Um, the gym will totally still be there after you finish that creme brulee.

American

AJ'S STEAKHOUSE

Hard Rock Hotel, 693-5500. Meat is still king at this whimsically nostalgic, old-school Vegas supper club with summertime pool views. Dress like the Rat Pack.

ARTISAN FINE DINING

1501 W. Sahara Ave., 214-4000. The restaurant in this hipster hangout offers primarily Italian choices served in a dining room that's just as cool as the rest of the building. It may cost a bit more than similar food elsewhere, but the atmosphere is worth it.

BAGEL CAFÉ

301 N. Buffalo Drive., 255-3444. This combination bakery/café is pretty upscale for a bagel place, which suits its patrons just fine.

BAGELMANIA

855 E. Twain Ave., 369-3322. It's almost like a New York neighborhood diner, especially weekend mornings. Wonderful.

BALLY'S STERLING BRUNCH

Bally's, 795-3990. One of the finer dining experiences of its kind in Las Vegas, fabulous food and tons of it.

BIG MAMA'S RIB SHACK

2230 W. Bonanza Road, 597-1616. As they say: "Barbecue as tender as a mother's love." Coleslaw, beans, mac & cheese and cobbler, too.

BIRD N BONES

3799 E. Desert Inn Road, 451-7790. Bill Collins perfected his style of barbecue on St. Thomas, and puts an island spin on an American classic. The dining room is small and unassuming, but the food more than makes up for it.

BJ'S COCKTAIL LOUNGE

6670 S. Tenaya Way, 257-7378. Primarily a video poker bar where the bartenders dress in lingerie. Appetizers includes crab cakes with roasted pepper sauce and clams steamed in white wine, garlic and herbs. Their cedar plank-grilled salmon isn't to be missed, and neither are the delicious thin-crust pizzas.

BLACK MOUNTAIN GRILL

11021 S. Eastern Ave., 990-0990. A sporting lodge in the desert, complete with dead animals on the wall and a relaxing Japanese-style decor. Worth visiting if you are in the southeast area.

BLEU GOURMET

8751 W. Charleston Blvd., 363-2538. A gourmet food and wine retail outlet with casual in-store dining. The retail atmosphere may not be to every customer's liking but the food is good.

BOO BOO'S CREAMERY & CAFÉ

8609 W. Sahara Ave., 240-3361. The desserts, which include a sundae served in a plastic dog bowl, are the main draw at this family-run operation. But the European-flavored café menu offers plenty of quick healthy alternatives to typical lunchtime fare.

BOB TAYLOR'S ORIGINAL RANCH HOUSE

6250 Rio Vista St., 645-1399. Since 1955, this steakhouse is a reminder that Las Vegas really was part of the wild, wild west. Fare is basic and heavy, but the steaks are big and perfectly prepared over a mesquite wood and charcoal grill. Finish the 32-ounce Diamond Jim Brady New York steak and get a free dessert.

BONEFISH GRILL

10839 Eastern Ave., 228-3474. The first Nevada location for this national chain bills itself as "polished casual." The dining room is modern and cool, without being pretentious, and the menu offers a small but varied selection of seafood as well as a handful of chicken, pork and steak options.

BOSTON PIZZA

1507 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 385-2595. One of the city's best old-time pizza joints. Don't order "extra cheese" unless you really mean it.

THE BROILER

Palace Station, 367-2411; Boulder Station, 432-7777. Belly up to the vast salad bar before diving into tasty entrées like mahi mahi and bouillabaisse.

BURGER BAR

Mandalay Bay, 632-9364. Diners create their own burger. Start with a patty -- Angus, Kobe, turkey, lamb, salmon, chicken or veggie -- pick one of eight cheeses, 12 kinds of vegetables and maybe pickled green tomatoes or a lobster tail. The choices can tempt even the sanest patron to shell out for a once-in-a-lifetime burger.

CATHOUSE

Luxor, 262-4228. Kerry Simon's new residence is half restaurant, half lounge, and 100 percent bordello-themed. If the idea of eating comfort food in a high-end whorehouse sounds like fun, this is the place for you.

CAVALIER

3850 E. Desert Inn Road, 451-6221. In a city where a new bar and grill opens every day, the Cavalier has a reputation stretching back decades. Standard meat and potatoes fare, with low prices and inventive daily specials.

CHEESECAKE FACTORY

Various locations. One of the largest and most interesting menus in town. And then there are the desserts.

CHICAGO HOT DOGS

1078 N. Rancho Dr., 647-3647. This is as close as you're gonna get to a real Chicago hot dog joint.

CLAIM JUMPER

Various locations. It's a chain and there is usually a wait, but it has an ample selection, helpful wait staff and huge portions. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and just about any other entrée you would want.

COFFEE PUB

2800 W. Sahara Ave., 367-1913. Sandwiches, salads, quiches and desserts, all fresh and tasty. One of the best outdoor dining places in the city. A top power-lunch spot, with routine celebrity sightings.

COLD STONE CREAMERY

Various locations. Break down and have the Cold Stone experts build a sinfully caloric ice cream treat -- and to boot, put it in a chocolate-coated waffle bowl. Not for the lactose intolerant.

CROWN & ANCHOR

1350 E. Tropicana Ave., 739-8676; 4755 Spring Mountain Road, 876-4733. Great British fare served by English-accented servers in a nautical decor.

DAN MARINO'S FINE FOOD AND SPIRITS

Hooters Casino, 739-9000. Dolphins legend Dan Marino caters to the red-blooded males ogling the orange shorts outside. Stick to the traditional meat-and-potatoes choices and you can't go wrong. Open 24 hours.

DELMONICO STEAKHOUSE

Venetian, 414-3737. Straight-ahead and gimmick-free elegance, with excellent service.

DOWNSTAIRS BAR

11261 S. Eastern Ave., 407-8600. The new addition below Henderson favorite Viaggio provides a combination of California and Pacific Rim cuisine in small snack-sized portions, and serves food until 2 a.m.

THE DRAFT HOUSE

4543 N. Rancho Dr., 645-1404. Brats, beer and a warm decor make this Wisconsin-themed bar and restaurant a favorite for Midwesterners and locals. The original property in the Big Dog's chain.

THE EGG AND I

4533 W. Sahara Ave., 364-9686. Down-home atmosphere makes this breakfast spot a nice alternative to the national chains.

FATBURGER

Various locations. Stacked with tomatoes, onions, relish and pickles, Fatburger makes the world a better place. And the onion rings and shakes make life almost perfect.

FIREHOUSE SUBS

9555 S. Eastern Ave., 893-3473. It has the cult-like vibe of Saturn dealerships, but the subs are better than anything at the competing chains. Try the chili, if only for the chance to sample the massive hot sauce collection.

