The Gastronome’s Vegas

The Strip's first serious attempt at finding its post-gaming footing focused on food -- and lots of it. The coven of master chefs lending their names to the city's initial wave of serious restaurants was impressive, but it was followed by a tedious Gordon Ramsayfication, and now something worse: a forthcoming grease-slicked diner from culinary carnival barker Guy Fieri.

If the epicurean heat seems to be cooling a bit, there is one promising new development: When the largest Nobu in the world opened in Caesars Palace this past spring, the real attraction wasn't its signature yellowtail sashimi but the Nobu Hotel(3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; NobuCaesarsPalace.com) shooting above the restaurant.

Carved out of an old casino tower, it offers what is quite possibly the world's best room-service menu, one that includes a sublime foie gras burger, rock shrimp buns, lobster and crab sashimi tacos, and a high-roller bento box. For the serious foodie gambler who likes to binge in private, this is as decadent as it gets.