Top of the World

10 Reviews on “Top of the World”

• Michael U.

  Although it may be hard to recall the last time a local recommended Top of the World as a place for fine dining the fact that it continues to gross $20,000,000.00+ a year clearly indicates tourists believe otherwise, a 4.5/5.0 rating across nearly 6,000 reviews further attesting to the popularity of dinner with a view that has recently undergone some changes, most notably the hiring of Executive Chef Pawan Pinisetti whose former work at Fiamma inside The MGM Grand speaks not only of an ability to work a big room but also the sort of dedication needed to turn around a Restaurants culture. No doubt a surprise signing in the wake of Chefs Johnny Church and Scott Green, Blake Sartinis late-2017 purchase of The Stratosphere clearly coming with a mandate to improve the experience across Golden Entertainments expanding cadre of Restaurants, it was with no formal announcement or fanfare that Pawan one day began posting pictures of creations including Shellfish and Steak from 106 stories above Las Vegas Boulevard, each progressively more impressive and soon leading to a lunch reservation for four on Saturday.Now working the property for going on two months, a revamped Menu from Chef Church inherited and certainly upping the ante in terms of product sourcing while at the same time occasionally attracting the ire of longtime customers in search of standbys such as Seafood Alfredo, it was half-past noon that Chef Pinisetti was found working the line of a small kitchen at the center of Top of the Worlds rotating room, a convivial pair of hostesses handing guests off to a team of servers who remain attentive to details even though diners may not always be found in the same place they were last seen.Certainly an extraordinary venue, a panoramic vantage of The Valley and beyond only otherwise experienced by way of a trip to the Sky Lounge or observation deck, it was shortly after seating that Pawan took a short break to say hello and explain the Restaurants new focus on Ingredients with a story, companies like ra King Salmon and Tajima Ranch proudly replacing past commodities without a substantial hike in price though a look at the menu nonetheless sees most Appetizers hovering around $15 with Entrees at least double and occasionally as high as triple digits for Lobster topped with Foie Gras at dinner.Offering a three course Power Lunch for $49 plus plenty of options to fit a variety of dining styles and dietary restrictions it was shortly after receiving four top-shelf Cocktails that dining began with a Basket featuring an equal number of Breads plus Butter brightened by Pistou, the Parker Rolls a bit disappointing compared to those at places serving them warm from the pan while both a Multigrain Roll and herbal Focaccia fared much better.Impressed by the beverage program, a fruit-forward approach to each Vodka-based selection creating deceptively easy sippers that could get a lightweight into trouble, it was not long before an amuse of off-menu Lobster Tacos arrived to whet guests palates, each of two bites light and elegant with only a touch of Salt plus Citrus used to amplify the Crustaceans sweet flavor. Moving next into menu items, John Churchs time at Aureole bringing a version of Chef Palmers Super Food Vinaigrette to the other end of The Strip atop crisp Greens and thinly sliced Root Vegetables, it was in follow-up that a flaky Crab Cake with almost no binder served as an introduction to two additional sea creatures, the Australian Lobster propped up on Pommes Puree even more impressive than that at Bardot a day prior thanks to a mlange of Mushrooms and more luxurious Sauce while true King Salmon from New Zealand justified its price and accolades by not just melting across the tongue but also impressing several diners who had never previously considered Salmon nor Fennel particularly enjoyable.Continuing to share a new narrative by way of Beef, two ethically raised breeds imported from Australia prepared medium-rare largely a matter of personal preference as to whose texture was more enjoyable, it was occasionally using one of three housemade Sauces that each bite slowly disappeared, the Cheese Fondue particularly indulgent but even better utilized as an addition to Top of The Worlds buttery Mashed Potatoes.Happy to see another Aureole-inspired dish created to satisfy Vegans, ribbons of Squash largely indistinguishable from al dente Pasta topped in vibrant Marinara plus subtly-truffled Cheese also a making an excellent side dish for those seeking something healthy and unique, it was additionally with Truffles that Top of The Worlds Creamed Corn was topped, the cream itself not quite as prominent as purists might like but the flavor still excellent.Always excited for Dessert, particularly having seen some recent Social Media shares of Top of The Worlds revamped collection, it was fortified by Espresso that four of five options were selected, the New York Cheesecake true to its origin in terms of density, crumble and taste while Crme Brulee got an ever-popular Salted Caramel upgrade but otherwise retained its characteristic texture.Assuredly saving the best for last, an extra two bucks compared to alternatives more than justified by portions best shared, suffice it to say that for $28 plus tax and tip a couple can obtain views equal to a trip to the top for approximately the same price plus two of Las Vegas best classic Desserts, the towering Chocolate Cake so moist and rich that few could finish it solo while an equally tall Baked Alaska comes without tableside fire but makes up for it with luxurious Ice Cream that stands up to torching atop a buttery base of Streusel. endoedibles.com

  December 20, 2020, 5:05 pm

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• Brandy

  I’m trying not to mix in the fact I enjoyed a date night with my husband into the rating of the restaurant, so 4. But 5 with my hubby : )I think if the staff and waiters stepped up their game it would be 5 and higher rating by others. Our favorite was the lobster bisque. They server with about two tablespoons of lobster in a bowl so you can see the lobster then pour in the soup at the table. The bread, was to hard. We then had mushroom with red bell pepper that was so good. Had the pork belly pastor that wasn’t to brag about. Then came the filet mignon, mashed potatoes with green beans. It was delicious. They owe it off with desert, the chocolate mousse was good. The creme brulee was to sweet for me, but sure it is supposed to be that way. We had some drinks while there which were decent. Okay now the atmosphere – very relaxing and romantic. The table area rotates so you see all vegas, not just the strip. So with that being said, you can get a headache or motion sickness if you stare out too long or the wrong way (like down instead of out). So we are glad we started our evening there before we had several drinks. Probably wouldn’t go back, it is a one time experience kind of thing. Bill for two and a drink each was $260 USD.

  March 25, 2020, 12:33 am

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• Lisa

  My husband and I visited Top of the World for Valentine’s Day. The view was beautiful, the service staff were great but the food (considering the cost)… ugh. We started with the crab cakes and they were okay. Green salads were nice and refreshing. For our mains, my husband ordered the t-bone and I had the fillet mignon. I ordered medium, yet it came out rare and ice cold. My husband’s steak was good, but not a very nice cut.We had mashed potatoes and roasted brussels sprouts. The mashed potatoes were over whipped, so they were gluey. Brussels sprouts weren’t very warm. My husband ordered a Bloody Caesar that was kind of tasteless. The server promptly took care of that for him (as mentioned, our service was great). We also had two glasses of mid-range red. And here’s where the low rating comes in: The final bill, before tip, came to approximately $275 US ($360 CDN)… and we didn’t even have dessert. For fine dining, this cost is usually expected, but the quality of the ingredients/prep was definitely not up to fine dining standards.

  May 26, 2017, 12:31 am

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