Best Italian Restaurants in Las Vegas: Complete Guide 2025

Vegas Has Become an Italian Food Powerhouse

Las Vegas has quietly assembled one of America's most impressive collections of Italian restaurants. Not the red-sauce, checkered-tablecloth stereotypes of the past, but legitimate Italian cuisine spanning every regional tradition from Sicilian seafood to Piedmontese pasta to Roman carbonara.

The evolution happened fast. Twenty years ago, Vegas Italian meant generic casino restaurants serving oversized portions of predictable dishes. Today, the city attracts celebrity chefs with actual Italian credentials, imports pasta-making talent from Bologna, and sources ingredients that rival what you'd find in Milan or Rome.

This comprehensive guide covers the entire spectrum of Vegas Italian dining. Whether you're seeking a $300 tasting menu experience, authentic regional specialties, the city's best pizza, or simply excellent pasta at reasonable prices, this guide will navigate you through the dozens of options to find exactly what you're craving.

What Makes Vegas Italian Different

Celebrity chef concentration: More big-name Italian chefs than any city outside New York
Import culture: Vegas restaurants actually fly in San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and Italian wines
Theatrical presentation: Vegas understands that Italian dining is performance as much as food
Price range extremes: From $12 pizza to $400 tasting menus, all at exceptional quality
Fresh pasta programs: Top restaurants make pasta daily, often visible to diners

The Vegas Italian Hierarchy

Celebrity chef destinations: Carbone, Giada, Rao's - famous names delivering experiences
Authentic regional Italian: Chefs from specific Italian regions showcasing traditional cuisine
Modern Italian innovation: Contemporary interpretations pushing boundaries
Classic Italian-American: The red-sauce tradition done exceptionally well
Neighborhood gems: Off-Strip trattorias serving locals and insiders

Celebrity Chef Italian: The Headliners

Carbone (ARIA Resort)

The most difficult reservation in Vegas Italian dining, and with good reason. Carbone brings the theatrical excess of 1950s New York Italian-American dining to the Strip with impeccable execution and a service style that's simultaneously retro and modern.

What Makes Carbone Special

Signature dishes: Spicy rigatoni vodka, Caesar salad tableside, veal parmesan for two
Service theater: Choreographed presentations, tuxedoed waiters, old-school professionalism
Portion philosophy: Generous servings meant for sharing, family-style encouraged
Wine program: Exceptional Italian selections with knowledgeable sommeliers
Price range: $60-120 per person before drinks

Reservation Strategy

Book exactly 30 days in advance when reservations open. Check daily for cancellations. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins, but expect significant waits. Tuesday through Thursday slightly easier than weekends.

What to Order

The spicy rigatoni vodka is mandatory - it's become Vegas legendary. Caesar salad prepared tableside adds theater. For entrees, the veal parmesan for two is the signature, though the lamb chops and branzino also excel. Save room for the carrot cake or spumoni ice cream service.

Giada (The Cromwell)

Giada De Laurentiis's restaurant surprised skeptics who expected Food Network celebrity cashing in. Instead, it delivers legitimate Italian-Californian cuisine with stunning Strip views and dishes that showcase actual culinary sophistication.

The Giada Experience

Location advantage: Rooftop setting with Bellagio fountain and Strip views
Cuisine style: Italian with California ingredients and techniques
Standout dishes: Lemon spaghetti, marsala herb chicken, limoncello cake
Brunch program: Weekend brunch exceptionally popular, book ahead
Price range: $40-80 per person

Why It Works

Giada succeeds by honoring Italian fundamentals while embracing lighter, brighter California sensibilities. The lemon spaghetti exemplifies this balance - traditional pasta technique with vibrant citrus emphasis. The rooftop location adds romance impossible to replicate elsewhere on the Strip.

Rao's (Caesars Palace)

The legendary 125-year-old East Harlem institution that's notoriously impossible to access in New York becomes surprisingly approachable in Vegas. Same recipes, same red-sauce excellence, without the decade-long waitlist.

