This Restaurant Is Permanently Closed.
Restaurant Rating
Cost Rating
Food Type
Italian
Address
9777 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89183
Las Vegas has no shortage of Italian restaurants, but Don Vito’s inside South Point Hotel Casino & Spa is one of those hidden gems that deserves more recognition. It’s a place where the pasta is homemade, the portions are generous, and the service makes you feel like you’ve just been invited to a big Italian family dinner.
With a menu full of traditional favorites—think veal parmesan, rich braised short rib cannelloni, and seafood flown in fresh daily—Don Vito’s sticks to the tried-and-true flavors that make Italian cuisine so beloved. It’s the kind of spot where you can linger over a bottle of wine, dip warm artisan bread into flavorful oils, and savor each course without feeling rushed.
And let’s talk about the service. Our experience was made even better thanks to the fantastic waitstaff, including our back waiter, Ulisis, and our main server, Melani. They were attentive without hovering, knowledgeable about the menu, and made sure our meal was a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Whether you’re craving a hearty plate of baked ziti or a delicate dish of pan-seared salmon, Don Vito’s delivers a solid, satisfying Italian meal with a touch of Vegas flair.
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa might not be on the Strip, but that’s part of its charm. Located a little further south on Las Vegas Boulevard, this off-the-beaten-path resort is a favorite among locals and visitors looking for a relaxed, high-quality experience without the overwhelming crowds of the main Strip casinos.
South Point is known for its laid-back yet lively atmosphere, with a massive casino floor, a state-of-the-art equestrian center, a luxurious spa, and plenty of dining options. It’s one of those places that feels like classic Vegas without being over-the-top.
One of the standout restaurants in the hotel, aside from Don Vito’s, is Michael’s Gourmet Room—a legendary fine-dining establishment that’s been serving impeccable cuisine for over 30 years. If you’re in the mood for old-school, white-tablecloth elegance, Michael’s is the place to be. But if you’re craving warm, comforting Italian flavors, Don Vito’s is where you’ll want to pull up a chair.
The ambiance at Don Vito’s strikes the perfect balance between upscale and welcoming. The dining room is stylishly appointed with warm lighting, rich wood accents, and a classic Italian feel that makes you want to settle in for a long, leisurely meal.
Unlike some of the trendier Vegas restaurants that can feel a little too loud or a bit too scene-y, Don Vito’s keeps things comfortably elegant. It’s a great place for a date night, a family celebration, or just a casual dinner with friends where the focus is on good food and good conversation.
Another small but appreciated touch is the tableside service for salads. There’s something about having your salad tossed right in front of you that makes the meal feel a little extra special. It’s a nod to old-school hospitality that you don’t always see anymore, and it’s one of those little details that makes the dining experience at Don Vito’s stand out.
Don Vito’s menu is packed with Italian favorites, and honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the choices. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and you can taste the difference in every dish.
We started with the Caprese salad, a simple yet perfectly executed dish with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. The burrata with melon and prosciutto was another standout appetizer, balancing sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
For the pasta course, the house-made gnocchi was a dream—pillowy, delicate, and smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce. The braised short rib cannelloni was another highlight, with melt-in-your-mouth short rib wrapped in delicate pasta sheets and covered in a velvety sauce.
Of course, no Italian meal is complete without a hearty main course. The veal parmesan was everything you want in a classic Italian dish—crispy, golden-brown breading, tender meat, and just the right amount of sauce and cheese. The steak pizzaiola was another great choice, offering a bold, garlicky tomato sauce that complemented the juicy cut of steak beautifully.
For seafood lovers, the pan-seared salmon is a great option, perfectly cooked with a crispy skin and a bright, citrusy finish.
And then there’s dessert. If you have room (which, let’s be honest, is always a challenge after a meal this good), the tiramisu is a must-try. Light, creamy, and perfectly balanced with espresso and cocoa, it’s the kind of dessert that somehow feels indulgent and airy at the same time.
Pairing all of this with a bottle of 2020 Louis Bernard Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the right move. The wine had enough depth and character to stand up to the bold flavors of the meal, and at a C&J rating of 89 points, it was a great choice for the evening.
If you’re the type who likes to bring your own special bottle of wine to dinner, Don Vito’s has a very reasonable corkage fee of $20 per bottle with no limit. That’s a rare find in Vegas, where corkage fees can sometimes feel more like a penalty than a courtesy.
It’s nice to know that you can bring a bottle of your favorite Italian red or a celebratory vintage without worrying about excessive fees. But if you prefer to order off the restaurant’s wine list, they have a well-curated selection that pairs beautifully with the menu.
Don Vito’s isn’t about reinventing Italian cuisine—it’s about getting it right. From the house-made pastas to the warm, welcoming service, this is the kind of restaurant that makes you want to come back again and again.
Whether you’re staying at South Point or just looking for a solid Italian meal away from the chaos of the Strip, Don Vito’s delivers. It’s upscale without being stuffy, traditional without feeling dated, and consistently satisfying in a way that only truly great Italian food can be.
So next time you’re in Vegas and craving a comforting plate of pasta or a perfectly cooked veal parmesan, make your way to Don Vito’s. Just be sure to bring a healthy appetite—because with food this good, you’ll want to try a little bit of everything.
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