One way Las Vegas shines as a meeting destination is its ability to offer more amenities and services than one can imagine. Some of them are even unexpected, impressive offerings that are sure to wow the group you’re hosting—be it team members, clients or prospective partners.
On the top of that list is the endless list of fabulous venues in which to gather, including dining establishments for fabulous food-focused meetings. And in Vegas, you can add to the experience at a celebrity chef restaurant. The destination offers many to choose from, all offering group menus and seating options ideal for a business-focused meal.
Such restaurants in Las Vegas are quite plentiful, with most resorts boasting more than one option. That’s because these chefs have found a sweet spot in the city where they can open multiple restaurants and be free to experiment with a wide range of ideas and themes.
To help you narrow your search, we’ve picked out a variety of celebrity chefs who offer settings ranging from sophisticated glamour to sports-bar casual, with a range of cuisines. This list should get your creative juices flowing as you do your corporate event planning.
For flavors that will transport your team to Latin America, opt for CHICA at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Possibly best known for competing on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, celebrity chef Lorena Garcia also gained notoriety for being chosen to create fresh and healthy menu options for Taco Bell — and drive-thru enthusiasts likely miss those cantina-inspired offerings! Now focusing on elevated Latin cuisine, she offers delicious plates inspired by her home of Venezuela and travels to Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Peru. With decor evoking the vibrant style of South America, the restaurant offers private dining rooms seating 12, 20 or 30, while its bar, lounge and library spaces are also available for groups from 30 to 100.
Or make a reservation at AQUA Seafood & Caviar Restaurant inside Resorts World Las Vegas for sophisticated seafood in a glamorous setting. With a Michelin star and a James Beard Award nomination on his resume, celebrity chef Shaun Hergatt brings his classical training and refined approach to seafood to the table, with a menu that includes raw dishes, such as salmon tartare, and a caviar bar. Every dish is exquisitely prepared and presented. For group dining, the restaurant will accommodate groups from 10 to 65 for a seated dinner, or up to 120 for a reception — and a complete buyout is also possible.
You could also choose GIADA at The Cromwell Las Vegas for some delicious Italian. After training at the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Giada de Laurentiis became famous due to her many programs on Food Network. Now, at her very first restaurant, the chef offers comforting Italian dishes influenced by California cuisine. Huge retractable windows and an open kitchen give the dining area an airy feel for groups between 14 and 40, while two private rooms seat 14 to 32. A semi-private room will accommodate up to 32 people, with a full buyout seating 250.
Also consider Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas, where chef Ming Yu meticulously blends Cantonese, Shanghai and Szechuan flavors with a Western touch The menu includes dishes such as garden dim sum and Peking duck, which are served tableside with an elaborate presentation. The décor will also make an impression on your attendees, with glamorous details and colors reminiscent of the French influence on Shanghai. Several private dining options with Wing Lei’s cuisine are available at the resort.
There’s also Mother Wolf, where chef Evan Funke continues to pursue his passion for handmade pasta and traditional cooking techniques. His work continues to catch the eye of culinary-focused tastemakers, with awards for his cuisine and cookbook under his belt. Located at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Ancient Rome serves as the inspiration for the restaurant's artisanal menu, with classic Roman dishes, the freshest of antipasti and wafer-thin wood-fired pizza, all artfully plated and presented. Part of the dining experience is the opulent setting, with richly upholstered booths curving around the tables, brocade wallpaper and bold architectural details. The private dining room can seat up to 38, or the whole restaurant can be reserved for up to 200 for a sit-down dinner or 325 for a reception.
Is traditional Southern barbecue ideal for your group? If so, Mabel’s BBQ at Palms Casino Resort offers big plates of lip-smacking ’cue. That’s where Food Network star Michael Symon practices his craft, for which he has been recognized by food-focused institutions and even the Daytime Emmy Awards. With the focus on Cleveland-style barbecue, this smokehouse is distinctly unique among the celebrity restaurants in Las Vegas. For group dining, the menu is served family style, with options like brisket, ribs and pulled pork offered alongside upscaled variations on American classics like macaroni and cheese and coleslaw. The setting is casual, with a sports bar feel. Several private dining room options are available if you’re doing corporate event planning for a large group.
Looking for the freshest of seafood prepared with the utmost artistry? MICHAEL MINA at Bellagio will not disappoint. With a long list of awards and revered restaurants, the chef’s celebrity status is longstanding and well-earned as one of the most accomplished chefs on the scene today. Mina focuses on the freshest of seafoods, flown in daily, then prepared with innovation and creativity, while still offering his famous lobster pot pie and caviar parfait. The setting is sophisticated and elegant, and there is a dress code. The restaurant offers a private dining room for 30, a semiprivate room for 42, a partial buyout for 100, or a full buyout for 125 people seated or 200 standing.
If a fabulous sushi selection (and delicious fried chicken) sounds ideal, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill recently opened another Las Vegas location at the gorgeous Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa. Here, celebrity chef/restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg — who have iconic restaurants across the country and notable Top Chef appearances — offer the iconic brand’s delightful and delectable rolls and platters alongside Japanese Wagyu cuts and that fried chicken — don’t skimp on the wasabi honey! The restaurant offers semi-private group dining areas for seating up to 36, with a full buyout of 130 available.
As you can see, including celebrity chefs in your Las Vegas corporate event planning is easy to do. The hard part is deciding which chef to choose, given the wide range of cuisines, themes and private dining options — but that’s all part of the fun too!
For even more confirmation that Vegas is the optimal spot for your meeting, see these 10 reasons to hold your next event in the destination, as well as these five advantages to doing so.