Rao's Las Vegas Details

Heritage: Recipes from the original 1896 Harlem restaurant
Signature sauce: Famous marinara sauce available for retail purchase
Must-order dishes: Meatballs, Uncle Vincent's lemon chicken, seafood salad
Atmosphere: Classic Italian-American with photos and memorabilia
Price range: $50-90 per person

The Rao's Strategy

Unlike New York where getting a table requires connections, Vegas Rao's takes regular reservations. Book two weeks ahead for weekend dinners. Lunch offers similar food with easier access. The meatballs justify their legendary status - order them regardless of what else you choose.

Authentic Regional Italian: Beyond the Stereotypes

Scarpetta (Cosmopolitan)

Scott Conant's Scarpetta proves that Italian food reaches its peak when it strips away excess to focus on perfect technique and pristine ingredients. The signature spaghetti with tomato and basil contains only five ingredients yet achieves sublime complexity.

The Scarpetta Philosophy

Pasta mastery: Fresh pasta made daily, cooked to precise texture
Signature dish: Spaghetti tomato basil - deceptively simple, perfectly executed
Duck and foie gras ravioli: Rich, luxurious, worth every calorie
Crudo program: Raw fish preparations with Italian influences
Price range: $40-75 per person

Why Scarpetta Matters

In a city obsessed with excess, Scarpetta champions restraint. Each dish contains only necessary components, executed flawlessly. The tomato basil spaghetti teaches an important lesson - great Italian food doesn't require complexity, just impeccable ingredients and technique.

Estiatorio Milos (Cosmopolitan)

While technically Greek, Milos deserves inclusion for its Mediterranean approach that heavily influences modern Italian coastal cuisine. The fresh fish selection rivals anything in Venice or Sicily.

Market display: Choose your fish from ice-packed daily catches
Simple preparation: Grilled with lemon, olive oil, minimal interference
Mediterranean philosophy: Let ingredients speak for themselves
Price range: $70-120 per person depending on fish selection

Sinatra (Encore)

A tribute to Frank Sinatra's favorite Italian-American dishes, executed with modern technique and premium ingredients. The restaurant balances nostalgia with culinary innovation beautifully.

Ambiance: Old Vegas glamour, intimate booths, Sinatra memorabilia
Signature dishes: Osso buco, chicken parmesan, classic Italian-American favorites
Entertainment: Live music creates authentic Rat Pack atmosphere
Price range: $50-100 per person

Fresh Pasta Programs: Made Before Your Eyes

The Pasta Revolution in Vegas

Top Italian restaurants in Vegas now employ actual Italian pasta makers, often visible through kitchen windows, rolling and cutting fresh pasta throughout service. This wasn't standard even ten years ago.

Restaurants With Exceptional Fresh Pasta

Lago by Julian Serrano (Bellagio)

Small plates concept: Order multiple pasta dishes to share
Signature pastas: Truffle tagliatelle, lobster ravioli, carbonara
Gelato program: Made fresh daily in traditional flavors
Location benefit: Bellagio fountain views from patio seating
Price range: $35-65 per person

Buddy V's Ristorante (Grand Canal Shoppes)

Family-style Italian: Generous portions, shareable plates
Fresh pasta variety: Different shapes made daily
Cake Boss connection: Buddy Valastro's desserts are exceptional
Price range: $30-60 per person

Ferraro's Italian Restaurant (Off-Strip)

Local institution: Family-owned since 1985
Traditional techniques: Old-school pasta making by hand
Regional focus: Southern Italian specialties
Wine cellar: 1,000+ Italian wine selections
Price range: $40-80 per person

What to Look for in Fresh Pasta

Texture: Slightly rough surface that holds sauce better than smooth dried pasta
Bite: Al dente with slight resistance, never mushy or overcooked
Sauce integration: Pasta and sauce should unify, not sit separately
Shape appropriateness: Different shapes pair with specific sauces for reason

Best Pizza in Las Vegas: From Neapolitan to New York Style

Neapolitan Pizza Excellence

Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana (Multiple Locations)

VPN-certified authentic Neapolitan pizza made with imported Italian ingredients and wood-fired in 900-degree ovens. This is the real thing - soft, blistered crust with simple toppings.

