I’m always thrilled to try new Las Vegas restaurants, especially local establishments off the Strip.
My latest dining adventure was Zio’s Italian Steakhouse, which replaced Envy Steakhouse at Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel. The fusion of Italian flavors with the sizzle of a steakhouse was a delightful surprise.
Upon entering the hotel, you’ll find Zio’s Italian Steakhouse tucked away past the lobby behind a stylish lounge area. As the hostess guided me to my table, I was captivated by the sage green, brick red, and tan colors throughout the illuminated dining area and the beautiful hand-painted marble mural on the ceiling.
The restaurant’s banquette booths, plush couches, and open kitchen space create an inviting ambiance that makes you feel at home.
What I love best about dining at most Italian restaurants is the complimentary bread service, and at Zio’s Italian Steakhouse, you can expect that, too. My server presented a focaccia bread basket with olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the side and then reviewed the menu, spearheaded by culinary veteran Executive Chef Carlos Garcia.
I first ordered the Truffle Arancini ($18), fried risotto rice balls filled with creamy truffle and mozzarella cheese, and the Zio’s Caesar ($18), a crispy romaine salad topped with garlic bread croutons and housemade dressing.
Another healthy and hearty option is the Burrata & Beets ($19), which features soft and creamy burrata surrounded by roasted beets and ruby red grapefruit sprinkled with crushed pistachios and Campari vinaigrette.
Zio’s Italian Steakhouse will be a paradise if you’re a pasta lover like me. The Sautéed Gulf Shrimp Scampi ($37), fresh tagliatelle and lemon and garlic butter sauce, and the 20-Layer Lasagna Bolognese ($35), housemade pasta, ragù bolognese, bechamel, and melted mozzarella, are just a few of the many pasta dishes.
There’s also the Tortellini Alfredo ($34), Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragù ($34), slow-cooked short rib braised for four hours in red wine sauce, and my absolute favorite, the Lumache alla Vodka ($29), which has creamy tomato vodka sauce and a spicy kick with the addition of Calabrian chilies.
For main entrees, the Veal Parmigiana ($48), thinly pounded veal lightly fried and topped with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano, and the Branzino Piccata ($48) with lemon caper sauce and wilted spinach, are both standout dishes.
The robust steak program is a meat lover’s dream. I ordered the 8-ounce Flat Iron Steak ($46), a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. The menu also features signature cuts that those who dined at Envy Steakhouse in the past might remember, like the 14-ounce USDA Prime New York Strip ($72), 16-ounce USDA Prime Ribeye ($82), and 32-ounce Long-Bone Tomahawk ($175). For an additional cost, you can enhance your meat with green peppercorn sauce or chimichurri.
You should also try shareable side dishes, such as the Parmesan truffle fries, garlic mashed potatoes, and rosemary roasted mushrooms, which are $14.
I enjoyed a few drinks, including the Classic Man ($22), a blend of Appleton Estate rum, Luxardo Amaretto, gomme grapefruit, and spiced bitters, and the Sinatra at the Opera ($20), a mix of Tito’s vodka, vanilla, cacao, strawberry, and espresso. If you prefer wine, the restaurant boasts an impressive wine list with selections from Tuscany, Veneto, and Sicily.
Zio’s Italian Steakhouse offers an impeccable ambiance and classy dining experience for fancy dates, family celebrations, or a night out with close friends in Las Vegas. In addition to dinner, it’s open for breakfast and lunch if you prefer lighter options or want to dine earlier in the day.
*Insider tip: Locals who make a reservation through OpenTable.com can receive a 20% discount with a $100 minimum spend.
For more information, hours, and menus, visit the Zio’s Italian Steakhouse website.
If you loved reading about my visit to Zio’s Italian Steakhouse, check out my dining review of North Italia.