GAMBLER'S GRILL

Wild Wild West Casino, 3330 West Tropicana Ave., 740-0000. Clean and friendly coffee shop with a big but manageable menu touting classic specials such as a $2.99 breakfast and a $5.99 steak dinner served all day. There are unexpected treats, too, like fresh baked apple pie, crisp breaded catfish, a full pizza selection and even deep-fried Oreos.

GOLDEN STEER

308 W. Sahara Ave., 384-4470. Old-style men's club decor, stuffed animal heads and huge portions make this the perfect place for carnivores and one of the last refuges for people nostalgic for old Vegas.

GORDON BIERSCH

3987 Paradise Road, 312-5247. Great atmosphere and great beer. Meet the yuppie of your dreams.

GRAND LUX CAFÉ

Venetian, 414-3888. This upscale café offers a diverse menu providing comfort food. Some tables offer a full view of the decadence of Las Vegas.

HASH HOUSE A GO GO

6800 W. Sahara Ave, 804-4646. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Hash House A Go Go promises "twisted farm food," which means that their chef puts a classy spin on down home favorites. Their real trademark, however, is monstrous portions.

HOT 'N JUICY CRAWFISH

4810 Spring Mountain Road, 891-8889. Not for anyone who doesn't want to get dirty. If tearing into crabs (blue or Dungeness), shrimp, oysters and crawfish by hand is your idea of heaven, this is the place for you. Seafood is prepared in four tasty seasonings and delivered in a plastic bag, accompanied by rolls of paper towels. Not fine dining, but delicious.

HOUSE OF BLUES

Mandalay Bay, 632-7607. One of the funkiest restaurants in the city, featuring walls covered with mind-blowing folk sculptures and artifacts. The cuisine is Delta-inspired contemporary and Sunday's Gospel Brunch is a great way to get your jambalaya and Jesus in one sitting.

HUSH PUPPY

7185 W. Charleston Blvd., 363-5988; 1820 N. Nellis Blvd., 438-0005. A family-owned restaurant that's been operating since 1975. The specialty is catfish; they offer filets or fiddlers; either fried, blackened or grilled. You'll also find other southern specialties, including frogs legs, alligator, oysters, ribs and fried green tomatoes at extremely reasonable prices, as well as daily all-you-can-eat specials.

ISLAND FINE BURGERS AND DRINKS

10810 W. Charleston Blvd., 360-3845. This California chain made a cameo in the 1994 landmark Pulp Fiction. There are soup, salad, taco and veggie patty options in addition to the elaborate hamburgers.

JOEY'S SEAFOOD & GRILL

7450 W. Cheyenne Ave., 395-4313; 3445 S. Durango Dr., 242-2888. Appetizers are a bargain at this chain, which offers a surprising range of menu items and an environment that's a step or more above the competition.

KATHY'S SOUTHERN COOKING

6407 Mountain Vista St., 433-1005. The décor is simple and the service can be slow at times. But Kathy's offers incredible Southern food that's earned it a sterling reputation. If you're looking for basics like fried chicken or meat loaf, it simply doesn't get much better.

KAHUNAVILLE

TI, 894-7390. A roadhouse of the sea, replete with tropically influenced drinks and grub. Choose the noisy front room or the intimate sunken back room.

KONA GRILL

750 S. Rampart Blvd, 547-5552. The name is Hawaiian, but there's a distinct Asian or Pacific Rim accent to many of the appetizers and entrees. There's also a full sushi bar. Sit in the casually modern dining room, or outside at the patio bar.

LAHAINA GRILL

4570 Hualapai Way, 309-9911. This large Hawaiian restaurant has a large, diverse menu that ranges from raw bar fare to six varieties of chicken wings to macadamia-crusted mahi mahi. They've also got a full sushi bar, so there's something for just about everyone.

LANDRY'S SEAFOOD HOUSE

2610 W. Sahara Ave., 251-0101. An extensive menu of southern-influenced seafood dishes. Good but overpriced.

LAWRY'S THE PRIME RIB

4043 Howard Hughes Parkway, 893-2223. They may have the simplest menu in the world of sit-down restaurants, but they're good at what they do: prime rib.

LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE

Various locations. Has taken the place that Sizzler once held in providing a high-quality yet affordable steakhouse experience.

LUCILLE'S SMOKEHOUSE BARBECUE

The District, Green Valley Ranch, 2245 Village Walk Dr., 257-RIBS. You can smell the meat smoking throughout the area, which might explain why there's nearly always a wait for a table. For fans of slow-smoked barbecue, however, it's worth the wait, and the slow service.

LUV IT FROZEN CUSTARD

505 E. Oakey Blvd., 384-6452. A lone remnant of a once common creature: the independent ice cream store. It makes its own delicious custard.

M&M SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT

3923 W. Charleston Blvd., 453-7685. This is the place if you're in the mood for some excellent-tasting meatloaf, collard greens and mashed potatoes, and the most delicious banana pudding in Vegas.

MAPLE TREE COUNTRYSIDE KITCHEN

6000 W. Spring Mountain Road, 362-5151. In keeping with New England's sugarhouse restaurant tradition, all of the syrup is authentic and fresh. A large country-style breakfast selection is available all day, with lunchtime choices available as well.

MAX'S GRILL

Miracle Mile Shops, Planet Hollywood Resort, 696-9080. Max's offers some strange and original creations that range from excellent to awful. But with three-for-one drinks and more than a dozen offerings priced below eight bucks, it's worth the effort needed to find the good ones.

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK

335 Hughes Center Dr., 836-9000. Pure Northwest Victoriana: dark wood, leaded glass, rich fabrics and mosaic tiles just like the original in Portland. Amazing array of fresh seafood daily. And reasonably priced to boot.

MEMPHIS CHAMPIONSHIP BARBECUE

Various locations. Wonderfully realized, upscale barbecue joint.

MERMAID RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

Silverton, 263-7777. More lounge than restaurant, the menu concentrates on snacks and sandwiches. But its cool, underwater décor, complete with a monstrous fish tank, jellyfish behind the bar and waitresses dressed in mermaid outfits, make it a fun place for a quick bite and a drink.

MESA GRILL

Caesars Palace, 731-7731. Inventive, rich Southwestern food in a lively atmosphere. Good, friendly service. High-end but comfortable.

MICHAEL MINA'S

Bellagio, 693-7223. Quaint, elegant (and pricey) fish house with origins in San Francisco. Fresh gourmet seafood and lavish desserts are coupled with an excellent wine list and an attentive wait staff.

MICHAEL'S

South Point, 796-7111. This intimate, elegant restaurant offers steak, seafood and veal, and boasts some of the highest prices in town. In exchange, you get touches like tableside cooking and Dom Perignon poured over your complimentary sorbet.

MIMI'S CAFÉ

Various locations. Part of a restaurant chain sandwiched in the Denny's/Carrows category for its extensive hours and huge menu, yet a cut above the rest when it comes to innovative dishes and colorful atmosphere.