Certification: Verace Pizza Napoletana official certification
Technique: 90-second cook time in wood-burning oven
Margherita standard: San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil
Local favorite: Multiple Vegas locations, strong local following
Price range: $12-18 per pizza

Evel Pie (Downtown)

Downtown Vegas pizza joint serving New York-style pies with creative toppings and Evel Knievel-themed decor. Excellent late-night option with by-the-slice availability.

Style: New York thin-crust, foldable slices
Creative toppings: Beyond traditional options
Hours: Late night service until 3 AM
Atmosphere: Casual, fun, perfect for groups
Price range: $3-5 per slice, $18-25 per pie

Strip Pizza Options

Secret Pizza (Cosmopolitan)

Hidden third-floor pizza counter serving late-night New York-style slices. The "secret" is now well-known, but the pizza remains excellent and the location adds to the experience.

Location: Third floor of Cosmopolitan, near the Chelsea Tower
Hours: Late night until 5 AM on weekends
Style: Classic New York cheese and pepperoni
Price: $5-7 per slice

Otto Enoteca Pizzeria (Grand Canal Shoppes)

Chef: Mario Batali's casual pizza concept
Style: Roman-style pizza with unusual toppings
Wine focus: Italian wine bar attached
Price range: $15-22 per pizza

Off-Strip Pizza Gems

Naked City Pizza (Off-Strip)

Local cult favorite: Beloved by Vegas residents
Craft beer selection: Excellent beer program
Creative combinations: Inventive topping choices
Price range: $12-20 per pizza

Romantic Italian Dining: Special Occasion Destinations

Costa di Mare (Wynn)

Mediterranean seafood with Italian influences in an elegant setting overlooking the Wynn golf course. Perfect for anniversaries and special celebrations.

Seafood focus: Fresh Mediterranean fish flown in daily
Setting: Lagoon views, intimate atmosphere
Wine program: Exceptional Italian and French selections
Dress code: Business casual to elegant
Price range: $80-150 per person

Maggiano's Little Italy (Fashion Show Mall)

While a chain, the Vegas location delivers consistent Italian-American comfort food in generous portions with attentive service ideal for group celebrations.

Family-style service: Large-format dishes for sharing
Reliable classics: Consistent execution of familiar favorites
Group-friendly: Accommodates large parties easily
Price range: $25-45 per person

Battista's Hole in the Wall (Off-Strip)

Old-school Vegas Italian serving family-style dinners since 1970. The accordion player, house wine included with dinner, and throwback atmosphere create unique romantic nostalgia.

Vintage Vegas: Unchanged since opening, intentionally retro
Included wine: House wine comes with all dinners
Entertainment: Strolling accordion player creates atmosphere
Price range: $30-50 per person including wine

Italian Wine Programs: Beyond the Glass

Best Italian Wine Lists in Vegas

Ferraro's Italian Restaurant

Over 1,000 Italian wine selections spanning every major region. The staff actually knows Italian wine geography and can guide selections expertly.

Depth: Vertical vintages of Super Tuscans and Barolos
Regional coverage: From Piedmont to Sicily comprehensively
Sommelier expertise: Staff can discuss regions, vintages, pairings knowledgeably
By-the-glass program: Rotating selections showcase variety

Carbone

Focused Italian wine list emphasizing bottles that pair with rich Italian-American cuisine. Staff guides pairings effectively.

Lago by Julian Serrano

Small plates format allows experimenting with multiple wines throughout the meal. The by-the-glass program encourages pairing each dish individually.

