Italian Dining at New York-New York in Las Vegas - Il Fornaio
Written: May 02 '08
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Pros: Great food, Excellent service, Nice atmosphere
Cons: Can get pricey, Long lines
The Bottom Line: I really can’t find anything bad to say about Il Fornaio - if you like Italian food this is a restaurant worth checking out
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| jps246's Full Review: Il Fornaio Las Vegas |
When I want a good Italian meal and I’m at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, I make sure to get myself a reservation at Il Fornaio. This restaurant in the NYNY offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a nice atmosphere with some excellent service.
Where is it?
Il Fornaio is located inside the NYNY Hotel and Casino adjacent to the gaming floor. There’s a small “stream” that runs between the restaurant and the gaming floor, providing some separation and allowing there to be an “outdoor” dining area between the restaurant and the stream. Of course, it’s all inside the casino.
This isn’t an overly large restaurant even with the outdoor seating so expect to need reservations, especially for dinner. While I’ve never eaten here for breakfast, it’s never seemed quite as busy, so you most likely will be able to get a table without much of a wait.
Atmosphere & Service
I was pleasantly surprised with my first visit to Il Fornaio. I hadn’t expected all that much, but it turned to be a great place to eat with some really good service.
Since this is Las Vegas, pretty much anything goes, but the more casual dining is available outside between the restaurant and the small stream. Here you can watch people walking through the casino. Inside the restaurant the dining area is a bit more upscale, though in both areas the service is impeccable. If you are eating outside the casino noise is pretty much ever-present. Inside it’s a lot more muted as most of the restaurant is closed off to the casino floor.
The wait staff is very attentive, from the point where they take you to the table to when you leave. At each of my meals here I’ve really liked the service and been very impressed with the overall experience. Everything is very well paced, the waiters are very knowledgeable about the menu and they make sure that you are satisfied throughout your meal. You really couldn’t ask for a better service experience in my eyes.
Food!
Il Fornaio offers Italian dishes that include various pastas, steaks, poultry and seafood.
While the menu isn’t overly large, there are quite a few choices and I know I have some favorites. I simply love the Caesar salad that they have to start my meal. When it comes to deciding on a main course, the conchiglie al pollo (pasta, chicken breast, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes), is excellent. The pollo toscano is also quite good (rotisserie chicken). My partner has enjoyed the lasagna and my Mom raved about her meal.
The portion sizes aren’t very large, but they are more than enough for the average eater. I know that it’s fairly rare that I finish a meal here, especially if I’ve gone through with the salad, the entrée and a dessert. Some really good bread is served with all the meals, along with olive oil to dip the bread in.
One thing I’ve never tried, but always wanted to are the handmade pizzas. They offer several different kinds and they look really good, it’s just that there’s been so many other things I’ve wanted to try, I just haven’t gotten to the pizzas yet.
I tend to go with the Caesar salad in place of an appetizer, though they do have several different ones to choose from. In addition to the Caesar salad, there are a couple of different salads to choose from including a spinach salad, and a mixed green salad. They also offer different kinds of soup daily.
Prices
If you stick to pizza, you can probably get out of Il Fornaio for about $15 to $20 per person. Start trying out the entrees and that check quickly goes up to at least $30 per person or more (some entrees alone are about $30). Also depending on how many appetizers or salads you get, you can quickly enlarge your bill (appetizers average around $10 and salads are about $8).
This is Las Vegas after all, expect to spend more than you would at home (unless you live in Manhattan or another large city).
Experiences
I’ve had lunch and dinner at Il Fornaio a few times over the years when I’ve stayed at NYNY. I’ve always called ahead (or stopped in early) to make reservations and I’ve never had a problem getting a table that way.
Like I said before, I’ve always been impressed with the level of service and I just like the overall setting at Il Fornaio. It’s a nicer restaurant, but not so nice that you feel uncomfortable there and with the hospitable service, you really enjoy the time you spend there having your meal.
Final Thoughts
I really can’t find anything bad to say about Il Fornaio. If you like Italian food and you’re in this area of the Las Vegas strip, this really is a restaurant worth checking out.
I know I like it and I think you will too.
Check out the rest of the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Make sure that you either call ahead for reservations or stop in earlier to make reservations - otherwise there will be a very long line and wait.
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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