Best Italian Restaurants Las Vegas 2025: Rao's, Scarpetta, Sinatra & Hidden Gems

Las Vegas: America's Unexpected Italian Food Capital

Las Vegas has quietly assembled one of America's finest collections of Italian restaurants. This isn't accident or luck—it's pure capitalist competition. When you can charge Manhattan prices and tourists will pay them, every restaurant must be extraordinary just to survive.

The result is a culinary landscape where legendary New York establishments like Rao's Las Vegas coexist with modern masters like Scarpetta Vegas, old-school Vegas institutions, and hidden neighborhood gems serving authentic regional Italian cuisine that rivals anything in Rome or Florence.

This guide represents meals at 15+ Las Vegas Italian restaurants, conversations with chefs and sommeliers, and a deep understanding of what separates tourist traps from genuine culinary excellence. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion at Sinatra restaurant or seeking authentic Neapolitan pizza at a locals' favorite, this guide will steer you to the perfect Italian meal for your budget, occasion, and taste.

Understanding Vegas Italian Restaurant Categories

Not all Italian restaurants in Las Vegas serve the same style of food. Understanding these categories helps you choose the right restaurant for your mood:

• Italian-American Classics: Red sauce, big portions, theatrical service (Rao's, Carbone)
• Modern Italian: Contemporary techniques, refined presentations (Scarpetta)
• Regional Italian: Focus on specific Italian regions like Tuscany or Sicily
• Coastal Italian: Seafood-focused Mediterranean cooking
• Neighborhood Italian: Authentic, rustic, where locals actually eat

The secret to exceptional Italian dining in Vegas is matching your craving to the right restaurant category. Let's explore the best in each.

Rao's Las Vegas: The Legend Comes West

Rao's Las Vegas represents something extraordinary in the restaurant world—the only franchise of a 128-year-old New York institution so exclusive that reservations at the original 10-table East Harlem location are literally inherited through families.

The Rao's Story

The original Rao's opened in 1896 in East Harlem. For over a century, it maintained just 10 tables with a reservation system so tight that regular customers hold the same table on the same night every week, year after year. When Caesars Palace convinced the Rao family to open their first and only franchise in Las Vegas, it became instant culinary news.

What Makes Rao's Las Vegas Special

This isn't a celebrity chef trading on name recognition—it's a family protecting a 128-year legacy. The recipes are identical to the East Harlem original. The ingredients ship from the same suppliers. The cooking techniques follow family traditions passed down through five generations.

What to Order at Rao's Las Vegas

The Absolute Must-Try: Lemon Chicken ($38)

This is the dish that regulars at the New York location have ordered for decades. Chicken thighs braised with lemon, garlic, and white wine until falling apart. The sauce is tangy, garlicky, and unlike anything you've had before. This isn't Italian food as you know it—this is Italian-American food as it was meant to be, before red sauce drowning became the norm.

Other Signature Dishes

• Uncle Vincent's Lemon Chicken ($38): Even more lemony than the classic version
• Meatballs ($22): Family recipe, served in marinara with ricotta
• Seafood Salad ($28): Traditional antipasto with shrimp, calamari, octopus
• Penne Arrabbiata ($24): Spicy tomato sauce, the way it should be
• Veal Parmigiana ($42): Massive portion, classic preparation

Insider Tips for Rao's Las Vegas

• Reservation Strategy: Call directly rather than using third-party apps. Hotel guests and Caesars Rewards high-tier members get preference.
• Bar Seating: Sometimes available without advance reservation, full menu
• Family-Style Ordering: Encouraged—portions are generous enough to share
• Off-Menu Specials: Ask your server what's special that night
• Wine Pairing: The Italian-American wine list favors bold reds—Chianti and Super Tuscans

When to Choose Rao's Las Vegas

Best for: New York nostalgia, traditional Italian-American cuisine, special occasions, business dinners, experiencing culinary history

Skip if: You prefer modern Italian interpretations, want lighter coastal Italian, looking for best value, need casual atmosphere

Scarpetta Vegas: Where Pasta Becomes Perfection

If Rao's Las Vegas represents Italian-American tradition, Scarpetta Vegas embodies modern Italian refinement. Chef Scott Conant's philosophy is simple: take the finest ingredients, apply flawless technique, and get out of the way.

