3.8 Min Read
Secret Menu Items
Like the city itself, Las Vegas eateries are full of delightful surprises, at a variety of price points, if you know where to look. If you fancy trying something new to show your friends on social media, here are some of Las Vegas’ best secret menu items:
Barry’s Downtown Prime
Barry’s Downtown Prime has two of the best secret menu items in Vegas.
The first secret item is the lobster flambe, which includes premium lobster meat, gnocchi, truffle butter and cream topped with freshly-shaved truffles.
You also have to ask for the bananas foster flambe for dessert as you won’t find it on the menu. This bananas foster flambe with bananas, cherries, brown sugar, ice cream, banana nut bread and finished with caramel sauce is probably the best foster we have ever had, and may be the best dessert on the Strip – if you like bananas. It is prepared table-side.
The flambe portion of the dessert preparation is done table side so you get quite the show watching the fire. The sweetness and burnt taste of the bananas and the banana bread is on point and the ice cream used is a fantastic complement.
Village Pub at Ellis Island
Ellis Island, which is known for its cheap eats, has a cheap ‘not-so’ secret menu item at The Village Pub. The sirloin steak and eggs, which come with potatoes, are $8.99 during the a.m. hours – at least the last time we were there.
They also have steak and prime rib specials off-menu in the p.m. hours. Just ask your server if they aren’t on the menu.
The prices have continued to rise with inflation over the years, but these specials are still a great ‘secret’. Don’t compare the steak to Peter Luger’s though, but it is good value!
Blossom
Blossom, a high-end Chinese restaurant located at the luxurious ARIA Hotel and Casino in the heart of the Vegas Strip, offers more than 100 oriental-inspired dishes.
Blossom is famed for its fresh seafood – and its secret menu. Inquire about the congee and also the Ma Lat, a fish dish that translates to ‘numb spicy.’ Not for the faint of heart, this dish is so hot that it may cause your face to go numb.
Rivea
Rivea, located at the Delano, is a laid-back restaurant on the top floor that offers incredible food with an unbeatable view of the Las Vegas Strip.
A celebration of French and Italian food from The Riviera, Rivea is all about fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. If you’re dining at Rivea, treat yourself to the off-menu Grilled Lobster served with homemade mustard butter and fresh parsley.
Le Cirque
The award-winning French restaurant, Le Cirque, is one of many restaurant jewels in Bellagio’s crown. Famed for its opulent setting and decadent menu, Le Cirque is one of the most well-known spots on the Strip.
While the regular menu is guaranteed to impress, it’s worth asking about the ultimate treat for your taste buds: the Surf and Turf. Le Cirque’s exclusive, secret surf and turf dish is no ordinary offering. If you whisper those magical words, you can expect a cut of Wagyu beef and a lobster tail stuffed with caviar and truffle.
Carbone
Derived from his mother’s recipe, Mario Carbone’s meatballs have never appeared on the main menu at Carbone in ARIA. However, once you know about this fantastic secret menu item, you will probably like the glorious spheres of ground beef, pork, and veal.
It’s not easy to get a reservation here as evidenced by Carbone being on our list of the nine toughest reservations to get in Vegas.
Note, two restaurants with secret menu items are in the process of closing. Charlie Palmer Steak at The Four Seasons, which is being replaced with Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak, has an entire secret menu. Tom Collichio’s Heritage Steak at The Mirage, had a grilled eggplant that was not on its regular menu.
Are You Ready to Try Something New?
Las Vegas is teeming with incredible restaurants, but the awe and wonder don’t stop at the main menu. Plenty of secret, off-menu items are available for diners in the know. This inside information can help you try some of Las Vegas’ best secret menu items.
