at Mandalay Place, with a full margarita menu.

Lazy Dog, 1725 Festival Plaza Drive in Downtown Summerlin: With decor inspired by Jackson Hole, Wyo., it serves a varied menu — and yes, there's food for dogs.

Little Tony's, Palace Station, 2411 W. Sahara Ave.: Part of the expanding empire of 11-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani, it serves his pizzas, of course, and other Italian specialties.

PKWY Tavern, 9820 W. Flamingo Road: A locals-driven spot from the owner of PBR Rock Bar & Grill and Rockhouse on the Strip, it serves updated comfort food and offers games on the patio.

Public School 702, 1850 Festival Plaza Drive in Downtown Summerlin: Promising "an education in the art of food and beer," it offers twists on American favorites.

Ribs and Burgers, 2010 Festival Plaza Drive in Downtown Summerlin: With roots in Australia, it serves the namesake dishes but also such things as salads and steaks.

Tapas by Alex Stratta, Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd.: The Michelin-starred, former Strip chef returns to the valley with a menu that honors the Spanish tradition.

Trattoria Reggiano, 1720 Festival Plaza Drive in Downtown Summerlin: As the name implies, this is a food fest of all things Italian.

Tourism corridor

Edge Steakhouse, Westgate Las Vegas, 3000 Paradise Road: Classic steakhouse brings Park City style to Las Vegas.

Hexx, Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South: Bean-to-bar chocolate production is a specialty of this varied restaurant.

Lago, Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South: The third restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Julian Serrano delivers Italian flavor.

Searsucker, Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South: Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey presides at this New American restaurant.

Contact Heidi Knapp Rinella at Hrinella@reviewjournal.com. Find more of her stories at www.reviewjournal.com and bestoflasvegas.com and follow @HKRinella on Twitter.