In the United States, French cuisine equals haute cuisine, and this celebrated culinary tradition continues to find new masters and new fans. Among the premier purveyors of classic French cooking in this country is Bouchon, the creation of Thomas Keller, one of today’s most acclaimed chefs. Named after a specific style of cafe dining long enjoyed in Lyon, France, Bouchon’s Las Vegas outpost serves classic French bistro meals in a sumptuous setting.

Executive Chef Jeff Cerciello and Chef de Cuisine Mark Hopper have brought to Las Vegas all the elements that garnered Bouchon’s original outpost in Yountville, California, so much attention and acclaim, including Gourmet magazine’s "America’s Top Tables" title. Like its California cousin, the restaurant in the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino features French classics steeped in technique and history but with a modern touch and attitude, resulting in fresh, clean tastes made with the season’s prime ingredients.

Bouchon is open for breakfast and dinner. In the morning, you can indulge in rich French pastries such as croissants and brioche, along with heartier fare such as eggs, baguettes, and French toast. Bouchon also offers healthy alternatives, including fruit and yogurt options. To wash down your meal, there’s a selection of coffee, fine teas, smoothies, fruit juices, or a decadent bellini or mimosa.

You’ll always find classics bistro dishes such as steak frites, quiche, roast chicken, boudin noir, croque madame, profiteroles, and creme caramel. In addition, Bouchon serves a revolving seasonal menu, as well as daily specials using the best products available. True to its French roots, Bouchon stocks a generous selection of fruits de mer, and the wine service is every bit as distinguished as the food it accompanies.

Of course, you eat with your eyes as well as your mouth, and at Bouchon, the culinary masterpieces on your plate are matched by the luxurious surroundings, courtesy of designer Adam D. Tihany. You can choose to take your meal at the pewter bar, in one of the deep blue velvet banquettes, or on the outdoor patio, all under the antique light fixtures and French artist Paulin Paris’s hand-painted enveloping mural.

Bouchon’s artistry in the kitchen and the main room hasn’t gone unnoticed. Las Vegas Life Magazine and the Las Vegas Review Journal have both singled out Bouchon as one of the city’s finest eating establishments. National publications such as Sunset, Saveur, USA Today, and Food and Wine have all voiced their admiration as well.

Anyone who’s visited France is likely to have fond memories of that romantic corner bistro, the unassuming spot that served up mouthwatering yet deceptively simple dishes, the kind of place you never want to leave but always plan to come back to. So sure, you could book a ticket to Lyon, France, sit on a plane for 12-plus hours, and attempt your broken French once you get there. Or you could head over to the Las Vegas Strip–today’s hottest world-class dining destination – and settle in for a meal at Bouchon, where you’ll feast on all the bistro bests.

Bouchon at the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino

3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Phone:         702-414-6200           

Photography by Deborah Jones