VEGAS DINING NEWS: Vegas Has 8 of Yelp’s Best Valentine’s Day Spots, Hell of a Week for Vegas Chef

Las Vegas scored eight spots on Yelp’s Valentine’s Day-themed Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the US.

1. Eiffel Tower (Paris Las Vegas): The highest‑ranking Vegas entry landed at No. 11. The Eiffel’s perch inside the resort’s replica tower, offering an eyeful of the Bellagio fountains, has made it a longtime Vegas date-night classic — though one you recently have had to pay $100-$150 extra for the better views.
2. Hugo’s Cellar (Four Queens, Downtown): The No. 15 pick earns its reputation through old‑school charm, tableside service, and its signature Hot Rock Specialty, in which seafood and meats are cooked on a sizzling granite slab.
3. Mon Ami Gabi (Paris Las Vegas): At No. 29, its Strip‑side patio remains one of Vegas’ most coveted dining spots, paired with a menu of timeless French bistro classics.
4. Joël Robuchon (MGM Grand): Ranked No. 35 for meticulous haute cuisine that honors its legendary founder, including dishes like Le Caviar Imperiale, reinforcing its status as Vegas’ only former three‑Michelin‑star restaurant.
5. Top of the World (The Strat): Landing at No. 44, the revolving dining room 840 feet above the Strip delivers panoramic views alongside standout dishes such as Korean short ribs and Basque cheesecake.
6. Beauty & Essex (The Cosmopolitan): The No. 54 entry dazzles with a glam dining room hidden behind a working pawn shop and playful modern American plates, including grilled cheese dumplings and its dessert Ferris wheel.
7. Prime Steakhouse (Bellagio): At No. 55, the lagoon‑side setting and luxe cuts make it a quintessential romantic steakhouse experience.
8. SW Steakhouse (Wynn Las Vegas): Rounding out Vegas at No. 76, this steakery is celebrated for polished service, wagyu‑focused menus, and views of the Lake of Dreams.

If you’ve waited until now to make a reservation, you might want to try the food court at the Fashion Show mall.

Ellie’s Kitchen

Downtown Las Vegas chef Ellie Parker took the Season 24 crown on “Hell’s Kitchen” last week, emerging as Gordon Ramsay’s newest champion. The 26‑year‑old executive chef from Main St. Provisions outcooked Florida competitor Jada Vidal in the finale that aired Thursday night on Fox.

Throughout the competition, Parker turned out a parade of polished plates, including scallop ceviche, beef tartare, seafood bisque, crispy‑skin salmon, and pan-seared branzino.

When Ramsay opened the winning door, Parker dissolved into tears as her family and friends cheered behind her. The win capped an already monumental week in which Parker was also named a semifinalist in the James Beard Awards, in the prestigious Emerging Chef category.

Unfortunately for Vegas, Parker’s victory means that her hometown will have to give her up — at least for a while. In addition to her $250K prize, Parker also becomes head chef at Hell’s Kitchen inside Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

Season 24 of “Hell’s Kitchen” is now streaming on Hulu, Fox.com, and Tubi. 

Big FAT Bankruptcy

FAT Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week, after defaulting on major debt obligations tied to more than $1.3 billion in loans.

FAT’s seven Strip locations (Fatburger at the Venetian and Excalibur, Johnny Rockets at the LINQ Promenade and Flamingo, Marble Slab Creamery/Great American Cookies at Miracle Mile, Hot Dog on a Stick at Showcase Mall, and Twin Peaks at Harmon Corner) are all independently owned franchises, so none face immediately closure, and all are expected to continue operating normally during the corporate restructuring.