The Scarpetta Philosophy

Scarpetta means "little shoe" in Italian—a reference to using bread to soak up the last drops of sauce from your plate. That's the experience Scott Conant creates: food so good you want every last bite.

Unlike heavy Italian-American cooking, Scarpetta focuses on pasta as the star, with sauces that enhance rather than overwhelm. The cooking is modern but respects Italian tradition. Portions are contemporary rather than oversized.

What to Order at Scarpetta Vegas

The Legendary Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil ($26)

This deceptively simple dish is what chefs order on their nights off. Spaghetti tossed with tomato sauce, fresh basil, and just enough olive oil. That's it. No cream, no complex techniques, no theatrical presentation. Just perfect execution of the fundamentals.

The secret is in the details: San Marzano tomatoes cooked just long enough, fresh pasta with perfect bite, basil added at the last second. It proves that simple food done perfectly beats complex dishes done adequately.

Other Outstanding Dishes

• Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli ($36): Rich, luxurious, unforgettable
• Short Rib Polenta ($42): Braised for hours until falling apart
• Branzino ($48): Mediterranean sea bass, simply grilled
• Beef Carpaccio ($22): Paper-thin with bright citrus notes
• Creamy Polenta with Fricassee of Truffled Mushrooms ($18): Vegetarian excellence

Why Scarpetta Vegas Stands Out

While other celebrity chefs phone it in at their Vegas outposts, Scott Conant treats Scarpetta as seriously as his New York flagship. The pasta is made fresh daily. The sauces follow precise recipes. The plating is meticulous without being fussy.

The service strikes the perfect balance—knowledgeable without pretension, attentive without hovering. The wine program focuses on Italian bottles that pair specifically with the menu rather than trophy bottles that look good but don't match the food.

Insider Tips for Scarpetta Vegas

• Pasta Tasting Menu: At $65, this is exceptional value—four pasta courses plus dessert
• Lunch Strategy: Same kitchen, same quality, 30% lower prices
• Window Tables: Book early and request for Strip views without paying for a view restaurant
• Wine by Glass: Excellent selections that change seasonally
• Vegetarian Options: Better than most Italian restaurants—tell server you want vegetarian focus

When to Choose Scarpetta Vegas

Best for: Romantic dinners, serious pasta lovers, food-focused diners who prefer substance over spectacle, business dinners where conversation matters

Skip if: You want huge portions, prefer heavy red-sauce Italian, looking for party atmosphere, want the most Instagram-worthy dining experience

Sinatra Restaurant: When Classic Meets Elegant

Sinatra restaurant at Encore honors both Frank Sinatra and classic Italian-American cuisine. This isn't theme restaurant kitsch—it's sophisticated dining that happens to celebrate one of Vegas's most iconic performers.

The Sinatra Experience

Walk into Sinatra restaurant and you're transported to the Rat Pack era—but with modern luxury. Vintage Sinatra photos line the walls. His music plays throughout. The menu features dishes Frank loved, prepared with contemporary technique and premium ingredients.

What separates Sinatra restaurant from typical celebrity tributes is the cooking. Executive Chef Sergio Chavez honors Italian-American tradition while maintaining Wynn-level luxury standards. The result is comfort food elevated to fine dining without losing soul.

What to Order at Sinatra Restaurant

Frank's Favorite: Spaghetti and Clams ($36)

Sinatra reportedly ate this dish multiple times a week. Linguine with fresh clams, white wine, garlic, and just enough red pepper. The preparation respects tradition while using premium ingredients—Manila clams instead of canned, imported pasta, first-press olive oil.

