Las Vegas has already seen its share of restaurant closures in the early days of 2025. From celebrity-backed ventures to iconic neighborhood spots, the dining scene in Sin City continues to evolve. Here’s a look at some of the restaurant closures you may have missed:
Julian Serrano Tapas
MGM Resorts International announced the closure of Julian Serrano Tapas at Aria Resort and Casino in early January. The beloved restaurant, known for its comforting bowls of paella and tangy scallop ceviche, will close on February 1, 2025. This marks the end of Julian Serrano’s restaurant presence in Las Vegas, following his retirement announcement last year, which also led to the closure of his other ventures, Picasso and Lago.
International Smoke
International Smoke, a celebrity-owned barbecue joint, will shut its doors on January 19, 2025. A collaboration between chef Michael Mina and television producer Ayesha Curry, this restaurant offered a global take on barbecue, serving dishes like smoked peri peri chicken, Korean gochujang-glazed ribs, and bone-in cowboy ribeye. After five years at the MGM Grand, it will close, marking the end of a unique culinary experiment.
Montana Meat Company
After 20 years of serving 24-hour meals and drinks in Centennial Hills, Montana Meat Company has officially closed. The steakhouse, which was also known for its bar and gaming machines, posted a sign announcing its closure on January 1, 2025. The Montana Meat Company location near Durango Drive and Blue Diamond Highway remains open, offering a continued option for steak lovers.
Safta 1964
Safta 1964, a pop-up restaurant at the Wynn Las Vegas, closed its doors on December 31, 2024 after a nine-month residency. Chef Alon Shaya’s 1960s-themed spin-off of his Denver restaurant, Safta, was known for its smooth hummus, fluffy pitas, and Jell-O desserts. The pop-up provided a unique twist on Israeli cuisine and left its mark on Las Vegas dining during its short stint.
Villa Azur
In a bid to combine high-end dining with a nightclub atmosphere, Villa Azur struggled to bridge the gap before closing in late December 2024. The South Beach Florida import, located in the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort, featured bold purple lighting, entertainers, and high-energy music to create a wedding-like vibe. The restaurant’s flair for the extravagant and high-priced menu, including $155 bowls of fettuccini, couldn’t sustain it, and it ultimately closed after two years in business.
Final Thoughts
As Las Vegas’ restaurant scene continues to shift, these closures mark the end of an era for several popular dining spots. However, with the city’s constantly changing landscape, new culinary experiences are sure to take their place in the coming months.
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