Hungry for something new? Check out these exciting additions to the Las Vegas dining scene!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after living in Las Vegas my entire life, it’s that this city NEVER stops changing!
I was born here in 1972, and I’ve watched Las Vegas grow from a relatively small town into one of the most exciting cities in the world.
And while we’re famous for our casinos, entertainment, and nightlife, there’s something else Las Vegas has become pretty incredible at…
FOOD!
Seriously, it seems like every time I drive across town, there’s another restaurant opening!
So whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a great date-night spot, or somewhere fun to take the family, here are five newer restaurants around Las Vegas worth putting on your list.
And the best part? You don’t have to fight the crowds on the Strip to enjoy some great food!
1. Finney’s Crafthouse — Downtown Summerlin 🍔
📍 10955 Oval Park Drive, Las Vegas
If you enjoy great burgers, comfort food, and a lively atmosphere, this one’s worth checking out!
Finney’s Crafthouse recently made its Las Vegas debut in Downtown Summerlin, bringing its popular neighborhood restaurant concept from California to our valley.
Think juicy burgers, pizzas, delicious appetizers, craft beer, and plenty of TVs for watching your favorite sports teams.
They even have a dog-friendly patio!
With 30 craft beers on tap and a menu featuring scratch-made American favorites, this looks like a great addition to the Summerlin dining scene.
Perfect for: A casual date night, lunch with friends, or catching a Raiders or Golden Knights game.
👉 Visit Finney’s Crafthouse Website
2. Villa’s Tacos — Durango Casino & Resort 🌮
📍 6915 S. Durango Drive, Las Vegas
Calling all taco lovers!
Villa’s Tacos developed a huge following in Los Angeles before bringing its first location outside California to Las Vegas.
And these aren’t your ordinary tacos!
They’re known for mesquite-grilled meats served on homemade blue corn tortillas, with toppings like guacamole, crema, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro.
One of their signature creations is the queso taco, featuring a crispy cheese skirt.
Located inside Durango’s Eat Your Heart Out food hall, it’s a great place to grab something delicious without committing to a fancy sit-down dinner.
Perfect for: Taco Tuesdays, casual lunches, and anyone who loves authentic Mexican street food.
👉 Visit Villa’s Tacos at Durango
3. Meril by Emeril Lagasse — M Resort 👨🍳
📍 12300 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, Henderson
BAM! Yes, THAT Emeril Lagasse!
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse has brought another restaurant to Southern Nevada, this time at the M Resort.
Named after his daughter, Meril offers a lively atmosphere with contemporary American dishes inspired by Emeril’s travels and New Orleans roots.
We’re talking shrimp and andouille gumbo, barbecue shrimp, blue crab linguine, and some seriously tempting desserts.
And if you’re a breakfast lover, their menu features bananas Foster French toast, homemade biscuits, and beignets.
Now THAT sounds like a great way to start the weekend!
Perfect for: Weekend breakfast, birthday dinners, date nights, or enjoying a celebrity-chef restaurant away from the central Strip.
👉 Visit Meril at M Resort — View Menus
4. Yu by Sijie — Tivoli Village 🥢
📍 400 S. Rampart Boulevard, Suite 190, Las Vegas
Looking for something a little more adventurous?
Yu by Sijie is a newer addition to the dining scene near Summerlin, offering an elevated Chinese dining experience.
And one dish in particular is getting attention…
Peking duck!
Their signature duck is roasted until the skin is beautifully crisp, then carved and served with warm pancakes, cucumber, spring onion, and traditional sauces.
You’ll also find beautifully presented seafood and other Chinese specialties.
This is the kind of restaurant where dinner becomes an experience rather than just another meal.
Perfect for: Food lovers, special occasions, and a memorable evening with friends.
5. Mama Tess Artisan Kitchen — Southern Highlands 🥪
📍 11350 Southern Highlands Parkway, Las Vegas
Sometimes you don’t want a fancy dinner.
Sometimes you just want an amazing sandwich, a juicy burger, and a ridiculously good milkshake!
Enter Mama Tess Artisan Kitchen.
From the people behind the historic Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, this Southern Highlands restaurant serves artisan sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and some pretty impressive milkshakes.
We’re talking chicken salad croissants, hot-honey ham sandwiches, smash burgers, and loaded milkshakes that practically qualify as a meal of their own!
If you have a sweet tooth, this place deserves a spot on your list.
Perfect for: A casual lunch, family outing, or satisfying that afternoon milkshake craving.
👉 Find Mama Tess Artisan Kitchen and Restaurant Details
Las Vegas Just Keeps Getting Better!
One of the things I love most about living in Las Vegas is that there’s always something new to discover.
When I was growing up here in the 1970s and ’80s, our dining choices looked a whole lot different than they do today.
Now we have incredible restaurants popping up in Summerlin, Henderson, Southern Highlands, the southwest valley, and just about everywhere in between.
And you don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy them!
Whether you’re a lifelong local like me or you’ve recently made Las Vegas home, I encourage you to get out and try somewhere new.
You might just discover your next favorite restaurant!
Now I Want to Hear From YOU!
Have you tried any of these restaurants?
More importantly, what’s YOUR favorite restaurant in Las Vegas that more people need to know about?
Maybe it’s a little hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant, an incredible Italian place, or a breakfast spot you’ve been visiting for 20 years.
I’d love to hear about it!
Send me a message with your recommendations. Who knows? Your favorite restaurant might make my next list!
Until next time, enjoy everything our amazing city has to offer!
Daryl Hanna
Proud Las Vegas Native Since 1972
The Batchelor/Hanna Group | Real Brokerage
702-218-4585 Cell
