restaurants

RPM Italian Las Vegas Review

4.5
Reviewed by TravelGuide.Vegas

A Modern Italian Powerhouse in the Heart of the Strip

RPM Italian brings a slice of Chicago's renowned dining scene to Las Vegas with its sophisticated take on Italian-American cuisine. Located in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, this restaurant combines celebrity allure (co-owned by Bill and Giuliana Rancic) with serious culinary chops to create one of the Strip's most compelling Italian destinations.

Ambiance and Atmosphere

The space immediately impresses with its contemporary design featuring dark woods, polished brass accents, and dramatic lighting. The open kitchen provides theatrical energy, while the spacious dining room manages to feel both upscale and approachable. The noise level can be energetic during peak hours, creating that quintessential Vegas buzz without becoming overwhelming.

Culinary Highlights

The menu excels in both classic preparations and modern interpretations. Standouts include the truffle garlic bread - an indulgent starter that justifies its cult following - and the short rib agnolotti, where delicate pasta parcels burst with rich, savory filling. Pastas are clearly a strength here, with the spicy king crab linguine offering perfect al dente texture balanced by generous seafood portions.

Main courses maintain the quality, particularly the wood-fired seafood tower for sharing and the remarkably tender 48-hour beef short rib. While pastas shine brightest, the pizza program delivers respectable thin-crust options with quality ingredients.

Service and Experience

Service generally matches the upscale environment with knowledgeable servers who can navigate the extensive menu. Timing between courses can occasionally feel rushed during busy periods, but the staff remains professional and attentive throughout. The sommelier provides excellent guidance through the substantial Italian-focused wine list.

Value Considerations

With pastas ranging $24-38 and mains $32-68, RPM sits squarely in the premium Vegas dining category. While not inexpensive, portions are generous and quality consistently high. The restaurant offers better value than many Strip Italian competitors when considering ingredient quality and execution.

Practical Information

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM-11 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-12 AM
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for dinner
Dress Code: Upscale casual (no athletic wear or beach attire)
Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevator access from Forum Shops

Ideal For

Couples: Romantic booths and excellent cocktails make for great date nights
Business Dining: Impressive setting with private dining options available
Groups: Spacious layout accommodates larger parties well
Special Occasions: Memorable dishes and celebratory atmosphere

Final Verdict

RPM Italian delivers on its promise of elevated Italian cuisine in a stylish, energetic environment. While the price point places it in the luxury category, the consistent quality and standout pasta program justify the investment for those seeking a refined Italian experience on the Strip.