Other Signature Dishes

• Osso Buco ($58): Veal shank braised Milanese-style until spoon-tender
• Veal Chop Milanese ($62): Pounded thin, breaded, perfectly crisp
• Risotto ($28): Changes seasonally, always cooked to order
• Chicken Parmigiana ($38): Elevated comfort food
• Tiramisu ($16): Classic preparation with real mascarpone

The Sinatra Wine Program

Sinatra restaurant houses one of Vegas's finest Italian wine collections. The list includes rare Barolos, aged Brunellos, and Super Tuscans alongside accessible regional bottles. The sommelier team excels at matching wine to food rather than pushing expensive bottles.

Insider Tips for Sinatra Restaurant

• Memorabilia Tour: Ask your server about the Sinatra items on display—many have fascinating stories
• Pre-Theater Dining: Perfect timing for Wynn shows—easy walk, efficient service when needed
• Wine Pairing: Let the sommelier guide—they know the menu intimately
• Booth Seating: Request when booking for most intimate atmosphere
• Occasion Dining: Tell them if celebrating—Wynn properties excel at special touches

When to Choose Sinatra Restaurant

Best for: Romantic dinners, Sinatra fans, classic Italian-American cuisine elevated to luxury, special occasions, impressing guests who appreciate sophistication over scene

Skip if: You want modern Italian, prefer casual atmosphere, looking for best value, want lighter coastal Italian preparations

Other Top-Tier Italian Restaurants in Vegas

Carbone (ARIA Resort & Casino)

The hottest reservation in Vegas. Carbone delivers mid-century Italian-American glamour with theatrical service, generous portions, and Instagram-worthy everything. The spicy rigatoni vodka ($32) is legitimately excellent. The veal parmigiana ($59) comes with tableside presentation. The scene is energetic, sexy, and pure Vegas excess.

Price Range: $60-120 per person | Reservations: Book exactly 30 days out on Resy | Best for: Special occasions, scene seekers, Italian-American classics | Must Order: Spicy rigatoni vodka, Caesar salad (tableside)

Giada (The Cromwell)

Giada De Laurentiis brings California-Italian sensibility to the Strip with bright, fresh flavors and stunning Bellagio fountain views. The lemon spaghetti ($24) captures her cooking philosophy perfectly—simple, fresh, bright. Brunch is exceptional value with daylight fountain views.

Price Range: $35-60 per person | Reservations: Book 7-14 days ahead | Best for: Brunch with views, lighter Italian, accessible celebrity dining | Must Order: Lemon spaghetti, truffle pizza

Costa di Mare (Wynn Las Vegas)

Mediterranean seafood restaurant focusing on whole fish flown in from Europe. The Italian coastal influence dominates the menu. Expensive but exceptional for seafood lovers willing to splurge. The presentation of whole fish at your table is part of the experience.

Price Range: $80-150 per person | Reservations: Book 14-21 days ahead | Best for: Seafood enthusiasts, special occasions, coastal Italian preparations | Must Order: Whole branzino, frutti di mare

Authentic Italian: Where Locals Actually Eat

Osteria Fiorella (Downtown Arts District)

Rustic Italian done right. Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, seasonal vegetables, and prices that reflect neighborhood roots rather than Strip premiums. The red sauce pasta changes daily based on what's fresh. The atmosphere is cozy, unpretentious, and refreshingly free of tourists.

Price Range: $25-45 per person | Reservations: Recommended for dinner | Location: Arts District (off-Strip) | Best for: Authentic Italian without pretension, locals' scene, best value for quality

Casa di Amore (Off-Strip - West Sahara)

Vintage Vegas Italian that's been serving locals since 1974. Red booths, dim lighting, live piano, and old-school Italian-American classics at reasonable prices. This is where locals take out-of-town visitors for "authentic old Vegas." The experience is half food, half time capsule.

