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Alex - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants French Restaurants American (New) French, American (New) [Edit]
Wynn Las Vegas3131 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Neighborhood: The Strip
(702) 770-3463
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Valet
- Attire:
- Formal (Jacket Required)
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
At Sirio's, traditional and contemporary Italian dishes inspired by the Tuscan standards of Maccioni's youth are served in a beautiful and engaging… read more »
131 reviews for Alex
Review Highlights
"Our tasting menu brings back wonderful memories."
(in 50 reviews)
"For foie gras lovers this must be heaven."
(in 30 reviews)
"The amuse bouche consisted of 5 delicious little bites."
(in 20 reviews)
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131 reviews in English
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Review from Emmanuel K.
Las Vegas, NV
1/24/2012
Best Restaurant in Vegas. To bad it's closed. The vegan menu was superb! Wonderful atmosphere! Alex Stratta is an incredible chef!
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Review from Tiffany Y.
Irvine, CA
11/6/2011
I am so sad that Alex is closed. This is the first restaurant that I gave 5 stars to. Not only was the atmosphere and the staff amazing, most importantly the food was extremely delicious and exceeded my expectations. Some of the other fine dining restaurants that I've dined at left me feeling a bit confused as to why I just spent half my paycheck on foam and am still hungry afterwards. BUT NOT ALEX! I hope the chef opens up another venue soon.
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Review from Matthew C.
Las Vegas, NV
1/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I consider myself to be one high class, bourgeoisie son of a bitch unlike some individuals who may in fact work at the Wynn and think they know me. [Ahem, ahem, check the compliments in my Yelp profile for that one.] Due to this statement, I feel that most dining experiences might never literally sweep me off my feet. Sure, the food might be phenomenal, but what about everything else? All of the little things that might make a restaurant worth it? It's a shame that Steve Wynn shut down Alex because there are few words that could describe such an experience. However, I'll do it in my typical fashion.
HOLY SHITBALLS, BATMAN.
I've never experienced a dining experience like Alex in my entire life and now that it's gone, who knows when another experience that's similar will arise again? Alex was full of win right from the amazing dishes to the breathtaking ambiance and atmosphere and to the mind-blowing customer service. There's a reason Alex was always known as one of the best restaurants in Las Vegas; it's because it was the best restaurant in Vegas. Just walking through the doors of Alex and how eloquent the restaurant was knew you were in store for something special and unique.
I made my reservation online four days before the actual date and in the note section, I mentioned how my girlfriend (now fiancée) was vegan and how'd we would like to dine off the vegan menu. When we walked in and until the moment we left, every single employee knew we were dining vegan that evening. The hostess, the waiter, the man delivering the various types of bread and even the man pouring our water. From one little note I left on a reservation, everyone knows our eating preference. That's some shock-and-awe material and just one of the many ways the staff at Alex went above and beyond that evening.
The meal? Wow. While I'm a vegetarian and not a vegan, I was amazed by how delicious the food was. Very creative while using nothing but fresh and natural ingredients. This wasn't Red Velvet Cafe where I was getting a taco salad with fake meat; all of the meals that evening were legitimate and real food... and they were delicious and savory. If I had another one-hundred bucks ready to blow, I would've ordered seconds.
Oh, yeah, if you didn't read someone else's review, I also got engaged that evening and the staff at Alex came by with complementary, celebratory champagne.
It's a shame this restaurant is no longer open. I've never had a dining experience that blindsided me and blew me away like Alex before and it's a shame that others won't be able to partake in that experience. From the decor and setup, to the customer service, to the food; everything about Alex was simply phenomenal. I don't think anything could top Alex until Stratta opens another restaurant in Vegas that tops this one. -
Review from Adina C.
1/14/2011
I feel like walking into a place as beautiful as this can change your life. In fact, I actually did walk into this restaurant as one person and left as another.
This place is pure class. My boyfriend called ahead and told them we would be dining from the vegan menu, and the servers were all informed of this in preparation and helped us out with our choices throughout the meal. We did the tasting menu so we got a bit of everything. Lots of different tastes and flavors all working together in harmony. The dining area is beyond gorgeous, and it deserved a church-like reverence. The staff was attentive; we never had to ask for a thing during our entire meal. Watching the waiters was an experience in itself as their movements seemed perfectly choreographed like a dance. The restaurant really holds onto the little details - I even got a little chair for my purse! The setting, the lighting, the flowers, the decor - all perfect.
I do not think I can actually describe this meal in words. I tried so many new things and I adored them all. (Well, to be fair, the final dessert - strawberries with a soy cream inside was terrible, but everything else was fantastic. At the very least it was interesting!) Even the bread served to us was terrific (the pepper bread literally melted in your mouth, it was so soft!). The best dish we had was vegetables over greens with a carrot-ginger dressing. Each bite was heavenly - the textures, the flavor, the vegetables - it was all perfection. I also enjoyed the mini-salad we received before the main salad - apple, arugula, and pomegranate. So simple, yet it was tasty and the presentation was phenomenal.
What I definitely was impressed the most with was the ingenuity and creativity that went into all of these dishes. I think for those who aren't vegan, the first question is, "What do you eat?" Alex has shot back with an entire menu of delectable items that would satisfy anyone's stomach, that seem to change with what's in season. I don't think there was anything he really "veganized" - no faux meats or cheeses or the like, just good whole foods and spices working together to make a delicious spread.
If I wasn't partial to the restaurant due to the atmosphere and the culinary delights I got to enjoy, I was definitely happy for this reason: I got engaged! I came in as a girlfriend, and left as a fiancée. One of our servers was standing by and gave us some complimentary champagne to toast our engagement which was very sweet and unexpected. As we left we got a package of macaroons - another nice little touch.
If you wanted a spectacular meal in an awe-inspiring setting, with a restaurant that really took care to not overlook every intimate detail, this was the place to go. Alex seemed to truly embrace Wynn's decision for a vegan menu and I am ecstatic that such an upscale establishment catered to my dietary needs. I am sad that this restaurant will be closing tomorrow, but glad I got the chance to have a special and unforgettable meal with the man I'm going to spend the rest of my life with. -
Review from Josephine L.
Boston, MA
12/8/2010
Listen up, Michelin-starred New York restaurants:
You'd better shape up. Seriously. Because Alex completely and totally wiped the floor with you. All of you. Including you, Le Bernardin.
Why: Food quantity.
Everything else--decor, service, cooking quality--was on par with the best of the best, but Alex towered just that one inch taller for giving more incredible food than any other place I've been to.
(OK, I lied: I also think the quality, flavors, textures, etc. at Alex are better.)
Pre-amuse bouche:
Cauliflower purée with panna cotta and crispy veal
Duck brioches with pickle and toasted slice of something I can't figure out
Butternut squash soup in a shot cup thing
Prawn tempura with lemon cream
"Cheese and cracker" (cheese inside baked shell)
- Seriously, who the F gives a PRE-amuse bouche? Apparently, Alex. And so much too! Meant to be eaten in the order listed for palate reasons, every bite was more delicious than the last.
Actual amuse bouche:
Matsutski mushroom with tapioca and caviar
- Divine. My non-caviar-liking boyfriend loved it.
We did the $185 tasting menu and were presented with:
Roasted prawn in phyllo dough with roasted cauliflower and carrot, and ginger purée with curried panna cotta
- Tender, crispy, salty, spicy, all in one. A lovely melding of textures.
Sauteed foie gras with sweet potato hash and black truffle and onions
- Absolutely delicious. My boyfriend hates foie gras and he was raving about how rich and satisfying this was.
Brioche-encrusted Spanish mackerel with orange sabayon and Belgian endives
- Probably the weakest dish just because endives are a little too bitter for me if not properly seasoned/marinated/flavored. But the mackerel was incredibly tender.
Squab with brussel sprouts, celery purée and huckleberry
- The boyfriend's first taste of baby pigeon and I think we have a winner. If you like roasted meat off the bone, the taste of celery (mmm) and sour berries, you'll love this.
