You’re walking through the Aria. The air smells like that specific, expensive "Aria scent," and the slot machines are chiming in that hypnotic C-major scale. You’re hungry. Not just "grab a slice of pizza" hungry, but "I need something that isn't a steakhouse" hungry. This is usually when people stumble toward Lemongrass. Honestly, finding decent Thai food on the Strip is harder than it should be. Most places take a Pad Thai, drown it in sugar to please the masses, and call it a day.
Lemongrass restaurant Las Vegas is different, though. It’s the first Thai restaurant to open on the Las Vegas Strip, and even years later, it holds a weirdly specific spot in the dining ecosystem. It isn't trying to be a "fusion" spot where they put lemongrass in a taco. It’s authentic, but it’s dressed up in that sleek, dark, high-ceilinged Aria aesthetic.
The Spice Level Reality Check
Let’s talk about the heat. If you’ve spent any time in Thailand—or even just a really authentic hole-in-the-wall in a random strip mall—you know that "American Spicy" is a joke. But Lemongrass is located inside a major MGM resort. They deal with tourists from everywhere. Because of this, their spice scale is a bit of a moving target.
You’ll see a scale of 1 to 10 on the menu. A lot of people see that and think, "I’m a tough guy, give me an 8." Don't do that. Seriously. Unless you want your evening ruined by a capsaicin-induced sweat through your nice shirt, stay in the 3 to 5 range. The kitchen here actually respects the bird's eye chili. The chefs are talented enough to know that spice should enhance the galangal and shrimp paste, not just incinerate your taste buds.
If you ask the servers—who, by the way, are some of the most knowledgeable staff on the property—they’ll tell you that a "5" at Lemongrass is roughly equivalent to a "Thai Hot" at your local neighborhood joint. It’s legit.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Most people go straight for the Pad Thai. Look, it’s fine. It’s a solid 8/10. It’s got that nice tamarind tang and isn't too greasy. But if you’re at Lemongrass restaurant Las Vegas, you’re paying Strip prices. Why spend $30 on something you can get delivered for $14 at home?
Go for the Short Rib Panang Curry.
This dish is the reason the restaurant stays packed. The beef is slow-cooked until it basically disintegrates when you look at it. The curry sauce is thick, rich, and has that velvety coconut milk texture that only comes from not rushing the reduction. It’s decadent. It feels like Las Vegas.
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Then there’s the Sea Bass with a spicy lime sauce. It’s light. It’s bright. It cuts through the heaviness of the city.
One thing people get wrong? The Satay. It’s okay, but it’s a bit predictable. If you want an appetizer that actually hits, try the Crispy Rice Salad (Nam Kao Tod). It’s got that fermented pork sausage, ginger, and peanuts. It’s crunchy, sour, and salty all at once. It’s a texture party.
The Dim Sum Situation
Here is a weird quirk about Lemongrass: they have a dedicated Dim Sum menu.
Now, purists might scoff. "Why am I eating Cantonese dumplings in a Thai place?"
Because they’re actually good.
The Aria’s culinary program is massive, and they share talent across their kitchens. The Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) have that translucent, bouncy skin that stays together. It’s a great way to start the meal if you aren’t quite ready to jump headfirst into the fish sauce and lime juice of the main Thai menu.
The Vibe and the "Hidden" Bar
The design of the place is worth mentioning. It’s inspired by the factories of Thailand—but like, the most expensive factory you’ve ever seen. There are these giant wooden silk looms hanging from the ceiling. The lighting is low. It’s moody. It’s a great date spot if you want to be able to actually hear each other talk, which is a rarity in a casino.
The bar at Lemongrass is also one of the best-kept secrets for a pre-show drink. Everyone crowds the Alibi Ultra Lounge or the Lobby Bar. But the cocktails at Lemongrass are legitimately interesting. They use a lot of fresh herbs—basil, cilantro, and yes, lemongrass. The "Spicy Mule" uses a ginger syrup that actually has a kick.
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A Word on Pricing
Let's be real for a second. You are going to pay more here.
In a suburban neighborhood, a green curry is $15. At Lemongrass restaurant Las Vegas, it’s probably going to be closer to $35 or $40 once you add rice and a drink. Vegas inflation is a monster. Is it "worth it"? That depends on your perspective. If you factor in the convenience of not leaving the resort, the high-end ingredients, and the fact that you’re eating in a multi-billion dollar architectural marvel, the math starts to make sense.
Navigating the Crowd
You need a reservation.
Don't just show up at 7:00 PM on a Friday and expect to walk in. You’ll be standing by the velvet rope for forty-five minutes watching people who were proactive walk right past you.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Lunch is actually a brilliant move if you want the same quality of food but a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. It’s also one of the few places in Aria where you can get a healthy-ish meal that isn't just a sad salad.
What People Get Wrong About Authenticity
There is a loud group of food critics who claim that any restaurant on the Strip is "watered down."
That’s a lazy take.
Lemongrass employs chefs who actually understand the regional nuances of Thai cuisine. You’ll see Isan-style dishes on the menu that you won't find at the "Express" versions of Thai food in the food courts. They aren't afraid of funk. They use real shrimp paste. They use real kaffir lime leaves.
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The difference is the presentation. It’s polished. It’s "Vegas authentic."
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, here's how to do it right.
- Request a booth. The tables in the middle can feel a bit exposed, but the booths along the walls are cozy and provide that "tucked away" feeling.
- Order the Sticky Rice with Mango if it's in season. It sounds basic, but they do the coconut cream perfectly—it's salty-sweet, just like it should be.
- Check the wine list. Thai food is notoriously hard to pair with wine because of the sugar and spice, but they have a surprisingly good selection of Rieslings and Gewürztraminers that handle the heat well.
- Don't skip the "Wok" section. The Pad See Ew has that "wok hei"—that breath of the wok—which means the noodles are seared at an incredibly high temperature. It gives them a smoky flavor you can't replicate at home.
The service is usually fast. This is by design. They know people have tickets to O at Bellagio or a flight to catch. If you want to linger, you can, but don't be surprised if the food comes out quickly.
Ultimately, Lemongrass succeeds because it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It’s not a club. It’s not a buffet. It’s just a very well-executed, high-end Thai restaurant that happens to be in the middle of a desert.
Next Steps for the Hungry Traveler
Before you head out, make sure you download the MGM Rewards app. Even if you aren't a big gambler, your meal at Lemongrass earns you points that can offset the "resort fees" or get you a discount on your next stay.
Once you finish your meal, take a walk through the Aria Fine Art Collection located right outside the restaurant. Looking at a 15-foot Maya Lin sculpture while digesting some of the best curry in the city is a peak Las Vegas experience. Be sure to book your table at least 48 hours in advance through the Aria website or the SevenRooms platform to ensure you aren't stuck eating at the bar—unless you're solo, in which case the bar is the best seat in the house.