Las Vegas is a city of indulgence, where extravagance meets the everyday, and the mundane is transformed into something extraordinary. After living in this vibrant city for over two decades, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing many of its finest offerings. Yet, there’s one place that continues to impress me every time I visit: The Buffet at ARIA. This isn’t just a buffet; it’s a gastronomic journey through some of the world’s most celebrated cuisines, served in an elegant, contemporary setting.
Whether you’re a local like me or a visitor looking to experience the best of Las Vegas, The Buffet at ARIA is an essential stop on your culinary itinerary. Let’s dive into what makes this buffet stand out, from its extensive array of international dishes to its gourmet selections, and why it should be a key part of your Las Vegas experience.
The Ambiance: A Feast for the Senses
Before we talk about the food, it’s worth mentioning the atmosphere at The Buffet at ARIA. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a sleek, modern design that reflects ARIA’s overall aesthetic—sophisticated yet inviting. The open layout, with its warm lighting and contemporary décor, creates an upscale yet relaxed environment, making it easy to lose yourself in the culinary adventure that awaits.
Design and Layout
The buffet is thoughtfully laid out to ensure a smooth flow of guests, even during peak times. The well-spaced stations allow you to navigate through different sections without feeling cramped. This design is not just functional; it’s also part of the experience, as the spacious, open layout invites you to explore each culinary offering.
Seating and Comfort
The seating options cater to both large groups and more intimate gatherings, with plush chairs and roomy booths that provide comfort as you settle in for a leisurely meal. The ambiance is complemented by a careful balance of lighting—bright enough to showcase the food’s vibrant colors but soft enough to create a relaxing atmosphere.
The Buffet at ARIA Experience: A Global Journey
The Buffet at ARIA is renowned for its diverse selection of dishes, each station offering an even broader variety of foods than initially described. Here’s a deeper dive into what you can find at each station, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate.
The Asian Station: Sushi, Dim Sum, and Beyond
The Asian station is a highlight of The Buffet at ARIA, with an expanded selection of dishes representing Asia’s culinary diversity.
Custom Sushi Rolls and Sashimi
The sushi station offers a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and specialty rolls.
- Sashimi: Fresh cuts of salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and octopus
- Specialty Rolls: Rolls like the spicy tuna, rainbow roll, and the ARIA special, which includes a mix of eel, avocado, and tempura flakes
- Vegetarian Rolls: Options like cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, and vegetable tempura rolls
- Condiments: An array of soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, and spicy mayo
Dim Sum Delights and More
The dim sum selection at The Buffet at ARIA is extensive, offering a variety of both steamed and fried options.
- Steamed Dumplings: Pork shumai, har gow (shrimp dumplings), and vegetarian dumplings
- Buns: BBQ pork buns, lotus seed buns, and chicken buns
- Fried Dim Sum: Spring rolls, sesame balls, and fried wontons
- Congee Station: A traditional rice porridge with various toppings like preserved egg, shredded chicken, and green onions
- Noodle Bar: Customizable noodle soups with options like wonton noodles, pho, and ramen
Stir-Fries and Rice Dishes
In addition to sushi and dim sum, the Asian station features an array of stir-fries and rice dishes.
- Stir-Fried Noodles: Options like pad Thai, lo mein, and Singapore noodles
- Fried Rice: Traditional fried rice, pineapple fried rice, and kimchi fried rice
- Specialty Dishes: Kung Pao chicken, Mongolian beef, and sweet and sour pork
- Vegetarian Dishes: Stir-fried tofu with vegetables, Buddha’s delight, and mapo tofu
The European Station: A Taste of the Continent
The European station goes beyond the basic offerings to provide a more comprehensive selection of European favorites.
Italian Pasta and Pizza
The Italian section is a crowd favorite, and it offers more than just pasta and pizza.
- Risotto Station: Creamy risotto made to order with options like mushroom, seafood, and truffle
- Lasagna: Both meat and vegetarian options
- Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi served with marinara, pesto, or a gorgonzola cream sauce
- Antipasto Bar: A selection of marinated olives, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and cured meats like prosciutto and salami
- Cheese Selection: Italian cheeses, including Parmigiano-Reggiano, mozzarella, and gorgonzola
French Cuisine
In addition to pastries, the French section offers a variety of savory dishes.
- Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon
- Beef Bourguignon: Tender beef stew with carrots, onions, and mushrooms in a rich red wine sauce
- Ratatouille: A medley of summer vegetables stewed in olive oil, garlic, and herbs
- Quiche: Quiche Lorraine with bacon and cheese, and a vegetarian quiche with spinach and feta
- Crepe Station: Made-to-order crepes with sweet and savory options like Nutella, fresh berries, ham, and cheese
Mediterranean Delights
A focus on lighter, fresh flavors complements the richer European offerings.