MR. LUCKY'S

Hard Rock Hotel, 693-5000. Awesome diner. Quick, cheap, tasty, friendly and hip. The way Vegas could've been.

N9NE

Palms, 933-9900. This contemporary steakhouse offers a compelling menu of Chicago-style steaks and chops, combined with an internationally diverse menu for those with something else in mind. Reservations suggested.

OMELET HOUSE

Various locations. Longtime favorite breakfast spot featuring 38 varieties of six egg omelets. Closes at 3 p.m.

ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE

Various locations. An excellent choice for breakfast. You haven't lived until you've ordered an oven-baked German pancake.

OUTSIDE INN

9941 W. Charleston Blvd., 933-1100. A stone's throw from Red Rock Canyon, the tasty drinks and meals make this mountain lodge themed restaurant a fine choice for an after hike stop.

PARADISE CANTINA

4480 S. Paradise Road, Suite 1250, 434-0031. The vibe is part surfer hangout, part sports bar and part biker bar, so it doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. The menu combines basic American bar food and Mexican, plus daily happy hour make it worth a visit.

PEPPERMILL INN

2985 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 735-7635. An absolute Vegas treasure. This '70s-era coffee shop will keep you fed and happy until Dan Tanna returns. Huge portions.

PLANET DAILIES

Planet Hollywood; 736-7114. This 24-hour restaurant bills itself as "the ultimate coffee shop." The room is a large open space that continues the entire casino's over-the-top hip, modern décor. The selling point here is three separate massive menus that offer something for any appetite.

QUARK'S BAR

Las Vegas Hilton, 697-8725. Wonderful Star Trek-themed restaurant that, despite all the costumes and sets, serves tasty food.

RAINBOW'S END

1100 E. Sahara Ave., 737-1338. One of the few good places in the valley catering to vegans and vegetarians. Try the Greek pizza.

RED HAWK TAVERN

2634 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, 617-8691. The great Northwest provides the mood for this mountain hunting lodge. Try hand-battered walleye fish-n-chips, mountain man sirloin tips or specialties from the BBQ pit. "Over the Limit" martinis rule.

RED ROBIN

Various locations. Some say this chain serves the best sit-down burgers in town. Maybe yes, maybe no, but there's a wide selection of entertaining food available.

REDWOOD BAR & GRILL

California hotel-casino, 385-1222. Traditional American special-occasion dining in a wonderful room.

R.M. SEAFOOD

Mandalay Place, 632-9300. This fine seafood restaurant can boast a celebrity chef that actually works there and a wide variety of excellent, if pricey, dishes. Friendly service completes the experience.

ROSEMARY'S RESTAURANT

8125 W. Sahara Ave., 869-2251. One of this city's best off-strip fine-dining restaurants, open for lunch on weekdays and dinner nightly. If you want to splurge, their tasting menu offers five delicious courses at a fraction of casino prices. Ask for the beer pairing, which matches a microbrew with each course.

RUB BBQ

Rio, 777-7777. The Kansas City Baron of Barbecue, Paul Kirk, has finally brought his award-winning barbecue to Las Vegas. Kirk uses three types of wood to expertly smoke his meats up to 18 hours. The result is some of the best barbecue in town. Don't leave without trying the pastrami.

SAMMY'S WOODFIRED PIZZA

Various locations. This fast-expanding chain serves weird-but-excellent pizzas and salads.

SEDONA

9580 W. Flamingo Road, 320-4700. Beautiful modern décor and an eclectic menu. You'll find Asian, Italian, French and even Swiss influences in the cooking, but nothing terribly exotic. When the weather's nice, there's a patio for outdoor dining.

SENSI

Bellagio, 693-7223. Martin Heierling's restaurant boasts both innovative cooking and a stunning décor. The experimental and sometimes challenging menu incorporates Asian, Italian, grilled and raw elements in a way that will thrill more adventurous diners, but might frustrate the more traditional.

SHUCK'S OYSTER BAR

9338 W. Flamingo Road, 255-4890. In addition to the basic raw-bar staples, Shuck's offers a full menu of seafood, sandwiches, pasta, Southwestern dishes and the feel of a beachtown seafood joint.

SMITH & WOLLENSKY

3767 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 862-4100. This stand-alone Strip steakhouse is part of the New York chain. Simple and expensive steaks are served snootily, but it's a good place to impress certain sorts of people.

SONOMA CELLAR

Sunset Station, 547-7898. Its elegant setting and gourmet steakhouse menu put Station Casinos on the fine dining map.

SOUL 2 SOUL

2101 N. Rainbow Blvd. Suite #102, 791-2433. This quaint little restaurant bills itself as southern, Cajun and Caribbean fusion, but has plenty of straightforward examples of each type of cuisine.

STACK

Mirage, 792-7800. Sister restaurant to Fix at the Bellagio, offering a similar look and menu. Chef Brian Massie is at his best when putting a grown-up spin on childhood comfort foods, with dishes like bacon & brie tater tots and kobe chili cheese dogs. Dinner even includes a free pass to the Jet nightclub.

THE STEAK HOUSE

Circus Circus, 794-3767. This hidden gem offers classic steakhouse décor, huge slabs of meat and great service, for a few bucks less than you'll pay at comparable places around town. No wonder it's developed a loyal following among locals and tourists alike.

T-BONES CHOPHOUSE AND LOUNGE

Red Rock Casino, 797-7595. This high-end steakhouse is as beautifully designed as the rest of the resort, and boasts some of the finest steaks in town. All beef is aged for 42 days in a combination wet and dry aging process, and signature cuts include the bone-in filet mignon. Among the side dishes, don't miss the tater tots with white truffles.

TERRIBLE MIKE'S

Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., 365-7111. A cheap and tasty option for "dinner and a movie" dates offering grilled-to-order burgers, chicken sandwiches and fried sides.

TIFFANY'S

White Cross Drugs, 1700 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 444-4459. The former Liberty Café is back and serving American-Greek diner food like always.

THE TILLERMAN

2245 E. Flamingo Road, 731-4036. This landmark seafood house is a great choice for a romantic evening.

TINOCO'S BISTRO

Arts Factory, 103 E. Charleston Blvd., 464-5008. An eclectic menu at reasonable prices. You'll find plenty of delicious Italian pastas such as lobster ravioli, other highlights include chicken satay and a filet mignon with foie gras in a port reduction.

TODD'S UNIQUE DINING

4350 E. Sunset Road, 259-8633. As good as any gourmet restaurant on the strip, at notable lower prices but it's the service that helps distinguish the place as a great neighborhood restaurant. Unique, casual fine dining.

TRADER VIC'S

Miracle Mile Shops, 405-4700. Polynesian-themed chain that's achieved cult-like status over its 62-year history, this location has a distinct "tiki chic" feel. There's even a second-floor ultra lounge. The food is influenced by Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese and even Malaysian cuisine, and the house specialty drink is the Mai Tai.

