Every gambler has a hankering for chips when they walk inside their favourite casino. However, when your hunger pangs tell you to reach for something else, where do you go? Well, you still head to the casino. Even though the world’s leading venues are chip masters, they also know how to knock-up some special dishes that don’t involve deep-fried potatoes or small plastic discs.
In fact, when you survey the global casino scene, you’ll see that many of them now host world-class restaurants. Because the best brands like to create an all-round entertainment experience, serving up great food has become part of the service - and something you can't find on a mobile casino.
With this in mind, as you look for top casinos to visit this summer, we picked out four of the best casino restaurants in the world. Each offering unique flavours, these eateries are a great way to fill a hole when you need something more than chips.
Joël Robuchon – MGM Grand, USA
When it comes to culinary casino kings, Las Vegas is overflowing with royal-standard options. From local dishes to some of the finest international food on the planet, Sin City does it all and, in many cases, it does it better than the rest. For those that are looking for a refined dining experience, Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand is perfect. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, the tasting menu will take you over an hour to devour. And, yes, the dress code matches the formal setting.
However, this Three Michelin Star restaurant offers some of finest French food outside of France. As well as Maine lobster and Scottish salmon to start, the menu features the famed truffled langoustine ravioli in a foie gras sauce. If you visit Vegas and you’re looking to blow your bankroll on the feast of a lifetime, MGM’s Joël Robuchon is the place to go.
Heliot Steak House - The Hippodrome Casino, UK
For something closer to home, London’s Hippodrome Casino has become something of a star on the local culinary scene. Taking inspiration from Vegas casino owners, the team behind the Hippodrome have installed a high-end steak restaurant into their multi-level venue. Known as Heliot Steak House and presided over by chef Ioannis Grammenos, this place has been voted the best steak restaurant in London by Bookatable customers.
As you’d expect, the six-week aged prime steaks are the stars of the show. However, the supporting cast is also impressive. All dishes can be topped with truffles, lobster tails or roast bone marrow. If that doesn’t get your mouth watering, the Millionaire’s Mac & Cheese takes a classic and adds duck eggs and black truffles to mix!
Mizumi - Wynn Macau, Macau
If you’re taking a tour of Asia and want some of the best sushi in the world, where do you go? Well, the obvious answer is somewhere in Japan. However, if you’re looking to combine casino gaming with some authentic dining, Macau is the only destination. Essentially the Las Vegas of Asia (it actually generates more gambling revenue), Macau features dozens of high-end casino restaurants.
For a true taste of Japan from within the Chinese enclave, Mizumi at Wynn Macau serves up sushi, sashimi, robatayaki and more. With ingredients flown in from Tokyo twice a week and the chefs all trained to the highest standards, it’s tough to find better Japanese cuisine anywhere else in the world. To tip the balance, Mizumi also offers 32 different types of sake.
Mr. Hive - Crown Melbourne, Australia
The final casino restaurant you should check out if you’re taking a tour of the world’s leading venues is Mr. Hive at Crown Melbourne. Being one of the largest casinos outside of Las Vegas, Crown Melbourne boasts a bevy of fantastic eateries. As well as casual dining, visitors can try the gastronomic delights of Heston Blumenthal at his now famous Dinner or revel in the delights of Asia at the renowned Nobu.
However, for a taste of modern Australia, Mr. Hive is a must. Crown’s signature restaurant, Mr. Hive boasts a sleek design and a modern twist on some Aussie classics. Breakfast is a walk-in affair, but dinner is always busy. Steaks from the grill are great, but Queensland crab linguini is a particular favourite. As a final clincher, you can also try the set menu and get three courses and two glasses of wine for only AU$67 (€42).
As you can see, the best casinos in the world aren’t just for betting. When the games are over and you need to excite the palate, there are plenty of places to eat some fantastic food. Even with the rise of mobile gaming major casinos are always worth a trip, if not just for the chance to win, but for the culinary treats.
