Las Vegas offers plentiful options for pizza fans
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One of the most beloved and exciting restaurant industry events returns to Las Vegas later this month when the International Pizza Expo lands at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Sadly, it’s not open to the public, so ordinary Joes can’t indulge in this diverse showcase of pizzeria offerings from across the country and around the world, but the event does shine a light on the spectacular Vegas pizza scene, and locals always represent their city well at the expo and its various cooking competitions and contestants.
California-based restaurateur and pizza legend Tony Gemignani is a regular at the expo, and you can sample his cuisine in Las Vegas at Pizza Rock, which has locations downtown (702.385.0838) and at the Green Valley Ranch resort in Henderson (702.616.2996). There’s another outlet at Allegiant Stadium, so keep that in mind next time you’re planning to attend a mega-concert or Raiders game. Gemignani is known as a master of various regional pizza styles, from the authentic Neapolitan margherita that won the World Pizza Cup in Naples, to the traditional Detroit-style Red Top pie with a crunchy, cheesy edge. You’ll need to return to Pizza Rock multiple times to sample as many varieties as possible.
Another downtown Las Vegas favorite can be found at the Plaza. Pop Up Pizza (702.366.0049) popped up just off the classic casino’s gaming floor 10 years ago, originally a hidden gem that locals kept to themselves. But the secret has been out for a while now, and this unassuming eatery continues to grow its fervent fan following thanks to perfect New York-style slices and pies with crispy, chewy crust that packs much more flavor than what you’d expect from a casino takeout shop. Try the unique creamy onion sauce, spinach and mushroom pizza for a vegetarian delight.
The great thing about Las Vegas pizza is that, like the city itself, it’s a melting pot of different styles from all over. If you’re a Chicago pizza enthusiast, you can find satisfaction on the Strip or out in the suburbs at Giordano’s, which is stationed at the Grand Bazaar Shops in front of Bally’s (702.850.2420) and in the bustling Boca Park center on the westside (702.342.0721). Chicagoans and true pizza devotees know it’s not all about the deep dish, although Giordano’s certainly serves up one of the best versions of that thick-crust, cheese-packed favorite you can find anywhere in the country. There are also thin-crust options so that everyone in your group will be able to get the bite they want, as well as other Chicago food favorites like a spicy Italian beef sandwich.
East Coasters searching for the familiar experience of grabbing a perfect slice while strolling the city’s main thoroughfare will find it at PizzaCake (702.799.9200), Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro’s quick-and-easy, Jersey-style spot located right on the Strip at Harrah’s. All the classics are here, as well as creative concoctions like Buffalo chicken pizza, chicken and bacon Alfredo pizza, and the Spicy Supreme with crispy pepperoni and fresh jalapeños, all available by the slice or whole pie. You will be tempted to get more than one giant slice at PizzaCake, but you might want to save room for one of Valastro’s beloved desserts like the peanut butter cookie cake or a chocolate chip cookie and s’mores hybrid treat.
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