Buddy V’s is all about comfort. Known as TLC’s Cake Boss, baker Buddy Valastro has teamed up with a capable team of Las Vegas restaurateurs to open this homage to the food his family loves to cook: hearty pastas, reimagined red sauce favorites, and of course killer desserts. The whimsical dining room is full of nods to Buddy’s baking heritage and photos of his family. The bar has one of the most commanding views of the northern end of the Strip, looking up past the Palazzo, Treasure Island and the Wynn towards the Stratosphere.

The brainchild of Las Vegas restaurant power couple Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla (she helped Steve Wynn change dining in Las Vegas forever, he’s the former executive chef of the MGM) Honey Salt is a neighborhood restaurant worth seeking out. The buzzing, polished, shabby chic dining room and comfy bar draw everyone from twenty something date nighters to young families to the city’s elite. The regularly changing menu features seasonally inspired American that balances satisfying comfort with lighter and more health conscious choices. A concise, but diverse wine list offers a wide range of options, depending on your mood, and the house cocktails are not to be missed. A dinner worthy destination, it’s also perfect stop for a Sunday brunch on your way back from Red Rock Canyon.

Nestled in the corner of the ground floor of Tony Hsieh’s ambitious experiment in building an urban core out of repurposed shipping containers, Pinches Tacos is a Southern California import bringing simple fresh Mexican to Downtown Las Vegas. The Container Park itself, complete with a two story flame throwing preying mantus, tree house playground, and live music, is worth a visit for any in the know Vegas traveler, but Pinches really makes it worthwhile. Tortillas are griddled fresh to order, and high quality, simple fillings are highlighted, rather than overwhelmed, with minimal toppings and condiments. Load up your plate, grab one of the killer blood orange margaritas, and settle in for a whole new type of Las Vegas people watching.