Price Range: $25-40 per person | Reservations: Weekends recommended | Best for: Romantic dinners, vintage Vegas atmosphere, traditional Italian-American, nostalgia

Best Pasta Dishes in Las Vegas

Italian cuisine revolves around pasta, and Vegas Italian restaurants take pasta seriously. Here are the pasta dishes worth traveling for:

Top 10 Pasta Dishes

1. Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil (Scarpetta) - $26: Simple perfection that chefs order on their nights off
2. Spicy Rigatoni Vodka (Carbone) - $32: The most famous pasta in Vegas for good reason
3. Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli (Scarpetta) - $36: Rich, luxurious, unforgettable
4. Spaghetti and Clams (Sinatra) - $36: Frank's favorite, prepared with premium ingredients
5. Lemon Spaghetti (Giada) - $24: Bright California-Italian at its best
6. Penne Arrabbiata (Rao's) - $24: Spicy tomato sauce done the Italian-American way
7. Cacio e Pepe (Osteria Fiorella) - $18: Roman classic with handmade pasta
8. Lobster Ravioli (Costa di Mare) - $42: Coastal Italian luxury
9. Tagliatelle Bolognese (Trattoria Reggiano) - $22: Traditional Northern Italian meat sauce
10. Squid Ink Pasta (multiple locations) - $28-36: Theatrical and delicious

Understanding Vegas Pasta Pricing

Strip pasta dishes range $24-42. Off-Strip authentic Italian: $16-26. The price difference reflects real estate costs and tourist premiums, not necessarily quality. Some of the best pasta in Vegas costs under $20 at neighborhood spots.

Reservation Strategy: How to Get a Table

Hardest Reservations

Carbone (ARIA)

Platform: Resy only | Booking Window: Exactly 30 days | Strategy: Set alarm for midnight, book immediately when window opens | Alternative: Check cancellations throughout day

Rao's Las Vegas (Caesars)

Platform: Phone only | Booking Window: As far ahead as possible | Strategy: Hotel guests and casino players get preference | Alternative: Bar seats occasionally available

Moderate Difficulty

Scarpetta, Sinatra, Giada: Book 14-21 days ahead via OpenTable or direct | Walk-ins: Sometimes possible early (5-6pm) or late (9pm+)

Easy Reservations

Osteria Fiorella, Trattoria Reggiano: 3-7 days sufficient | Casa di Amore, Bootlegger Bistro: Walk-ins usually fine

Insider Reservation Hacks

• Hotel Concierge: Staying at the same property gives priority for restaurant reservations
• Casino Hosts: Players with rated play can request hard-to-get reservations
• Cancellation Monitoring: Check Resy/OpenTable at 10am, 2pm, and 5pm for day-of cancellations
• Early/Late Dining: 5pm or 9:30pm+ much easier to book than prime 7-8pm
• Weekday Advantage: Tuesday-Thursday dramatically easier than Friday-Sunday

Italian Wine Programs: Where to Find the Best Bottles

Best Wine Programs

Sinatra Restaurant (Encore)

Extensive Italian collection including rare Barolos and aged Brunellos. Sommeliers excel at food pairing over trophy bottles. Price range: $80-2000+ per bottle

Carbone (ARIA)

Deep Italian-American wine program with focus on bold reds that match big flavors. Price range: $80-2000+ per bottle

Scarpetta (Cosmopolitan)

Curated selection focused on wines that pair specifically with pasta dishes. Excellent by-glass options. Price range: $60-600+ per bottle

Best Value Wine Programs

Osteria Fiorella: Thoughtful selection without excessive markup, sometimes no corkage fee | Casa di Amore: Basic but fair pricing on Italian classics

Wine Pairing Guide for Italian Dining

• Red Sauce Pasta: Chianti, Sangiovese, Montepulciano
• Cream Sauces: Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Soave
• Seafood Pasta: Verdicchio, Gavi, Falanghina
• Meat Dishes: Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Amarone
• Veal: Medium-bodied reds like Barbera or Valpolicella

Italian Dining on Every Budget

Under $30 Per Person

Best Options: Osteria Fiorella (lunch), Casa di Amore (early bird), Bootlegger Bistro (anytime) | Strategy: Lunch instead of dinner saves 30-40%, share pasta dishes, skip alcohol

$30-60 Per Person (Sweet Spot)

Best Options: Giada (lunch), Trattoria Reggiano (dinner), Osteria Fiorella (dinner) | Strategy: Prix fixe menus when offered, house wines, share appetizers and desserts

$60-120+ Per Person (Splurge)

Best Options: Carbone, Rao's Las Vegas, Scarpetta, Sinatra | Strategy: Share entrees (portions are huge), splurge on food and moderate on wine, skip pre-dinner cocktails

Money-Saving Tips

• Lunch Pricing: Same chefs, same quality, 30-50% cheaper than dinner
• Early Bird Specials: Many offer discounts for 5-6pm reservations
• Share Strategically: Italian portions are large—one pasta, one protein feeds two people
• House Wine: At upscale restaurants, house wine is often excellent value
• Skip Sides: Italian entrees typically include everything needed

Italian Restaurant Comparison Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Italian restaurant in Las Vegas?

