4 Best Restaurants in Center Strip, Las Vegas

Legendary chef Jose Andres has built on the success of his longtime Bazaar Meats on the North Strip with his newest entry on the Center Strip, at the Shops at Crystals. Here, as you might guess, the emphasis is on seafood, presented in a theatrical atmosphere. There’s an extensive raw bar and whole fish grilled, fried, baked in sea salt, or as sashimi. Guests are invited to “sea what else” as in rossejat, a traditional paella of toasted pasta with spider crab gratin, or Alaskan king crab chawanmushi, with umami egg custard. “Little sandwiches” include the Po Boy Jose (with fried squid) and Not So Po Boy Jose (with fried oysters and caviar), but carnivores aren’t forgotten.

Drop by this bustling branch of the famed South Miami Beach restaurant for, at the very least, a pile of fresh stone crabs and a beer. But Joe's is worth a try whether for a full meal or a snack to remember. (And the stone crabs are available here year-round, unlike at the flagship location.) There are gluten-free/vegetarian, kids' and carryout menus as well. Carnivores won't go hungry here, considering the leviathan bone-in rib eye or double-cut Colorado lamb chops, and there's a bar-food selection of burgers and sandwiches. For dessert, save room for Key lime pie or banana-cream pie with Foster sauce.

In addition to food that is upscale and delicious, this impressive restaurant is known for the "Tree House," a two-story wooden sculpture that rises from the ground level and houses the main dining room 30 feet up. Menu items range from Bering Sea king crab claws or legs and bigeye tuna tartare to 32- or 40-ounce Australian wagyu tomahawk chops, Japanese A5 wagyu, rack of lamb, and filet mignon. Side dishes tend to be predictable, except for the wild mushroom and black truffle gnocchi, and the lobster mashed potatoes. The signature warm butter cake alone warrants repeat visits.

The California-based King’s Seafood Co. brings its briny bounty to Las Vegas's Water Grill with a menu that includes many things you won’t find just anywhere. That might mean live California spiny lobster, Florida stone crab claws, Dungeness crab, live Alaskan halibut, or more than a dozen varieties of lobster—all in season, of course. Starters may range from classic clam chowder to mussels garbanzo with pancetta and harissa. Crustaceans and char-grilled or oven-roasted whole fish are sold by the pound, and there are sushi, raw bar, and chilled-shellfish menus, along with soups, salads, and a kids' menu.