TRIPLE 7 BREWPUB

Main Street Station, 387-1896. One of the better brewpubs in town. Great beer and good food.

TRIPLE GEORGE GRILL

290 N. Third St., 384-2761. Patterned after a classic seafood and steak house, it offers a large selection of steak, chops and seafood as well as numerous more casual choices. There's even a piano lounge where you can enjoy an after dinner drink.

TWO GALS

1632 Nevada Highway, Boulder City, 293-1793. Since the mid-'70s, this has been a friendly small-town place with fresh, healthy food. Serves breakfast, lunch and dessert. Try the silly-named omelets.

VINTNER GRILL

10100 W. Charleston Blvd, 214-5590. Contemporary American cuisine with Mediterranean influences in an atmosphere the owners describe as "everyday opulence." Dine indoors or outside in the winding patio area, which features private cabana tables and trees strung with stained glass lanterns.

VOODOO STEAK

Rio, 777-8090. The great view and spooky décor haven't changed since Honorio Mencinas took over the kitchen perched high atop the Rio, but the menu has. The focal point is steak, both wet-aged and in-house dry-aged varieties. There are plenty of other bayou-tinged options if beef isn't your thing. The food is good, but the prices are high and the service can be spotty.

WHITE CHOCOLATE GRILL

9510 S. Eastern Ave., 436-7100. Despite the name, the place is actually a large grill house, specializing in fresh, creative salads, sandwiches, and a large selection of wood-fired meat, chicken and seafood. It's a beautiful dining room, with good service and good food that allows you to indulge your sweet tooth at the end of the meal.

WILD TRUFFLES GOURMET CAFÉ

750 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 7, 938-8803. Quaint and casual café offering delicious high-end sandwiches, wraps and salads, as well as gourmet dinner entrees that range from tandoori-crusted chicken to almond-coated pork schnitzel with hollandaise sauce. There's also a large selection of mouth-watering chocolate truffles and other homemade desserts, a gelato bar, and a small gourmet gift shop.

YUKON GRILLE

Arizona Charlie's West, 258-5172; Arizona Charlie's East, 951-9000. Fine facsimile of an intimate Northwest hunting lodge, without the stuffed heads. If you want a steak in a romantic setting, this is the place.

ZOOZACRACKERS

Wynn Las Vegas, 770-3463. This deli features massive sandwiches made with only top-quality ingredients. It's a bit pricey, but Steve Wynn isn't known as a bargain hunter.

Indian

GANDHI INDIA'S CUISINE

4080 Paradise Road, 734-0094. The city's oldest Indian restaurant and also the most expensive. Vegetarian and meat-eater dishes.

GAYLORD INDIA RESTAURANT

Rio, 777-2277. A high-end Indian restaurant with a great atmosphere, good service and excellent food. The combination of these justifies the somewhat higher price tag. The menu offers a huge selection of vegetarian options.

HIMALAYAN CUISINE

730 E. Flamingo Road, 894-9334. This modest restaurant offers food native to India, Nepal and Tibet. You'll find familiar dishes like vindaloo and tikka masala, as well as more exotic offerings like a broth made of jwanu seeds or a yogurt and herb marinated version of tandoori called kawab.

INDIA OVEN

2218 Paradise Road, 366-0222. Simple décor, classic menu, good service and reasonable prices.

INDIA PALACE

505 E. Twain Ave., 796-4177. Perhaps the best traditional Indian food in town, and a good value compared with its competitors.

ORIGIN INDIA

4480 Paradise Road, 734-6342. Raises the entire city's expectations for an Indian restaurant, while only minimally raising the price. Open until 11:30 p.m. seven nights a week.

SAMOSA FACTORY

4604 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. 6, 258-9610. A large menu that includes more than 20 large, perfectly spiced entrées. Warning: The place closes relatively early on the weekends.

SHALIMAR

3900 Paradise Road, 796-0302. Beautiful room, great food and good service.

African

MERKATO

855 E. Twain Ave; 796-1231. A favorite of expatriate taxi drivers. You may encounter a bit of a language barrier, but if you're adventurous you'll be rewarded with incredible food. And make sure to ask about the traditional Ethiopian coffee.

MESKEREM

252 Convention Center Drive, #8B, 732-4250. Adventurous diners should look up this hidden gem. The staff is extremely friendly and accepting of neophytes to Ethiopian cuisine.

Chinese

AMLEE GOURMET

3827 E. Sunset Road, 898-3358. A little more expensive than most other Chinese restaurants, but the food lives up to the prices.

CAFÉ NOODLE

4355 Spring Mountain Road, 220-3399. An elaborate bar and extensive menu, including some of those adventurous dishes that many Americans run screaming from, make this a solid Chinese option.

CATHAY HOUSE

5300 W. Spring Mountain Road, 876-3838. Better-than-average Chinese food and great service in an elegant setting. The restaurant's east wall is made up entirely of plate-glass windows, providing a wonderful view of the Strip's parade of lights.

CHINOIS

Caesars Palace Forum Shops, 737-9700. Wolfgang Puck owned, Chinois offers traditional Chinese food. But be daring and try the "Chinois Entrée Classics." Great service, loud atmosphere.

DIAMOND CHINA

3909 W. Sahara Ave., 873-6977; 2239 N. Rampart Blvd., 363-8262. Our top pick for late-night Chinese food; open until 5 a.m.

HARBOR PALACE

4275 Spring Mountain Road, 253-1688. An open, bright atmosphere surrounds the fresh food and fast service. A wide variety of seafood, chicken and beef selections are supplemented with an interesting fruit drink menu.

HO-HO-HO CHINESE GOURMET EXPRESS

10217 W. Charleston Blvd., 838-7628. An extensive menu that busts with bold flavor.

LITTLE BUDDHA

Palms, 942-7777. The local version of the famous Buddha Bar in Paris serves French, Japanese and Chinese fusion cuisine in luscious surroundings.

NINA

6125 S. Fort Apache Road, 870-0028. This all-you-can-eat establishment offers a pan-Asian approach to shabu shabu, a style of pot cooking. Guests choose a broth, then select from a massive buffet of raw ingredients, which they cook at their table. A la carte options available at lunch.

SAM WOO BARBECUE

4215 Spring Mountain Road, 368-7628. Chinese-style barbecue that ranges from rather odd to wonderful.

TAO

Venetian Grand Canal Shops, 388-8338. The nightclub half of this $20 million venture has been getting most of the press. But the beautifully decorated restaurant is worth a visit for a pan-Asian menu that boasts brilliant sauces, large portions and prices that won't completely break the bank.

Japanese

BENIHANA VILLAGE

Las Vegas Hilton, 732-5111. Japanese tabletop cooking at its finest. The chefs deliver great steaming-hot food, as well as an entertaining show.

