We spent Christmas week in Las Vegas with Brad and the girls (Madeline was 10 and Charlotte was 8), staying at the Venetian. Our one real food mission on this luxury family trip was to break the Chicken Finger Curse: eat somewhere good, every night, without anyone declaring there was nothing on the menu for them.
This guide covers every meal we paid for on that trip. Four sit-down dinners that worked surprisingly well for kids, three casual stops inside the Venetian and Palazzo, and the $55 frozen yogurt run that taught me what a “quick bite” costs on the Strip. For our three breakfasts at Bouchon, see our separate Bouchon review.
The Sit-Down Dinners: Four Luxury Restaurants That Worked for Kids
1. Mon Ami Gabi: The “Golden Ticket” at the Paris Hotel
Our first night was Christmas, which adds a layer of pressure to any dinner reservation. We chose Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Hotel. If you haven’t been, this place is a Vegas institution for a reason.
The Strategy: The Art of the Wait
We made our reservation a month in advance. Pro tip: When you book online, you aren’t booking the patio. The patio is the “Prime Real Estate” of the Strip because it sits directly across from the Bellagio Fountains. To sit outside, you have to check in and join a separate waitlist.
Normally, telling two hungry kids they have to wait another 30 minutes for a table is a recipe for disaster. But this is the Paris Hotel! My girls were instantly enchanted by the “Pretty French Elegant Fancy Things” in the souvenir shops. Did they think they were actually in France? Absolutely not. But looking at Eiffel Tower keychains and sparkly necklaces kept them blissfully distracted. We even skipped the actual Eiffel Tower elevator ride—the gift shop was entertainment enough, and it saved us a fortune in ticket prices!
The Menu: Steak Frites for the Win
When we were finally seated at our beautiful, small table on the patio, the Bellagio Fountains began their dance. It was magical. Shared family meals are always good for morale, but shared family meals with a 460-foot water show are even better.
For the Adults: We started with the Midnight in Paris and the Mon Ami Gabi Fashioned. These aren’t your standard “well” drinks; they are crafted experiences. We paired them with the warmed baguette (the gold standard of bread) and the melted Brie.
For the Kids: Mon Ami Gabi is one of the few luxury spots that actually has a kids’ menu, but it’s sophisticated. They offered Steak Frites for kids, served with apple slices and green beans. It felt like a “grown-up” meal but in a portion and flavor profile they loved.
The “Must-Order” Dessert: The Bananas Foster Crepe and the Chocolate Mousse. The girls split the mousse, and in fact, it was the perfect rich, velvety end to a 5-star evening.
2. Crush at the MGM Grand: Kid-Friendly Luxury
The next night, we headed to the MGM Grand to see a show. Based on a recommendation from the Venetian concierge, we booked a table at Crush.
I’ll be honest: when we first walked up, I was skeptical. From the casino floor, it looks like a no-frills, average spot. I actually whispered to my husband, “This place?” The Vibe: A Tropical Escape Once you pass the hostess stand and walk deeper into the restaurant, the space opens up into a massive, gorgeous space. It feels like a high-end resort on a tropical island. It’s dim, chic, and perfectly vibey.
Navigating the luxury “No Kids Menu” Scare
Crush does not have a formal kids’ menu. This is usually the moment where my kids start scanning for the exit. However, the staff here is incredibly accommodating. They offered to do a simple pasta and a pizza, proving that even a luxury spot can flex for picky eaters.
The Verdict: The kids were satisfied, and more importantly, they were quiet because they were busy eating. This allowed us to dive into some incredible small plates:
- Arugula Salad (Fresh and peppery)
- French Onion Soup
- Cheesesteak Dumplings (An absolute must-order)
- Ahi Tuna
If you are seeing KÀ or David Copperfield, this is the perfect pre-show spot. It’s efficient, elegant, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you’re having a “Night Out” even with the kids in tow.
3. La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway: For the Luxury Aspiring Foodie
Located in the Wynn, La Cave is an elegant, luxury hideaway. This is the kind of place where you want to wear your favorite “resort casual” outfit and pretend you don’t have a glitter-covered backpack under the table.
