What happens when one of the country’s most respected seafood chefs gives you his personal restaurant hit list in Las Vegas? You cancel your dinner plans, grab your foodie squad, and start mapping out your next culinary crawl—stat.
Rick Moonen, the OG sustainability-driven chef and founding force behind RM Seafood and Rx Boiler Room, knows this town inside and out. He’s dined, cooked, and raved about the Las Vegas food scene since before it was cool. So when he shares where he’s eating these days? We listen.
Let’s dig into the iconic, the unexpected, and the “you-had-no-idea” places that Moonen swears by.
1. Lotus of Siam – The Undisputed Thai Titan
Moonen’s all-time favorite? Lotus of Siam, hands down. Tucked away in a nondescript strip mall (the classic Vegas move), this James Beard Award-winning gem serves Northern Thai dishes that’ll rock your world. Moonen’s go-to? The Garlic Prawns and Khao Soi. He praises the bold flavors and perfectly executed spice levels, calling it “a religious experience every time.”
Pro tip: Make reservations early or be ready to wait. It’s that popular.
2. Esther’s Kitchen – The Cool Kid in the Arts District
Chef Moonen is all about Esther’s Kitchen, a stylish but soulful Italian spot in the heart of the Arts District. Chef James Trees, an alum of the Gordon Ramsay empire, delivers handmade pastas, wood-fired breads, and creative small plates that feel both rustic and refined.
Moonen is obsessed with the seasonal agnolotti, saying it’s “like eating a hug from a Roman grandmother.” Can confirm—it slaps.
3. Raku – Late-Night Japanese Magic
When the chef crowd clocks out, Raku is where they go. Moonen raves about this off-Strip Japanese robata grill for its meticulous craftsmanship and low-key ambiance. From the silky house-made tofu to charcoal-grilled skewers that taste like Tokyo street food elevated to art, it’s a must-hit.
Moonen’s tip: “Sit at the bar, order the Omakase, and trust the process.”
4. Bouchon – Classic French, Vegas-Style
For a refined brunch or classy dinner, Moonen heads to Bouchon at The Venetian. Chef Thomas Keller brings Parisian bistro vibes to the Strip with crispy duck confit, delicate pastries, and seafood towers that Moonen himself calls “next-level indulgence.”
Yes, it’s technically in a casino—but it feels like you’re in a sunny square in Lyon. Très magnifique.
5. Sparrow + Wolf – Experimental, Elevated, and Underrated
For something offbeat and chef-driven, Moonen name-drops Sparrow + Wolf in Chinatown. It’s modern American with global influences—think wood-fired meats, fermented touches, and unexpected pairings. Moonen says it’s “one of Vegas’ most exciting kitchens right now.”
Try the foie gras shavings over duck confit fried rice. Trust us.
6. Tacos El Gordo – For the Late-Night Craving
After a night on the Strip? Moonen’s guilty pleasure is Tacos El Gordo. This no-frills, fast-moving taco shop serves Tijuana-style tacos that are loud, messy, and absolutely perfect. His order? “Adobada on a fresh tortilla with everything.”
Whether you’re ending a night or starting a new food tradition, this place delivers.
The Final Bite
Rick Moonen’s picks showcase the eclectic, evolving, and flavor-rich culinary tapestry of Las Vegas. From humble strip mall legends to world-class fine dining, his list proves that Vegas is so much more than buffets and steak dinners.
So, next time you’re hungry in the neon jungle, follow Rick’s lead—and bring your appetite.