DRAGONFLY

3900 Paradise Road, 699-9633. The owners of the popular tapas restaurant Firefly opened this "Asian joint" next door, where they offer sushi, yakitori and other mostly-Japanese cuisine. The emphasis is on small, easily shared plates. Try the fried quail eggs with bacon or the yellowtail sashimi with ponzu, cilantro and jalapeno.

GINZA SUSHI

375 N. Stephanie St., 538-7360. Housed in a chrome building that was once a retro-themed diner, the owners have done a great job of converting the space into a Japanese restaurant. The sushi here is fresh, well-prepared and affordable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

HAMADA OF JAPAN

Various locations. A Vegas favorite and hangout for the city's beautiful people. Traditional Japanese food and sushi bar.

ISLAND SUSHI

9400 S. Eastern Ave., 221-1600. Located in the space that used to house the popular sushi restaurant Koto, quality sushi is still the main draw but the new owners have added a Hawaiian flair. They offer a nice all-you-can-eat special for $24.95.

KAIZEN

10272 Eastern Ave., #109, 492-0216. Putting a "fusion" spin on sushi, Kaizen's choices range from the traditional to the bizarre. Their barbecued rib roll may be one of a kind, which is probably a good thing.

KOI

Planet Hollywood, 454-4555. L.A.'s celebrity-owned Koi has long been a hotspot for Hollywood A-listers. Now those who aren't cool enough to score a reservation there can enjoy the next best thing at Planet Hollywood. The food is Japanese-inspired with California accents; the dining room is large and modern; and the enclosed patio lounge offers one of the Strip's best views of the Bellagio fountains.

MAKINO

3965 S. Decatur Blvd., 889-4477. Reasonably priced Japanese seafood buffet is consistently fresh and delicious all the way from sushi to dessert.

NAGA

Stratosphere, 380-7777. Offering Japanese, Chinese and Thai food, Naga has something for everyone without specializing in anything.

OSAKA

4205 W. Sahara Ave., 4988; 10925 S. Eastern, 616-3788. With well-trained, award-winning chefs and seafood not available elsewhere in town, this Japanese restaurant is the place to go if you want a civilized meal.

RA SUSHI

Fashion Show Mall, 696-0008. Ra is a great place to eat sushi and have a few drinks -- and well worth a trip to the mall.

SEA STONE

1050 S. Rampart Boulevard., 478-9000. Located in the space that once housed the popular Summerlin restaurant Hannah's, Sea Stone features a similar look and menu. They offer sushi and Asian fusion cuisine in a beautifully designed dining room -- both with a touch of Korean flair to reflect the new ownership. Highlights of the menu include the clam chowder and an appetizer called beef negimayaki.

SEN OF JAPAN

8480 W. Desert Inn Road, 871-7781. Run by former Nobu Las Vegas head chef Hiro Nakano, this off-strip Japanese fusion restaurant offers delicious food at far less than you'd pay in a casino. The menu features sushi, tempura, kushi yai skewered meat, and both hot and cold fusion dishes. Can't decide on what to order? Try one of their two "omakase" tasting menus, reasonably priced at $50 or $80 a person.

SAPPORO

9719 W. Flamingo Road, 216-3080. This incarnation of a Scottsdale hotspot is divided into four sections: a teppanyaki table-cooking dining area; sushi bar; main dining room; and a bar area that opens onto a small outdoor patio and which draws a nightly assortment of Summerlin's beautiful people.

SUSHI HOUSE MANDA

4790 S. Fort Apache Road, 382-6006. All you can eat. The best place in town to figure out what you like and don't like about sushi and sashimi.

SUSHI MON

9770 S. Maryland Parkway, 617-0241. Fresh and authentic delicacies. Try the all-you-can-eat dinner.

SUSHI ROKU

Caesars Palace Forum Shops, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 733-7373. The sushi is fresh and well-prepared, but Sushi Roku goes far beyond the basics. A great view of the strip, cool décor and large selection of creative hot and cold dishes from the land and sea more than justify the steep price tag.

SUSHIWA

790 Coronado Center Drive, 263-5785. This hip modern Henderson newcomer has a New York City feel, and offers innovative spins on sushi and sashimi, taking rolls to a new level.

SWISH

7875 W. Sahara Ave., # 105, 870-7947. Swish offers shabu shabu, in which customers cook their own meat, seafood and vegetables in a pot of broth, and sukiyaki, where the same foods are cooked in a flat pan with sauce. Both are easy for newcomers to enjoy, and the restaurant's staff is more than willing to lend first-timers a hand.

TERIYAKI

Various locations. Time-short, health-conscious lunchers love the teriyaki bowls, which follow a simple formula: meats (chicken and beef) in a sauce (teriyaki) served with steamed vegetables and rice.

TOGOSHI RAMEN

855 E. Twain Ave., 737-7003. It has the visual charm of a bus station, but the huge bowls of noodles and rich broths make Togoshi the best Japanese ramen joint this side of Tokyo.

Korean

KING SE JONG

1500 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 384-5264. Good, solid Korean food. It's hard to experiment here, because the menu is rather obscure. Stick with bool ko kee and noodles.

KOREAN GARDEN BARBEQUE HOUSE

4355 Spring Mountain Road, 383-3392. This tasty establishment departs from traditional Korean barbeque in that your server cook the meat for you at the table instead of allowing you to do it yourself.

OK KOREAN

17 E. Oakey Blvd., 382-8415. Great atmosphere, with exotic dishes for the adventurous gastronome.

SAN-TOKI

4480 Paradise Road, 732-8654. Delicious DIY Korean cuisine: barbecue and shabu shabu/sukiyaki. The food as good or better than their competitors, and the open, modern dining room is about as cool as anything you'll find in this trendy neighborhood.

Southeast Asian

ANGKOR WAT

5693 S. Jones Blvd., 257-1163. Specializing in Cambodian, Vietnamese and Thai food. You'll find spring rolls, pad thai, stir fry and pho, just to name a few of the options.

CAFE MODA

3400 S. Jones Blvd., 220-4488. Quirky little restaurant that has the feel of a small catering hall and serves primarily as a dance hall for Filipino expatriates. Some of the fare may be a bit exotic, but there's something for everyone.

KOMOL

953 E. Sahara Ave., 731-6542. One of the longest-lived and most-popular Thai restaurants in town. Watch out for the hot stuff, though. Even "medium" is blazingly spicy.

LOTUS OF SIAM

953 E. Sahara Ave., 735-3033. The emphasis is on stellar Thai cusine, rather than the decor. Monstrous menu; reservations recommended.

MARNEE THAI

5600 W. Spring Mountain Road, 873-4831. Damn good Thai food reasonably priced.

PHO

TI, 894-7111. Located inside the Coffee Shop, this Vietnamese eatery offers less than two dozen dishes, none priced above $10.95. It's open until midnight during the week, and until 3 a.m. on weekends, which makes it great for a late-night snack. Less adventurous diners can always order from the basic coffee shop menu.