- Greek Gyros: Sliced meat served with pita, tzatziki, and vegetables
- Mediterranean Salads: Fresh options like Greek salad, tabbouleh, and orzo salad with feta and olives
- Hummus Bar: Various hummus flavors, including classic, roasted red pepper, and garlic, served with pita bread and fresh vegetables
- Stuffed Grape Leaves: Dolmas filled with rice, pine nuts, and herbs
- Paella: Spanish rice dish with saffron, seafood, chicken, and chorizo
The American Station: Comfort Food at Its Finest
The American station is a tribute to classic American fare, with a variety of dishes that bring comfort and satisfaction.
BBQ and Grilled Favorites
This section is a meat lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of grilled and smoked meats.
- Brisket: Slow-smoked to perfection, with a choice of BBQ sauces
- Pulled Pork: Juicy and tender, served with coleslaw and pickles
- Baby Back Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone ribs glazed with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce
- Smoked Sausages: Varieties including andouille, bratwurst, and Italian sausage
- Grilled Corn: Sweet corn on the cob with a variety of seasonings and butter
Classic Comfort Foods
This section offers more than just BBQ, with a variety of hearty dishes.
- Mac and Cheese: Classic creamy mac and cheese with a gourmet option that includes lobster
- Meatloaf: Traditional meatloaf with a rich tomato glaze, served with mashed potatoes and gravy
- Fried Chicken: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, served with buttermilk biscuits and honey
- Pot Pie: Chicken pot pie with a flaky crust and rich, creamy filling
- Baked Beans: Slow-cooked with bacon and brown sugar for a sweet and savory flavor
Seafood and Chowder
For those who love the flavors of the sea, the American station also features a selection of seafood.
- Clam Chowder: Rich, creamy New England clam chowder with fresh clams and potatoes
- Crab Legs: Steamed crab legs served with drawn butter and lemon
- Fried Shrimp: Breaded and fried to golden perfection, served with cocktail sauce
- Oysters: Freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, with mignonette and cocktail sauce
- Lobster Rolls: Chunks of lobster meat in a light mayo dressing, served in a toasted bun
The International Station: A Global Feast
The International station offers an even broader array of dishes from around the world.
Latin American Flavors
This section is a vibrant showcase of Latin American cuisine.
- Taco Bar: Soft and hard shell tacos with a variety of fillings, including carne asada, pollo, and carnitas
- Chimichurri Steak: Grilled steak topped with a fresh, zesty chimichurri sauce
- Arepas: Cornmeal cakes stuffed with cheese, shredded meat, or beans
- Tamales: Steamed corn dough filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables, wrapped in corn husks
- Empanadas: Pastry pockets stuffed with beef, chicken, or cheese and fried to a golden brown
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine
In addition to the already mentioned options, this station includes:
- Baba Ghanoush: A smoky eggplant dip served with pita
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with a mixture of rice, ground lamb, and spices
- Moussaka: A layered casserole of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce
- Falafel: Crispy chickpea fritters served with tahini sauce
- Shakshuka: Poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, served with crusty bread
Indian Cuisine
The Buffet at ARIA also includes a selection of Indian dishes, which are a feast of flavors and spices.
- Butter Chicken: Tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce
- Lamb Rogan Josh: A slow-cooked lamb curry with a blend of aromatic spices
- Vegetable Biryani: Spiced basmati rice with mixed vegetables and fragrant herbs
- Tandoori Chicken: Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in a traditional tandoor oven
- Naan Bread: Freshly baked in a tandoor, with options like garlic naan and butter naan
- Samosas: Crisp pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and peas
The Dessert Station: A Sweet Finale
The dessert station at The Buffet at ARIA is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth, offering a vast array of treats.
Custom Creations and Gourmet Desserts
This section includes even more options for creating your perfect dessert.
- Cupcake Bar: A variety of cupcakes with different frostings and toppings to customize
- Chocolate Fountain: Dip fresh fruit, marshmallows, and cookies into a cascading chocolate fountain
- Bread Pudding: Classic bread pudding with a bourbon sauce and an option for chocolate chip bread pudding
- Tiramisu: Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and cocoa powder
- Fruit Tartlets: Mini tarts filled with pastry cream and topped with fresh fruit
International Sweets
Expand your palate with these international dessert options.
