Pleasant evening weather brings diners outside to admire view
While summer days in Las Vegas require indoor air-conditioned comfort, pleasant evening temperatures make it the perfect time for a little al fresco dining. Quite a few valley restaurants offer outdoor dining areas, but many of them face parking lots or busy roadways. The following are just some of the local restaurants that offer expansive patio or terrace views:
n Spiedini Ristorante, located in the JW Marriott, 221 N. Rampart Blvd.
Patio view: Nestled in the JW Marriott, the patio overlooks waterfalls, palm trees and tranquil lagoons. Bright sun is blocked by the hotel's tower after 6 p.m. Perfect for relaxed dining. Patio seats 80 people.
Signature dishes: Fusilli with lobster, veal Romano, veal Milanese, wild Alaskan halibut, osso buco Spiedini. Most of menu is around $20, with the exception of osso buco ($38.)
Hour of operation: 5-9 p.m. weekdays; 5-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The pitch: "It's just wonderful Italian comfort food. Everything is freshly made." -- Gustav Mauler, owner and chef.
n Bar+Bistro @ The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd.
Patio view: Lots of activity going on. Tables seat 20 people with chair seating available for 50. Fire spinners perform from 7-10 p.m. Tuesday. Around 6 p.m. Saturday, traditional canvas artists and body painters show up, as well as an open mic for poetry readers and live jazz performers. Electronic dance music kicks in at midnight. Guests are seated around an outdoor fire pit.
Signature dishes: Latin-fusion tapas with a Mediterranean flair. Crab cakes highly recommended by owner. Prices around $5 with stuffed pork chop being most expensive ($25.)
Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday, lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner 5-10 p.m.; Sunday brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The pitch: "Great food and good value with true patio entertainment." -- Wes Isbutt, owner.
n Marche Bacchus, 2620 Regatta Drive
Patio view: Overlooking Lake Jacqueline at Desert Shores; elegant swans swim by while you dine. Seating accommodates 150 guests. Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. live jazz; Friday, 6-9 p.m. live vocal jazz; Sunday and Monday, 6-9 p.m., flamenco guitars.
Signature dishes: Pan-roasted chicken, moules frites (mussels with fries), lobster pot pie, pasta Jambalaya, peppercorn filet mignon. Lunch $10-$16; dinner $17-$40; Sunday brunch $10-$17. On-site wine shop accommodates patrons who want to purchase wine and bring it to their table.
Hours of operation: Lunch, Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; dinner, Monday-Thursday and Sunday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; dinner, Friday and Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m.
The pitch: "I call it a European escape in a lavish setting where you can relax and wine and dine." -- Rhonda Wyatt, co-owner.
n Anthem View, 2450 Hampton Road, Henderson
Patio view: Panoramic view from this elevated angle unfolds the entire Las Vegas Valley from the South Point to downtown Las Vegas. Seating available for 40 people. An adjacent indoor dining room features large picture windows that also give excellent views of the Strip and downtown.
Signature dishes: Steaks, seafoods and salads. Breakfast starts at $3.99, lunch from $5.49 to $9.99 and dinner from $9.99 to $34.99. Lunch can also be ordered for dinner.
Hours of operation: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
The pitch: "Come for the fantastic view with a great menu and very reasonable prices." -- Rick Hogan, managing partner.
n Grape Street Cafe, 7501 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Patio view: This street-level dining area features an array of hanging plants, strategically placed fans and ornate small tables and chairs offering seating for 45 patrons. Misters cool the patio during the summer and sliding glass doors are used during the winter months along with heaters.
Signature dishes: A 22-ounce T-bone steak and 8-ounce filet mignon, baked brie, a large selection of Italian/Mediterranean dishes. More than 60 different wines by the glass ranging from $7.50 to $18.00, as well as 40 different bottles of wine to choose ranging from $60 to $300 a bottle. All day Monday, half off each bottle of wine.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The pitch: "The food is great. Myself or the owner is always here. The patio is great to dine on. We have fresh fish every day." -- Daniel Bessent, general manager/wine director.
n Top of the World, Stratosphere, 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. North
The view: This five-star restaurant doesn't offer patio dinning, but it is quite unusual in that it rotates 360 degrees in 80 minutes, offering patrons a picture-window view of the Las Vegas Valley at a speed of about 6 feet per minute.
Signature dishes: A global collective menu that includes prime steak and lamb chops, fresh seafood such as miso cod. Lunch appetizers from $10-$13; lunches $14-$21; dinner from $40-$55. A five-course tasting menu offered at $85.
Hours of operation: Seven days a week. Lunch from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; dinner Sunday-Thursday, 4:30-10:30 p.m.; dinner Friday and Saturday, 4:30-11 p.m. Reservations highly recommended.
The pitch: "You get great food, great service and a spectacular view of the entire city in an hour and 20 minutes." -- George Gatewood, general manager.
n Ventano Italian Grill & Seafood, 191 S. Arroyo Grande Blvd., Henderson
Patio view: The patio is set on a cobble stone floor, framed by wrought-iron railing and trimmed with Tuscan wood and a lattice roof. It's 80-seat capacity offers a panoramic view of the city and mountains.
Signature dishes: Shrimp on stone, grilled heart of romaine, costolette di maiale (baby back ribs cooked in honey and balsamic vinegar), rigatoni portofino and grilled lamb chops on stone. Lunch starts at $18 per person and dinners range from $25 to $30.
Hours of operation: Seven days a week. Oyster Bar menu from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., lunch begins at 11 a.m. and dinner from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Reservations recommended.
