The Strip's New Mediterranean Restaurant Has Your First Must-Try Meal of 2024

Welcome to 2024. What fun things to do in Las Vegas do you want to tackle first? We're barely into a new year, and while some of us are still recovering from a big fireworks show on the Strip, Las Vegas is already back in the national spotlight. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) returns this month to show off all the cool new technology that'll change how you live (and maybe travel) in the near future. However, the event isn't open to the general public. So what's left? 

January brings the return of big concert residencies, including sold-out dates for Adele at Caesars Palace, U2 at the Sphere, and Christina Aguilera at the Venetian's intimate Voltaire showroom. Travel packages remain available for Aguilera's February and March dates, which include the show, accommodations, a reception, and a meet-and-greet. 

A few new restaurants are coming early in the new year, including Orla at Mandalay Bay, Crash N Burn on Fremont Street, Ole Red at the Grand Bazaar Shops, and a revamped Esther's Kitchen in the Arts District. Until then, check out some of the best new openings of 2023, including 00 ("Double Zero") Pie & Pub for a fresh take on Neapolitan pizza, Amari for Italian at UnCommons, Azzurra Cucina for a more intimate Italian experience on Water Street, Fine Company for a creative mix of flavors in Downtown Summerlin, LPM for cuisine inspired by the French Riviera at the Cosmopolitan, Palette Tea Lounge for dim sum in Chinatown, Peter Luger Steak House at Caesars Palace, and Winnie & Ethel's, a new diner that's helping revive the historic Huntridge neighborhood.  

You'll also want to explore the dining options at new resorts like the Fontainebleau (with Mother Wolf, Don's Prime, KYU, and La Fontaine on the list) and Durango (especially Nicco's Steakhouse, The George, Bel-Aire Lounge, Mijo, and Fiorella). Of course, 2023 was a year of food halls too, including the Sundry at UnCommons and Proper Eats at the Aria, which has an indulgent speakeasy behind the doughnut shop. 

Overall, January is a relatively quiet month in Vegas, so enjoy the winter weather with a road trip to Brian Head, Eagle Point, or another ski resort within driving distance. Things will pick up in February when Super Bowl LVIII dominates the attention and Lunar New Year festivities begin. The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is getting into the spirit early by revealing a Year of the Dragon exhibit on January 13. 

Otherwise, continue to enjoy all the fun things to do in Las Vegas, from shows and slot machines to weird museums and even a few free things to do. Beyond that, consider the following itinerary—your guide to an action-packed January in Las Vegas.

January 20
North Las Vegas, $3 
Nevada officially opens a new state park–an idea first announced two governors ago in 2017, but really a work in progress for tens of thousands of years. Ice Age Fossils State Park covers more than 300 acres near Tule Springs with trails, an interactive visitors center, and life-size exhibits of mammoths, bison, and other creatures who called Southern Nevada home 45,000 years ago. Much of 'em were discovered during the "Big Dig" of 1962-1963, which unearthed information about animals as well as early humans in the Americas.

January 1–31
Valleywide, Prices vary
Some diners consider January to be Veganuary, and our friends at Vegans, Baby are coordinating with restaurants throughout Las Vegas to add or feature plant-based specials and prix fixe menus all month long. Go casual at Tacotarian, Good Morning Kitchen, and Border Grill, or enjoy the night out with fine dining tasting menus at Picasso and Le Cirque. Truth & Tonic might have the best value with a three-course meal of spring rolls, BBQ vegan chicken ramen, and a Filipino-inspired ube dessert for $35 a person. A portion of Veganuary sales benefit the Nevada SPCA.

January 1–31
MGM Grand, Prices vary
Crush celebrates 10 years at the MGM Grand with a throwback menu featuring dishes from the restaurant's inaugural year. Come by any time during January for a scallop benedict with quail egg, veal bolognese with polenta, woodfired date, artichoke pizza, cavatelli with Italian sausage, and a two-pound bone-in short rib with pear salad. A portion of sales will be donated to ASAS after-school programs.

