Are your chips down and you’re in need of some edible ones? Done staking big and hungry for a big steak? Hoping to turn white meat into, erm, white meat? Or would you simply prefer to be eating squab rather than be mistaken for a pigeon?
Well, your luck just came in. Because the poker, blackjack and baccarat tables aren’t the only hot seats in the house. As any keen player will know, casinos across the world are as much temples of gastronomy as they are of gaming and you’ll find some incredible dining options in Vegas, Macau and beyond.
Today, we’re considering only the very best, where you can walk away from the floor with your winnings and be dining on caviar, truffles and the rest within minutes. With all that in mind, here are the best Michelin-starred casino restaurants in the world.
JOËL ROBUCHON AT MGM GRAND, LAS VEGAS
We’ve used a little poetic license here, admittedly, because Las Vegas hasn’t actually had a Michelin Guide printed for the past 12 years. In fact, the 2008 and 2009 editions were, curiously, the only time Michelin awarded stars in the city, with the financial crisis affecting tourism in Las Vegas and causing the demand for fine dining in the City of Sin to plummet.
In that 2009 guide, there were 17 stars awarded in total, with the late, great Joël Robuchon’s eponymous restaurant at the MGM Grand the only establishment gaining the coveted 3 stars. Though the Michelin Guide hasn’t returned to the city yet, Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand remains, and standards have only got higher in the decade that followed.
Prices, it has to be said, have risen in tandem; you’ll pay around $500 for a 16 course tasting menu of nominally French dishes. In reality, the super creative, technically bulletproof chef created a style all of his own during his illustrious career, and many view his MGM restaurant as the finest realisation of his vision.
The restaurant is open Thursday to Monday, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. With only twelve tables, booking well in advance is recommended.
RESTAURANT GUY SAVOY AT CAESARS PALACE, LAS VEGAS
We’ll stay in Vegas for now, and head just a mile north to Caesars Palace. Though the temperature might be pushing 40°C out there in the desert, you’re going to want to walk off those 16 courses to prepare yourself for the next round, as Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace boasts a similarly opulent menu.
A winner of 2 Michelin stars in the 2009 Las Vegas guide, the restaurant is designed to be a replica of the renowned chef’s Paris flagship, with the City of Light and the Neon Capital of the World sharing many of Savoy’s signature dishes. His iconic artichoke and black truffle soup is all present and correct here, and yours for just $75.
To really hammer home the kinship, Restaurant Guy Savoy overlooks Vegas’ famous half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. Sadly, the Las Vegas iteration isn’t half the price to match; a celebratory tasting menu will set you back $555. Hopefully, the angel number will bring you some luck back at the tables. Perhaps save this one for celebrating a big win.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
JADE DRAGON AT CITY OF DREAMS, MACAU
The Vegas of the East, as Macau is sometimes known, boasts one of the most revered restaurant scenes in the world, with all of its 17 Michelin starred restaurants within a five mile radius.
If you’re keen to experience Cantonese cuisine served with all the bells, whistles, pomp and tradition intact, then 3 Michelin starred Jade Dragon at City of Dreams is where you should head.
The setting is as illustrious as what arrives in your bespoke bamboo baskets, with a vaulted ceiling, original artworks and royal golds and silvers adorning the walls, upholstery and crockery.
The signature Peking Goose, all lacquered finish and skin which shatters like glass (in the best possible way) is a must order. Do be aware that you have to do so in advance. Should that level of foresight slip your mind, then fear not; their Iberico pork collar, grilled over lychee wood, is equally good.
For those looking to shake off the excesses of Macau’s less salubrious side, the signature seasonal healing soups and Peach Oolong tea will see you right. Interestingly, the Jade Dragon’s Dim Sum and tea pairing is particularly revered, and is a great choice for a light lunchtime treat. Prices are admirably reasonable for a restaurant of such repute; six poached lobster wontons, for instance, will set you back 108 HK$, the equivalent of a tenner.
Open every day, for lunch between 12 pm and 3 pm, and for dinner between 6 pm and 10:30 pm.