Transitional dinner to dessert thingy (yes, thingy):
Citrus semifreddo with panna cotta and cranberries
- Simple but tasty with just the kinds of flavors and textures we love
Dessert:
Puff pastry with maple cake and ice-cream and buttered apple
- This is the kind of dessert that makes people who aren't normally fans of maple or apple-flavored things DIE-HARD FANS. I.E. us. Words cannot describe how delicious and gorgeous this was. Circles everywhere: Circle of puff pastry sandwiching circle of maple cake with circles (okay, spheres) of buttered apple on top of more circles of maple cake and you get the drift. Oh, did I mention circles are my favorite shape? That might have contributed to why I loved this dessert so much.
So at the end of a meal like this, you normally get a treat or two with your bill, right? Oh no. Not the Alex way. We got 6 sweet, dazzling little beauties PLUS a basket (yes, BASKET) full of piping hot, just-out-of-the-oven lemon madeleines to nosh on while figuring out how to place our credit card on top of the bill ([/sarcasm]). There was a lemon marshmallow, a hazelnut marzipan, cakes, truffles, oh Jebus it was so much!
5 minutes later: Finally heading out the door after stuffing ourselves poor and they stop us. We get one more thing: a box of housemade almond macaroons to take home.
Did I mention the quantity of food completely and totally rocks?
Oh, and I couldn't figure out where else to fit this, but my cocktail recommendation--if you like sour and fruity--would be the Yuzu Drop Martini.Listed in: Gluttony on the Strip
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Review from Audra R.
Orange County, CA
12/28/2010
5+ Stars
I am not a gastronome or a foodie, but I am a yelper. I may not know the intricasies of French food, courses and am not an expert in Michelin restaurants, but I do know nice things.
I know the way nice things are supposed look, taste, feel, sound, and smell, and Alex was an incredibly nice place and perfect experience.
Most expensive meal I have ever had and we only got the 3 course tasting menu with a bottle of wine. It is 3 courses but with all the other extras it seemed more like 7 courses. We were stuffed. I couldn't have had any more food!
I couldn't give criticism to any of the things I ate, they were all delicious. I think its redundant to go over each thing I ate, maybe even a bit self absorbed to get that detailed.
The decor was stunning. I imagined myself in a ball gown walking down the stair case. The service was impeccable; relaxed and ultra proper and professional with out an ounce of pretense or snobbery.
Well worth the money. Could be a very romantic experience as well, a place well worth the memory it will imprint with you, and the experience of tasting all that wonderful cuisine.
Highly recommend!
The souvenir they leave you with is well deserved and a perfect finale too... -
Review from V J.
Cupertino, CA
1/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I have eaten here twice. The first experience, while the food was excellent was marred by some obnoxious dinner guests seated on the backside of us who were talking extremely loud and at one point arguing in another language (which I could understand but didn't make it better). Because of them they pretty much brought our experience down considerably, but we thought this time around (2 years later) we would give Alex a try again...and boy were we glad. We were staying at the Wynn so it was even better having such a long indulgent meal such a short distance from our room.
My husband and I decided to do the $185 tasting menu. First they presented us with an amuse bouche containing about 5 items which I can't remember but totally enjoyed. The tasting then contained the following:
-Matsutake Mushroom and Tapioca Cream with Spanish Caviar and Fresh Sudachi
-Crispy Carabinieri Prawn with Cauliflower, Savory Custard, Vadouvan Curry and Carrot Ginger Sauce
-Sauté of Sonoma Foie Gras with Sweet Potato, Caramelized Onions, Black Truffles and Butternut Squash Sauce
-Brioche Crusted Spanish Mackerel with Orange Braised Endive, Roasted Salsify and Citrus Red Wine Sauce
-Roasted Squab with Brussels Sprouts, Celery Root Purée, Wild Huckleberries and Herb Vinegar Sauce
-Sour Cream Semifreddo with Spiced Cranberry
-Vanilla Butter Poached Apple Cream Puff with Maple Ice Cream
You'd think that was the end, but it wasn't. After dessert they presented us with a small plate full of lemon madelines and another small plate of petite fours. Oh lord I told the waiter he would have to roll us up the stairs and out of the restaurant soon. With that queue, he saved a special dessert cake for us to take home (aka our room) instead of yet indulging in another dessert. Then as we exited the restaurant the hostess opened the door for us and said she had a last little treat for us to take home...a little box of mini french macaroons.
Oh Alex, you have moved up the ranks so much in our book...you may have to make Le Cirque share the spot of "top Vegas restaurant" in our hearts. -
Review from Jen F.
Simply exquisite. I had the 4-course vegan tasting menu (which also included a few extra mini-courses). Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. I'm so glad I went here and had this experience before they closed.
Great cocktails, beautiful dining room, amazing food... Las Vegas is losing a real treasure. -
Review from Holly F.
11/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
If someone is viewing my profile they are going to think I'm heavy on the five stars today. The truth is, we had an opportunity to visit Vegas and planned our trip around food and shopping. I know I know, we're weird.
Anyways, Alex was our final fine dining experience for our trip. It came after some heavy hitters (Bouchon andJoel Robouchon) and we had some high expectations. Buried at the back end of the Wynn, it was a little difficult to find, much to my sore, high heel wearing feet's disappointment.
Once their wonderful staff opened the doors for us, all disappointment vanished. Our cocktails were fabulous, the bartender was a delight and the hostess was adorable. I felt like a princess descending the wide staircase into the restaurant as they led us to our fantastic, corner table.
The tasting menu did not disappoint, and, as white truffles went in season this week, we got to add in an additional dish of white truffles on noodles cooked in butter and yumminess. It was my honey's 30th birthday and I am so glad we spent it at Alex.
Their food was delicious, every single course they brought out left me wanting more. They accommodated my shellfish allergy with grace and didn't skimp on the substitutes as other places have in the past. Their staff was delightful and we enjoyed the entire Alex experience. Next time we're in Vegas, you can bet we'll eat here again.
They casually surpassed most of the previous best fine dining experiences I have had. -
Review from Julianne B.
Marina del Rey, CA
12/6/2010 3 photos
Never have had a meal this expensive where I felt like it was actually worth it.
This blows every fancy meal i've had in NYC out of the water. The service and the food were both amazing. I think i'll just leave it at that :) -
Review from pauline c.
Los Angeles, CA
Chef Stratta - I am a fan for life. I've never been to France but if this is a bit of the French Riviera, I'll be making a trip very soon.
Walking into Alex, you will descend a flight of stairs into an elegant restaurant. Lush drapery and grand classic furniture overlooking a nice view of the outdoor patio. We veered left to the private room in the back with a party of 10.
First the drinks. The grande dame champagne. Slightly pink and bubbly. And then the Chateau lynch bages from Pauillac 1989 which is so full and concentrated with flavors.
Then the amuse bouche: tuna tartare, mushroom bisque, fried mozarella, gruyere inside a tiny baked bread.
Throughout the course of the meal, a waiter carried a lovely display of breads, asking "would you like more?" And don't ever say no. They are all delicious. From the cranberry wheat bread to the cheese breads. I tried not to get too full on these but it never works.
Next, the oyster: a picture perfect art piece with astounding flavors. It had a sweet pineapple granité, which is a little slushy in texture and sweet in flavor, spanish caviar and topped with a crisp seaweed. A picture is worth a thousand words: http://www.yelp.com/bi... except my photo taking skills probably do this no justice.
The prawn: perfectly cooked, tender and seated atop an exquisite display of summer vegetables and an artsy display of fresh pea-jus.
The foie gras was out of this world. Wonderfully seared and complemented by a medley of plum, tempura cherry (stuffed with more foie) seated on top of almond sabayon (slightly foamy texture of egg) and aged basalmic. I will likely never have foie as good as this ever again.
The atlantic monkfish came as enticing as the rest, on top of a piperade (yep complete with peppers onions and tomatoes) with garlic pieces on top. They completed the piece by drizzling lobster broth and made a point to let us know there was saffron inside. The texture was extremely meaty and left some at the table wondering if they were indeed eating fish.
For the "entree" of the meal, we were given wagyu or duck. Since we had many at the table, we opted mostly for the wagyu and got a couple of the duck.
