2 Best Restaurants in West Side, Las Vegas

Independent restaurants in Las Vegas have such a struggle that Nora's is a refreshing success story. It's so popular with locals that it was able to build a new home, ground up, within walking distance of the old storefront location (now the equally worthwhile Monzú Italian Oven, owned by a family member) that fueled its 24-year reputation. The newer building adds patio seating and a Josper charcoal oven, which combines traditional grilling with a tandoor effect. But it remains a dark wood-and-white tablecloth kind of place with fetching food and a nice ambiance for repeat customers. There’s traditional pizza, pasta, and veal, but the adventurous won’t be disappointed in Nora’s collection of unique dishes such as wild boar pappardelle, or the “Crazy Alfredo,” which combines fettuccine with shrimp, chicken, sausage, roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and jalapeños. Another favorite is the "Alla Nora" of baked spaghetti and eggplant with a meat sauce plus pesto and Parmesan.

Philadelphia-based Marc Vetri opened his first Las Vegas restaurant in the space once occupied by Alizé high atop the Palms, a full 56 floors above the Las Vegas action. Decor is simple so as not to compete with the views through the expansive windows, which are incomparable. The cuisine's Italian, but make no mistake: this is no red-sauce joint. Vetri conceived a destination restaurant and filled its menu with sophisticated dishes like brisket and doppio ravioli with pickled red onion. You can trust the chef with a six-course tasting menu. If you just want light bites, cocktails, and a view, Tuesday through Saturday offers a happy hour in the bar area from 5 to 6:30 pm.