The Strip and downtown Las Vegas have been transformed into a mecca for fine dining, matching other U.S. tourist destinations—New York, Chicago, Dallas, New Orleans and Los Angeles—bite for bite. Even the ridiculously cheap buffets and cuisine in the casinos have become more expansive and elaborate. If you're unsure about the quality of the food, request a quick perusal of the buffet before you pay. As far as buffets are concerned, most are reasonably priced—US$3-$10 for breakfast, lunch or dinner. At more expensive buffets, expect longer lines—but also greater selection and quality. Many Sunday breakfast buffets cost more because they become champagne brunch buffets.

In part because Las Vegas was developed by people who came from somewhere else (and who wanted to cater to visitors from around the world), there's not much cuisine indigenous to Las Vegas. Its strength lies in the plethora of choices available. Such specialty cuisines as Chinese, French and Italian, as well as Southwestern and Tex-Mex fare, are the local mainstays. Prices for dining within the Las Vegas community can be comparable to dining on the Strip.

Below is a sampling of restaurants in town. Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$15; $$ = US$15-$30; $$$ = US$31-$60; and $$$$ = more than US$60.

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

Cozymel's Mexican Grill—Tropical, not typical, coastal Mexican cuisine. Always busy, always lively, with a large bar area and fabulous food. Try La Marina—a chicken breast served with tiger shrimp and Yucatan rice—or the manager's favorite—sea bass wrapped in banana leaves. Sunday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday till midnight. $$. Most major credit cards. 355 Howard Hughes Center Dr. (restaurant row, minutes from the Strip), Las Vegas. Phone 702-732-4833.

Delmonico Steak House—Emeril Lagasse opened this steak house to kick this particularly American cuisine up a notch (as he would say). Bam! Located in the Venetian Hotel Resort and Casino, the restaurant seats 320. A large bar seats 60 and features a select menu. Open daily 5:30-10:30 pm. Reservations required. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. Phone 702-414-3737.

Ferraro's—Boasts a "Best of the Best" Five-Star Diamond Award from the Restaurant Hospitality Association as one of the top-10 Italian restaurants in the U.S. Osso buco (veal), steaks, fresh seafood and pasta specialties are prepared by a certified Master Chef from Italy and served in an art-deco setting. Nightly piano music and small dance floor. A second location is in the Stratosphere Hotel. Daily 5:30-11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 5900 W. Flamingo (near Jones), Las Vegas. Phone 702-364-5300.

Gordon Biersch—Known for serving beer like it ought to be—freshly brewed on site. The food is equally good. Contemporary American cooking with international influences is served in large portions. Even so, you won't want to split your order of garlic-rubbed hanger steak or Moroccan spice grilled lamb sirloin. Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday till 11 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. 3987 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas. Phone 702-312-5247.

Hugo's Cellar—Here's a romantic setting perfect for special occasions. Award-winning menu includes duck flambe anise, snapper en papillote, rack of lamb Indonesian, steak and prime rib. The salads are prepared fresh at your table. Open every evening at 5:30 pm. Last seating is at 10:30 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 202 E. Fremont St. (inside the Four Queens Hotel & Casino, downtown), Las Vegas. Phone 702-385-4011.

Le Cirque—Owned by the Maccioni family and located in the Bellagio Resort, this sister site of Le Cirque New York serves contemporary French cuisine in a plush and playful circus setting. World-class wine list of more than 400 selections. Open daily 5:30-11:30 pm. Reservations required. Jacket and tie required. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. The Bellagio Resort, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. Phone 702-693-8100.

Morton's of Chicago—One of Chicago's finest steak houses goes west: Morton's is famous for double filet mignons, porterhouse, ribeye and New York strips. Other specialties include shrimp Alexander, whole baked Maine lobster and Morton's Sicilian veal chops. Monday-Saturday 5:30-11 pm, Sunday 5-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. In the Fashion Show Mall on the Strip at Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas. Phone 702-893-0703.

