While fabulous Las Vegas is known for its gambling, elaborate, oversized hotels, world-class shopping, and countless free attractions, many people choose to go just for the food! I know some self proclaimed “foodies” who will even plan out their dining spots before they plan anything else – and who could blame them? So without further ado, here are some of the most unique restaurants in sin city:

Top of The World – Located atop the 109 story Stratosphere tower, over 800 feet above the strip, this culinary experience offers panoramic views of the greater Las Vegas area at one of the highest restaurants in the world. The restaurant revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes.

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant – Located 100 feet above the strip, this amazing restaurant is quite similar to Top of The World, being that they both offer panoramic views of the city, while you dine, except The Eiffel Tower Restaurant provides views of The Bellagio fountains and that area in a close up view while Top of The World is located high up above the strip in a rotating tower. Did I mention the this restaurant is located about half way up the hal-scale replica of the eiffel tower?

Mon Ami Gabi – Also at Paris Las Vegas, here you can sit outside and watch the Bellagio fountains.

Rainforest Cafe – Step inside the jungle, this delightful rainforest-themed eatery is located right inside the MGM Grand. Dine surrounded by trees, flowers, and a wide variety of animatronic rainforest animals, while listening to them sound off to a tropical storm. Kids, especially, will love this place and its massive gift shop, with everything from plush gorillas to home accessories and jewlery. Finish off the meal with their iconic giant chocolate volcano, with oozing caramel and chocolate lava.

Planet Hollywood – This restaurant is actually not in the Planet Hollywood Hotel, instead it can be found on the top floor (third floor) of the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This is their new location, it opened in 2012. They used to have a larger location on the second floor but had to move because the restaurant wasn’t profitable and wasn’t getting enough business. This really surprised us because this has always been one of our favorites, due to it’s flavorful flare and delightful atmosphere. But nevertheless, the new restaurant has a hipster, swanky little vibe that will get everyone in your party talking. And you never know, you may just happen to run into one of Hollywood’s hottest celebs because they tend to frequent this place. Either way, you’ll definitely get to see some of their memorabilia, which aligns the walls, for all to admire. Try their signature crunch chicken, with chicken strips coated with what’s rumored to be Captain Crunch cereal. Be sure to try one of their specialty cocktails and your sure to go back to your hotel room feeling satisfied.

The Cheesecake Factory – Okay, this has been a favorite of mine for ages, I just can’t get enough of their Atlanta location. But the Vegas Caesars Palace location is a “must eat,” especially for those of you who don’t have a factory in the city you live in or those who have never eaten here. While they are known for dozens of delicious cheesecakes, they are also known for their huge, oversized portions – so come hungry and even consider splitting a dish. Their abundance of items (over 200 menu selections!) means the they are sure to have something for everyone in your party. You can’t visit without trying one of the 50 famous cheesecake selections.

Bartolota – The five-star Wynn resort is definitely one of the nicest hotels in the town, so as you would imagine, the food is extraordinary. Dine indoors or outside along the private lagoon. The fish on your plate has been out of the Mediterranean waters for no more than 30 to 36 hours. On our last trip to Vegas a witness said that Steve Wynn’s ( his company is responsible for building or refurbishing The Mirage, Wynn, Encore, Golden Nugget, Treasure Island, and The Bellagio; fun fact: he’s 70 years old and worth over 2.5 billion!) wife is a vegetarian and has recently convinced him to go in that direction. So, many of his restaurants have a wide variety of vegetarian options as well as some Jewish foods such as Matzo Ball Soup (I’m also Jewish and a vegetarian so this place was perfect for me!). Travel Channel host Samantha Brown loves it so you should too!

Harley Davidson Cafe – While this place isn’t really my cup of tea, Harley fans will rejoice  upon seeing the 28-foot-high Harley Davidson bursting through the exterior. Located right across the street from the Aria, it features seven of the latest Harley models on a conveyor belt which spins throughout the restaurant. Also see bikes from Elvis and an American flag that was made from 44,000 chain links and weighing more than seven tons.

Serendipity 3 – Located right outside the entrance to Caesars Palace, this place is a favorite of Kim Kardashian’s (fun fact: so is the TAO Night Club at The Palazzo, many celebrities like her and Drake frequent TAO). You can either eat inside for a nice sit down meal or do like I did and pick up something from the quick service counter (I got a giant donut and shake, as pictured below).

House of Blues – This savory Southern/blues-themed restaurant features a concept venue and bar on site, where many well known performers can be seen, so check to see who will be playing while you’re there. Selections include the Crispy Catfish Nuggets, New Orleans Style Seafood Gumbo, and Creole Jambalaya. Live gospel music and buffet are here each sunday for the Gospel Brunch. Don’t forget to pick up a t-shire on your way out.

Hard Rock Cafe – This all new, state of the art restaurant is located right beside the MGM Grand and across the street from the New York New York Hotel. The interior pays homage to all the greatest rock legends, including Elvis, it even has a life size statue of the king of rock and roll. See memorabilia such as Elton John’s feathered outfit, Madonna’s jacket, and Marilyn Manson’s guitar. Rock rans reunite in their epic gift shop, complete with everything rock-related that’s possibly imaginable. Try the honey bourbon New York Strip Steak.

MESA Grill – Celebrity chef Bobby Flay has created an incredible dining experience, located in the center of Caesars Palace. This palette-pleasing assortment

The Wicked Spoon Buffet at the Cosmopolitan – While it is a little pricey, we found this gourmet buffet to be well worth it.

The Bellagio Buffet – This is considered THE best buffet in Las Vegas. Its often very crowded and it is very expensive but you DEFINITELY won’t regret going here. Comparing it to the Spice Market buffet at Planet Hollywood or the Circus Circus Buffet is like comparing an apple to an orange. You’re on vacation, you’ve worked hard to earn this and now you deserve the best!

Picasso – This French-Spanish restaurant is located at the Bellagio, offering picturesque views of the legendary Fountains of Bellagio. And believe it or not – actual Pablo Picasso paintings are on the walls! The critics recommend: quail salad; Nantucket scallops; medallions of deer; and roasted pigeon with wild-rice risotto. This eleven time recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award is surely going to leave you wanting to visit French and Spain, where Pablo Picasso lived.

TAO Las Vegas – With sales grossing over $60 million in 2011, TAO is known as the highest grossing restaurant in all of America! The restaurant is located in the Venetian and features a 20 foot tall Buddha statue that watches over patrons, an infinity pool with koi, a 40 foot terrace with views of the Las Vegas strip, and two dance rooms. The menu features a variety of both traditional and contemporary Asian plates. Hollywood’s biggest A-listers frequent the place, including: Drake, Paris Hilton, T-Pain, Madonna, Jay Z, Usher, Kim Kardashian, and Drake!

*Dinner & Show – Another unique dining experience would be to go to a dinner show, many of the shows have this option, it’s perfect for those looking to squeeze every extra ounce of time out of their vacay. and those that take a while to savor the flavor of their steak.

That raps it up, folks. So, what do you think of these restaurants? What’s your favorite Las Vegas Restaurant, are there any that I left off?

PS – Oh, I thought of one, head to my fav. – the Stripper Bar or Blondies at the Miracile Mile shops at the Planet Holywood! Talk about atmosphere! (JK, okay enough with the corny jokes).

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