For overall experience, Carbone delivers theatrical service and excellent food. For pure pasta perfection, Scarpetta Vegas is unmatched. For authentic Italian-American tradition, Rao's Las Vegas brings 128 years of history. For value, Osteria Fiorella offers authentic Italian at fair prices. The "best" depends on your priorities—splurge experience, food quality, tradition, or value.

How far in advance should I book Rao's Las Vegas?

Book Rao's Las Vegas as far ahead as possible by calling directly. Hotel guests at Caesars Palace and high-tier Caesars Rewards members get booking preference. Bar seats are occasionally available without advance reservation. For prime times (7-8pm Friday-Saturday), book 14-30 days ahead.

Is Scarpetta Vegas worth the price?

Yes. Scarpetta Vegas offers exceptional value among Strip Italian restaurants at $40-70 per person. The pasta tasting menu at $65 is particularly worthwhile. The quality matches restaurants charging $100+ per person. Lunch service offers similar food at 30% lower prices.

What should I wear to Sinatra restaurant?

Sinatra restaurant requires business casual minimum. Most diners dress more formally—collared shirts, dress pants or skirts, closed-toe shoes. Sports attire, shorts, flip-flops, and overly casual wear are not appropriate. Vegas tends to dress up more than other cities, especially at upscale restaurants.

Can I walk into Carbone without a reservation?

No. Carbone requires reservations through Resy, even for bar seats. The restaurant books solid 30 days in advance. Your best options are: (1) Book exactly at midnight 30 days before your desired date, (2) Check Resy throughout the day for cancellations, (3) Try for early (5pm) or late (9:30pm+) reservations which are slightly easier.

What's the signature dish I must try at Rao's Las Vegas?

The Lemon Chicken ($38) is the must-try signature dish at Rao's Las Vegas. This 100+ year family recipe features chicken thighs braised with lemon, garlic, and white wine. It's what regulars at the New York original have ordered for decades and represents authentic Italian-American cooking before red sauce became the default.

Are Italian restaurant portions huge in Vegas?

Italian-American restaurants (Carbone, Rao's, Casa di Amore) serve generous to oversized portions suitable for sharing. Modern Italian (Scarpetta, Giada) offers contemporary portion sizes. Authentic Italian (Osteria Fiorella) serves European-sized portions focused on quality over quantity. Factor this into ordering—one pasta and one protein often feeds two people at Italian-American spots.

Which Italian restaurant has the best wine program?

Sinatra restaurant has the most extensive Italian wine collection with rare Barolos and aged Brunellos. Carbone offers deep Italian-American selections. Scarpetta Vegas provides the most educational wine program with sommeliers who excel at food pairing. For value, Osteria Fiorella has thoughtful selections without excessive markup.

Can I find good Italian food in Vegas for under $30?

Absolutely. Osteria Fiorella serves authentic pasta and pizza for $16-22. Casa di Amore offers old-school Italian-American classics for $20-28. Bootlegger Bistro provides generous portions for $16-24. All three restaurants serve legitimately excellent Italian food without Strip price premiums.

What's better: Strip or off-Strip Italian restaurants?

Strip restaurants (Rao's, Scarpetta, Carbone, Sinatra) offer celebrity chef credentials, convenient locations, and full Vegas experience at premium prices. Off-Strip (Osteria Fiorella, Casa di Amore) provides better value, more authentic atmosphere, where locals eat, and easier parking. Best strategy: One Strip splurge plus off-Strip value meals.

Do Vegas Italian restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?