P. F. Chang's China Bistro—Lunch or dinner finds this mouthwatering Chinese restaurant packed with locals and tourists. It's a place to be seen, whether you're dining indoors or out, but it's also a place to eat. Try Chang's spicy chicken or minced chicken in soothing lettuce leaves to whet your appetite. Part of what is quickly becoming restaurant row, this establishment started the trend of fantastic food, minutes from the Strip on Paradise Road. Lunch daily 11 am-4 pm, dinner Sunday-Thursday 4-11 pm, Friday and Saturday till midnight. No reservations, but you can call ahead just before coming over to have a table held up to 30 minutes. $$. Most major credit cards. 4165 Paradise Rd. (east of the Strip), Las Vegas. Phone 702-792-2207.

Piero's—Fresh fish flown in daily. Maine lobster, Florida stone crab, Provimi veal and many varieties of pasta. Osso buco (veal) is a popular entree. Recipient of a five-star restaurant award. Daily 5:30-10 pm. Reservations required. $$$. Most major credit cards. 355 Convention Center Dr., Las Vegas. Phone 702-369-2305.

Smith & Wollensky Steak and Chop House—New York-style chop house with New York hours. Menu includes Cajun rib eye steak, crackling pork shank, crab cakes and split pea soup. Reservations are recommended, despite the fact there is seating for 675. Casual fare at Wollensky's Grill. Lunch daily 11:30 am-4 am, dinner daily 5 pm-midnight. $$-$$$$. 3767 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. Phone 702-862-4100.

Spago—A classy offshoot of Wolfgang Puck's famed Los Angeles restaurant, it sustains a restrained yet sumptuous decor despite its glitzy location among the Forum Shops of Caesars Palace. The cafe section overlooks the mall area; the dining room offers a more private setting. Specialties include chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, Chinese-style roast duck, braised lamb with fresh pasta and ratatouille. Monday-Friday 11 am-11 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-12 or 12:30 am. Reservations taken for dining room only. $$$. Most major credit cards. 3750 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. Phone 702-369-6300.

Star Canyon—Southwestern cuisine prepared the classic French way (bone-in rib eye and pinto bean-wild mushroom ragout, red chile onion rings, grilled sirloin and sweet potato enchiladas) and served in the setting of a cowboy's dream ranch house. Daily 8-11 am, 11:30 am-2:30 pm, and 6-10 pm (later on Friday and Saturday). Reservations required. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. The Venetian Resort and Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. Phone 702-414-3772.

Yolie's Brazilian Steakhouse—Herb-marinated meats grilled on mesquite skewers showcase Brazilian cooking at its finest. The best sampling is the extraordinary multicourse dinner for US$22.95, which includes black bean soup, appetizers, salad and various meats (lamb, sausage, beef tips, top sirloin, pork tenderloin, sausage and leg of lamb) straight off the skewer. Open daily 5-11 pm. A smaller lunch version is available Monday-Friday 11 am-3 pm. Reservations suggested. $$$. Most major credit cards. One block east of the Strip at 3900 Paradise Rd., 2nd Floor, Las Vegas. Phone 702-794-0700.

Z Tejas Grill—Southwestern cuisine (it has outlets in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Austin, Texas, as well) with strong Cajun, Tex-Mex and Mexican influences: blackened voodoo tuna, grilled chicken adobe, pork roast Veracruz. Popular with locals and visitors alike. Daily 11 am-11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 3824 Paradise Rd. (near Twain), Las Vegas. Phone 702-732-1660.

AMERICAN

Aureole—A creative American menu and a large, spectacularly appointed wine cellar (actually a three-story wine tower in the center of the dining room) make this New York institution very welcome in Las Vegas. Celebrity chef Charlie Palmer changes his menu seasonally. Daily 5-10:30 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-632-7777.

Cafe Nicolle—You'll see everything from jeans to tuxedos there, where casual elegance prevails. There's dining on the patio. Choose from omelettes, crepes, salads, pastas, fresh fish and veal. Finish your meal with homemade pecan pie. Nice piano bar. Monday-Saturday 11 am-11 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. Corner of W. Sahara and Decatur, approximately 5 mi/8 km from the Strip. Phone 702-870-7675.

The Cheesecake Factory—The very extensive menu, featuring mouthwatering entrees of pasta, pizza, salads, seafood, steaks, sandwiches and more, is exceeded only by the variety of cheesecakes. You'll want to eat dessert first. Expect a wait on weekends. $$. Most major credit cards. Caesars Forum Shops, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-792-6888.