The wagyu was absolutely mesmerizing in the way only steak can introduce me into a trance. The wagyu was so perfectly marbled. It's a shame I didn't get a picture of this as I was in a dream state. It came with chanterelle mushrooms, delicious greens and had a plate licking bordelaise. And corn custard.
The duck breast also equally exacerbated all functions of my taste buds. It came with poached foie gras (yes more foie for me) and black figs which added another layer to the textures present.
Just when you thought you're done and that your life is complete: dessert. Not just one. But multiple.
The tapioca first came out in an equally stunning mini glass which makes the tapioca look like it is floating - in heaven no doubt. Atop the tapioca there are shavings of fresh coconut and a jelly made of calamansi, which was described as a citrus fruit from the Philippines. It was sweet and tart and added another dimension to the already gingery coconut taste of the tapioca. Think Yuzu but perhaps less mainstream current fad style.
Then came the 2nd. A vanilla bavarian napolean with strawberries blackberries and blueberries with a side of rasberry sorbet and slight hints of mint. Crispy, velvetty, sweet.
And when you're bursting at the seams, they tempt you with coffee, tea, and madeleines. The madeleines are definitely divine and airy. The tea selection is also extensive and upon exiting, the ladies also get a package of parisian macarons.
Alex was quite a nice journey of culinary flavors exceeded only by the great service and beautiful atmosphere!!Listed in: For you, I will.
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Review from Mike L.
San Diego, CA
1/2/2011
i really want to give this place a 3.5 stars. I'm not quite sure why this is so highly regarded. maybe its a 5 star french in vegas but in manhattan, i dont see this place breaking into the top 10.
wagyu beef was fair
halibut with abalone was good
scallop appetizer is good
crab appetizer was ok
dessert menu wasnt very good
and the box of macaron is thoughtful but was eh
plan to spend about $200-$250 a person which includes drinks, so its not terribly expensive. -
Review from Laura P.
9/21/2010
4.5 stars overall
I had a wonderful experience at ALEX, the decor was definitely what's expected with a spacious dining room down the stairs of the entrance (I do like the grand entrance wide stairs) with plush carpets and the whole 9 yards. One thing I have to point out is I REALLY don't get the rose flower balls on the curtains... They kind of look like zits... It's a little bit too Disney princessy for me especially in dark dusty colors.
We were seated promptly and they even had a little stool for my purse! (LOVE!) or i suppose i can also fit a midget on the chair if i needed one to hold my fairy tail dress train.. LOL
Their wine list is amazing, you can definitely spend an egregious amount on wine.
We had the tasting menu which started with Rappahannock River Oyster with Pineapple Granité, Crispy Seaweed, Schezuan Peppercorn and Spanish Caviar.. YUM! can't go wrong with that! The Risotou next is beautifully cooked as well. Then on to my favorite french item the Foie Gras, the combination really worked on the plate. Monkfish was good. Then the short ribs.. YUMMMM really starting to warm up my tummy, and I loved the mushrooms. To finish with the Crispy vanilla Bavarian Napoleon with berries is refreshing.
The service was splendid and it was kind of fun people watching as well. Some overly tanned couple who spilled their wine all over the pretty linen table cloth (eek~) Asian couple with Hawaiian print shirt on steroid, other Asian family who made the waiter take their pictures three times! and of course the bankers table, 8 guys in solid color dress shirts and black pants ordering tons of wine.
Good times to be repeated -
Review from Vance J.
Las Vegas, NV
9/1/2011
Too bad this place closed. Was one of our top dinning experiences. Top notch all the way!
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Review from Mike P.
9/20/2010
In a nutshell:
Food: 4.5 stars
Service: 4.5 stars
P/C: 4 stars
I really was in search of a great (not good, great...) restaurant in Las Vegas and I think I found it at Wynn. We went here before our Le Reve show. As soon as I walk in, I get a totally relaxed yet formal (yes - I will explain this) feel. It's violet and red and everything is velvet and big. I felt like I was at a French salon de the smoking a cigar over a great view. Yes yes, I was in Las Vegas trying to have a decent meal. The decor was so refreshing to me - so refreshing in the midst of a plethora of restaurants that are done up using the overrated zen, simple and chic theme. Things were set apart at Alex - the curtains were big, the windows were classic, the tables and the chairs looked like they had history.
We were seated down and were made comfortable by like 20 people that came to greet us (ha...). I was so delighted with this classic, traditional french feel that it prompted me to order a straight-up gin with a twist (what a lame excuse)...
The meal ensued after two rounds of tantalizing amuse-bouches (the first one the condensed version and the second one an assortment of seafood amuse-bouches...delicious).
For the appetizer - we got the lobster and corn risotto with the chantrelle mushroom and the eggyolk ravioli with the black truffle and brown butter sauce. The portions were HUGE and they were both delicious. The risotto man, the risotto, the rice was cooked to perfection and i could have just died in the risotto pot.
For the main course - I got the wagyu beef tri-tip with the chimichurri and my sister got the veal loin (breaded) with roasted peaches, yuzu and fennel. The veal loin could have been more moist but nicely prepared and seasonsed. The tri-tip was very good - nice quality of beef and very well flavored. Unfortunately - neither wowed me.
The cheese course - it was ALMOST as good as the Gary Danko cheese couse. :)
The desserts - they brought out a veautiful flower cake for my sister's birthday cake. We got the milk chocolate valencia with the orange cream and the hazelnut crisp with the rice brittles...we were too full at this point so we had them wrap them for us but they were awesome when we came back and ate at home!!!
After two more rounds of mignardises and gourmandises and coffee - we were finally let go (?!!!) of the culinary dream.
In conclusion: If there is one place to dine in LV, it's Alex - not Joel Robuchon, not Guy Savoy, not Pierre Gagnaire. Alex is where it's at. -
Review from Iralynn B.
Garden Grove, CA
1/17/2011
My husband and I went here and it was the best meal we've ever had. Most expensive meal we've had ($800+ just for the two of us), but well worth it.
We didn't make reservations, but we were greeted like no other. From the moment we walked in until the moment we walked out of the restaurant, the service was beyond what we expected.
The food was just as fantastic as the service. Dish after dish, the flavors and presentation were phenomenal. -
Review from Kim P.
San Diego, CA
8/31/2010
Oh Alex...where do I start.
First off, the service was outstanding. The staff could not have been more courteous and attentive.
My boyfriend and I did one "Taste of Wynn" menu and one regular pre fix menu. The amuse bouche consisted of 5 delicious little bites. Delectable. For the first course we had the scallops, which were cooked to perfection and the lobster with sweet corn risotto. Hands down the best risotto of my life. After our first course, we had a small gazpacho that was very tasty. For the second course we had the veal and the waygu beef entrees. Both were wonderful. Before dessert, we were given a tiny portion of strawberries and panna cotta. I literally scraped every last bit from the dish, the flavors blended perfectly and the texture was so light and smooth. For dessert we had the caramel cheesecake and the napoleon. Again, both were great. For the entrement we were given a little basket of macaroons and a sampling of desserts. I couldn't get over how cute they were.
All in all, I had a wonderful meal and funds permitting, would love to go back. -
Review from Melinda L.
Los Angeles, CA
9/8/2010
ALEX is an exquisite restaurant at the Wynn and perhaps be the BEST restaurant in Las Vegas altogether. This remarkable restaurant is superbly put together, with an attentive staff and delectable food that may be the BEST meal you will have in your life.
Everything about ALEX is grand. From the main entrance to the host and wait staff and to the menu, ALEX is just beyond fantastic. You are called by your surname during your dine-in here. You are waited on to be seated (WOW!).
My guy and I ordered from the Prie-Fixed menu, which included a variety of delectable food. I tried their fro grais and it just melted in my mouth; smoother than butter. I also got to try their asparagus, quail and many other delectable goodies. There were many "pieces" to each course that made me lost track. However, my palate was dancing in delight!
There were also a number of "in between entrees" served throughout our meal including a strawberry and creme dessert, served in a tiny cup. It was made with real heavy cream, which brought out the essence of rich flavors in that dessert.