Most upscale Italian restaurants (Scarpetta, Carbone, Rao's, Sinatra) offer gluten-free pasta options. Italian cuisine is naturally vegetarian-friendly with multiple meatless options. Vegan options are more limited but possible—call ahead. Fine dining establishments take allergies seriously. Always inform your server of restrictions when ordering.

What's the best romantic Italian restaurant in Vegas?

Casa di Amore offers the most romantic atmosphere with vintage red booths, dim lighting, and live piano. Sinatra restaurant provides upscale romance with Frank's music and elegant atmosphere. Scarpetta offers modern sophistication. Carbone delivers energetic, sexy date-night energy. Match the vibe to your relationship style.

Is the food at celebrity chef Italian restaurants actually good?

Yes, but it varies. Scarpetta Vegas (Scott Conant) maintains quality equal to his New York flagship. Giada (Giada De Laurentiis) offers solid California-Italian. Carbone combines spectacle with legitimately excellent food. Rao's Las Vegas protects a 128-year family legacy. The celebrity Italian restaurants in Vegas take food seriously—they have to, or they'd fail quickly in this competitive market.

Your Vegas Italian Dining Strategy

The Perfect Vegas Italian Food Plan

Weekend Trip (2-3 Nights)

• One splurge dinner: Rao's Las Vegas, Scarpetta, or Carbone (book 14-30 days ahead)
• One casual meal: Osteria Fiorella or Casa di Amore for value and authenticity
• One lunch: Giada for views or Scarpetta for same quality at lower prices

Week-Long Trip

• Celebrity splurge: Rao's Las Vegas or Carbone for the full Vegas experience
• Pasta perfection: Scarpetta Vegas for modern Italian excellence
• Elegant classic: Sinatra restaurant for sophistication
• Authentic neighborhood: Osteria Fiorella for rustic Italian
• Vintage Vegas: Casa di Amore with live piano

Essential Italian Dining Rules for Vegas

1. Book reservations early: Carbone 30 days, Rao's and Sinatra 14-30 days, others 7-14 days
2. Understand portion sizes: Italian-American restaurants serve huge portions—share strategically
3. Leverage lunch pricing: Same kitchens, same quality, 30-50% less expensive
4. Trust the pasta: Vegas Italian restaurants take pasta seriously—order it
5. Don't skip off-Strip: Some of the best Italian food is away from casinos
6. Tip appropriately: 20% minimum, 22-25% for exceptional service
7. Dress the part: Vegas diners dress up more than other cities

Match Your Italian Restaurant to Your Mood

• Want culinary history: Rao's Las Vegas for 128-year-old family recipes
• Want pasta perfection: Scarpetta Vegas for modern Italian refinement
• Want elegant romance: Sinatra restaurant for sophistication with soul
• Want the scene: Carbone for theatrical service and celebrity spotting
• Want authenticity: Osteria Fiorella for rustic neighborhood Italian
• Want vintage Vegas: Casa di Amore for nostalgic atmosphere
• Want views: Giada for Bellagio fountain panoramas

Final Thoughts

Las Vegas has evolved into a legitimate Italian dining destination. The city offers everything from $16 authentic pasta to $200 multi-course experiences—and the quality across all price points is genuinely excellent.

The secret is understanding what you're craving: legendary Italian-American tradition at Rao's Las Vegas, pasta perfection at Scarpetta Vegas, elegant classics at Sinatra restaurant, theatrical excess at Carbone, or authentic neighborhood Italian at off-Strip gems.

Most importantly: Vegas Italian food is no longer about overpriced tourist traps. The competition is fierce, the talent pool deep, and the ingredients premium. Even "average" Italian restaurants in Vegas would be considered excellent in most cities.

Use this guide to match your budget, occasion, and Italian food preferences to the perfect restaurant. Whether you're spending $20 or $200 per person, Vegas can deliver Italian meals worth the trip.

This guide represents extensive research including meals at 15+ Las Vegas Italian restaurants, interviews with chefs and sommeliers, and ongoing monitoring of the Vegas Italian food scene. Restaurant information, prices, and menu items verified as of January 2025. Always confirm current details before visiting.