Postrio—Famed restaurateur Wolfgang Puck offers a seasonal menu of American cuisine with Asian and European influences. Trendy and unique, the fare is delicious and the desserts out of this world. Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30 am-midnight. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-796-1110.

Sam’s American—From his dramatic open kitchen, chef Sam DeMarco serves excellent regional cuisine, including lamb shank, smoked salmon and Long Island duck. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-693-7111.

ASIAN

168 Shanghai—Located in China Town Plaza, this restaurant offers an array of authentic Chinese food. Start with pan-fried pot stickers. Follow up with sweet and sour chicken or spicy Mongolian beef. Daily 11 am-9:30 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. 4215 Spring Mountain Rd., #B205 (upstairs in the center of the complex). Phone 702-365-9168.

Chin's—If you don't feel like ordering from the menu, the chef will prepare something special for you. But good choices from the largely Cantonese menu include strawberry chicken, Chin's beef, steamed scallops and crispy pudding. Some Sichuan offerings. Warm yet elegant ambience, with a pianist performing Wednesday-Saturday. Daily 11:30 am-9:30 pm (Sunday from noon). Reservations suggested for dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. In the Fashion Show Mall (on the Strip at Spring Mountain Road). Phone 702-733-8899.

Chinois—Wolfgang Puck has combined two distinctly different tastes, French and Chinese, into his own cuisine. In addition to the dining room, there are a sushi bar and private rooms for parties. The fried fish—served whole—is always good, and make sure you don’t miss a taste of Mary Bergin's dessert creations. Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am-10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30 am-11:30 pm. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. Caesars Forum Shops, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-737-9700.

Fortunes—Elegant decor is the perfect setting for unique gourmet dishes and distinctive regional cuisine prepared by Chef Chi Kwon Choi, a Hong Kong native. Thursday-Monday 6-11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. The Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo. Phone 702-247-9723.

Hamada of Japan—In an intimate setting minutes from the Strip, you'll find sukiyaki, yosenabe and a sushi bar open until 2 am. In one section there's tableside cooking (and entertainment) by the chef. Open nightly 5-11 pm. Reservations advised. $$$. Most major credit cards. 598 E. Flamingo Rd. Phone 702-733-3005.

La Chine—Upscale Hong Kong-style cooking in an elaborate, traditional atmosphere. Features a variety of pork, beef, fish, noodle and rice dishes. Sunday-Thursday 5:30-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 5:30-11:30 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. The Paris, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-967-7999.

Nobu—In surroundings both glamorous and intimate, Las Vegas diners get to try the Asian cuisine with a south-of-the-border touch first made famous in New York by chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. If you go, try something more adventurous than tempura—or at least make it sea urchin tempura. If you're flush with blackjack winnings, try the multicourse omakase ("chef's choice") dinner for two, which starts at US$70 per person. Monday-Thursday 6-11 pm, Friday-Sunday 11:45 am-2:25 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 4455 Paradise Rd. Phone 702-693-5090.

Osaka—Authentic Japanese cuisine with full sushi bar, sukiyaki and donburi mono (rice bowls with imaginative toppings). Private Japanese dining rooms with floor seating. Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm, Friday 11 am-11 pm, Saturday 5-11 pm, Sunday 5-10 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. 4205 W. Sahara (between Valley View and Arville). Phone 702-876-4988.

Royal Star—Upscale Chinese cooking served in elegant surroundings by some of America's premier Asian chefs. A large variety of dim sum is featured, as well as sumptuous meat and poultry dishes. You can also choose live fish from a tank and have them cooked to order. Private rooms available for special occasions. Daily 11 am-2 am. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-414-1888.

Shintaro—This top restaurant offers live fish in tanks as well as an expansive sushi bar and a fine list of French and American wines and premium sake. For the Japanese-food connoisseur, try the Kaiseki menu at US$95 per person. Daily 5:30-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-693-7223.

