A branch of the highly esteemed New York City restaurant, Lutèce is yet another example of how, if you want to dine well in Vegas, you've got to pay for it. The minimalist decor is relieved by a modern industrial look that extends to the cutlery and bathrooms (have a look!). It's full of style, style, style. It's genuinely chic, which is unusual for Vegas, but it's not threatening or cavernous -- it's New York all the way. A self-aware, self-confident place, this may prove to be one of our favorite dining spots in Vegas. Try to get a table in the little nook area that looks out at the Strip -- it's more romantic than it sounds.

The presentation of the French cuisine is just lovely. The menu will probably change periodically, but on a recent visit, we enjoyed the appetizer of smoked codfish with white-truffle oil and arugula, a combo that works surprisingly well. For a main course, we loved the crisp black bass with lobster sauce and herb noodles, and the turbot poached in tarragon broth with baby veggies.