The pitch: "Friendly, romantic and the best food in town" -- Arnold Briand and Carmine Vento, chefs. The chefs don't like the term "gourmet restaurant" and prefer that Ventano be known as a "family restaurant with very good food."
n Verandah, Four Seasons, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Patio view: Tropical landscape rings this patio that wraps around the outdoor restaurant and offers a serene view of the private pool. Seats 102.
Signature dishes: Authentic Italian cuisine with contemporary influences. Saffron gnocchi, ravioli caprese with buffalo mozzarella, sea bass with citrus crust and fennel sauce. Breakfast entrees start at approximately $15, lunch from $17, dinner from $22 and weekend brunch is $35 per person.
Hours of operation: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays. Breakfast buffet is featured on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The pitch: "It's a very quiet and relaxing atmosphere; an ideal place to enjoy a meal." -- Erica Johnson-McElroy, director of public relations.
n Mon Ami Gabi, Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Patio view: Sits about 3 feet above the ground in front of the Paris Las Vegas. Designed as a classic French bistro, it provides an excellent view of the Bellagio fountain displays. A great people-watching spot of visitors walking down the Strip.
Signature dishes: Steak pounded real thin. Always has fresh seafood, including oysters, flown in from California. Breakfast from $17 to $18. Lunch from $26 and dinner from $40 to $45. Reservations not required but are recommended.
Hours of operation: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-midnight Friday--Saturday.
The pitch: "We are a classic bistro and a great people-watching place." -- Ryan Richardson, general manager.
n Medici Cafe and Terrace and Lagoon Bar & Grill, Ravella at Lake Las Vegas, 1610 Lake Las Vegas Parkway, Henderson
The view: The Medici offers a panoramic view of the mountains, the hotel's Florentine garden and an outdoor fire pit. The Lagoon overlooks the pool and the surrounding mountains.
Signature dishes: The Medici primarily offers breakfast featuring eggs Benedict for $14 and vegetable frittata with egg whites, seasonal vegetables, warm eggplant caponata and fresh fruit for $14. The Lagoon Bar & Grill offers fresh wraps, seafood and salads. Prices range from $14 to $18.
Hours of operation: The Medici is open from 7-10:30 a.m., Monday-Saturday and 7-11 a.m. Sunday. The Lagoon Bar & Grill is open for lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.
The pitch: "We're a great place for people who want a serene atmosphere and still be close to the energy of the Strip." -- Marcus Maslin, food and beverage manager.
n Maggiano's Little Italy, Fashion Show 3200 Las Vegas Blvd.
Patio view: Located on the second floor of the Fashion Show mall, a great view of the resort properties is showcased that includes Wynn Las Vegas, Encore, The Venetian and The Palazzo. Musicians walk around for patrons' entertainment from 6 to 10 p.m.
Signature dishes: Traditional Southern Italian dining that includes lasagna, chicken Parmesan, prime cuts of steak and crab cakes for appetizers or an entry. Lunch starts at $20 and dinner at $30. Reservations not necessary for lunch but recommended for dinner.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily (except Christmas).
The pitch: "We are all about making people feel special with home-style Italian food." -- Michael Mitchell, general manager.
n Khotan and Gilley's Saloon and Dance Hall, Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Patio view: Both restaurants overlook the Sirens' Cove and the Las Vegas Strip.
Signature dishes: Khotan is an Asian bistro with Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Indonesian influences. Average check is $35 per person. Gilley's features burgers steaks and ribs. Average check is $12 to $30 per person.
Hours of operation: Khotan, 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 5 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. Gilley's, 11 a.m. to midnight daily.
The pitch: "The ultimate Las Vegas dining experience features outdoor dining with views of the Strip and Sirens Cove." -- Jay Alpert, The Firm advertising agency.
n Rick's Cafe, Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort, 101 Montelago Blvd., Henderson
Patio view: This beautiful patio overlooks the surrounding mountains, the resort's magnificent pool, towering palm trees and hotel Chef Adam Cho's herb garden.
Signature dishes: Continental cuisine combined with Mediterranean influences that range from traditional American breakfasts to exotic dinner entrees. Average cost per person is $12 for breakfast, $12 for lunch and $16 for dinner.
Hours of operation: 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily.
The pitch: "Loews Las Vegas is an oasis in the desert. The patio has sweeping views of the pool and mountains, and we're an escape from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas." -- Jennifer Duffy, director of public relations, Loews Lake Las Vegas.
n Petra Greek Taverna, Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd.
Patio view: Lounge seating is available for 100 people in this private European-style courtyard. Italian-style frescos adorn the walls for partons who sit at granite tables. Above the patio on the second floor is a veranda that seats 40. Fantastic views of the Red Rock mountains are easily visible.
Signature dishes: Traditional Greek food that includes spanakopita, pyrotita and dolmades. Petra offers its own version of macaroni and cheese called Firy Mac and Cheese that is made with hot kasseri cheese and sausage. Prices range from $7 to $30 with $12 the average for most dishes.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday brunch; 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday.
The pitch: "We offer delicious food in a very chic environment at affordable prices." -- Angelo La Pietra, general manager.
n Brio Tuscan Grille, Tivoli Village, 420 S. Rampart Blvd.
Patio view: Patrons get to see all of Tivoli Village from their tables draped in white table cloths, surrounded by rustic Tuscan stucco walls and Roman pillars. Table seating accommodates 100 to 120 and soft seating is available at the bar, which opens to the patio via two large French doors.
Signature dishes: Salads starting from $13.50 to $14.95 include grilled salmon and strawberry balsamic chicken. Sweet potato and chicken risotto and lobster ravioli with crab insalata are favorites. Menu items range from $9.95 to $23.95.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday brunch.
The pitch: "We offer fantastic service in a rustic Tuscan setting with an Italian chef's inspired cuisine." -- Brian Peters, manager.
