Walk into Sinatra at Wynn’s Encore, and the first thing you notice isn't the gold-leafed ceiling or the smell of garlic butter. It's the eyes. Frank’s eyes. Specifically, his Academy Award for From Here to Eternity is sitting right there in the entryway, just staring at you. It’s heavy. Real.
Most "tribute" restaurants feel like a cheap gift shop. You know the ones. They slap a few grainy photos of a dead legend on the wall and charge $40 for a mediocre pasta dish. This isn't that. Sinatra Encore Las Vegas is essentially the only restaurant on the planet sanctioned by the Sinatra family, and honestly, that shows in the weirdest, most delightful ways.
The Vibe is Pure 1960s Swagger (Without the Smoke)
If you're expecting a quiet, stuffy library, you're in the wrong place. The room is drenched in "Sinatra Red." It’s loud but intimate. You’ve got these massive, wrap-around booths that make you feel like you’re about to order a hit or, at the very least, a second bottle of Chianti.
Design matters here. The late Roger Thomas, who was the visionary behind the Wynn interiors, didn't just want a room. He wanted a time machine. The floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto a secret garden with a bust of Frank that seems to watch the diners with a bit of a smirk.
It’s cozy.
Some people find the lighting a bit too dim, but that’s the point. You aren't here to take TikToks of your food—though people do—you’re here to disappear for two hours.
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Why the Sinatra Family Actually Cares
Usually, when a celebrity estate gets involved in a business, it’s just a licensing deal. They sign a paper, collect a check, and move on. With Sinatra at Encore, Tina Sinatra was famously hands-on. She worked with the original chef, Theo Schoenegger, to make sure the "Ossobuco My Way" actually tasted like the version Frank liked.
There's a level of gatekeeping here that keeps the quality high. If the meatballs weren't up to the family standard, they wouldn't be on the menu. Period.
The Food: What to Order and What to Skip
Let’s be real: you’re paying a "Strip Tax" here. It’s expensive. But the food actually holds its own against the best Italian spots in the city, like Nora’s or Piero’s.
The Standouts
You have to get the Polpette. They’re small meatballs served with polenta. It sounds basic. It is basic. But the texture is that perfect cloud-like consistency that most home cooks fail to hit.
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Then there’s the Veal Parmigiana. It’s massive. It’s bone-in, pounded thin, and breaded with a crunch that survives the sauce. Most places drown their Parm in cheap mozzarella until it’s a soggy mess. Here, it’s restrained.
The Risks
The pasta is made in-house, which is great, but some of the seafood dishes can be hit or miss depending on the season. If you’re going to a place named after Frank Sinatra, don't order the Chilean Sea Bass. It feels wrong. Stick to the classics. Get the lasagna. Get the clams posillipo.
- Frank’s Favorite: The "Milanese" is often cited as his go-to.
- The Drink: You drink Jack Daniel’s. Three ice cubes, two fingers of Tennessee Whiskey, and a splash of water. Don't ask for a Cosmo. Just don't.
- The Bread: They bring out a basket that is dangerous. The focaccia is salty, oily, and perfect.
The Service is a Vanishing Art Form
Service in Las Vegas has changed. It’s gotten faster, more transactional. At Sinatra Encore Las Vegas, it still feels like a profession.
The servers wear tuxedos. They don't call you "guys." They know the menu inside and out, not because they memorized a cheat sheet, but because many of them have been there since the doors opened in 2008. That kind of longevity is rare in a town where turnover is the norm.
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It’s the little things. They notice when your water is half empty. They know how to de-bone a fish tableside without making a scene. It’s a choreographed dance that justifies the $200+ price tag for a dinner for two.
That Academy Award is the Real Deal
I mentioned the Oscar earlier. It’s worth lingering on. Frank won it in 1954 for Best Supporting Actor. Seeing it behind glass just a few feet from your table is a reminder that this isn't a Disney-fied version of history. This is Las Vegas history.
Steve Wynn and Frank Sinatra were close friends. When Wynn built the Golden Nugget and later the Mirage, Sinatra was the face of the brand. This restaurant is a legacy project. It’s a thank-you note from a billionaire to the man who helped put his casinos on the map.
The Logistics: Don't Just Show Up
If you think you can walk up to the host stand at 7:00 PM on a Friday and get a table, you’re dreaming.
- Reservations: Book them weeks in advance. Seriously.
- Dress Code: They say "business casual," but people actually dress up here. Wear a jacket. It feels better. You’ll feel out of place in a t-shirt and cargo shorts, even if they let you in.
- Location: It’s tucked away in the Encore side of the resort. If you’re parked at the Wynn main valet, it’s a hike. Use the Encore valet if you can.
Is It Actually Worth the Hype?
Honestly? Yes.
There are "cooler" restaurants in Vegas. There are places with better views of the Bellagio fountains or DJ booths and sparklers. But Sinatra is about a specific type of timelessness. It’s one of the few places where the "Old Vegas" soul survived the corporate takeover of the Strip.
You aren't just paying for the calories. You’re paying for the fact that for ninety minutes, you can pretend the world hasn't changed that much. The music is great, the wine is cold, and the veal is tender.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Request a Booth: When you make your reservation on OpenTable or through the Wynn app, put "Booth requested" in the notes. The tables in the center of the room are fine, but the booths are where the magic happens.
- Check the Patio: If it’s spring or fall, the outdoor seating is actually quite nice, though it loses a bit of that dark, moody "Rat Pack" energy.
- Order the "Sinatra Hat" for Dessert: It’s a chocolate mousse shaped like his iconic fedora. It's a bit gimmicky, sure, but the chocolate is high-quality Valrhona, and it’s a perfect photo op to end the night.
- Walk the Hallway: Before or after dinner, take a slow walk through the Encore corridor leading to the restaurant. There are curated photos of Frank that you won't see in many books. It’s a mini-museum in its own right.
- Budget Accordingly: Expect to spend at least $100-$150 per person if you’re doing cocktails and multiple courses. This is a "special occasion" spot, not a quick bite before a show.