The Service: The “Slider” Secret
Again, there was no kids’ menu here. However, our server was the definition of polished. He didn’t blink when he saw the kids; instead, he immediately recommended the Beef Sliders served “plain.” They were high-quality, delicious, and exactly what the girls needed.
The Wine Flights: Mom and Dad’s Luxury Reward
While the kids tackled their sliders, my husband and I explored the wine flights. La Cave is famous for its selection, and we ended up trying about eight different types of wine between the two of us. It was exactly what we needed after a day of navigating the Vegas crowds.
Dinner Highlights:
- Hamachi & Tuna Crudo (Spectacularly fresh)
- Bacon Wrapped Dates (The kids actually loved these—sweet and salty is a universal language!)
- Beef Filet Crostini
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts
We let the girls try small bites of our food here, and La Cave’s small-plate format makes that easy.
4. Komodo: The Luxury Grand Finale at Fontainebleau
On our last night, we went to Komodo at the new Fontainebleau Resort. If you want “Bougie Vegas,” this is it. It is high-energy, upscale, and visually striking — the most unapologetically luxury spot on this list.
The Ambiance: Hiding in Plain Sight
You might think a place this “cool” would be hostile to children, but it’s actually the opposite. The lighting is dim, and the velvet booths are so large and plush that the kids just kind of “hide away” in the space. It feels like a private cocoon.
The Luxury Menu Hack: Korean Fried Chicken
There is no “chicken finger” here, but there is Korean Fried Chicken. We ordered it for the kids with all the sauce on the side and a bowl of steamed white rice. They loved it. It was crunchy, high-quality, and familiar enough to be “safe” but fancy enough to fit the room.
The Adult Feast: We followed our server’s lead and it was a parade of excellence:
- Money Bag Dim Sum: These actually come with gold leaf! My kids thought we were eating treasure.
- Wagyu Steak Tacos
- Hamachi Truffle
- Lobster Dynamite
The Showstopper: You must order the Banana Pagoda for dessert. Not only is it delicious, but it’s a theatrical event. Get your phone out and record the presentation; your kids will think you are the coolest parents on the planet.
Casual Meals Inside the Luxury Venetian and Palazzo Resorts
Not every meal on a luxury trip needs a reservation and a wine flight. These were our more casual stops in the Grand Canal Shoppes, and they were more mixed.
Christmas Lunch at CHICA: When “Upscale Food” Meets “Speed-Dial”
Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like sitting under the vibrant, artistic chandeliers of CHICA by Lorena Garcia. Now, I’ll be honest: walking in, the vibe is incredible. It feels upscale. It smells like ambition and wood-fired spices. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you should be wearing a silk wrap, even if you’re actually just wearing your “nice” leggings because, hey, it’s vacation.
Because it was Christmas Day, they offered a special holiday menu alongside their standard Latin-fusion fare. Since I wasn’t quite ready to dive into the tequila before noon (I have to keep at least one eye on the 8-year-old), I opted for the Nothing Rhymes with Orange fresh-pressed juice. It was vibrant, citrusy, and made me feel like I was making a healthy choice before the inevitable onslaught of carbs.
The Food Verdict:
- Ahi Tuna Appetizer: This was the star. Fresh, zingy, and exactly what you want from a high-end Vegas eatery.
- Wild Mushroom Tamale: I had high hopes. I wanted to be transported to a mystical forest of flavor. Instead, I was transported to… a microwave? It was lukewarm and, frankly, just “okay.”
- The “Speedy” Service: Our food arrived so fast I’m convinced they have a precognitive chef who knew what we wanted before we sat down. While speed is great when you have kids, it usually means the food is sitting in the back under a heat lamp, waiting for its moment of mediocre glory.
The Takeaway: If you’re looking for a “place to see and be seen,” CHICA is great. If you’re looking for a culinary epiphany on Christmas Day? Skip it.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: The “Best in Vegas” Myth
Next on our tour was Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, located on the Palazzo side of the Grand Canal Shops. We went here on the high recommendation of a friend who swore on his life that this was the absolute best pizza in Las Vegas.
