Vegas Unfiltered Local Favorties

Bring The Gang to LUCHINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT

SamNovak

Official Verified Account

Editor

Bring The Gang to LUCHINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Tao Hospitality Group presents a restaurant, pizza slice shop, bar, and speakeasy that might even lure locals to the Strip...

There's something about Italian food that lends itself to social dining. A large group of people, big bowls of pasta and salad, meaty entrees, and luscious desserts vying for attention with lively conversation. In other words, a family feast. Family gatherings are just as much fun when the attendees are friends, and LUCHINI Italian Restaurant at MGM Grand Resort is the perfect place to make it happen. A relatively new establishment that opened last November, LUCHINI is the brainchild of Tao Hospitality Group. They're the folks who brought you Lavo (Palazzo), Beauty and Essex (Cosmopolitan), and of course, the world-famous Tao Asian Bistro at Venetian.

Photos by LUCHINI NYC LUCHINI RESTAURANT Las Vegas began life as an unpretentious Manhattan pizza delivery shop. With its distinctive style, personal service, and authentic recipes, LUCHINI Italian was bound to grow beyond NYC. Now expanded to include a full dining experience, walk-up slice shop, pub-style bar, and hidden Chez Bippy speakeasy, MGM's LUCHINI is a fully realized version of the creators' vision. As you might expect, the Sin City outlet adds a bit of casual elegance to its welcoming atmosphere. Nestled between Tom Colicchio's high-end CRAFTSTEAK and relaxed country music venue LOSERS BAR, LUCHINI achieves a balance that complements a menu of timeless dishes.

You can see that LUCHINI boasts a very inviting dining room. But does the cuisine match the decor? A friend and I settled in for an impromptu visit on an average Tuesday evening and were wonderfully satisfied. Relying on the advice of our server Ken, we selected a combination of his favorites and a best-seller or two. Despite being hearty eaters, we departed with a take-out bag and more-than-satisfied appetites.

After warming up with the intriguing bread/spread above, my companion and I started with an appetizer. We went with Grandma's Meatballs ($19 for three), served with warm, sweet marinara and topped with cheese. Ken told us that the recipe comes from the Chef's grandmother's kitchen. As delicious as they were, I'd enjoy having her as a neighbor.

Grandma's Meatballs

Others on the Appetizer list include Eggplant Parmesan ($21), Zuppa Di Mussels prepared with Calabrian chili, tomato, white wine, oregano, and basil ($21), and Fritto Misto ($25) with calamari, shrimp, and zucchini.

Spiedini alla Romana (photo courtesy of LUCHINI)

As for salads, Ken recommended Luchini's Classic Caesar ($21) made with romaine lettuce, a lemony anchovy dressing, and garlic croutons. "I don't know what they put in the dressing, but it's a miracle", our charming server said. He wasn't wrong.

Classic Caesar

Soup and Salad selections include Stracciatella Alla Romana (spinach, semolina, and egg - $16), Mixed Greens (cucumbers, tomatoes, sherry vinaigrette - $19), or an Antipasto with chopped lettuce, aged provolone, salami, and pepperoncini vinaigrette for $23.

Photos courtesy of LUCHINI

Want something directly off "The Grill"? Select from Filet Mignon, Grilled Lamb Chops, New York Strip, or a massive Porterhouse Florentino ($142). Or you can go all out and order the Mixed Grill, a gigantic helping of lamb chops, skirt steak, sausages, chicken, and pork ribs ($129). As our main course, it was a toss-up between pizza and a pasta dish. We opted for the popular Short Rib Lasagna Pinwheels ($43), an extremely unique entree. Lasagna dough is spread out, filled with short-rib meat and sauce, rolled, and then sliced into pinwheels. Served in a casserole dish with marinara and mozzarella, this creation was the highlight of our simple meal.

Short Rib Lasagna Pinwheel

The Luchini selection of pasta offers classics and several distinctive creations: Spaghetti Napoletana ($29), Rigatoni Al Pesto ($29), and Penne Alla Rossa ($32) are terrific choices for those who prefer a simplified pasta and sauce. Meat-centric pasta dishes include Cappellacci Boscaiola (sausage, mushrooms, and brandy cream - $32), Cavatelli Bolognese (ground veal, tomato, cream - $34), and Fussili Alla Nonna with sausage, broccoli, garlic, and oil ($31).

Photos courtesy of LUCHINI

Seafood lovers can indulge in Calabrian Reginette Alfredo with rock shrimp and cream ($35) or Seafood Fra Diovolo ($103). This feast includes a 1.5-pound lobster, shrimp, mussels, calamari, and clams. It's prepared with Calabrian chili and tomatoes.

Screenshot of LUCHINI online Raw Bar Menu Want even more seafood? Luchini has a "Raw Bar" with Oysters on the Half Shell, Tuna Tartare, Yellowtail Crudo, and Shrimp Cocktail. For "Entrees", select from Grilled Branzino ($41), Jumbo Shrimp Parmigiana ($41), Salmon Lucianos ($42), or Chilean Sea Bass Piccata with lemon butter, capers, and parsley ($49).

Screenshot of LUCHINI online Pizza Menu Any Italian restaurant is only as good as its pizza. Since that's how LUCHINI began, you can expect the absolute best. Order a few 12-inch pies for your table, and it's a party. Or head to the adjacent Slice Shop for to-go orders or a quick bite on the run. The Slice Shop opens daily at 11 am and closes no earlier than 11 pm.

LUCHINI serves up pizza just the way you like it, from 12- and 18-inch whole pizzas to round and square slices. There's even a massive 18" x 12" Consigliere Pizza in either cheese or specialty. Of course, both the main dining room and Slice Shop prepare luscious desserts that bring your meal to a memorable close. Click here for the dessert menu.

Photos courtesy of LUCHINI After you're stuffed and happy, there's no need to rush off. LUCHINI's full-service bar offers specialty cocktails, beer, and an extensive wine list. If you're lucky enough to visit Thursday through Saturday after 7 pm, head through the secret door behind Slice Shop's dining room to discover Chez Bippy, LUCHINI's charming speakeasy.

Can you spot the secret door?

Screenshots via LUCHINI website For more information on CHEZ BIPPY or to make table reservations, head here. You can also book the restaurant's event space for private parties, weddings, and corporate gatherings by visiting here. LUCHINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT is located at MGM Grand Resort, between the casino and MGM Grand Garden Arena. The dining room is open daily at 4:30 pm. For menus, pricing, and more details, visit the official website here.