Top 3 Restaurants for Modern Italian in Las Vegas
Our expert team ranks Matteo's Ristorante Italiano, Carmine's Italian Restaurant - Las Vegas, and Carmine's Italian Restaurant Las Vegas based on culinary innovation, ambiance, and authentic yet contemporary Italian dining experiences.
Our Methodology
Our rankings were determined through multiple anonymous visits, evaluating each establishment across four weighted criteria: Quality (30%) assessing ingredient freshness and culinary execution, Value (25%) measuring portion quality against price, Service (25%) evaluating staff knowledge and attentiveness, and Experience (20%) considering ambiance, atmosphere, and overall dining journey. Each restaurant was scored independently by three reviewers with scores averaged for final results.
Matteo's Ristorante Italiano
The Venetian Resort • $$$
Matteo's earns the top spot through exceptional execution of modern Italian techniques, innovative flavor combinations, and an ambiance that perfectly balances sophistication with warmth.
Key Highlights
Detailed Review
Culinary Innovation Meets Tradition
Matteo's stands as Las Vegas' premier destination for modern Italian cuisine, masterfully blending innovation with deep respect for tradition. Executive Chef Giovanni Bianco's menu features stunning creations like his signature Squid Ink Chitarra with sea urchin and lemon zest, which reimagines a classic pasta dish with breathtaking results. The restaurant's open kitchen allows diners to witness the precision and artistry behind each dish.
Standout Dishes
Their Modern Vitello Tonnato deconstructs and reimagines the classic with thinly sliced veal, tuna foam, and caper berries presented as an edible work of art. The Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes features house-made burrata paired with unexpectedly complementary blood orange reduction and basil oil.
Atmosphere & Service
The dining room combines contemporary elegance with warm Italian hospitality. Service is impeccable yet unpretentious, with sommeliers offering perfect wine pairings from their extensive Italian-focused list. The seasonal tasting menu ($145 per person) represents the best value for experiencing Chef Bianco's creativity.
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - Las Vegas
The Forum Shops at Caesars • $$
Carmine's captures second place with its energetic modern vibe and creative reinterpretations of Italian-American favorites, offering exceptional value through family-style servings.
Key Highlights
Detailed Review
Modern Family-Style Dining
Carmine's brings a contemporary twist to the Italian family-style concept, creating a vibrant, social dining experience perfect for groups. While maintaining the generous portions traditional to family-style service, the kitchen introduces modern techniques and presentations that elevate familiar dishes.
Standout Dishes
Their Short Rib 'Gnocchi' features pillowy potato dumplings with braised short rib that falls apart at the touch of a fork, finished with a modern parmesan foam. The Spicy King Crab Linguine reimagines seafood pasta with fresh crab meat, chili-infused oil, and hand-cut pasta that demonstrates perfect al dente texture.
Atmosphere & Service
The dining room buzzes with energy, featuring modern design elements alongside traditional Italian accents. Service teams expertly guide guests through the extensive menu, recommending ideal portion sizes and modern wine pairings. The $65 per person family-style tasting menu offers excellent value while showcasing the kitchen's modern approach.
Carmine's Italian Restaurant Las Vegas
1135 S Casino Center Blvd • $$$$
This chef-driven establishment takes third place with its luxurious approach to modern Italian, featuring exceptional ingredient quality and sophisticated technique in an intimate setting.
Key Highlights
Detailed Review
Luxurious Modern Italian
This chef-owned establishment offers a more intimate, refined take on modern Italian cuisine, focusing on premium ingredients and technical precision. Chef Marco Rossi's background in both traditional Italian kitchens and modern European restaurants informs his innovative approach.
Standout Dishes
The White Truffle Risotto represents modern Italian luxury, featuring Acquerello carnaroli rice cooked to perfect creaminess and showered with fresh Alba truffles. Their Modern Cacio e Pepe deconstructs the Roman classic into a multi-textural experience with cheese foam, pepper gel, and pasta crisps.
Atmosphere & Service
The 28-seat dining room offers an exclusive, personalized experience with direct interaction with the culinary team. The $195 tasting menu (with $95 wine pairing) provides a journey through modern Italian cuisine with each course demonstrating technical mastery and creative vision. Service is formal yet welcoming, with extensive knowledge of both food and beverage offerings.
Las Vegas has emerged as a surprising powerhouse for modern Italian cuisine, blending traditional techniques with contemporary innovation. The city's top modern Italian restaurants masterfully balance authenticity with creativity, offering diners both familiar comforts and exciting new culinary adventures. From reimagined classics to entirely new creations, these establishments represent the evolving face of Italian dining in Sin City.
What sets modern Italian apart from traditional trattorias is its willingness to experiment while maintaining respect for core Italian culinary principles. Expect to find unexpected ingredient pairings, innovative presentation, and techniques that honor tradition while pushing boundaries forward.