January 16
Henderson, Prices vary
The Broken Yolk Cafe in Henderson (near St. Rose Parkway and Maryland Parkway) celebrates a one-year anniversary with $1.16 mimosas all day long. Just know there's a limit of three, so don't get crazy. The all-day brunch restaurant will keep the party going with birthday cake, decorations, and other fun stuff from 7am to 2 pm.

January 17
Mandalay Bay, Prices vary
One of the most anticipated new restaurants of 2024 is now welcoming guests. Michael Mina's Orla is based on the family dinners the Egyptian-born chef experienced growing up, making it the most personal of his five restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip. "If there's any one restaurant that's going to be a culmination of my life and career, it's going to be this restaurant," Mina says.
There's crossover between Greek and Mediterranean dining, but with robust Middle East spices like cumin, saffron, turmeric, and coriander, featured in a "spice box" that makes its first appearance during service by a bread cart. Seafood is featured prominently, from cold mezze like a lobster salad with avocados and mangoes (which are plentiful in Egypt) to hot mezze like charcoal grilled octopus, based on a breakfast street food recipe with poached egg. A fresh catch arrives daily with main entrees cooked lightly over apricot wood. Top entrees include salt-baked sea bream, snapper cooked over a bed of potatoes, and an Alexandria-style fish fry. Save room for an elaborate frozen yogurt dessert presentation and cocktails that utilize some of the same spices featured in the food. Orla takes over the old Fleur dining room at Mandalay Bay, redesigned to resemble an outdoor promenade with trees and street lights under tall ceilings.

January 18 and 25
Durango, Prices vary
The beautiful Bel-Aire Lounge, with views of the Durango pool deck, is launching Ladies' Night on Thursdays. Beginning at 8pm every Thursday, women will receive a welcome cocktail, half-off the bill the entire night, and the opportunity to participate in giveaways with a DJ performing throughout the night.

January 19
Rio, Prices vary
We warned you: More food falls are coming to Las Vegas in 2024. The Rio is next in line, debuting Canteen Food Hall, which offers six culinary counters in the space once home to the resort's iconic buffet. Mix and match food between Attaboy Burgers by Chef Alex Resnik, Nam Nama sushi rolls (and nitro matcha green tea on tap), Tender Crush fried chicken, Tony Luke's Philly cheesesteaks, Shogun Ramen (by Master Foo, who already has locations on Blue Diamond and in Henderson), and Southland Burrito Co. by Chef Marco Herrera.

January 20
Off the Strip, $110
Ferraro's first "Taste & Learn" wine-pairing dinner of the year begins at 5 pm and features selections from California and Italy by Greg Linn. Dine on crab-stuffed tiger prawn with Chardonnay, a burrata and black truffle cream crostini with Nebbiolo, braised beef and onion fusilli with Barbaresco, and braised short rib with butternut squash puree and Barolo. Reserve early. These events tend to sell out in advance.

January 20 and 27
Durango, Prices vary
The George Sportsmen's Lounge is one of the best things about the new Durango resort, putting an experiential twist on the sports viewing experience. The lounge now has Après-Ski Experience events every Saturday night through February 24. Wear ski apparel and have the cover charge waived (and get a free glass of champagne if you're a lady) while enjoying a DJ on the patio, sipping on winter-themed cocktails, and getting your picture taken by a ski-lift photo op.

January 26
Southwest, Prices vary
Italian sandwich shop All’Antico Vinaio opens its first Las Vegas location at UnCommons in the Southwest Valley. Even better–the first 100 customers in line at 12 noon will receive a free sandwich. All’Antico Vinaio has a huge following in Florence, Milan, and Rome with long lines of customers eager for sandwiches made with fresh-baked Schiacciata bread and high-quality Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

January 27
Boulder City, $30
The 25th annual Vegas Viking Lodge Sons of Norway Lutefisk Dinner returns to the Boulder City Elks Lodge with seatings at either 2 pm or 5 pm for a meal that includes lutefisk (cod washed in lye), roasted pork, boiled potatoes, green beans, lefse (flatbread), and Scandinavian cookies. Aquavit will be the featured spirit at an open bar. The event is organized by the Vegas Viking Lodge of the Sons of Norway, who preserve and promote Scandinavian culture in Southern Nevada. You must buy tickets in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door.