ALEX is a restaurant no one should miss. You're here to surprise your palate. Though dishes are served in smaller portions but in frequency, you are bound to be satisfied once you've completed your meal.
Again, excellent, excellent service and accompanying staff.
Seven out of Five stars! -
Review from Misti Y.
4/11/2010
I am not a pizza snob, and I find it hard to enjoy a meal that costs more than $50 a person. Even at $50 a person, the food better be Hoover good, or they better have a baby chair for my handbag. That's just the way it is. Alex is a good bit more than $50 a person, but there is a baby chair for my handbag. I am not a handbag girl; I just like cute things, and a little chair for your purse is adorable.
We went to Alex for our four-year anniversary, and it is a beautiful spot to celebrate. Whenever you descend a staircase to enter a dining room, you can be pretty sure that something good is going to happen down there. Service is impeccable, and so is their willingness and ability to comply with any and all dietary restrictions. They encouraged us to order a vegan tasting menu if that was our preference leaving no doubt that they were ready to accommodate any special request. More impressive than their readiness, was their knowledge, even our server pointed out that a cream in one of the desserts had gelatin. The fact that everyone from the chef to the server, even the server's assistant, was well versed on their menu was impressive. I went for the standard vegetarian tasting, and the hubbie went for seafood.
On more than on occasion, my husband muttered, "Oh my God." My menu did not result in such utterances. The three highlights for me were the amuse-bouche, the breadbasket and the desserts. The actual courses were gorgeous, but some were a bit too salty. I was also disappointed in the pasta offering, as the pasta was a bit tough, and the egg filling a little flat. I do admit that the vegetarian tasting might not do the kitchen justice. However, the dessert was divine. Two words: mojito sorbet! Yes, it is as delicious as it sounds, especially when served with tasty little crepes and pineapple crisps.
Overall, I wouldn't start saving my pennies to return, but if you happen to have the money to spare, Alex is an experience worth trying.Listed in: On The Strip, Pretty On The Inside, A Vegan Las Vegan?, Tasty Breadbaskets
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Review from Jen G.
Los Angeles, CA
7/6/2010
I really want to love Alex. The dishes are beautiful. I can't ask for better service. And the decor exude traditional elegance.
Unfortunately, all dishes are either too salty, mediocre, or just bad. I didn't finish most of the dishes ; which rarely ever happen in restaurants at this level.
Ambiance: 4.5 stars
Service: 5 stars (love the little couch for the purse.)
Price: overpriced ($125 for prefix, $185 for tasting menu)
food: 1 stars for the taste, 4.5 stars for aesthetic presentation.
We had:
-quail+ foie gras (worst seared foie gras I ever had. quail meat was dry)
-Shrimp appetizer (too salty but otherwise, meat is not bad)
-pork belly (too salty and too fatty. There's a fine line betweeen just perfect amount of fat and too much. The one we had were too much)
-waygu beef (the saddest dish of them all. The $4 NY Steak I cook the night before tasted better)
-chocolate valencia (YUCK!)
-something with Hazelnut (so so) -
Review from Trung N.
Los Angeles, CA
6/29/2010
Since my date and I saw the greatest show in Vegas (Phantom), we decided to eat at the greatest restaurant in Vegas.
Upon arriving to A L E X, their staff swiftly opened the grand double doors. That was when we discovered our evening wear (tux and dress) was fitting to the restaurant's formal and luxurious environment.
The Maitre'd immediately greeted us and took my name, and hereon the staff politely called me by Mr. Nguy. She escorted us to a table where other staff pulled chairs out to properly seat us, then placed napkins on our laps.
As we browsed the prix fixe menu, the water-boy poured water from a bottle of Fiji. Here are my selections:
Appetizer: Quail with Poached Quail Egg and Seared Foie Gras
Main Course: Veal Osso Bucco with Tomato Confit and Truffle Sauce
Dessert: Chocolate Valencia with Peanut Butter Ice Cream
The Quail, Foie Gras, and Veal were all delightfully soft, succulent and savory in its own way. I especially enjoyed the truffle sauce and melting Osso Bucco pairing which created a creamy, delicate and exquisite flavor. And my mouth is watering as I type this.
I was surprised they paid particular attention to my seafood allergen as they served a variety of tantalizing amuse-bouche before the appetizer and main course. I was also fond of the amuse-bouche prior to the dessert which was Strawberry Crème Fraiche, assorted gold-flaked chocolates and fresh oven-baked Madeleine. The Valencia had a hard shell to crack with a fork. But once done, it exposes 4-5 miniature layers of rich chocolate cake and confections that left a big smile on my face.
With its highly attentive staff and impeccable service and quality, A L E X is a prime example of a Haute Cuisine, and it is exorbitantly expensive. Our bill was $310 not including wine/champagne. And yes, I would definitely return! -
Review from Kristen S.
Los Angeles, CA
5/6/2010
Some people have skydiving on their list of things to do before they die, but in my circle of friends, those lists contain epicurean achievements like landing a reservation at Il Bulli.
Alex was the most expensive bet we placed in Las Vegas, and we definitely ate the jackpot. It was just course after course of brilliant, gorgeous food pared with exquisite wines. Just when I believed I couldn't eat another morsel - the spectacular dessert finish arrived beginning with a palate cleansing ice cream I would eat from a pint and ending with a package of brightly colored macaroons to eat later - the methadone to ween us off this edible heaven and back to the garbage that is everything else.
I deeply believe if you do not walk away from Alex having had an unforgettable experience - barring some freakish mishap - the problem is unfortunately you (or your dinner companion). -
Review from Kurt S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2009 ROTD 4/3/2009
"Alex" is straight up food porn.
I hate being a sheep but after visiting this place a few times, I concede that everyone on Yelp is right: This is likely the single greatest restaurant in all of Las Vegas. (That's right, Guy Savoy & Joel Robuchon... how y'like them apples?)
GREATEST RESTAURANT IN LAS VEGAS?:
Yep. This restaurant is quintessential "Wynn": Nothing & I mean, nothing is overlooked. Decor, service, ambiance... oh yeah, and the food is PRETTY FRICKIN' AWESOME TOO. This restaurant is the standard that all other fine dining establishments need to hold themselves to. So Wolfgang, Mario, and Emeril? Consider yourselves all on report.
UH... DEFINE "FRICKIN' AWESOME"?:
Alright - easy. How about two words: "DELICIOUSLY UNIQUE". Listen to these dishes:
-- Napoleon of King Crab with Sweet Carrot Sauce, Jicama, Fuji Apple, and Avocado
-- Crispy Guinea Hen a la Financiere with Artichoke, Black Truffle Quenelles and Madeira
-- European Blue Lobster with Shellfish Mousse, Savoy Cabbage & Coral Sauce
-- Caramelized Honey Nougat with Orange Carrot Cake & Puffed Honey Rice
AAAAAAUUUUGGGGGHHHH! How the heck can anyone read the descriptions of those dishes and not wanna just get naked and rub sexy all over their body? The dishes here aren't just delicious - they're seductive, alluring, unique & unlike anything I've had elsewhere in Vegas. I get the impression that the dishes are the life's work of Chef Alessandro Stratta because the flavors do a dance on your tougue... and you just don't see this stuff anywhere else. Even at French Laundry or Herb Farm in Seattle, I wasn't this impressed with the complimentary but unique tastes.
REALLY? "RUB SEXY ALL OVER"?:
You know what I mean. Just reading the menu is a romantic dining experience. My last meal at Alex consisted of items strictly off the menu: (http://www.wynnlasvega...)
1) Roasted Langoustines with Young Coconut, Curry, Mango, and Water Chestnuts
Okay, so I was pretty sure that a langoustine was a big-assed shrimp & I'm glad I was right because boy, these were plump, tasty SOBs - what, with the savory & smooth texture of the sauce which had just a bit of a tang to whet the appetite. Geez, if I weren't such a polished & refined gentleman, (says the guy who just called Stratta's restaurant "food porn") I would have licked the damned bowl clean the way my dog cleans his food dish when we give him liver. Hell no - I ain't too proud to slurp.
