Let’s be honest: traveling with kids ages 8 to 10 is a delicate balancing act. On one hand, they are old enough to appreciate the “cool factor” of a luxury hotel; on the other hand, they are still one “weird green leaf” away from a total culinary meltdown.
During our recent family getaway to Las Vegas, my husband and I had a mission. We are from LA, a city where you can find world-class dining on every corner, but we wanted to experience the specific brand of “Vegas Luxury” that you just can’t replicate elsewhere. More importantly, I was determined to break the Chicken Finger Curse. You know the one. It’s that ritualistic cycle where your kids look at a beautifully curated, hand-stamped leather menu, see words like “reduction” or “confit,” and immediately declare, “There is nothing to eat here.” We decided to push the envelope. We bypassed the arcade-themed cafes and the “kids-eat-free” buffets in favor of four restaurants that offer world-class ambiance, sophisticated cocktails for the adults, and—miraculously—food that two hungry girls actually enjoyed without a single frozen breaded tender in sight.
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. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, shared family meals are crucial for child development, but I’d argue that shared family meals with a 460-foot water show are even better for morale.
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 it was the perfect rich, velvety end to a 5-star evening.
2. Crush: The Hidden Gem of the MGM Grand
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, luxury oasis. It feels like you’ve been transported to 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.
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
Ahi Tuna + Cheese Pizza for my daughter
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 the epitome of elegance. 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 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.
Enjoying our Wine Flights
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
According to research published by Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab, involving children in the ordering process and exposing them to small bites of “adult” food increases their culinary adventurousness. La Cave’s small-plate format is perfect for this “stealth” food education.
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 stunning.
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 luxury. 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.
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 high-end kitchens can do a slider, a pasta, or a chicken dish “plain” even if it isn’t listed. Don’t be afraid to ask!
- 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.
According to the National Restaurant Association, the trend of “sophisticated kid dining” is on the rise as parents look for better quality ingredients than what is typically found on a standard children’s menu. These four restaurants are leading the charge.
Read More from Culinary Passages
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- The Best New Winter Activity in Vegas? Our Surprising Experience at Fontainebleau Ice Rink
- The Golden Donuts: Why the World is Falling in Love with this Luxury
- Is Bouchon Actually Better? The Definitive Guide to Dining at The Venetian
About the Author: Ginger Graham
Ginger Graham is a travel and lifestyle writer based in Los Angeles. As a mother of two and a self-proclaimed “recovering picky eater,” she specializes in finding the intersection of luxury travel and family-friendly practicality. When she’s not scouting out the best wine flights in Nevada, she’s exploring the hidden culinary gems of Southern California. Follow her journey at Culinarypassages.com.