PHO SO I

4745 Spring Mountain Road, 252-3934. Everything on this Vietnamese menu comes highly recommended. Specialties are beef noodle soups, spring rolls and beef salad. Try beer with your meal; there is also a wine that is best savored as a dessert.

SATAY

3575 Spring Mountain Road, 362-2828. Perhaps Las Vegas' only Malaysian restaurant, Satay offers incredible dishes that you won't find at many places here in Las Vegas, in a cool, casual dining room perfect for partying. Newcomers to Malaysian cuisine will be comforted by the familiar Chinese and Thai influences. But Malaysian is a cuisine all it's own, and well worth checking out.

THAI ROOM

3355 E. Tropicana Ave., 458-8481. Moderately priced classical Thai food in a pleasant room.

European

CAFÉ ALEXANDRA

3650 S. Jones Blvd., Suite 3; 579-4603. Offering European cooking with a Serbian twist, Café Alexandra's house specialty is crepes. You'll find over a dozen sweet dessert versions, and about as many "savory" entrée styles. There's also a small stage area for live music.

CAFÉ HEIDELBERG

610 E. Sahara Ave., 731-5310. One of the only real German eateries in town. It offers all of the traditional dishes, plus good beer and a surprisingly complete deli and store.

DANUBE CAFÉ

4865 S. Pecos Road, 454-5535. Just order something and enjoy -- whether it's pork chops, falafel, goulash or fish and chips.

RED SQUARE

Mandalay Bay, 632-7407. Classically upscale Russian food served in an almost-gothic space especially designed to encourage the consumption of vodka.

French

ANDRE'S FRENCH RESTAURANT

401 S. Sixth St., 385-5016. Andre's is what people think of when somebody says "take me to the nicest place in town." Expect to spend a good part of your evening savoring some of the best food and wine in Vegas.

BONJOUR BISTRO

9055 S. Eastern Ave., 270-2102. Prices are lower then at your typical French restaurant and the food at this cozy, casual spot is delicious. Beware the large portions.

DANIEL BOULUD BRASSERIE

Wynn, 770-3310. Celebrity chef Daniel Boulud has created a casually elegant gourmet tavern that's a bit more affordable than his eponymous New York eatery. Menu choices ranging from a pair of hamburgers to four types of caviar are available in a beautifully modern dining room overlooking Wynn Las Vegas' manmade waterfall.

DRAI'S

Bill's Gamblin' Hall, 737-0555. One of the more sophisticated and comfortable rooms in the city, with an old Hollywood flavor. The lounge alone is worth the visit -- couches and overstuffed chairs surround a fireplace that crackles in a wall of bookshelves.

L'ATELIER DE JOEL ROBUCHON

MGM Grand, 891-7358. Located adjacent to Joel Robuchon at The Mansion, L'Atelier provides a chance to sample the cuisine of French legend Joel Robuchon in a more casual atmosphere, with a slightly lower price tag. Most of the seats are at the bar, were you can watch the team of chefs prepare each dish to perfection. The nine-course "discovery menu" runs $160 a head, but small a la carte indulgences are available in the $30 to $50 range.

LE PAMPLEMOUSSE

400 E. Sahara Ave., 733-2066. A Las Vegas institution for over 30 years, located in a converted house on East Sahara. The food is French and the service is old-school, with waiters reciting the day's menu from memory. Yet it's less expensive and intimidating than most French restaurants on The Strip.

MON AMI GABI

Paris hotel-casino, 946-4433. This Parisian-style steak and shellfish house offers perhaps the best setting in town: 18th century-style dark wood and soaring elegance inside, and a glass-roofed conservatory looking out on Bellagio's fountains.

RESTAURANT GUY SAVOY

Caesars Palace, 731-7731. Tailored to the "money is no object" crowd, a bowl of soup will set you back $68, while the ten-course prestige menu runs $290 per person without wine. But you get what you pay for, and French master Guy Savoy's sublime cuisine is perfectly prepared by chef Adam Sobel. Yet with hip, modern décor, presided over by a young friendly staff, it's not as intimidating as you might expect - until the check arrives.

Mediterranean

ALMAZA

9890 S. Maryland Parkway, 450-1030. This Lebanese Green Valley hotspot brings in belly dancers and DJs to perform for packed houses every Friday and Saturday night, and has an attached hookah bar. But the star attraction is the Middle Eastern food. Expect all the basics, including falafel, kabobs and shawarma, as well as several varieties of manaish: Lebanese pizza. You'll also find an impressive selection of beer and wine from around the world.

CHANDELIER MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

2980 St. Rose Parkway., 456-8643. This Seven Hills area Mediterranean restaurant stretches the meaning of "Mediterranean" cuisine to include Greek, Italian, French, Moroccan and even Indian, so there's something for everyone. After your meal, make it a point to grab a smoke at the hookah lounge in the back.

GYRO TIME

5239 W. Charleston Blvd. 878-6393; 7660 W. Cheyenne Ave. 658-9729. Gyro Time adds a little variety to the fast food world by offering Greek dishes rather than burgers and tacos. The menu features gyros, souvlaki and falafel as well as side dishes of spinach or cheese pies. Good enough for those times when you're probably going to eat fast food anyway.

MY BUDDY'S

3650 S. Jones Blvd., Suite 4, 221-8701. This small Greek deli offers assorted subs alongside Mediterranean-style fast food like falafel, gyros and hummus.

OPA

2550 S. Rainbow Blvd., 876-3737. Opa offers the most extensive Greek menu you'll find in town. Hellenic delicacies are served in a nice dining room with live music. Make sure you get the flaming saganaki appetizer: a baked slab of kefalograviera cheese flambéed tableside.

PAYMON'S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ

4147 S. Maryland Parkway, 731-6030; 8380 W. Sahara Ave. Bustling café offering tastes from across the Mediterranean. A happening lunch spot. The exotic hookah lounge is attached to the restaurant.

Irish

J.C. WOOLOUGHAN

JW Marriott Las Vegas, 869-7777. Even though the hotel it is in has changed hands several times, this finest of real Irish pubs is still doing it right.

SEAN PATRICK'S

8255 W. Flamingo Road, 227-9793. A wonderful mix of Irish pub and family restaurant.

Spanish

CAFÉ BA BA REEBA

3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 258-1211. This tourist-friendly tapas bar in the Fashion Show Mall offers an open air seating area. It offers both tapas and heavier Spanish entrees as well as more than 150 varieties of Spanish wine.

FIREFLY

3900 Paradise Road, 369-3971. This upscale bar with a pleasant patio area offers a wide variety of tapas items but a limited selection of entrees. What it lacks in authenticity it makes up for in taste.

