Las Vegas, one of the world’s tourist capitals, hosts groundbreaking Spanish restaurants worthy of receiving top accolades.
Here’s what they are.
by Jos Andr s
Every single dish is an EXPERIENCE. by Jos Andr s specializes in truly unique preparations, intense flavors, and exquisite wine pairings that make a perfect match with every dish. The food is meticulous and artfully executed.
Standouts include the crab, fish, beef cheek, faux gras, black truffle, and potatoes; although every dish is delicious. The staff is friendly, accommodating, and very informative. The sommelier is a master of his craft, and the wine selection is world-class.
Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar
Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar is an excellent Spanish restaurant with two Vegas locations, one close to the Strip at 3824 Paradise Rd and one at 7355 s Buffalo Dr.
Firefly offers mouthwatering tapas, such as bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with smoked almonds and blue cheese served on a red-wine reduction, fried eggs served with Spanish chorizo and patatas, grilled octopus served on garlic-lemon oil and red peppers.
The menu also boasts some cooked-to-order, world-class paellas and a wide variety of gluten-free and vegetarian entrees for those with strict dietary requirements. Everything is generously priced, including a top-of-the-line list of wines.
Julian Serrano Tapas
Small plates and bold flavors characterize Julian Serrano Tapas. Found near the Aria pedestrian entrance, this restaurant is ideal for both formal and casual occasions.
I strongly recommend:
- Charcuterie plate with manchego goat cheese, chorizo, salami, and tomato sauce
- Yellowtail sashimi platter
- Chicken croquette served with pickled peppers, olives, and garlic
- Seared scallops served with almonds, shishito peppers, apricots, and onions
Actually, I strongly recommend everything on the menu.
Jaleo
Jaleo is another world-class restaurant from the genius culinary mind of Jos Andr s.
Found inside the world-renowned Cosmopolitan, Jaleo s centerpiece is its paella grill. One of only three in the world, Jaleo s paella grill is an open-fire, wood grill designed specifically to allow the chefs to cook their paellas in a truly authentic Spanish way.
However, do not for a second think the menu gets bogged down by tradition, Jaleo s offering of pepper confit, ib rico dry-cured ham, chorizo, queso, gazpacho, Spanish egg tortillas, and salt codfish fritters, to name a few, is as exciting and innovative as they come.
EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine
EDO Gastro Tapas and Wine offers Las Vegas visitors and residents access to classic Spanish-style tapas, but imbued with an exciting blend of modern culinary prowess and worldwide flavors, textures, and aromas.
The extensive menu includes a robust offering of signature cocktails, cordials, and assorted beers and wines.
My recommendation is to try the Pan con Tomate, which is Catalan-style bread, fresh tomatoes, and authentic Spanish olive oil; the green tartare, made with zucchinis, avocados, and pistachio vinaigrette; and any one of the delicious Arroz y Fideo dishes, such as the red wine braised chicken, mushrooms, and bomba rice, or the traditional Catalan style noodles served with sofrito, saffron, broccolini, asparagus, and short ribs.
