L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Las Vegas
Relaxed French fine dining in Vegas
Dining at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas is a unique chance to experience the late French master chef’s cooking in a more casual and approachable space.
L’Atelier, French for “workshop,” is just that: a restaurant with a centrally located, open kitchen where you can watch the cooks at work. There’s a focus not only on the beauty of the vessels each course is presented in, but also a meticulousness Robuchon was famous for (especially with sauces); you can guarantee every item has been placed on your plate with a purpose.
A meal here is somewhat more interactive than at the formal Joël Robuchon located right next door. Thanks to the open kitchen and counter seating, there are no surprises here. The cuisine is all French, and signature dishes include a langoustine fritter with basil pesto and free-range quail stuffed with foie gras. Two tasting menus are available, though you can order à la carte to mix and match your own personal Robuchon experience.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- You’ll find all the delicious food Robuchon restaurants are known for with none of the pretense. You can come as you are — attire is business casual — and interact with the kitchen staff as they deliver food straight to your counter seat.
- Vegetarians should roll up their sleeves when they head to L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon; the restaurant located within MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas offers a nine-course vegetarian menu nightly as an alternative to the French tasting menu. You can certainly indulge without sacrificing on portion size or ingredients here.
- No good French meal would be complete without a glass of great wine, and L’Atelier certainly has an impressive list to choose from. There are grand crus from Burgundy, first growths from Bordeaux-including varietals of Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux and Château Haut-Brion-as well as more international picks from Spain, South America and Eastern Europe. You’ll also find some interesting Canadian ice wines that are perfect to cap off a meal.
Things to Know
- The late French chef Joël Robuchon opened his first L’Atelier in Paris as a 40-seat, small plates restaurant with a central kitchen where diners could watch their meals being prepared. He wanted to merge a more casual atmosphere with fine French food — and the concept has done so well that’s it’s been replicated all over the world from Las Vegas to London to Tokyo.
- There’s quite a price range at L’Atelier, with a menu option to suit nearly every budget. If you’re looking for one of the best deals in Las Vegas, come any day before 6:15 p.m. for a $59 three-course menu.
- If you’re dining with a group at the Las Vegas restaurant, you can create your own tasting menu by ordering three to four small plates off the tapas-inspired à la carte menu. Choose from dishes such as the restaurant’s signature steak tartare, as well as a ton of meat-, fish- and vegetable-based options. Plus, there’s a selection of high-quality cheeses and desserts.
The Food
- If you’re not in the mood for nine courses, you can opt for complete control over your dinner by ordering à la carte. L’Atelier has an impressive list of delicious tapas-style small plates.
- Some vegetarian-friendly options a la carte include heirloom tomato salad with basil oil and fleur de sel, spaghetti, a seasonal vegetable salad and a selection of cheeses.
- A few of our favorite dishes? Avocado- and cilantro-flavored grapefruit gelée; turbot fillet with baby leeks and buttery shellfish sauce; foie gras-stuffed free-range quail with mashed potatoes; langoustine carpaccio with lemon vinaigrette; blackberry compote with spice cake and rhubarb sorbet.
- The chocolate sensation — a dessert with an Araguani chocolate base that’s topped with crémeux and ice cream rolled in Oreo cookie crumbs is a must order for chocolate lovers.
The Look
- The sleek, contemporary interior design of L’Atelier is stunning. You’ll be arrested by the color combination — black countertops, bright red leather chairs, a red-tiled kitchen and fresh red roses on every table.
- Watch for the incorporation of food into the décor. You’ll see tall glass vases filled with water and elegant cucumber slices, carrot shavings and fresh tomatoes.
- What looks like abstract art on the wall is actually framed pictures of spices such as cardamom, peppercorns, star anise and turmeric.
Amenities
Bar
Business casual
Dinner
Vegetarian options
Getting There