Italian

BATTISTA'S HOLE IN THE WALL

4041 Audrie St., 732-1424. Old World-style Italian restaurant with an incredible memorabilia collection reflecting the Vegas of yore. Try the massive mound of scampi with linguine.

BELLA LUNA

7905 W. Sahara Ave., 227-7900. If you want a delicious and authentic northern Italian influenced meal, and you're anywhere near Sahara and Buffalo, you would be hard-pressed to do better.

BERTOLINI'S WEST

9500 W. Sahara Ave., 869-1540. Sophisticated and woody '50s and '60s decor highlights its classy northern Italian cuisine.

BISTRO DIVINO

241 W. Charleston Ave., 362-8200. The emphasis is on quality casual Italian fare at this arts district mainstay in Holsum lofts. They offer excellent and authentic panini (Italian sandwiches) during lunch, and nearly two dozen thin-crust pizzas at any hour. You'll also find great appetizers and salads.

BOOTLEGGER BISTRO

7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 736-4939. This restaurant is one of the last remnants of the city's "Lounge Era." It features live entertainment and a menu filled with Italian specialties. A great weekend dining spot.

BUCA DI BEPPO

412 E. Flamingo Road, 866-2867; also 7690 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 363-6524. This chain of retro-Italiano joints made its big expansion move just in time for "The Sopranos" mania. Traditional pasta and meat dishes, huge portions and reasonable prices.

CAFÉ CHLOE

4155 S. Buffalo Drive, 248-7048. The staff seems to know half of their customers by name at this popular neighborhood Italian restaurant. The food is delicious, and the portions are huge. The only downside is their $10 charge for splitting the oversized portions. So just order two, and make sure you bring home the leftovers. And call ahead if you want to secure a seat, the place fills up quickly.

CAFE MASTRIONI

4250 S. Rainbow Blvd., 367-7511. Upscale-but-casual restaurant in a west side strip mall, offers indoor dining, an outdoor patio and a bar area. The traditional menu is large and varied. The prices are a little higher than the norm, but the food and service are worth it.

CANALETTO

Venetian, 733-0070. Real northern Italian food with a Venetian flair served either in a woody, dark dining room or "outside" in the Piazza San Marco. (No pigeons!)

CAPO'S ITALIAN CUISINE

5795 W. Tropicana Ave., 436-2276. Walking into Capo's is like walking into an illegal speakeasy, complete with a sliding panel so the bouncer can check you out before unlocking the secret door. Once inside, they offer great Italian food and entertainment in a dining room that's a tribute to organized crime through the ages.

CARLUCCIO'S TIVOLI GARDENS

1775 East Tropicana Ave., 795-3236. Good basic Italian cuisine; nothing exceptional but reasonably priced. However, you don't dine here for the food. You dine here for the gloriously ostentatious chandeliers and the absurd fountains -- simply because you know Liberace installed them.

CHICAGO JOE'S

820 S. Fourth St., 382-5637. Joe's has been serving Italian food based on family recipes for more than 20 years. For folks who enjoy a good meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

FERRARA'S CAFÉ

Caesars Palace Forum Shops, 647-3604. The parent establishment of this Italian cafe opened in in New York in 1892. Both Cafés boast heirloom family recipes. More than a dozen breakfast selections. Reasonably priced. Try the pesto-infused green eggs and ham.

FIORE

Rio, 252-7777. It's pricey, but virtually every dish here looks like something out of Gourmet magazine.

GIORGIO RISTORANTE E CAFFE

Mandalay Place, 920-2700. Owned by Pierro Selvaggio, the man behind Valentino in The Venetian (as well as Valentino and Postro in Los Angeles), Giorgio serves the same incredible Italian cuisine, at slightly more affordable prices. It boasts two main dining rooms, with a fine-dining atmosphere in the rear and a more casual one in the front. For a real treat, try one of the family-style tasting menus. And make sure you inquire about any discounts they might be offering for local residents.

GIUSEPPE'S BAR AND GRILL

6065 S. Durango Rd., 896-7616. Although it looks like little more than a video poker bar from the outside, Giuseppi's offers a large selection of great Italian food. House specialties include meat lasagna, lighter-than-air gnocchi, and what CityLife's restaurant critic considers the best pizza in Las Vegas.

IL FORNAIO

Green Valley Ranch Station, 492-0054; New York-New York, 650-6500. A fairly large chain, with locations in a handful of states, Il Fornaio still has the feel of a small, family-owned restaurant. The atmosphere is casual and romantic, making it a great place for a family meal or a hot date. Excellent risotto.

LA COLLINA

645 Carnegie St., 252-7474. Perched atop a hill in Green Valley, this Italian restaurant features breathtaking views of the valley and the strip. Menu ranges from pizza and sandwiches to high-end Italian. Try the Portobello mushroom cap appetizer stuffed with crabmeat and served in a delicious yellow pepper sauce with balsamic vinegar. And their putanesca is among the best in town.

LOW CALZONE

8975 S. Eastern Ave., 835-1133. Finally, fast food for the health conscious. With Salads, specialty, pizzas, pasta and more, Low Calzone has something for everyone. Nothing is ever fried, turkey is in meat sauces instead of pork and brown rice replaces white. There 's even a large selection of sugar-free desserts.

LUCIO RISTORANTE

8615 W. Sahara Road, 233-2859. Offers a large risotto selection, and live music on the weekends. Owner Lucio Picozzi can often be fond waiting tables and chatting with customers.

MACARONI GRILL

Various locations. Popular, noisy eatery known for pots of white gladiolus and interesting northern Italian dishes.

MONTESANO'S

3441 W. Sahara Ave., 876-0348; 4835 W. Craig Road, 656-3708. In a city filled with Italian eateries, Montesano's (a classic deli/spaghetti combo) goes the extra step to provide fresh food.

NORA'S CUISINE

6020 W. Flamingo Road, 873-8990. Originally a sub and pizza joint, Nora's has expanded into a full-service upscale dining room serving traditional southern Italian and Sicilian dishes that you won't find many other places.

NORA'S WINE BAR AND OSTERIA

1031 S. Rampart Blvd, 940-6672. An "osteria," as defined on the menu at Nora's, is "a family-owned establishment where locals gather to mingle and trade stories, a place where wine is the main attraction." At Nora's, that means over 350 bottles of wine and 60 by the glass. But you don't have to be a connoisseur to enjoy Nora's. Their food is good enough on its own to justify a visit. And it's all served "family style" so guests can share several of the slightly exotic Italian specialties.

PASTA PIRATE

California hotel-casino, 385-1222. The silly name and bizarre decor don't take away from the quality Italian dishes, steaks and simple seafood churned out.

RAO'S

Caesars Palace, 731-RAOS. New York's most exclusive restaurant has expanded into Caesars Palace, making it possible for regular people to sample their amazing Italian fare. Recipes that have been fine-tuned over the original restaurant's 110-year history are perfectly prepared using only the finest ingredients. But make sure you call ahead, because reservations are tough to come by.