2) Wild Turbot with Stuffed Razor Clams, Shellfish Fricassee and Chateau Chalon Sauce
I didn't know what a Turbot was before this meal. It's a soft flaky fish with a savory briny flavor ala the clams & mussels in the dish which were finished w/ a white creme sauce.
...But y'know what this dish REALLY was? I'll tell you what this dish was: This dish was a beautiful woman in a sheer satin sun dress walking over a dune near the beach in the evening with the sunseting behind her revealing her lines and her silhouette as a shadow adorned of flowing waves of light & air.
...And I ate her up like a junkyard dog does a rare 24oz porterhouse with my eyes lit up like Atlanta on fire. Get over here, you sexy b-tch. Daddy's home to roost.
3) Roasted Pineapple Basque with Vanilla Crisps & Coconut Sorbet
Who knew vanilla & coconut tasted so good when paired with a tangy pineapple treat. This dessert isn't a dish. It's friggin' ART. And not that bullsh-t art that you see in so many of these modern museums these days. I'm talkin' Rembrandt. Picasso. Van Gogh. Six Dogs Playing Poker. Y'know - the classics.
See? What'd I tell you? Romantic.
HOW MUCH WAS ALL OF THIS, ANYWAY?:
I seriously don't remember how much this dinner cost me because I lost the receipt. I suspect around $480 for 2 but I frankly don't care and I don't want to know. I don't want anything to spoil what was otherwise a dazzling & very memorable dining experience.
CONCLUSION:
On Wynn's web site, Chef Stratta says about 'Alex', "I want to convince people that their favorite restuarant is now their second favorite restaurant." Damn, if he's not backing up that claim with the SEXY BAZOOKA of French cuisine... this restaurant is pound-for-pound the most phenomenal I've had in a while.
5-Stars. Bravo!
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ALEX'S DRESS CODE:
Dress to impress. This place is straight up formal. I came in sportcoat and I felt under dressed. Now that's the sign of a place with some serious atmosphere. Guys - Bring a jacket and slacks & for God's sake, show some pride and polish up those Kenneth Cole's, 'eh? That dude in the bathroom under the shoeshine sign ain't hanging out because he likes it in there, y'know. Gals - Think elegant dresswear... or French bikinis. Really. It's okay. Nobody'll complain about either 'cause it's a French restaurant. Trust me. I'm a professional.Listed in: "OMG" places in Vegas
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Review from Dani B.
San Diego, CA
12/2/2010
ALEX! -- 4.5 stars
This was my first time in Vegas, so I had to do it right with dinner like this. After a 3 hr wait in a line for a Thanksgiving buffet the day before, boy I was glad we came here!
I loved the decor of this place....tucked into a back corner of the Wynn Hotel/Casino you feel miles away from the consistent dinging of the slot machines. The ambiance was perfect--a modern elegance.
We were promptly seated by the very welcoming front of house. The service was very nice! Everyone was personable and easy to talk to--very helpful with questions about the menu.
My boyfriend and I each ordered the tasting menu. SO YUMMY!
We started off with some delicious selections from the bread basket--I had a cheddar-walnut baguette and a pepper brioche that was to die for.
The amuse bouche were a small sampling of greens & prosciutto, lobster tempura, butternut squash soup, fried duck arancini (risotto ball), and I can't remember the last one but it was damn tasty!
First course was a Spanish caviar with a mushroom tapioca broth--seductively rich on my tongue.
Second course I got the fried prawns with a carrot-ginger sauce and a cauliflower custard. The fried coating on the prawns was like the coating on baklava--flaky and sweet mmm! My boyfriend received a oyster of chicken with gnocci and spinach (he can't have shellfish) and it was also very delicious!
Third course we had the seared foie gras with a red wine reduction, sweet potato cubes and topped with a tater crisp. The foie was perfection and melted beautifully with the flavors of the wine sauce. Mmmm!
Fourth course was a simple grilled Thai snapper topped with roast endive. I wasn't as in love with this dish as I was the others. I do have to note though that the fish was kept very simply seasoned to really emphasize the fish--which was a good thing! Just not my favorite.
Fifth course was our palette-cleansing sour cream and creme fresh semifreddo with tart cherries topped with an orange-black sesame crisp. The crisp had very nice flavors and played well with the acidity of the cherries. All was calmed with the lovely cream finish. Yum!
Last, but not least was a lovely apple-themed dessert: It was a puff pastry topped with some sort of marshmallow fluff, another pastry, roasted apples, an apple crisp and topped with maple ice cream and a string of golden pulled sugar. (oh and inside was a blondie cookie!) Good stuff! Not the greatest dessert, but tasty.
By the end of the meal I was stuffed and could barely eat our peddifores. A good meal!
All in all this place was pretty great. But, for the prices you have to pay it still misses a "Wow" factor in some its food. Simple is good, but when you're paying that much, you kind of want it to be slightly over the top? Just my opinion. Would recommend it though! -
Review from Blair B.
1/18/2010
Best overall dining experience in Vegas - hands down! If you take the time to read my entire review you'll find I didn't find very dish to be drop dead amazing, but honestly the "extras", service and atmosphere make up for some dishes being a 9 instead of a 10!
I was with a party of 8, we all did the 3 courses for $125.
Platter of mini appetizers:
This came shortly after we sat down and was "free". We each got our own adorable mini platter. It contained beef tartare, roasted red pepper soup, a veal fried ball, tempura lobster, and foie gras! WOW. Even the ones that don't sound good were good.. trust me :)
Amuse bouche:
Surprised we got one of these after the awesome platter, but we did! It was smoked salmon on a blini with a poached quail egg. MMM
Course 1:
Butter poached crab with risotto. Really really good, but the poached crab at Bradley Ogden is better. Sorry, I'm bratty. The scallops were the best of the Course 1 choices.. I stole one from my neighbor .
Course 2:
Wagyu beef rossini. Luckily I know rossini = foie gras = heaven, so I knew this was the dish for me . The beef was very good, but honestly the beef I had at sage the night before was better. The perfectly prepared foie gras and beautiful gnocchi on the plate made it overall an excellent dish.
Course 3:
Only the best dessert I've had in my entire life. Banana filled beignets.. and chocolate cake.. and peanut butter ice cream.. all in on one plate. AMAZING. I can still taste it.. AHH. I'm not a dessert person, but this really was incredible.
We were then showered with petite pastries (like in Paris!), hot madelines, and the girls got a box of cookies. Overall a magical evening I look forward to repeating the next time my husband and I have $250 burning a hole in our pockets! -
Review from Charo B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/29/2010
by far the best meal i've ever had in my life!!!!!!!!!!!
Alex is the epitome of fine dining. I sat at the restaurant looking and feeling like a million bucks but once when i put the food in my mouth was when i KNEW i was million plus.
will update later but the foie gras, the wagu, even the macaroons. PERFECTION!!!! -
Review from Cynthia C.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 7/2/2008
I'm upping the stars @ Alex.
Finally Alex has impressed me as a WHOLE. The ambiance was gorgeous as usual, the service was impeccable and now the food.
There were four compliments of the chef: breadstick proscuitto, fried pork, carrot puree & ahi on a scallop chip. All were fantastic.
Lobster ravioli was so succulant and generous in portioning.
Loved the presentations of Wagyu and Toro. Really beautiful texture.
The monkfish cut like butter and I didn't know it could actually taste like it too.
Desserts incorporated the fruits of the season rhubarb and peaches. Sinful.
Yep, they still gift the chick with a box of meringues and nope I still haven't eaten any of them yet.Listed in: Tasting Menus are my Passion &…, Return Worthy Restaurants on…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/17/2006 First to Review
Imagine descending down a flight of stairs into a sumptuous dining room fit for royalty. Everything… Read more »
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Review from Jaime B.
12/21/2009
This is my all time favorite restaurant. I've spent more money at French Laundry, Taillevent, and Robuchon and I firmly believe Alex's tasting menu is the best of all of them.