CONTINENTAL

Philips Supper House—Old, Victorian-style house with intimate alcoves and private rooms serving six to 80. Steaks, seafood and Italian veal specialties. Daily 4:30-11 pm. $$$. Most major credit cards. 4545 W. Sahara (between Arville and Decatur—a few miles from the Strip). Phone 702-873-5222.

The Tillerman—Located five minutes from the Strip, this restaurant serves fine fresh seafood from all over the world, as well as steaks, pastas, salads and homemade pastries. Daily 5-11 pm. Reservations recommended for parties of 10 or more. $$$. Most major credit cards. 2245 Flamingo Rd. Phone 702-731-4036.

FRENCH

Andre's French Restaurant—This downtown restaurant was voted the best French restaurant by Las Vegas locals. Dine alfresco or in one of four dining rooms. The wine list has nearly 1,000 labels. Daily 6-11 pm, sometimes later. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 401 S. 6th. Phone 702-385-5016.

Pamplemousse—Waiters recite the country-French menu and serve in a romantic cottage setting. Try the profiteroles or coup maison for dessert. Tuesday-Sunday, two seatings: 6-6:30 pm and 9-9:30 pm. Reservations required. $$$. Most major credit cards. 400 E. Sahara (two blocks east of the Strip). Phone 702-733-2066.

ITALIAN (INCLUDING PIZZERIAS)

Batista's Hole in the Wall—Serving fine Italian food since 1970. Dinner comes with complimentary house wine and great service, not to mention a roving violinist. Pasta is always a great choice for an entree. Sunday-Thursday 4:30-10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday till 11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. In the shadow of Bally's, behind the Barbary Coast on Flamingo Road, 4041 Audrie. Phone 702-732-1424.

Bertolini's—Expect to wait there, since this spot among the Caesars Forum shops is very popular, and no reservations are taken. Source for gourmet pizzas and pastas, chicken with gorgonzola sauce, fazzoletto con funghi (handkerchief pasta with wild mushroom sauce), homemade gelato and creme brulee. Daily 11 am-midnight (Friday and Saturday to 1 am). $$. Most major credit cards. 3750 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-735-4663.

Canaletto—Canaletto features the cuisine of Venice and offers an extensive wine list. Signature dishes include boccon del prete (spinach and ricotta dumplings with gorgonzola cream sauce and toasted walnuts) and zuppa di pesce alla chioggiotta (prawns, clams, mussels and fresh fish in broth with garlic and croutons), among other mouthwatering specialties. Sunday-Thursday 11 am-midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 am-1 am. $$$. Most major credit cards. In the Venetian Hotel, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-733-0070.

Francesco’s—With good prices and fantastic Italian food, chef Marco Proceddu has created one of the most accessible Italian eateries on the Strip. The risottos are a dream and the fresh pastas, lightly dressed with exquisite sauces, are not to be missed. Also good is the grilled scungilli. The single drawback is a limited wine list. Daily 5:30-11 pm. $$$. Most major credit cards. Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-894-7111.

Il Fornaio—An authentic Italian restaurant that highlights the delicious cuisine of northern Italy. Selections from the exhibition kitchen include wood-fired rotisserie chicken and duck, homemade pasta, mesquite-grilled fish, steak, chops, pizza and seasonal salads and soups. Complete your meal with an array of desserts and Italian coffees. The panetteria is for those preferring a quick bite, offering a selection of baked goods, juices and coffees throughout the day, along with sandwiches, soups, salads and daily specials. Sunday-Thursday 8:30 am-2 pm and 4 pm-midnight, Saturday and Sunday 8:30 am-2 pm and 4 pm-1 am. $$$. Most major credit cards. New York, New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-650-6500.

Paradise Bistro—Sample the bread first—it will melt in your mouth. Then choose from the fine northern Italian menu, which includes pasta, seafood, veal, lamb, poultry and steaks. Live piano music nightly. Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30 am-2:30 pm, dinner daily 5-11 pm. Dinner reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 3900 Paradise Rd. (restaurant row, minutes from the Strip). Phone 702-791-5161.

Venetian—Las Vegas' oldest family-owned Italian restaurant, specializing in homemade pastas and Provimi veal served in a grottolike atmosphere. Daily 4-11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 3713 W. Sahara (at Valley View). Phone 702-876-4190.

