You want to dine like the locals when you visit Vegas?  Well then, I’m going to tell you like it is…straight from a local’s mouth.  We like convenience.  We also like consistency. Most of the time, locals like to stick to their own little 5-mile radius surrounding their neighborhood, 10-miles on a good day.  Sounds ridiculous, I know, so when we commit to the Strip, it better be good food and easy to access. Especially on date night, when you should not be concerned about the wait, the food or the service.  The following list are my personal faves for such a night.  The easy access to the Valet from the I-15, and easy access from Valet to the restaurant are just bonus points. These places have gorgeous decor, amazing food, intimate atmosphere and impeccable service creating the perfect combination to relax, unwind and enjoy each others company.

• Sage | Aria: The room itself is reminiscent of being in a 1930′s Hollywood super club, dark and dramatic with a hint of modern elegance.  Chef Shawn McClain takes advantage of Farm to Table produce, sustainable seafood and artisanal meats, and creates some of the most extraordinary meals you will ever taste.  Dinner and a Show:  Request an after dinner drink and see the art of preparing Absinthe performed table side.  Feeling Frisky? Pop over to Kiki de Montparnasse at the Crystals to finish off your night.

• Picasso | The Bellagio: Stunning.  From the 1500 bottle wine collection that greets you, to the ceramic pot light fixtures, and priceless pieces of Picasso’s artwork that adorns the wall.  The menu is a flair of French and Spanish inspired dishes created by award-winning Chef Julian Serrano.  I suggest adding the wine pairing to enhance your palate.  Take your dessert outside to the intimate bar that sits out on the lake and catch the famous Bellagio fountains show with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.

• Estiatorio Milos | The Cosmopolitan:  Dazzle your date by taking them to one of the only fine dining Greek restaurants in North America.  Your server will escort you to select your choice of fresh fish for the evening.  Then sip a fine Greek sparkling white wine and nosh on homemade Greek bread dipped in imported Greek olive oil.  When making a reservation, request a table with a spectacular view of the Strip.  Learn more about my experience at Estiatorio Milos here.

• The Eiffel Tower Restaurant | Paris: There really is no bad seat in the house, but you can request a window table and have breath taking views of the Strip and the Bellagio water show.  Order the Lobster Thermador for a divine indulgence.  I love how the open kitchen and the high backed red booths create an lively, yet romantic setting.

• Aureole | Mandalay Bay: Yes, yes, yes…Wine Angel Stewards aplenty, but if you are looking for something really romantic and secluded, request a table in the Swan Court.  You will forget for those two hours or so, you are actually in Vegas. Chef Charlie Palmer does not disappoint in his French inspired menu selections, and the lounge area is a great place to grab an aperitif before dinner.

• Nobu | Hard Rock Hotel: Not so much in the mood for high class romance, then head over to the Hard Rock for chic and sexy sushi by Chef Nobu.  I love to both sit at the bar with my hubby or grab a table.  Either way, it makes for a more relaxed night with a flair of sophistication and don’t even have to think about it good food.  Can’t not order the Black Miso Cod, it’s a standard fix, and it’s delicious.

• Rao’s | Ceaser’s Palace: OK, so it’s not as close to the Valet as I would like, but it’s a good excuse to burn off the extra calories after devouring the amazing Veal Parm and Lemon Roasted Chicken.  Candlelit, old school Italian with ingredients so fresh, they remind me of eating dinner at my great-aunt’s walk-up in Brooklyn.  Even Whole Foods acquired their line of sauces and now their signature wine collection, Strawberry Ridge, which is also available at Rao’s, only in Las Vegas. (And, it’s the only prepared sauce I’ll serve my family.)

• Fix |Bellagio:  Sometimes date night is beautiful restaurants and fancy foods.  But every once in a while, the hubs and I want to hit the town…especially before a concert or nightclub, and Fix is the perfect spot for that.  Great food (Buffalo Chicken Wings and Bill’s Spicy Tuna are my favorite), great drinks that change seasonally so they are always innovative, and great music.  Yes, a little loud at times, so definitely not the place you want to have the “let’s talk about our future” conversation, but a great place to get your night started and inject some energy into an exhausting week.  Can’t get to the Bellagio?  No worries, check out Stack at the Mirage or Union at Aria.  All are Light Group entities and provide a similar experience at each one.

• Mastro’s Ocean Club | Crystals (City Center):  Sometimes, you just want a good steak and a glass of red wine…or maybe a cocktail.  Either way, Mastro’s is dialed in.  Located in the Tree House at Crystals in the City Center, it’s a modern twist to the classic date night.  A piano bar, a sexy lounge, steak, seafood, cocktails…this is the place to bring up those 2 carat diamond earings or Louis clutch you’ve been eyeing.  Complete the evening with their Signature Warm Butter  Cake.  You will be back.  Just for this dessert.  Trust me on this.

• Morels | The Palazzo  I love when restaurants offer lots of little things.  Like Ceaser Salad preparation table-side, or a charcuterie bar, or a menu just for cheese offerings.  Morels has all of that along with wet and dry-aged beef, with a bone-in fillet that is to die for.  Most importantly, when I’m undecided on my beverage of choice for the evening, the mixologist at the lounge creates something amazing, and I can enjoy it on the patio, overlooking the Strip, chatting with my husband and people watching.  Pure date night success.

Did I cover the gamut?  I think I’ve visited almost every restaurant in town, so if I missed your favorite cuisine, let me know and I’ll be happy to share my local’s fave with you!

- Stefanie