The neon-lit oasis of Las Vegas has claimed the top spot as America’s favorite summer destination according to Tripadvisor’s 2025 Summer Travel Index. While visitors flock to the desert playground for its dazzling entertainment and vibrant nightlife, the city’s culinary landscape has evolved into a powerful draw of its own, creating experiences that rival even the most spectacular shows on the Strip.
Behind the glittering façades of mega-resorts, a remarkable food revolution simmers. Three local culinary stars—Cristie Norman of Delilah, Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa, and Eleazar Villanueva of Restaurant de Joël Robuchon—have earned James Beard Award finalist nominations in 2025, solidifying the city’s place among America’s premier dining destinations.
Beyond Celebrity Chefs
The Las Vegas dining scene extends far beyond celebrity-chef outposts. While Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace delivers impeccable French cuisine with theatrical flair, unassuming spots like Tacos el Gordo serve up late-night street tacos that locals swear rival anything found in Tijuana. This delicious dichotomy defines Vegas dining—world-class sophistication alongside authentic, unpretentious fare.
Summer visitors seeking respite from the desert heat would be wise to secure reservations well in advance. The combination of peak tourist season and limited tables at the most sought-after restaurants creates fierce competition for dining spots. As with any popular destination, savvy travelers should also research hotel reviews thoroughly, as even luxury properties can sometimes face cleanliness concerns during peak seasons.
A meal at Delilah, where beverage director Cristie Norman has revolutionized the cocktail program, requires booking at least a month ahead—but rewards patience with an art deco-inspired space where classic cocktails complement reinvented American cuisine.
For travelers looking to experience the city like a local, venturing beyond the Strip reveals neighborhood gems where tourists rarely tread. The Arts District has emerged as an incubator for innovative concepts from rising culinary talents, offering flavors that challenge the notion that Vegas dining begins and ends with casino restaurants.
The summer crowds that earned Las Vegas its #1 ranking bring an electric energy to dining rooms across the city. From the theatrical presentation of seafood towers at Scotch 80 Prime to the quiet elegance of Joël Robuchon, where each plate arrives as a miniature work of art, Vegas restaurants understand that dining should be entertainment in itself.
At Joël Robuchon, the signature La Langoustine features truffled langoustine ravioli with chopped cabbage—a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a transcendent experience. The delicate pasta yields to reveal plump langoustine, while black truffle slivers perfume each bite with earthy intensity. This single plate encapsulates why Vegas now stands among America’s essential culinary destinations.
As the mercury climbs toward triple digits, savvy visitors gravitate toward the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool for evening movie screenings or retreat to the Turkish hammam at Waldorf-Astoria—perfect preludes to late-night reservations when the dining scene truly comes alive. For an unforgettable summer dining experience, don’t miss the limited-time Desert Harvest tasting menu at Casa Playa, where James Beard finalist Sarah Thompson transforms local cactus fruit, mesquite honey, and Sonoran wheat into dishes that tell the story of the desert’s surprising bounty.
Whether your taste runs toward the molecular gastronomy of award-winning kitchens or the simple pleasure of perfect street food, Las Vegas stands ready to claim its rightful place at the head of America’s culinary table. Further cementing the city’s sweet spot in culinary tourism, the Museum of Ice Cream recently announced its largest flagship location coming to Las Vegas in 2026, complete with themed hotel suites and a permanent ice cream buffet. The city that never sleeps has become the city that never stops eating—and summer 2025 promises to be its most delicious season yet.