The ambiance is dark and decadent, a welcome respite from the flash of the strip, and the service is warm and impeccable. My first time in I went for my birthday. My husband and I were having such a hard time deciding between the tasting menu and the a la carte menu- literally EVERYTHING looked amazing, and that almost never happens to me. When we mentioned this to the waiter, he graciously offered to alter one of our meals to include various things from the a la carte menu so we could try nearly one of everything. What resulted was possibly the best meal of my life.
I went back 8 months later and booked a private room with a party of 10. We had another mindblowing meal and the busboy remembered us from before- I love the service here, it's flawless but not stuffy. I will definitely be back.Listed in: Michelin Star Restaurants, Uni Fiend
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Review from Diana I.
4/16/2009
I came here with my parents to celebrate my mom's birthday a few months ago. At the time, it was my first time going to a restaurant with 2 Michelin stars and I was DEFINITELY wowed!
The ambience is lovely. Grand staircase, dim-lit, very spacious, pretty quiet and sophisticated, the whole place is amazing. Service was excellent! They even gave me a little stool next to my seat just for my purse!
For dinner, I had the 7-course tasting menu and each course was superb. I can honestly say that I liked every single dish.. maybe not LOVED, but definitely liked. The reason why I give Alex only 4 stars and not 5 is because although it is a really nice restaurant with not one but TWO Michelin stars, in hindsight after going to other restaurants with these highly coveted Michelin stars, I think this is at the bottom of my list, judging by the amount we paid. It is incrediblyyyy expensive! I felt guilty paying so much for just one dinner! I saw the bill and all I could think of was how much clothes I could have bought with that money on a crazy shopping spree!! (or donate to charity of course!) :P I mean, although the food WAS great, I don't think it was completely worth the steep price.
All in all, it was an amazing experience but I wouldn't come here a second time... unless someone else was paying. ;) But then again... I'd probably tell them to save it for something more worth all their hard-earned money.Listed in: VEGAS!!!!, My Favorites :)
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Review from Brittany H.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2009
Where do I even begin...
This was my very first fine dining experience. I was wowed to no end.
When we entered, I felt as though I was in a palace in a different country; there was a grand staircase falling into the dimly lit seating area.
Our waiter was amazing - treated us like queens and made sure everything was as perfect as possible. And a Bay Area native! ;)
We tried the "regular" menu but added the wine tasting option. From the get-go we were handed exquisite appetizers - tuna tartar, duck on a cracker, cheese and cracker, octopus!, goat cheese tarts!!
(Don't mind my lack of culinary lingo...)
For my dishes, I got lobster tail in a cream sauce, red snapper with other stuff along with a coconut foam (so crazy tasting!! delicious), and salmon with beans and other goodness.
This was all paired with GLORIOUS wine... and we got the cheese platter after our meal. It was just amazing... they had goat cheeses, cow cheese and sheep cheese, all paired with a sweet complement.
Didn't ask for dessert, but the chef sent some out to us anyway.
Our bill including tip came out to be around $550 for two. But it was completely worth it - completely!!!
My review does Alex absolutely no justice. It is just an amazing experience altogether, and all held beautifully at the Wynn.
I guess the funny part is that someone told me the chef was someone who won Hell's Kitchen. That's what brought us to Alex... then we found that it was not the truth at all.
Ignorance brings bliss... always at the best time :)Listed in: I'm in Las Vegas, biiiitch
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Review from Gracie-C Y.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2008
Superb.
A grand, luxurious dining room.
Meticulous and attentive staff.
Food that should be displayed in a museum.
Wifey and I were absolutely floored by our meal at Alex. This is a place that leaves nothing to chance, the wait-staff obviously make it a personal mission to go above and beyond your expectations.
From the minute we were seated in that gorgeous dining hall, no less than seven different staff members rushed over to do their thing. While that sounds intimidating, their movements were so well-choreographed and smooth, that they were barely even perceptible... unless you're paying attention. Since I'm a nosy busy-body, here's my count:
1) Maitre'd escorts us to table.
2) Two staff members pull our seats.
3) Another staff is placing wifey's purse on a cutesy (and completely over-the-top) velveteen footstool.
4) Someone is placing napkins on our laps.
5) Water-boy is filling glasses.
6) Waiter is standing at attention with menus.
Hot damn! A guy could get used to service like this. The attention makes me a little melancholy and reminds me that wifey would never cater to me like this... sigh.
We order the signature tasting menu and let the wave of food hit us.
The amuse bouche was something else. Friggin' modern art on a plate. From there, things got only better. I'd describe the menu as contemporary and seasonal, with a heavy emphasis on French technique.
Ended the meal with a flurry of desserts, petite fours, hand-made chocolates, and fresh baked madeleines. Almost exploded from too much food.
A very memorable meal, and the best service we've experienced in the western united states. -
Review from Cuc Crystal N.
San Jose, CA
4/18/2008
The Crystal Guide: *****
It was very exciting to eat at the Wynn. Unlike Mon Ami Gabe, the hostess was very pleasant and gracious when I called to let them know that we were going to be late.
Alex felt like a huge dining room in someone's mansion. I didn't like the decoration because the roses on the curtains look like mountains. The staff was extremely attentive and the food was absolutely delicious. We had a wonderful time trying this 2 star Michelin Guide Restaurant. The presentation and service was not as good as Joel Robouchon but worthy of a second visit.
They let us subsitute my beef for a seafood dish and foie gras for spotted pawns. Most restaurants would not allow you to subsitute but they were as easy going as Manresa. This restaurant does not have the same reputation as Joel Robouchon but deserves the same amount of attention and praise.
The bathroom had wonderful condiments like much needed hairspray, lotion, and mouthwash on the counter.
TASTING MENU
Marinated Yellowtail and Osetra Caviar with Coconut-Cucumber Custard
Charles Ellner, Cuve Prestige, Champagne, Epernay, France 1998
Roasted Sea Scallops with White Asparagus, Pink Grapefruit and Sea Urchin
Domaine Morey-Coffinet, Btard-Montrachet, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France 2004
Seared Foie Gras with Sweet Onion Compote, Savoy Cabbage and Black Truffle Consomm
Weingut Zilliken, Saarburger Rausch, Riesling, Auslese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany 1983
Daurade 'Royale' with Rhubarb, Caramelized Endives and Spiced Red Wine Syrup
Oriel, Alma de Llicorella, Priorat, Spain 2001
Japanese Wagyu Beef with Fava Bean Pure, Candied Shallots and Bordelaise Sauce
Tua Rita, Giusto di Notri, Tuscany, Italy 2003
Passion Cheesecake with Graham Crumble
Strawberries and Mascarpone Cream with Brown Butter Cake and Strawberry Sorbet
Klein Constantia, 'Vin de Constance', Muscat de Frontignan, Constantia, South Africa 2001
Tasting Menu $195
Including Wines $325
As a courtesy to other diners, please refrain from using cellular telephones.
An automatic gratuity of 18% will be added to parties of seven or more.
The Restaurants at Wynn Las Vegas feature signature items based on seasonal availability.
Menu items and prices are subject to change
For Restaurant Reservations, please call 702.770.wynn or 888.320.7110
APPETIZER
Quail and Foie Gras Terrine with Waldorf Salad and Toasted Country Bread
Spotted Red Prawns with Spring Vegetable Crudits in Black Truffle Vinaigrette
Robiola Cheese Agnolotti with Crispy Chicken, Watercress and Chanterelles
Frogs Leg's 'Meunire' and Crayfish with Green Garlic Custard, Sorrel and Tomato Confit
Duck and Foie Gras Salad with Roasted Cherries, Pistachios and Balsamic Vinegar
Fennel Crusted 'Toro' with Nioise Flavors and Black Olive Pure
Roasted Veal Sweetbreads with Fettuccine 'Carbonara' and Aged Parmigiano
Maine Lobster with Creamed Leek and Lobster Ravioli, Wild Mushrooms and Porcini Sauce
Roasted Breast of Squab with Foie Gras, Rhubarb and Spiced Pineapple
Filet of John Dory with Heirloom Peas, Carrots and Morel Mushrooms
Roasted Spring Lamb with Savory, Purple Artichokes, Pancetta and Spring Garlic
Atlantic Halibut with Shellfish Fricassee and 'Chteau Chalon' Sauce
Stuffed Saddle of Rabbit with Roasted Spring Vegetables and Chickpeas 'Provenal'
Pancetta Wrapped Veal Tenderloin with Morels, Asparagus and Potato Gnocchi
Crispy Atlantic Bass with Roasted Fennel, Tomatoes, Olives and Basil-Lemon Sauce
Jenifer Witte, Pastry Chef
Selection of Imported and Domestic Cheese with Seasonal Garnish
Hazelnut Caramel Crunch with Praline Ice Cream
Coconut Cream and Mango with Macadamia Crumble and Roasted Banana Ice Cream
Caramelized Orange Crpe 'Souffl' with Sour Cream Gelato
White and Dark Chocolate Napoleon with Milk Chocolate Ice Cream
Raspberry Meringue with Toasted Lemon Pound Cake and Vanilla Yogurt Sorbet
Prix Fixe $145
MAIN COURSE
CHEESE AND DESSERTS -
Review from elizabeth c.