Italian Wine Regions to Explore

Piedmont: Barolo and Barbaresco - powerful reds for rich dishes
Tuscany: Chianti, Brunello, Super Tuscans - versatile food wines
Veneto: Amarone, Valpolicella - concentrated, dried-grape wines
Sicily: Nero d'Avola - food-friendly reds often overlooked
Friuli: White wines that pair beautifully with seafood

Strip vs Off-Strip Italian: Where to Spend Your Money

Strip Italian Restaurants

Advantages

Celebrity chef access: Big names concentrate on the Strip
Atmosphere and views: Locations often include Strip or fountain views
Convenience: Easy access if staying on Strip
Service quality: Generally highly trained staff

Disadvantages

Premium pricing: Expect 30-50% markup over off-Strip equivalents
Tourist crowds: Busier, noisier environments
Reservation difficulty: Popular spots book far in advance

Off-Strip Italian Restaurants

Advantages

Better value: Similar quality at lower prices
Local atmosphere: Fewer tourists, more authentic vibe
Easier reservations: Less competition for tables
Generous portions: Often more food for the money

Disadvantages

Transportation required: Need rideshare or rental car
Less spectacle: Simpler settings without elaborate design
Discovery required: Research needed to find best options

Strategic Approach

Balance both. Splurge on one Strip celebrity chef experience like Carbone or Giada, then explore off-Strip gems like Ferraro's or Settebello for additional meals. This maximizes both experience variety and value.

Budget-Friendly Italian: Great Food Under $25

Casual Italian Worth Your Time

Metro Pizza (Multiple Locations)

Local chain: Vegas-based with multiple locations
Style: New York-style pizza and Italian-American classics
Lunch specials: Excellent value during weekday lunch
Price range: $8-18 per person

Bootlegger Bistro (Off-Strip)

Local institution: Family-owned since 1949
Live entertainment: Nightly performers create atmosphere
Italian-American classics: Generous portions, reasonable prices
Price range: $15-28 per person

Eataly (Park MGM)

Italian marketplace: Multiple food counters and restaurants
Counter service options: Pizza, pasta, panini at casual prices
Marketplace shopping: Buy Italian ingredients to bring home
Price range: $10-25 depending on counter choice

Money-Saving Italian Strategies

Lunch at dinner restaurants: Same kitchen, smaller portions, lower prices
Happy hour: Many Italian restaurants offer small plates and drink specials
Off-Strip locations: Significant savings for similar quality
Family-style sharing: Order fewer dishes to split rather than individual entrees

Reservation Strategy and Insider Tips

Booking Timeline

Celebrity Chef Restaurants (Carbone, Giada, Rao's)

Advance booking: 30 days for Carbone when reservations open
Daily checking: Monitor for cancellations
Weekday advantage: Tuesday-Thursday slightly easier
Bar seating: Often available for walk-ins with waits

Mid-Tier Restaurants

Two weeks ahead: Sufficient for most weekend reservations
OpenTable availability: Good real-time visibility
Direct calling: Sometimes yields better tables

Local Favorites

Less advance needed: 3-7 days usually sufficient
Walk-in friendly: Many accept walk-ins during off-peak
Weeknight availability: Easy access Monday-Thursday

Best Times to Dine

Early dinner: 5:00-6:00 PM less crowded, easier walk-ins
Late dinner: 9:00 PM or later, better service as pace slows
Lunch service: Same food, smaller portions, 30-40% lower prices
Sunday-Monday: Slower days with easier availability

Dress Code Navigation

Fine dining: Business casual minimum, elegant preferred
Celebrity chef casual: Nice jeans acceptable, avoid shorts
Local trattorias: Casual dress perfectly fine
Pizza joints: Completely casual, come as you are

Italian Restaurant Comparison Guide

Quick Reference by Priority

Best Overall Experience

Winner: Carbone - theatrical service, exceptional food, unforgettable atmosphere
Runner-up: Scarpetta - pasta perfection in sophisticated setting

Best Value

Winner: Ferraro's - exceptional food, comprehensive wine list, fair pricing
Runner-up: Settebello - authentic Neapolitan pizza at reasonable prices

