Balla Italian Soul
$ $Superstar chef Shawn McClain, who operates Libertine Social at the other end of The Strip, tackles Italian cuisine at Balla Italian Soul – adding another heavy-hitter to the already impressive culinary portfolio at the recently renovated Sahara. The chef puts his spin on coastal Italian dining with subtle, contemporary modifications on traditional preparations.
Jennifer Gay of @VegasStarfish praises the "simple pasta done correctly, and perfect tiramisu." And a closer look at those pastas reveals the small touches that set Balla apart from the pack. There’s the hint of mint in the seafood alla diavola, the stracciatella cheese in the fazzoletti, and the Calabrian peppers in the casaracce. But don’t confine yourself to the pasta section of the menu. This restaurant also earns rave reviews for Roman-style pizzas, grilled steaks, wood-fired sea bream and a vibrant, but delicate lamb tartare.
Balla has a casual, high-energy dining room with brick arches, and charcuterie sliced fresh near the entrance. The wine list is exceptional and the cocktails skew towards Italian favorites, so make sure to try the Negroni or request an aperitif after your meal. Even better, the prices are reasonable for Strip standards, which should encourage return trips.
Chef Recommends
DAILY HAPPY HOURS 5 – 6 p.m. and 9 – 10 p.m. LOCALS & INDUSTRY SPECIALS 50% Off All Steaks Every Tuesday 50% Off All Bottles of Wine Every Wednesday (Please bring valid government-issued Las Vegas local photo ID or industry ID.)
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