Zefferino—Elegant and sophisticated, Zefferino has been a staple in Italy for so long that even the Pope receives deliveries from his local branch. Now chef Gian Paolo "Zefferino" Belloni brings authentic Italian cuisine to Las Vegas. The restaurant spotlights Italian seafood dishes, including filet of sole piccola, zuppa, lobster tail, fresh fish and pasta. There is also a Sunday brunch. Daily 11 am-2 am. $$$$. Most major credit cards. The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-414-1000.

LATE NIGHT

J. C. Wooloughan—A true Irish pub—it was actually built in Dublin and transported to Las Vegas—with draft specialties and traditional pub fare. Weekends feature live music. Daily 24 hours. $$. Most major credit cards. The Regent Las Vegas, 221 N. Rampart. Phone 702-896-7777.

MEXICAN

Coyote Cafe and Grill—The Grill Room bring diners the Southwestern spices of Santa Fe, while the more casual Cafe satisfies the broader appetite with a selection of sandwiches, soups and lighter fare. The Grill Room changes its entrees seasonally, with the exception of the signature "Cowboy" rib steak. Daily 8:30 am-10:30 pm. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd S. Phone 702-632-7403.

Pink Taco—Forget the name—just enjoy the view of the spectacular Hard Rock pool while you indulge in a margarita or one of the selections from the tequila bar. When you're ready to eat, you’ll enjoy the fresh take on nachos, fajitas and quesadillas. Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am-11:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30 am-1:30 am. $$$. Most major credit cards. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 4455 Paradise Rd. Phone 702-693-5525.

SEAFOOD

Aqua—Some of the very finest, freshest seafood can be found in this elegant, French-influenced restaurant. Their outstanding wine list, surroundings and service are matched by the quality and preparation of caviar, oysters, salmon, tuna and other offerings on their contemporary menu. Daily 6-11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-693-7223.

Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans Fishhouse—This joint offers some incredibly good Creole- and Cajun-style cuisine. Try the whole Maine lobster with rock-shrimp slaw or, if you prefer, the stuffed pork chops, which are the best in the city. Along with the chef, the wait staff must also be commended on their professional demeanor and thorough knowledge of the food and its preparation. Daily 11 am-10:30 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. Phone 702-891-7374.

Kiefer's Atop the Carriage House—Romantic ambience overlooking the Strip. Signature dishes include orange roughy, king crab legs, veal piccata, seafood en croute and Louisiana seafood gumbo. Sunday-Thursday 5-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 pm-midnight. Piano bar Tuesday-Saturday 7 pm-midnight. Reservations suggested. $$. Most major credit cards. 105 E. Harmon (half-block east of the Strip). Phone 702-739-8000.

McCormick and Schmick’s—Diners go to this eatery for serious seafood. The fish is flown in fresh daily, so you’ll never know you are hundreds of miles from the ocean—especially once you try one of the fresh Blue Point oysters (one of many kinds offered) or the grilled catch of the day. A substantial wine list rounds out your dining experience. Monday-Friday 11 am-11 pm, Saturday 4-11 pm, Sunday 4-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 335 Hughes Center Dr. Phone 702-693-7223.

STEAK HOUSES

A.J.’s Steakhouse—Prime beef served in a setting that evokes classic "Old Vegas." You’ll find yourself looking around for Frank, Dean and Sammy—until your porterhouse hits the table. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Hard Rock Hotel, 4455 Paradise Rd. Phone 702-693-5000.

Gallagher’s—A replica of the classic Manhattan restaurant. Fine, aged beef is the draw, but seafood lovers will be suitably impressed by their array of tasty shellfish. Daily 4-11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. New York, New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-740-6450.

Golden Steer—Long-time steak house with elaborate decor reminiscent of times past. Caesar salads prepared tableside, carved Chateaubriand, prime rib, seafood and Italian dishes. Daily 4:30-11:30 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 308 W. Sahara (just west of the Sahara Hotel). Phone 702-384-4470.