January 19
Fontainebleau, $30 and up
When you're as popular as Tiesto, you get to call the shots. The DJ wrapped up his residency at Resorts World and now debuts at LIV Nightclub inside the all-new Fontainebleau with a "Birthday Celebration" at 10:30 pm. (The guy's turning 55 btw.) He'll also perform at LIV Beach during its inaugural season this spring. This isn't an exclusive deal, however. Tiesto has booked dates with the Tao Group as well with appearances in the works at Omnia (Caesars Palace), Tao Beach (the Venetian), and Wet Republic (MGM Grand).

January 18–21
Lake Havasu City, $20 and up
Here's a great excuse to take a road trip out of Vegas and check out all the cool stuff to do in Lake Havasu City. The 13th Annual Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair unfolds over four days along the water at Lake Havasu State Park. Watch dozens of hot air balloons soar above the London Bridge and Bridgewater Channel while enjoying weather that's a little bit warmer than in Vegas. The festival also includes a Fun Zone with carnival rides, live entertainment, food, beer, a Balloon Night Glow, and more.

January 20
Off the Strip, $30
AREA15 has a dinner and movie experience at 4 pm inside The Wall. Enjoy an immersive presentation of "Ready Player One" with dinner by The Beast, one of our favorite places for barbecue in Las Vegas. Come early when doors open at 3:30 pm since seats are available on a first-come basis. The price of admission includes a free non-alcoholic drink and $5 tokens for free play at the Asylum Bar & Arcade.

January 26–28
Mesquite, Free entry
One week after Lake Havasu City, Mesquite has a balloon festival of its own. All you need to do is take a short drive northeast of Vegas. The annual event begins early at 7:30 am each day with colorful balloons taking flight from the outdoor grounds of the Casablanca resort, adding a splash of color to the skies over Mesquite. Spectators can enjoy the views, buy food and drinks, and meet the aircraft operators. After sundown, the event shifts into "Balloon Glow" mode with live entertainment at the casino's SkyDome Lounge.

January 24–27
Resorts World, $85 and up
CES isn't the only trade show in town this month. The AVN (Adult Video News) Show takes over Resorts World, featuring the best products and performers in adult entertainment. And yes, this one's open to the general public. View exhibits, meet adult video stars, and visit special areas like the Lair (dedicated to bondage and other fetishes) and the Village for LGBTQ+ entertainment. The week culminates with the AVN Awards, a lavish Oscars-style awards presentation at the Resorts World Theatre with a performance by Iggy Azalea.

Ongoing
Resorts World, Prices vary
All good things come to an end, and that's especially true for fans of bro-country as Luke Bryan plays the final dates of a nearly two-year residency at Resorts World. He was one of the first headliners announced when the property opened in 2021, and with Kary Perry wrapping up her own residency as well in recent months, 2024 could turn out to be an intriguing rebuilding year for the entertainment roster at Resorts World.

Ongoing
Venetian, $45 and up
In a chaotic world, it's nice to know there are things you can count on. Styx is back for another limited-run residency at the Venetian, something the classic rockers have done every January for the past three years in a row (although the habit dates back to 2017). Co-founder Dennis DeYoung hasn't been in the fold for 25 years, but the band remains a tight live act under the leadership of guitarist and singer Tommy Shaw, delivering hits like "Too Much Time on My Hands" and "Come Sail Away."

Ongoing
Palms, Prices vary
The Jewish Nevada Film Festival occurs on select days and times at the Brenden Theatres inside the Palms casino. Six films are being screened, including the premiere of "Symphony of the Holocaust," a documentary about a violinist who survived a concentration camp with a discussion and live performance afterward. Another documentary, "Remembering Gene Wilder," concludes with a Wonka chocolate reception. Seating is first-come, first-serve.

January 28
Online, $100
It's the final day to enter the Vegas Sports Jackpot raffle with the opportunity to win the ultimate prize for any sports fan: Two tickets to Super Bowl LVIII, the Super Bowl Experience, Super Bowl Opening Night, the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix, 22 Vegas Golden Knights home games, and every Las Vegas Raiders home game. Money raised goes to charity, including the United Way of Southern Nevada.

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