Top 3 Restaurants for Near Wynn/Encore shows in Las Vegas
Our expert team ranked Delilah, SW Steakhouse, and Sinatra based on proximity to Wynn/Encore theaters, culinary excellence, and pre-show dining experience. Discover why these venues stand out for show-goers seeking exceptional meals before curtain call.
Our Methodology
Rankings were determined through multiple anonymous visits, evaluating four key criteria: Quality (30%) assessed ingredient sourcing, execution, and consistency; Value (25%) measured portion size, pricing fairness, and overall worth; Service (25%) evaluated staff knowledge, timing, and professionalism; Experience (20%) considered ambiance, noise levels, and pre-show logistics. All restaurants were assessed specifically for their suitability as pre-show dining destinations.
Delilah
Wynn Las Vegas • $$$$
Delilah earns the top spot by masterfully blending vintage glamour with modern culinary artistry, creating an immersive pre-show experience that feels like the first act of your evening.
Key Highlights
Detailed Review
The Ultimate Pre-Show Destination
Delilah isn't just a restaurant—it's a time machine to Hollywood's golden age. Located just steps from the Wynn Theater, this 1920s-inspired supper club understands the assignment: dinner should feel like part of the night's entertainment. The moment you step through the velvet ropes, you're transported to an era of jazz, glamour, and impeccable service.
Culinary Excellence: Executive chef Joshua Smith's menu delivers both drama and delicacy. The roasted chicken for two arrives with theatrical flair, carved tableside with aromatic truffle jus. Their signature caviar service sets the tone for luxury, while the wedge salad reimagines classic Americana with heirloom tomatoes and house-smoked bacon. Every dish demonstrates technical precision without sacrificing soul.
Practical Perfection: With show-friendly pacing (express pre-theater menus available), impeccable timing from servers who monitor curtain calls, and literally being across the hallway from the theater entrance, Delilah eliminates pre-show stress. The live jazz quartet performs until 10 PM, meaning early diners enjoy full musical accompaniment while late-seating guests still catch a set.
Why #1: No other restaurant so completely embodies the Wynn/Encore entertainment ethos. The food, service, and ambiance don't just support your show night—they elevate it into a cohesive, unforgettable experience.
SW Steakhouse
Wynn Las Vegas • $$$
SW Steakhouse claims second place with its consistently exceptional steaks, elegant lakefront setting, and expertly timed service that respects show schedules.
Key Highlights
Detailed Review
Steakhouse Sophistication Meets Showtime Precision
SW Steakhouse delivers what show-goers truly want: reliability, excellence, and impeccable timing. Overlooking the Wynn's scenic Lake of Dreams, this modern American steakhouse combines classic chops with contemporary flair, all while maintaining awareness that you have somewhere to be.
Culinary Excellence: The dry-aged steaks (particularly the 28-day bone-in ribeye) demonstrate why SW remains a steak destination. Their seafood tower provides a stunning shared starter, while sides like black truffle gnocchi and creamed corn with pancetta showcase kitchen creativity beyond the expected. The dessert menu includes clever pre-show options like espresso martini tiramisu that provide energy without heaviness.
Practical Perfection: The maître d' actively tracks performance times and adjusts pacing accordingly. Their express pre-theater menu (available upon request) delivers three courses in under 75 minutes without feeling rushed. Though slightly farther from the theaters than Delilah, the walk through Wynn's floral atrium becomes a pleasant transition between dinner and entertainment.
Why #2: While slightly less theatrically immersive than Delilah, SW delivers arguably better pure cuisine and more consistent execution. It's the choice for diners who prioritize culinary excellence above atmospheric spectacle.
Sinatra
Encore Las Vegas • $$$
Sinatra rounds out our top three with its authentic Italian cuisine, intimate Rat Pack ambiance, and unparalleled proximity to Encore's performance venues.
Key Highlights
Detailed Review
Ol' Blue Eyes' Culinary Legacy
Sinatra offers a different kind of show before the show: a culinary love letter to Frank Sinatra's Italian heritage. Located inside Encore, this Michelin-recognized restaurant feels both timeless and timely, with Oscar statuettes and album covers lining the walls while chefs execute modern interpretations of classic recipes.
Culinary Excellence: Executive chef Theo Schoenegger's menu sings with authenticity. The pasta is handmade daily, with the lobster tortelli in champagne sauce standing as a particular masterpiece. Their Osso Buco Milanese remains the gold standard in Las Vegas, falling off the bone after 48 hours of preparation. The olive oil tasting flight—featuring oils from Frank's private estate—adds unique oenological depth.
Practical Perfection: Sinatra's compact size creates an intimate experience, though this means reservations are essential. Service flows with Italian familial warmth rather than clinical precision, which might slightly test timing anxieties. However, being literally around the corner from Encore Theater means you could theoretically finish your espresso and be in your seat within three minutes.
Why #3: While the food is exceptional, the ambiance leans more toward nostalgic warmth than theatrical excitement. It's perfect for intimate dinners before more subdued performances but lacks the production-value spectacle that makes Delilah particularly suited for Vegas show nights.
When planning a night at Wynn or Encore's world-class theaters, dining proximity becomes as crucial as culinary excellence. The ideal pre-show restaurant must balance impeccable timing, sophisticated ambiance, and extraordinary food that doesn't rush the experience. Our top three selections excel at transforming dinner into an extension of the evening's entertainment while ensuring seamless transitions to your scheduled performance.