STIVALI

Circus Circus, 691-5820. Beautiful room -- comfortable and intimate despite its size -- and a nice contrast to its location in one of the Strip's cheesiest resorts.

STRINGS ITALIAN CAFÉ

2222 E. Tropicana Ave., 739-6400. Classic northern Italian food and a pleasant outdoor dining area. Elegant appetizers and affordable prices.

TREVI

Caesars Palace Forum Shops, 735-4663. Formerly Bertolini's, this Italian restaurant owns the prime piece of Forum Shops real estate adjacent to the central Fountain of the Gods. In addition to a name change, the restaurant got a makeover and a slightly revamped menu. But the focus remains on familiar Italian fair. Prices are a bit high, but the wealthy tourists who drop in after shopping at Fendi and Bvlgari don't seem to mind.

VALENTINO

Venetian, 414-3000. Piero Selvaggio's award-winning room serves great contemporary Italian dishes.

ZEFFIRINO RISTORANTE

Venetian, 414-3500. Chef Paolo Belloni has created a restaurant lauded by the New York Times as serving "better food than you'd find in Venice, Italy."

Central American

SALVADORENO

720 N. Main St., 385-3600. Comfortable and sophisticated with a distinctly Salvadoran menu.

Mexican

AGAVE COMIDA Y TEQUILA

10820 W. Charleston Blvd., 214-3500. If you're looking for simple authentic basics, look elsewhere. But if dishes like blue corn crab cakes with chipotle-grilled shrimp or potato and portabella mushrooms make your mouth water, Agave has plenty to offer.

DIABLO'S CANTINA

Monte Carlo, 730-6666. The Light Group gets down and dirty with this huge Mexican place. A half-naked devil girl overlooking the strip sets the mood and inside, you'll find a south-of-the-border atmosphere, 75 tequilas and great Mexican grub. If you want to stick to American food, and have a hearty appetite, see if you can handle their 15-ounce hamburger.

ESPEE'S GOURMET TAMALES

4275 S. Durango Drive, 492-1400. This family-owned restaurant offers inexpensive, casual Mexican food that's a little different. The menu is small, but features a wide variety of tamales, puffed tacos, sopes and chile rellenos. And everything is all-natural, and made without trans fats, additives or preservatives.

FRANK & FINA'S COCINA

4175 S. Grand Canyon Drive, 579-3017. This quaint, homey restaurant manages to make you forget it's located in a massive strip mall complex. More importantly, they offer great Mexican basics and some incredible house specialties. But call ahead for a reservation, because its reputation has obviously spread through its west side neighborhood, leaving it packed on most nights.

LA MADONNA

6115 Fort Apache Road, 586-0925. The avante garde cuisine here is creative and delicious, as are the specialty drinks. They're both served up in a winding, nicely-decorated dining room that makes you forget you're in a strip mall. On your way out, stop by the Mexican crafts shop next door.

LOS CABOS MEXICAN SEAFOOD

4161 S. Eastern Ave., 731-0084. The two dining rooms range from causal to dingy, but the menu at this hole-in the wall is massive, and the food is delicious. An authentic, mom-and-pop operation, they offer all of the Mexican basics and plenty of more exotic options. But the focus is seafood. Some of the prices might seem a bit high at first, but the portions are massive, and usually large enough to be shared.

MI CASA GRILL CANTINA

Silverton, 263-7777. Modern Mexican cantina dropped in the middle of the backwoods-themed casino. Luckily for you, Mi Casa has 65 tequilas delivered by their resident "tequila temptress" to help you work your way though the culture shock. The menu features tapas, Mexican classics and various house specialties: basically something for everyone.

SEÑOR FISH

4790 S. Fort Apache Road, 873-9372. This Baja Mexican grill is the first Nevada location of the L.A. chain that's received plenty of accolades over the years. Unfortunately the smoking ban in bars has forced it to operate as a purely takeout location inside Sagos Tavern, doing business out of a kitchen in the back of the bar. On the bright side, the bar has a large dining room and customers are free to eat there, ordering through a touch-screen machine at the bar. It's a pain in the ass, but it's worth it for the large selection of Mexican dishes.

SILVITA'S MEXICAN GRILL

1236 Western Ave., 294-6100. A small casual establishment, Silvita's combination of friendly service, huge portions, low prices and good food makes it a perfect place to grab lunch.

SONIO'S CAFE AND ROTISSERIE

3900 W. Charleston Blvd., 207-2177. This simple rotisserie joint offers a surprisingly varied menu, including a large selection of Mexican food. But it's the basic chicken and delicious side dishes that will keep you coming back. Priced just a few bucks more than most fast food meals, it's a thousand times better.

VIVA MERCADO'S

3553 S. Rainbow Blvd., 871-8826. This popular west side Mexican place recently reopened in a new, much larger location. The menu is a massive tome packed with both familiar and original Mexican delicacies. But before you begin wading through it, spend some time pondering their ten types of salsas to accompany your chips.

South American

INKA SI SEÑOR

4375 S. Buffalo Drive, 731-0826. If you don't know how much fun Peruvians have, this place will be a revelation. Semi-exotic food that's beautifully presented.

RINCON DE BUENOS AIRES

5300 Spring Mountain Road, 257-3331. Authentic Argentinean cuisine, with Italian, Spanish, German and Portuguese influences.

RUMJUNGLE

Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 632-7408. The house specialty is a take on the Brazilian tradtion of Rodizio, where diners have a variety of meat brought to their tables on skewers. There are a few other rodizio places in town but this one is close to the top in both price and quality.

SAMBA GRILL

Mirage, 791-7111. This Brazilian dining spot offers an all-you-can-eat parade of grilled delights. Meat lovers will salivate over skewers loaded up with sirloin steak, teriyaki chicken, Portuguese sausages and much more.

YOLIE'S BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

3900 Paradise Road, 794-0700. Great house specials, including the Famous Grill (an extravaganza featuring excellent meats).

Caribbean

COOL PLACE CUBAN CAFÉ

2055 E. Tropicana Ave., 11, 795-7070. Buoyant atmosphere with deliciously prepared traditional Cuban cuisine. Serves wine and beer. Try the batidos (Cuban-style fruit shakes).

CUBASON

3762 E. Flamingo Road, 434-6719. A casual little restaurant offering both Mexican and Cuban cuisine. For those who aren't familiar with these styles of cooking and don't speak Spanish, the English descriptions on the menu don't offer much guidance. But the staff is friendly, and the food is worth exploring.

FLORIDA CAFÉ

Howard Johnson's, 1401 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 385-3013. Real Cuban fare, seafood specialties, and mild and mellow Latin American flavors.

RINCON CRIOLLO

1145 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 388-1906. Cuban mom-and-pop diner serving honest, simple food at reasonable prices.