Best for Romance

Winner: Costa di Mare - elegant setting, beautiful views, intimate atmosphere
Runner-up: Battista's - nostalgic charm, strolling accordion player

Best Pizza

Neapolitan: Settebello - VPN-certified authenticity
New York Style: Evel Pie - perfect drunk food or casual meal

Best Fresh Pasta

Winner: Scarpetta - Scott Conant's pasta mastery
Runner-up: Lago - small plates format allows multiple pasta tastings

Best Wine Program

Winner: Ferraro's - 1,000+ bottles, knowledgeable staff
Runner-up: Carbone - focused list perfect for their cuisine

Best for Groups

Winner: Maggiano's - family-style service, large party accommodations
Runner-up: Buddy V's - generous portions, shareable format

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best Italian restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip?

Carbone at ARIA consistently ranks as the best Strip Italian restaurant, offering theatrical Italian-American dining with exceptional service and signature dishes like spicy rigatoni vodka. However, reservations are extremely difficult. For easier access with comparable quality, try Scarpetta at Cosmopolitan or Giada at The Cromwell.

Where can I find authentic Italian food in Las Vegas?

Authentic Italian is found both on and off the Strip. Scarpetta delivers legitimate Italian technique. Off-Strip, Ferraro's Italian Restaurant has served authentic Southern Italian cuisine since 1985. For certified authentic Neapolitan pizza, Settebello holds official VPN certification ensuring traditional techniques and ingredients.

Does Las Vegas have good pizza?

Yes, Vegas pizza has improved dramatically. Settebello serves VPN-certified Neapolitan pizza, Evel Pie delivers excellent New York-style slices, and Secret Pizza at Cosmopolitan offers quality late-night options. The variety now spans from authentic Italian styles to creative American interpretations.

How expensive are Italian restaurants in Vegas?

Vegas Italian spans extreme price ranges. Budget $12-20 at casual pizzerias like Settebello, $40-80 at mid-range restaurants like Giada or Scarpetta, and $80-150+ at fine dining destinations like Carbone or Costa di Mare. Off-Strip locations typically cost 30-40% less than Strip equivalents.

Do I need reservations for Vegas Italian restaurants?

Reservations are essential for celebrity chef restaurants, especially Carbone, Giada, and Rao's. Book 30 days ahead for Carbone, 2-3 weeks for others. Local off-Strip restaurants and casual pizza spots accept walk-ins more readily, though calling ahead on weekends is wise.

Which Vegas Italian restaurants make fresh pasta?

Scarpetta, Lago by Julian Serrano, Ferraro's, and Carbone all make fresh pasta daily. Scarpetta's pasta program is particularly noteworthy, with Scott Conant's expertise in fresh pasta technique evident in every dish. Many display pasta-making through kitchen windows.

Are there good off-Strip Italian restaurants?

Absolutely. Ferraro's Italian Restaurant offers exceptional quality with better value than Strip equivalents. Bootlegger Bistro provides classic Italian-American in a local atmosphere. Settebello's multiple locations serve authentic Neapolitan pizza. Off-Strip options typically cost 30-50% less with generous portions.

What should I order at Carbone Las Vegas?

The spicy rigatoni vodka is mandatory - it's achieved legendary status. Add the Caesar salad prepared tableside for theater. For entrees, the veal parmesan for two showcases their Italian-American mastery. Finish with carrot cake or the spumoni ice cream service.

Is Giada's restaurant actually good or just celebrity marketing?

Giada exceeds expectations, delivering legitimate Italian-California cuisine rather than celebrity cash-grab food. The lemon spaghetti and marsala herb chicken showcase actual culinary sophistication. The rooftop location with fountain views adds value. It's genuinely good, not just famous.

Where can I get late-night Italian food in Vegas?