LE LOUIS XV – ALAIN DUCASSE AT L’HÔTEL DE PARIS, NEXT DOOR TO CASINO MONTE CARLO
Whilst we realise Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse doesn’t qualify as a casino restaurant per se, we just couldn’t leave this 3 Michelin starred paean to French haute cuisine off our list. Considering the equally iconic Casino Monte Carlo is just a two minute walk across Place du Casino away, we think Le Louis XV could be considered one. Sorry chef.
The first hotel restaurant to ever receive 3 Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse was just 33 years old when he was given that most prestigious of accolades. Now, chef Dominique Lory is at the pass, with his supremely light touch on the plate inspired by the restaurant’s position on the Côte d’Azur. Accordingly, there’s a six course, fish focused lunch menu celebrating the Riviera for €180, a relative snip considering a single course in the evening can set you back the same amount.
Le Louis XV is open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, between midday and 1:15 pm, and Thursday to Monday evenings, 7:30 pm to 21:15 pm.
WAKU GHIN BY TETSUYA WAKUDA AT MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE
The world’s most expensive city. An iconic casino, the Marina Bay Sands, which boasts one of the world’s largest Swarovski crystal chandeliers and was the world’s second most expensive to construct (the MGM Grand taking the crown). And finally, one of the world’s best Michelin starred casino restaurants, Waku Chin by Tetsuya Wakuda. What could possibly go wrong?
At the Blackjack table, plenty. But under the care of chef Wakuda at his 2 Michelin starred Teppanyaki-Omakase restaurant, you’ll be in very safe hands, indeed.
At Waku Chin, a tasting menu is served to 25 lucky guests in two sittings each night, at either 5 pm or 8 pm, with prices varying according to what’s in season and what’s arrived fresh to the restaurant that day. Rest assured; whatever you’re served, the food is always impeccable and often playful. The signature here – a cold pasta of Botan shrimp, French truffle, Murasaki uni and Oscietra Caviar – often opens the tasting menu and is sublime.
Chef Wakuda is also the only official ambassador of sake outside of Japan, so expect an incredible selection of premium bottles, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
And if Waku Ghin is the only blowout of your trip to the Lion City, then check out these 6 IDEAL tips for Singapore on a budget.
SICHUAN MOON AT WYNN PALACE, MACAU
A relatively new addition to Macau’s Michelin starred casino restaurant scene, Sichuan Moon at the luxury Wynn Palace is one of the most exciting new restaurants in the world.
The creation of acclaimed chef Andre Chiang, Sichuan Moon celebrates the super spicy, fragrant cuisine of China’s Sichuan region and currently is the only place on the planet to receive 2 Michelin stars doing so.
Menu highlights include an ultra-refined take on Dan Dan noodles served in a teapot (diners are encouraged to pull these symbols of longevity through its spout!) and an visually arresting version of Ma Po Tofu presented nestled in a bay leaf cup.
But if you think a 15 course tasting menu somewhat sells out on the soul of Sichuan food, fear not; chilli oil, preserved, fermented greens, hot and sour soups…lip service (numbed, naturally) is paid to tradition in every bite. Incredible!
Sichuan Moon is currently, though temporarily, closed until further notice, but we expect this groundbreaking restaurant to be back to its best in the coming months.
PACO RONCERO RESTAURANTE AT CASINO DE MADRID, MADRID
Something a little different to finish, and only the second European restaurant to feature on our best Michelin starred casino restaurants list.
Take the incredible 19th century staircase to the top floor of the Casino de Madrid, and you’ll find an exuberant, often mischievous dining room that reflects chef Paco Roncero’s playful take on the cuisine of Spain. An alumnus of El Bulli, expect that trademark interaction and theatrics across a multi course tasting menu that surprises and delights at every turn.
Tasting menus at the 2 Michelin starred Paco Roncero Restaurante are €165.
The restaurant is open for lunch (1:30 pm to 4:30 pm) Wednesday through Sunday, and dinner on Friday and Saturday (8 pm to 11 pm).
Should you be planning on gambling during your visit to these casino restaurants, be sure to gamble responsibly. Be Gamble Aware offers confidential help for anyone who is worried about theirs or someone else’s gambling.