Thanks to the new status-conscious luxury resort-hotels, the Las Vegas restaurant scene has gone through a phenomenal change. Almost overnight, Vegas now competes with the world's major food cities, attracting celebrity multi-Michelin-starred chefs to create menus for the big-bucks restaurants. If you can't splurge on those fine dining destinations, expect diminished quality at other hotel restaurants, often not worthy the above-average prices and with long lines for their buffets. Travelers looking for budget options find more affordable (but completely uninspired) restaurants at the food courts around the shops of resorts like Caesar's Palace or the Venetian, but for the most memorable dining experiences in the city, consider these:


Payard Patisserie & Bistro
Award-winning pastry chef François Payard has had a famous upscale pastry shop in New York for some time now, but in November of 2007 he took his success to Vegas. It is found inside Caesar's Palace in a beautifully-designed space that includes a pastry shop, chocolate shop, and a dining area. You can have the chef's signature chocolates, sandwiches, and pastries, as well as made-to-order crepes and homemade ice-creams. A traditional bistro experience is provided in the dining room, with its leather banquettes and dark wood tables. It's the perfect place for a French-style breakfast or a lighter lunch.

Social House
This is the place for sushi and Pan Asian cuisine on the Strip. Operating as a restaurant and a lounge, you can sit in the dining room or outside in the patio, although it is inside that you'll find the best atmosphere. The sophisticated décor and ambience is perfect for a dinner for two, and the patio should be your following stop for drinks late into the night. It overlooks the Strip, as experienced by Britney Spears, Linsday Lohan, Nick Lachey, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Enrique Iglesias, and Eva Longoria who have all dined here.

Okada at the Wynn
The award-winning chef at this restaurant in the Wynn is an expert in Japanese and contemporary French cuisine. It is served in a well designed space, from where you can get views of the lagoon and gardens.

Guy Savoy
Three-star Michelin chef Guy Savoy was lured to American by Caesar's Palace and he brought his award-winning French cuisine with him. Ironically, his Paris restaurant does not have a view to the Eiffel Tower, but his Las Vegas restaurant does. Sure it's a replica, but this is Vegas where you can virtually experience anything. It's obviously all very expensive, but this is some of the most refined dining in the world so the $300 or so you pay for the 10-course Menu Prestige with Mr. Savoy's signature dishes will sure be an experience to remember.

Joel Robuchon at the Mansion
If you have about $400 to spend for dinner, choose Joel Robuchon's 16-course degustation menu. His 3-Michelin star Las Vegas restaurant only has 64 tables so getting one is like hitting the jackpot. Soft classical piano music plays in the background to accompany you for four hours as you experience the phenomenal flavors and presentation of each course. If you wish you could have a similar experience at cheaper prices, move next door to L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon where you can sit at the counter and see the chefs prepare your food in front of you, or choose the tasting menu that "only" has 10 courses and costs about $150.

Bouchon at The Venetian
Once named America's best chef by Time magazine, Thomas Keller offers top French cuisine at this restaurant inside The Venetian. You'll find bistro classics made with seasonal products and a superb wine list that have all contributed to the several distinctions including Best Las Vegas Restaurant at the Las Vegas Life 2005 Epicurean Awards.

Aureole
Charlie Palmer is one of America's top chefs and at his Las Vegas restaurant he presents some of his best New American cuisine. Too bad the restaurant also adds some theatrics with its "Wine Angels" waitresses flying through the wine tower to collect your wine. Yes you read that right, but only in Vegas can you have tackiness and sophistication present in the same space. Consider this a true Las Vegas experience.

BARTOLOTTA AT THE WYNN
The Wynn has several eating choices, but this one makes the best lunch option, serving some excellent Italian seafood. The fish is flown in daily from Europe, so expect to be impressed and charged accordingly.

SENSI - 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Located in the Bellagio's Spa Tower, this restaurant specializes in the cuisines of Italy, Asia, and America, together with seafood, presenting them in a space with waterfalls and carved stone. The clientele is just as eclectic.

ONDA RISTORANTE - 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas' best Italian restaurant offers classic rustic Italian cuisine innovated for America. You'll find it inside the Mirage Casino Hotel.

TAO
The famous New York hotspot has been brought to Last Vegas' Venetian. It specializes in Asian cuisines (Hong Kong, Japanese, and Thai) prepared by master chefs from Asia. You'll be served in a lush dining area of old wood and stone, lots of velvet and silk. More than a restaurant this is a huge entertainment complex fit for Vegas which includes a hip nightclub.

Nobu
Known for his modern and original Japanese cuisine, chef Nobu Matsuhisa saw his fame rise especially after opening his New York restaurant. The one in Las Vegas is found inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and also serves fresh sushi and seafood. The décor is also similar to the restaurant in the Big Apple, featuring bamboo pillars.

Simon at Palms Place
Located in the Palms Place Hotel, this restaurant overlooks a dramatic outdoor pool and offers views of the Spring Mountains. It is named after Kerry Simon, the celebrity chef made famous in the Food Network's "Iron Chef America." It opened in May of 2008, designed by architect David Rockwell using hardwood ceilings and large windows. A glass wall filled with shelves of potted herbs is where the kitchen staff gets its fresh seasonings to be mixed into the modern American menu.