Las Vegas' Best Spots For Outdoor Dining

Spring is the perfect time for al fresco dining in Sin City. The weather hasn't hit the 90-degree mark yet and breakfast and dinner hours provide the perfect temperature to people-watch and enjoy the many sites the Strip has to offer. Here are our selections for the city's best places to dine outdoors and enjoy the view.

Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at the Wynn offers a variety of dishes inspired by the authentic cuisine of coastal Italy. Chef Paul Bartolotta serves an assortment of fresh seafood, including Mediterranean cuttlefish; grilled scampi; scallop, shrimp and lobster risotto; and whole branzino served with a variety of sauces and condiments, in a beautiful bi-level outdoor/indoor space comprised of a main dining room, bar and lounge area, two private rooms, and an outdoor lakeside terrace. The patio landscape at Bartolotta is reminiscent of dining alfresco on the Italian coast. Guests can also enjoy meals in colorful cabanas with Murano glass chandeliers around a tranquil lake dotted with lily pads and darting koi fish.

Also at the Wynn, nestled on the picturesque and captivating Lake of Dreams, is SW Steakhouse, the resort's signature steakhouse featuring classic steakhouse fare. Menu items include oysters on the half-shell, Maryland blue crabcakes, herb-crusted Colorado lamb chops, braised Kobe-style beef shortribs, and the finest cuts of prime meat. The main dining room's curved copper wall features a grid of candles that are a strong focal point. The elegant private dining room houses lavish wall treatments and ornate mirrors. But the best and most romantic tables in the restaurant are found on SW's patio overlooking the Lake of Dreams, where Wynn's nightly water show provides an experience for all of the senses. The whimsical hourly show is the best-kept secret on the Strip.

Francophiles will adore multiple James Beard Award-winning chef Thomas Keller's Bouchon at the Venetian. Diners can enjoy bistro classics such as steak frites, roasted chicken, leg of lamb, and a variety of decadent desserts. The authentic French country fare is modeled after the original bouchons of Lyon. Housed next to the Venetian's VIP rooms, the Parisian-inspired tranquil patio overlooks the serene pool and gardens. Bouchon is the perfect retreat if you want to steal away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip but still enjoy a perfect French-inspired meal alfresco.

If you crave a French atmosphere that is livelier, Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris hotel is a good choice. Located across from the Bellagio, the patio is a perfect spot to watch the fountain show and the dazzling array of tourists strolling down the Strip. One-third of the restaurant's tables are located on the patio at the French-inspired bistro, but they don't take patio reservations so make sure to come early if you want to enjoy the alfresco Champs Élysée experience and indulge in classic French fare such as fruits de mer, crepes, and croque monsieur. 

Another great spot for people-watching on the Strip at any hour is Central at Caesars Palace. Housed adjacent to the lobby, chef Michel Richard's 24-hour eatery offers American comfort food with a French twist. Diners can nosh on classics such as fried chicken, a bevy of burger choices, and meatloaf as well as upscale items such as filet mignon tartare. 

For those who want to blend a romantic outdoor stellar view of the city and award-winning cuisine, head to miX at Mandalay Bay. Chef Alan Ducasse's fine-dining modern restaurant perched at the top of THEhotel is stunning inside and out. The main all-white dining room houses a curved staircase leading to a huge circular piece of ceiling art amid a gigantic chandelier of hanging glass balls. Outside, guests can ease into cozy curved booths with stunning panoramic views for a romantic intimate dining experience. Menu highlights include roasted Maine lobster, pepper-crusted bison tenderloin, and braised Wagyu filet.