As residents of Los Angeles, we are admittedly pizza snobs. We have access to everything from authentic Neapolitan to the legendary thin-crust styles that define the West Coast scene. So, we walked into Grimaldi’s with our expectations set to “Transcendental.”
The Order:
- The Ivy Pizza: This is their white pizza with garlic, topped with pesto, mushrooms, white onions, and jalapeños.
- The Drinks: My husband and I each had an Italian Margarita. Now, I will give them credit here—this wasn’t your standard syrup-fest. It was a sophisticated blend of Casamigos Reposado, amaretto, and fresh lime, giving it that nutty, marzipan-adjacent finish.
- The Salad: We split the Cherry Pecan Salad. It was light, the pecans were crunchy, and it provided a nice “I ate a vegetable” buffer before the cheese arrived.
The Verdict:
The pizza was… fine. Just fine. It was solid, edible, and perfectly acceptable. But the “Best in Vegas”? If this is the gold standard, Vegas might need to check its stats. The crust lacked that soul-satisfying char.
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer: The Road Trip Food Savior
We saved Black Tap for our departure. Since we were staring down the long, dusty barrel of the I-15 back to LA, we decided to get our order to-go. Black Tap is famous for their “CrazyShakes” and their award-winning burgers. A great burger is defined by the blend of the meat and the squish of the bun.
The “CrazyShakes” Spectacle:
While my husband was waiting for our to-go order, he saw a few of these legendary shakes come out of the kitchen. They are less “beverage” and more “architectural marvel.” We’re talking about the Brooklyn Blackout—a chocolate shake with a chocolate-frosted rim rolled in mini chocolate chips, topped with two full-sized brownies. Or the Cotton Candy Shake, which features a pink lollipop, rock candy, and a massive cloud of actual cotton candy. They are essentially a theme park in a glass. I will be honest and tell you we didn’t tell our kids that this place even had shakes so we avoided them gulping these monster looking delicious drinks and then throwing them up in the car when they watch too much TV on the tablets and get car sick.
The Star of the Show:
We ordered the Wagyu Steakhouse Burger. At $26.50, it’s not a “value meal,” but in 2026, that’s basically the price of a burger everywhere. Made with 1/2 pound of Wagyu beef and topped with pepper jack cheese, smoked bacon, and crispy onions, it was a 10/10.
The $55 Snack: What a “Quick Bite” Costs at a Luxury Strip Resort
The most expensive surprise of the trip was not a luxury dinner. It was a pre-show snack at the MGM Grand before KÀ.
The Ten-Minute Ghost Town
We headed over to Blizz Frozen Yogurt inside the MGM. Now, usually, when you’re about to be overcharged, there’s at least some pomp and circumstance. Maybe a golden spoon? A choir of angels?
Instead, we found… nobody.
We stood at the counter for ten solid minutes. My 8-year-old was practicing her “I’m starving” face, my 10-year-old was auditing the topping bar with the intensity of a health inspector, and the guy behind me in line was starting to look like he might hop over the counter and start self-serving the entire floor.
I’ll admit, the thought crossed my mind: Free frozen yogurt for everyone! If no one is here to take the money, is it really a transaction? But, being a responsible parent (and generally avoiding Vegas jail), we waited. When service finally arrived, it was time to face the bill.
The Breakdown of a Vegas “Quick Bite”
When the total hit the screen, I actually had to squint. $54.60. For those keeping track at home, that wasn’t a three-course steak dinner. That was:
- One Small Pressed Juice: $15 (Apparently squeezed from fruit grown in a secret garden on Mars).
- One Nutella Crepe: $20 (I expected the Nutella to be applied by a Michelin-star chef, not a distracted teenager).
- Two Self-Serve Yogurts: Nearly $10 each once the kids realized “toppings” wasn’t a suggestion, but a challenge.
It’s not just us, either — food and beverage prices on the Strip have climbed noticeably over the past few years, and a lot of that shows up in the casual, grab-and-go spots as much as the fine dining rooms. We are living in an era where the “cheap snack” has officially gone extinct.