CA
3/3/2009
There was nothing fabulously wrong with our meal here. However, there was really nothing over the top fabulously right either. In a nutshell, the meal was an average fine dining experience.
Mainly, this was because of the cost. A 3-course meal that is $165 breaks down to $55 a course. At least, that's the way I look at it. Were all 3 courses worth $55? Well, no. Normally, a course not being amazing might be overlooked, but if the restaurant only serves 3 courses, I think it not unreasonable to expect all 3 to be excellent.
The meal started with some canapes. These were, for the most part, delicious. I say for the most part, because the last one was this weird exploding in my mouth cheese thingy that was a bit weird and unexpected. My mom, however, loved it.
The best course, the one most enjoyed by the whole table, by far, was the appetizer course. I ordered the veal sweetbreads, which came with ravioli and truffle shavings. The flavors complemented each other and the sweetbreads were cooked perfectly.
For the next course, I ordered duck. While good, it was just duck with some quince paste. It was nothing special. In fact, it's not sticking out in my memory really at all. That's the problem. For a $55 course, I should have been trying to lick my plate clean; that's how good I expect it to be.
I was the most disappointed in the dessert. Perhaps I didn't order the right thing. I ordered the chocolate bombe, mostly cause I love chocolate and the only other chocolate thing on the menu had bananas, which I don't like. The bombe is very chocolately indeed. It is also very crunchy. And hard to eat. Did I mention it is crunchy? It is encased in this hard shell that I had to whack really hard with my spoon to break open. Then the inside mousse had more crunchy things stuck in it.
Now, a caveat. Currently, Alex is also offering a special tasting menu, in response to the financial armageddon sweeping the world. This is a 3-course menu for about $100. My sister got this menu. I think if I had partaken of this menu, I would have given the place 4 stars. The quality of the food, even though it was the same as the quality of my food, on this menu better matched the price.
The service was superb. The wait staff was very attentive. They were very accomodating and created a little wine pairing for us, even though we did not order the 7-course tasting menu, which is what the wine pairing usually accompanies. The wines were excellent, very well-chosen and perfectly suited our food.
I really do wish I had liked this place better, but in the end, it is not a place I would gladly splurge on again. -
Review from Dave K.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/25/2008 9 photos
The Girl and I went here on a quick trip to Vegas a few weeks ago. It was a pricey day of pampering, from treatments at Bath House, to dinner at Alex, to a showing of Le Reve.
I called the week before and they were very accommodating since Wynn houses both Alex and Le Reve. We were given a 6:30pm reservation, plenty of time to enjoy dinner and walk the 500 feet over to Le Reve.
When we got there, it was still fairly empty, but by the time we left at 8:30pm it was filled to near capacity. The place is ornately furnished and dimly lit, the tables are spread out and the ceilings are very very high. The lavishness of the surroundings is astounding. The atrium is atop a staircase that looks over the dining area. The bathroom is no slouch, either. For the women, they had these little stools that you could put your handbag on. It was ornate but somewhat funny looking. They had all the unused ones lined up against a wall which made them look like little booster chairs. For babies. In 19th century England. For royalty. Who wipe their tushes with gold leaf.
HUGE wine list but The Girl and I are essentially teetotalers. At least that night we were. This place costs a pretty penny. We got the tasting menu sans alcohol and still paid $500 flat including tax and tip. A more detailed review of each dish to follow. All in all, the experience was excellent but I've only had 2 other meals that cost this much per person and both outshined this one. We definitely enjoyed ourselves and had a memorable time, but I walked away thinking that it simply cost too much. Were it about 25-30% less expensive, it might be a 5.
Bread. Whipped butter with sea salt and your option of four breads. I can't remember them all but one was rosemary and another was toasted corn. Very good. [4/5]
Amuse Bouche, Carpaccio on breadsticks and mini croquettes, ahi tuna tartare and butternut squash puree.
Very good start to the meal. All very tasty little morsels, particularly the tartare and the croquettes. [5/5]
Nantucket Bay Scallop Crudo with Dashi Pearls, Miso flakes and Osetra caviar. The scallops were sweet and tender and the osetra caviar (my first in a LONG time!) was perfect. The saltiness of the dashi and caviar complemented the sweet scallops. [5/5]
Spiny lobster and fresh hearts of palm, sea urchin and black truffles. The lobster was succulent and slightly sweet. The palm added a different and welcome texture. The urchin and truffles added just a touch of earthiness (I sound like an Iron Chef judge) that went well. [5/5]
Seared foie gras with caramelized onions, brussel sprouts and spiced apple broth. I'm not a huge foie gras fan but I can eat a few morsels. For foie gras lovers this must be heaven. It was flavorful and rich and after about half I simply couldn't eat any more. The onions and apple broth soothed my palate a little but cutting into the richness, but I could only withstand so much. [3/5]
Brioche crusted aji with roasted fennel, provencal relish and balsamic-red wine sauce. The brioche crust added an interesting crunchiness, but combined with the wine sauce I think the taste of the aji got lost. [4/5]
Japanese wagyu beef with shallot-bone marrow gratin, parsnip puree and bordelaise sauce. This is what brought us to Alex, the Wagyu beef. It was definitely medium rare and cooked perfectly. The gratin was interesting and it was good although I'm not a huge fan of bordelaise sauce. [5/5]
Meyer lemon parfait gratin with vanilla citrus. At first this dessert didn't look too interesting, but the lemon parfait was just tart enough and the fruit on the bottom was sweeter than we thought, which was a good thing. [4/5]
Dark chocolate and cherry port caramel with hazelnut nougat. This thing was HUGE (that's what she said). Dark chocolate (it seemed like it was fondant, but I'm not sure) was smothered over a marshmallowey bar with caramel. The presentation was excellent but I didn't quite get the mix of creme and crunchy hazelnut. Nevertheless, it tasted good and we were glad we had a large dessert to finish the meal. [4/5]
All in all, the experience was excellent and we had a great time. They even gave me the menu so I could record it as I am doing right now. We also left with a little box of freshly made macaroons which we've only opened last weekend but still taste good. -
Review from Laurence H.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2007
It's a well known fact that many of the "celebrity" restaurants in Vegas are weak carbon copies of their named restaurants elsewhere. In the case of Alex, it truly is a masterpiece of a restaurant that can stand on it's own. Now, while you may need a second on your home, you will be treated to truly top notch service and well prepared French food to die for.
Steve Wynn is truly a perfectionist and it shows in the restauranteurs that he has brought to the Wynn Hotel. -
Review from Vanessa F.
Irvine, CA
2/16/2009 10 photos
The menu has two sides. On the left is a 7-course tasting menu which can be paired with wine. On the right, there is an array of appetizers, entrees, and desserts in which you can choose to form a pre-fixe dinner. My husband and I mulled over our decisions, because although we had our hearts set on the tasting menu, there were a few things that caught our eyes on the right side. One of our waiters said they could do tasting portions of any items, and what ended up happening was they fit what we chose on the right into our tasting menu so that our courses would go from light items to rich items. Good call.