THEME PARK RESTAURANTS

Hard Rock Cafe—Stop by this internationally known eatery and check out the rock 'n' roll decor. Hungry? Start with the boneless tenders and then chow down on a huge burger, gourmet pizza, crunchy salad or mouthwatering watermelon ribs. Daily 5-10:30 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. Hard Rock Hotel, 4475 Paradise Rd. Phone 702-733-8400.

Harley Davidson Cafe—You'll feel like Peter Fonda in Easy Rider sitting on one of the bar seats in this motorcycle-themed eatery. Fuel up with the "Hi-Octane" fajitas or the "Harley Hog" pulled pork sandwich and wash it all down with one of the restaurant's "Standard Lubricants." All portions are huge. When the place is really hopping, the noise level is deafening. Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30 am-midnight. $$. Most major credit cards. 3725 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-740-4555.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES

Caviarteria—A unique eatery, Caviarteria offers a wide variety of smoked salmon and other fish, caviar, premium champagne, and hors d’oeuvres. There are also more extensive lunch and dinner menus. If you are a neophyte with things fishy, make sure you query the educated staff. Monday-Thursday noon-11 pm, Friday-Sunday noon-midnight. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-792-8560.

Dive!—Stephen Spielberg's inspired "Deep. See. Experience." restaurant lies in front of the Fashion Show Mall on the Strip. Watch underwater film adventures within techno-sub decor while dining on Dive! fries or carrot chips with seven dips. Also, brick-oven barbecued chicken and such specialty subs as a softshell crab sub and a Parisian sub with grilled paillard of chicken and Gouda cheese. Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday to 11 pm. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-369-3483.

King Arthur's Court—Billed as a "royal feast of sight and sound," this dinner show offers a medieval dining experience. A "serving wench" delivers soup, a main course of Cornish game hen, sides of vegetables and potatoes and dessert, which you eat only with your hands. During dinner, "Merlin" guides a jousting match with horses and a laser-light show in the center of the coliseum. Seatings 6:30 and 8:30 nightly. $$. Most major credit cards. Inside the Excalibur Hotel, 3850 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-597-7600.

Motown Cafe—Located inside the New York, New York Hotel, this eatery showcases Motown memorabilia from the Supremes to Boyz II Men. Casual atmosphere with live entertainment. Specializes in Southern foods, shrimp creole, chicken and waffles, jambalaya and typical cafe food. Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 8 am-midnight, Sunday 8 am-11:30 pm. The nightclub is open Thursday and Saturday to 4 am. $$. Most major credit cards. 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-740-6440.

Red Square—Even though you might be overwhelmed by the martini selection, don’t lose your head (as the statue of Lenin outside has) and ignore the menu. If you really want a liquid lunch, try the piquant "Springtime in Baku," and at least fortify yourself with the portabello appetizer. Stuffed with crab meat, it just may sustain you in this vodka paradise. Daily 5:30 pm-midnight. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-632-7407.

Rum Jungle—Exotic and divine, Rum Jungle satiates your visual as well as your gustatorial senses. A must is the Brazilian barbecue, where you choose hunks of meat from skewers presented at your table. If your appetite is more tame, experience the grilled mahimahi with the passion fruit marinade. No matter what you wind up eating, accompany it with one of the many tropical libations. If you can keep your head about you, stay on the weekends and indulge in the ultrahip nightclub that the restaurant becomes after dinner. Sunday-Thursday 5:30 pm-2 am, Friday and Saturday 5:30-9 pm and 11 pm-4 am. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. Phone 702-632-7408.

Top of the World Room—Spectacular views of Las Vegas and beyond from 100 stories up, inside the Stratosphere. Rotating restaurant turns to reveal the entire city within an hour. Continental cuisine includes pasta, steak, rack of lamb, chicken. Sunday-Thursday 5-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 pm-midnight. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Phone 702-383-7711.

VooDoo Cafe—Located high in the Rio's red and blue glass tower, this restaurant gives diners a great view of the city. American bistro dining, and the dress is business casual. One floor up is the VooDoo Lounge, with live jazz entertainment. Cafe open daily 5-11 pm, lounge open daily 9 pm-2 am. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. Elevator entrance to cafe is on the second floor of the Rio's Masquerade Village Shopping area. Rio Hotel & Casino, 3700 W. Flamingo Rd. Phone 702-252-7777.