How to Avoid the $55 Luxury Vegas Snack Trap
If you’re heading to the Strip with kids, you need a battle plan. You can’t just wing it, or you’ll end up like me, staring at a Nutella crepe with the same regret most people feel after a 3:00 AM wedding at a drive-thru chapel.
1. The “Walgreens/CVS” Maneuver
This is the golden rule of Vegas survival. There are massive pharmacies located right on the Strip (near Planet Hollywood, Park MGM, and Treasure Island). Go there immediately upon arrival. Stock up on:
- Bottled water (Pay $2 instead of $9).
- Protein bars and nuts.
- Fruit and yogurt cups. Keep these in your hotel room or your bag. Your wallet will thank you when the 4:00 PM “I’m hungry” sirens start blaring from your children.
2. Walk a Block Off the Strip
The “Convenience Fee” on the Strip is real. Just walking one block east or west can drop food prices by 30-40%. Some of the best value-for-money eats are found just a ten-minute Uber ride away in Chinatown or the Arts District, where locals actually eat.
3. Share the “Giant” Portions
Vegas loves “Big.” If you find yourself at a place like Sugar Factory or even a Strip crepe shop, the portions are often designed for two. My two daughters could have easily shared one yogurt, but the self-serve model is designed to make you overfill.
Pro-Tip: If it’s self-serve, you hold the cup for the kids. Left to their own devices, an 8-year-old will create a 3-pound mountain of gummy bears held together by a splash of vanilla tart.
Better Alternatives for Your Sweet Tooth
If you are going to spend the money—and let’s be honest, you’re in Vegas, you will spend the money—make sure it’s worth it.
Instead of the overpriced, underwhelming yogurt at a high-traffic stall, consider these “worth it” splurges:
- Donutique (The Venetian): If I’m going to drop $10-$15 on a snack, I’d much rather have a couture donut from Donutique. The quality is astronomical, the presentation is art, and you actually feel like you’ve had a “Vegas Experience.”
- Milk Bar (Cosmopolitan): At least here, the Cereal Milk Soft Serve is iconic and unique.
- Carlo’s Bakery: Yes, it’s a chain, but a cannoli there feels like a win compared to a sad, $20 crepe.
Dessert: Affordable Luxury at Donutique in the Grand Canal Shoppes
If you are going to splurge on a little luxury snack on the Strip, make it Donutique. Its gold-trimmed display case in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian stopped us mid-stride: classic donuts, filled donuts, and a rolled croissant that is their answer to the cronut, all finished like plated desserts. The dough underneath holds up, too; it tastes fresher and richer than a regular donut.
We got the Sprinkle Donut, piled with rainbow sprinkles; the Birthday Cake Donut, which is filled and closer to a slice of cake; and the Strawberry Cheesecake Donut, the most dessert-like of the three. On another pass we tried the rolled croissant, which was flaky and buttery, and we would order it again. A classic donut runs about $7 and a filled donut or the rolled croissant about $11 to $12, so our three came to about $32 with tax. As an everyday donut, that is a stretch. As a once-a-trip Vegas treat, it is worth it, especially if you split them, because the filled ones are a real dessert portion.
Tips for Success: Navigating Luxury with Kids
- Reservations are Non-Negotiable: We booked Mon Ami Gabi a month out. For Komodo and La Cave, 24–48 hours was enough, but don’t wing it.
- The “Plain” Request: Most luxury kitchens can do a slider, a pasta, or a chicken dish “plain” even if it isn’t listed. Don’t be afraid to ask!
- Order to-go when you can: We picked up Black Tap for the drive home, and eating in the room or the car is often more relaxing than managing tired kids in a loud restaurant.
- Timing is Everything: We tended to eat a little earlier (around 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM). This ensured the restaurants weren’t at peak “party mode” yet, and the service was faster.
- Embrace the “Resort Casual”: Vegas is more relaxed than it used to be, but dressing the kids up a little makes them feel like part of the “fancy” experience, which often leads to better behavior.