Our meal began with our choice of bread and we each received a plate of chef's tasting "amuse bouches". This was given to all the diners, and it included ahi tuna on shrimp toast, apple wrapped in prosciutto, smoked salmon on a chickpea square, a creamy-buttery soup with pistachios, and a soft-cheese filled pastry (insert Homer Simpson drool sound here). A nice surprise and tasty.
Next came our our tasting menu:
Yellowtail sashimi with yuzu lemon and caviar: a little fishy, I think because of the caviar, but I liked it. All one bite of it.
Crispy king crab eggroll with avocado mousse and baby arugula: I thought this was a good combination with the sweetness of the crab and the avocado with the bitterness of the arugula. They definitely fried the shell first and stuffed it with crab afterwards, because it was very delicate. This was one of the items we chose from the right side of the menu, and I thought it was refreshing and great.
Scallops with bibb lettuce in lettuce foam: Scallops were cooked perfect and full of flavor. And lettuce foam? The waiter explained that the chef didn't like to waste flavors and used the juice from the sauteed bibb lettuce to make the foam. Genius. Yes, it looks a little like green spit, but it's different, you know?
Turbot on soy-glazed vegetables: this was a cut of whitefish cooked perfectly with some soy glazed vegetables. I thought this was well-cooked, but nothing really stood out about it.
Squid ink fettuccine with abalone and uni in uni sauce: this was another appetizer we were interested in trying from the right side of the menu. The squid ink fettuccine tasted just like regular fettuccine, but was just black from the ink. The uni had a really strong flavor and I found it was better to cut in up and mix it with the rest of the pasta. I had never had abalone before, which is a sea snail, and the texture reminded me of calamari. This is a very original dish.
Seared fois gras with grapes and port reduction: absolutely decadent, as fois gras normally is. As I was eating it, it would melt in my mouth so fast that I would barely get a chance to taste it. More please, more!
Wagyu shortribs, onion compote, and horseradish potatoes: my favorite part of the meal. Once I bit into the shortribs, it was like I had small orgasm in my mouth. The meat was tender and flavorful. The horseradish potato was also wonderful. It kinda looked like a McDonald's hash brown to me, the way they shaped it on the plate, but after taking a bite of it, I was immediately wondering how I could possibly recreate it at home. Definitely the highlight of the night.
Marscapone panna cotta with semillion jelly and pear: I believe this was a dessert, but it was so light, and a great palette cleanser. My husband and I enjoyed this very much and gave our kudos to the pastry chef. She definitely knows what she's doing.
Lemon meringues with grapefruit and toasted coconut marshmallow topping: yippee! I haven't eaten a lot of meringues in my life, but these lemon meringues were light and tangy and so enjoyable to eat. The grapefruit dish with the toasted marshmallow was okay, but I guess it pairs well with the meringue.
Next came a basket of fresh baked madelines, 4 assorted chocolates and 5 assorted pastries: this was not listed on the tasting menu, but every diner received these. The fresh baked madelines were a nice touch. The pastries were comprised of various chocolate, vanilla and strawberry desserts. The chocolates were nice, but we were so full my now we couldn't eat everything. I also ordered a cappuccino, which had a little too much foam for my liking, but hit the spot. I always like to have a little coffee fix after a big meal. As we were leaving they also gave us a small box of macarons, which is a french sandwich-style cookie.
The wine that was served with each course was paired well. The service here is what you would expect from a high-end French restaurant. Our meal, with tip, came out to over $800. My jaw dropped. It was the most expensive meal we had ever had. My husband just smiled and said Happy Valentine's Day. I knew there was a reason why I married him.
I know this restaurant has high accolades, but it wasn't the best French restaurant i've been too (I give that honor to L'Auberge in Carmel). But overall a good dinner and I would recommend to anyone you just won in the casino!Listed in: Vegas, baby!
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Review from Jim G.
1/12/2010
Alex is one of my favorite restaurants in Las Vegas, but don't forget your wallet because it costs a pretty penny.
I have been to Alex a couple of times and they never disappoint. I typically go with their tasting menu that changes from season to season. One of my favorite dishes is their foie gras. It is one of the largest, most tender examples I have had since my trip to Paris.
The decor is over the top Vegas, but so fitting at the Wynn. The service is top notch and make sure to spend some time with the sommelier, especially if you love wine and champagne. -
Review from Robert M.
Barstow, CA
12/25/2007
For a fine dining experience in Vegas you can do no better than Alex.
The chef came to the Wynn from his signature restaurant "Renoir" at the MIrage. The dining experiences at Renoir have been the finest I have ever experienced.
But that is not why I am writing this review.
I want to tell everyone about the extrordinary extent to which Alex will go to insure your quality experience.
My friend is having an 80th birthday celebration for his mother. Family is flying in from across the country and they have some special needs.
My friend decided to E-mail Alex to see if the restaurant could accomodate their needs. ( as a few high end locations could not ) Alex E-mailed back and set up a vegetarain meal and made arrangements for another specific dietary concern. He checked on the requirements for the cake to see if anything was needed.
All of this extra concern to provide a quility experience for the family states a great deal about the quality of this dining experience
If they are willing to go to this much extra for a family gathering - why would you want to go anywhere else for that extra special occassion.
This is perfection...... -
Review from Brian R.
Boca Raton, FL
1/3/2008
What happens when Steve Wynn pilfers the greatest chefs from Vegas and the world and sets them up with their own restaurants at his Wynn Las Vegas hotel? Someone has to be top dog. Alex howls at the moon in the self-titled restaurant that, to be called French by category is wholly inaccurate. The category is Alex and nothing more.
There are lots of "celebrity" chefs out there that command big dollars because you've watched them on the Food Network or bought their book. Most have restaurants that vary wildly in quality of food and service and BAM! You spent a fortune for a meal that you could have acquired a lot less expensively elsewhere.
Alex is not that kind of restaurant. It is staggeringly not cheap. Your price fixe meal can run $175.00 per person to $195.00 per person without wine. If you go with the wine pairings on the $195.00 5 course meal, expect to add about $100.00 If you want anything with white truffles, offered, add another $50 to $100 per person. Your tip for two will run around $60.00 for a basic meal with limited beverages.
Now that you or your spouse has fainted, pick yourself up: This may be one of the only restaurants in the world that I can safely say lives up to its hype and is worth whatever you pay for it.
Alex is going to take you on a culinary adventure. 99% of the time you are getting some level of his personal attention. They make special events a treat with little extras, and the three courses, with little taste bonuses that the chef throws in, works out to be closer to five anyway.
Plates are set down in deceptively tiny amounts in front of you. Do not be fooled. This is very rich food, as my writing this in some level of exquisite agony at 1:30 am will attest.
You will experience tastes that you may never have experienced before, with a depth and subtlety that are simply shocking. Even the bread is amazing! We had a rosemary/orange infused slice that was, for this allergy-ravaged nose, a wonder.
Desserts are ordered at the time of your initial menu foray. Each one is rich and complex. My wife had some chocolate dish that was about as big as a Kit Kat bar in size, covered in dark chocolate with three toasted hazel nuts and ribbons of dark chocolate and a painting of gold leaf on the plate next to it, served with a small hazel nut ice cream that was so rich that she could only finish half. They do have doggie bags, but if you give any of it to the dogs, or your children, you are either insane or incredibly attached to your pooch (or rug rat).
Jackets are suggested but not required. Most men in the room wearing them worked there as waiters.
The waiters were beyond amazing and deserve the 20% that they command. Eat earlier and then jog about 13 miles to work off the joys of true gluttony.
If you can shell out money for the wonders of Cirque du Soleil, then you should worry little about giving this culinary acrobat your hard-earned dough. -
Review from Lissa G.
4/12/2009
I have dined at Alex twice, with different experiences. Both times the food was excellent, although I enjoyed it more the first time. The dining experience is not for the budget conscious, to be sure, but the service is wonderful from beginning to end. From the warm greeting at the door, to the infamous purse stool, to the non-stuffy sommelier, and ending with a box of macaroons on the way out, from beginning to end the staff at Alex pampers you.
The food is solid, contains interesting innovations, and portions are decently sized, especially for a tasting menu. The dining room itself is stunning and makes for a very enjoyable evening.
