LasVegasMichael discusses three off Strip ethnic restaurant choices to serve every palette. He discusses Japanese, Italian, and Indian in today's article.

Over the past few years, Las Vegas’ dining options have increased dramatically, and the days of Las Vegas being considered a joke as far as high quality fare are long behind us. Though the signature restaurants with big name chefs such as Emeril Lagasse, Joel Robuchon, and Guy Savoy speak for themselves, off the Strip are some lesser known restaurants that offer extremely high quality meals, phenomenal atmospheres, and prices that are reasonable for what you get. Today’s article will discuss three such places that offer three distinctly different types of ethnic food: Indian, Italian, and Japanese. Though the menu prices can vary greatly, these three restaurants offer choices that are simply not found on the Strip proper, and allow for the palate of each of us to be tingled with variety that comes out of truly ethic fare instead of the signature club sandwich and fries found at every Strip property.

When it comes to Indian food, many great restaurants are located very close to the Strip. One of the most talked about and highest rated is called India Oven, and is located on the corner of Sahara and Paradise, directly across the street from the shuttered Sahara Hotel and Casino. This small mom and pop restaurant offers phenomenal service and authentic Indian cuisine, served by the family of the restaurant owners. Though the dinner combinations are wonderful in their own right, the best value is the lunch buffet, for only $11 per person. Daily offerings in this buffet include tandorri chicken, various curries, and of course na’an bread. The restaurant is decorated simply, with Indian inspired décor, and all tables are replete with tablecloths and real napkins (for lunch and dinner). This restaurant has won a few awards over the years as a top choice by the Las Vegas Review Journal, and former Mayor and current Mayor Mr. and Mrs. Goodman can often be found dining here. This restaurant doesn’t look like much on the outside, but the assortment of authentic Indian cuisine and flavors of the various spices makes repeat trips quite worth it.

Moving on to Japanese offerings, Hikari Japanese Steakhouse is tops on my list for high quality sushi and Japanese steak. Located a few miles west on Flamingo, on the corner of Flamingo and Buffalo, it requires a cab or a rental car to get to, but is well worth it. The restaurant is divided between the sushi bar and the steakhouse. Personally, the mark of this restaurant lies in the All You Can Eat Sushi option, which is available in the sushi bar for $26.95 per person. When you opt for this, you simply sit down and order directly from the various sushi chefs behind out the raised counter and they serve you as you go. Service is extraordinarily fast, and the sushi quality is incredible when it comes to freshness and flavor. Though there are several different all you can eat sushi options in Las Vegas, Hikari is one of the only ones that allows customers to order sashimi (fish only, without rice). There is no time limit or requirement to finish all rice, unlike the comparable Sushi Mon chain. Though dessert is not included and the menu of specialty rolls is a bit smaller form its competitors, the quality of the fish and the service more than make up for this. One strong recommendation I can make is to order the raw oysters. It is not uncommon for customers to get 2-3 dozen at a time, and the chefs have no problem encouraging you to eat more. It is a great atmosphere and by far my favorite choice for a large sushi based meal in Las Vegas.

Finally, when it comes to Italian food, a personal favorite for a mom and pop classic vintage Vegas feel is Casa di Amore, located about 4 miles east of the Strip on Tropicana. This restaurant has everything you want for a classic Vegas atmosphere, with brick walls, a small bar, and artwork on all walls of Las Vegas from the years gone by. The restaurant is quite busy, and offers a large menu of classic Italian fare and appetizers. Bread is fresh baked and the waiters are quick to refill the basket as it empties. Personally, I lean toward the eggplant and the veal, as both are house recipes and simply melt in your mouth. The prices of Casa di Amore are not very cheap, but for a unique experience off the Strip and a taste of classic Vegas Italian, it is worth the extra few dollars.

These three restaurants are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to authentic ethnic cuisine that is available a few blocks from the Strip. When evaluating your dining options, consider taking into account the world of Las Vegas that is located outside of your home base casino. Your taste buds may thank you later!

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--LasVegasMichael