Secret Pizza at Cosmopolitan serves until 5 AM on weekends. Evel Pie downtown stays open until 3-4 AM. Some hotel Italian restaurants offer late-night menus. For 24-hour options, Eataly at Park MGM has sections open around the clock.

What's the dress code for Italian restaurants in Vegas?

Fine dining Italian (Carbone, Costa di Mare) requires business casual minimum; elegant attire preferred. Mid-tier restaurants accept nice jeans with collared shirts. Casual pizza spots and trattorias have no dress code. When in doubt, call ahead - Vegas restaurants generally communicate expectations clearly.

Are Vegas Italian restaurants good for large groups?

Yes, especially family-style restaurants. Maggiano's specializes in large parties with shareable platters. Buddy V's Ristorante accommodates groups well. Carbone works for groups but requires advanced booking. Most Italian restaurants embrace communal dining culture and handle groups effectively.

Can I find gluten-free Italian options in Vegas?

Most major Italian restaurants now offer gluten-free pasta options. Scarpetta, Giada, and Lago all accommodate gluten-free requests. Call ahead to verify options and avoid cross-contamination concerns. Pizza places increasingly offer gluten-free crusts, though quality varies significantly.

What's the best Italian restaurant for a romantic dinner?

Costa di Mare at Wynn offers elegant Mediterranean seafood with lagoon views ideal for romance. Giada's rooftop setting with fountain views creates memorable moments. For nostalgic romance, Battista's Hole in the Wall delivers old-Vegas charm with strolling accordion player. Choose based on your romance style.

How does Vegas Italian compare to New York or Italy?

Vegas Italian rivals major food cities by importing talent, ingredients, and techniques from Italy and New York. You won't find the neighborhood trattoria diversity of Italy, but top-tier Vegas Italian matches quality anywhere. The theatrical Vegas approach adds elements you won't experience elsewhere.

Your Vegas Italian Dining Strategy

The Perfect Vegas Italian Experience

Las Vegas Italian dining has evolved from afterthought to destination. Whether seeking celebrity chef glamour, authentic regional specialties, or simply excellent pizza, Vegas delivers across all categories and price points.

Recommended Approach for Different Travelers

First-Time Vegas Visitors

Book one celebrity chef experience (Carbone or Giada) for the full Vegas Italian experience
Try authentic Neapolitan pizza at Settebello
Explore Eataly marketplace for casual Italian variety

Return Visitors and Foodies

Focus on off-Strip gems like Ferraro's for better value and authentic atmosphere
Explore fresh pasta programs at Scarpetta and Lago
Experience old-Vegas Italian at Battista's Hole in the Wall

Budget-Conscious Travelers

Lunch at celebrity chef restaurants for same food, lower prices
Off-Strip locations like Metro Pizza and Bootlegger Bistro
Happy hour small plates at Italian wine bars

Special Occasion Diners

Carbone for theatrical Italian-American celebration
Costa di Mare for romantic elegance
Giada for fountain views and sophisticated cuisine

Final Recommendations

The best Vegas Italian strategy balances Strip spectacle with off-Strip value. Splurge on one unforgettable celebrity chef meal, then explore neighborhood trattorias and pizza joints where locals actually eat. This approach maximizes both experience and value.

Don't skip wine. Italian food and Italian wine evolved together over centuries - they're designed to complement each other. Even at casual restaurants, a simple Chianti or Montepulciano elevates the entire meal.

Most importantly, embrace the Vegas approach to Italian dining. This isn't Italy where meals last three hours at neighborhood spots. Vegas Italian adds theatrical flair, premium ingredients, and service intensity you won't find in Rome or Florence. Rather than viewing this as inauthentic, recognize it as Vegas creating its own legitimate Italian-American tradition.

This guide represents extensive research including meals at 30+ Las Vegas Italian restaurants, interviews with Italian chefs and pasta makers, and ongoing monitoring of Vegas dining evolution. Prices and availability subject to change; always verify current information before visiting. Wine recommendations based on classic Italian food and wine pairing principles adapted to Vegas contexts.