- Mochi Ice Cream: Japanese rice cakes filled with various flavors of ice cream
- Churros: Fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar, served with chocolate dipping sauce
- Flan: A rich, creamy caramel custard from Latin America
- Baklava: Layers of phyllo dough with nuts and honey syrup
- Crème Caramel: French caramel custard similar to flan but with a softer texture
Nearby Entertainment and Attractions: Extend Your Experience
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, and there’s always something to do before or after your meal at The Buffet at ARIA. Here are some nearby attractions and entertainment options to consider.
ARIA Resort & Casino: A World of Entertainment
The ARIA Resort & Casino, where The Buffet is located, is a destination in itself. After indulging in the buffet, you might want to explore what the resort has to offer.
Casino Floor
The casino at ARIA is one of the most sophisticated in Las Vegas, offering a wide range of gaming options, from slots to table games. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual gambler, the casino floor is an exciting place to spend some time.
- Slots: Thousands of machines with various themes and jackpots
- Table Games: Blackjack, poker, roulette, and more
- High Limit Lounge: For those looking to play big
Shopping at The Shops at Crystals
Adjacent to ARIA, The Shops at Crystals is an upscale shopping center featuring some of the world’s most luxurious brands. Whether you’re window shopping or looking to splurge, this is a great way to walk off some of that buffet indulgence.
- Luxury Brands: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and more
- Art Installations: The mall features stunning art and architecture
- Dining Options: If you’re not completely full, there are more gourmet dining options here
CityCenter: Modern Architecture and Art
CityCenter, where ARIA is located, is known for its stunning modern architecture and public art displays. Taking a leisurely stroll through this area is a perfect way to digest after your meal.
- Public Art: Works by renowned artists scattered throughout the area
- Architecture: Cutting-edge designs by top architects
- Walkability: Pedestrian-friendly pathways connect the various attractions
T-Mobile Arena: Catch a Game or a Concert
Just a short walk from ARIA is the T-Mobile Arena, home to the Vegas Golden Knights and a popular venue for concerts and other events. If you’re planning to catch a game or a show, pairing it with a meal at The Buffet at ARIA makes for a perfect day or night out.
- Sports: NHL games, UFC fights, and more
- Concerts: Major tours and events year-round
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from ARIA by foot
The ARIA Fine Art Collection
For those with an appreciation for art, ARIA’s Fine Art Collection is a must-see.
- Location: Scattered throughout the resort
- Artists: Works by renowned artists like Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, and James Turrell
- Access: Free and open to the public
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Just a Stroll Away
Located next to ARIA, The Cosmopolitan offers additional entertainment and dining options.
- Nightlife: Marquee Nightclub and The Chandelier Bar
- Secret Pizza: A hidden gem offering New York-style pizza by the slice
- Unique Shops: Explore quirky, one-of-a-kind shops in their retail district
Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory
A short walk from ARIA, the Bellagio offers iconic attractions that are perfect for post-dinner entertainment.
- Fountains of Bellagio: A stunning water and music show that takes place every 15-30 minutes in the evenings
- Bellagio Conservatory: A beautiful botanical display that changes with the seasons
Insider Tips: Making the Most of Your Visit
To ensure you have the best possible experience at The Buffet at ARIA, here are some insider tips I’ve picked up over the years.
Timing is Everything
While The Buffet at ARIA is popular, you can avoid the longest lines by timing your visit carefully.
- Weekdays: Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds
- Early or Late: Arrive right when it opens or later in the evening for shorter waits
- Holidays: Be prepared for longer lines during holidays and special events
Dress Comfortably
While ARIA is an upscale resort, The Buffet has a relaxed dress code. However, given the amount of food you’ll likely be consuming, it’s a good idea to dress comfortably.
- Casual Attire: Comfortable, casual clothing is acceptable
- Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore afterward
- Layers: The buffet area can be cool, so bring a light sweater or jacket
Plan Your Day Around Your Meal
The Buffet at ARIA offers such a wide variety of dishes that you’ll want to arrive hungry. Plan your day so that you can enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.
- Skip Breakfast: Consider skipping or having a light breakfast before your visit
- Reserve Time: Set aside at least two hours to fully enjoy the buffet experience
- Explore After: Plan to explore ARIA or nearby attractions afterward to walk off your meal
Leverage Loyalty Programs
If you’re a frequent visitor to Las Vegas, consider joining the MGM Rewards program.
- Points Accumulation: Earn points for dining, which can be redeemed for meals and other perks
- Priority Access: Higher-tier members can enjoy priority seating at the buffet
- Discounts: Members often receive discounts on buffet pricing
Consider a Buffet Pass
For those who plan on multiple visits during their stay, MGM Resorts offers a buffet pass that can be used at several of their properties.
- Buffet of Buffets: A 24-hour pass that allows access to multiple MGM Resorts buffets, including ARIA, Bellagio, and more
- Great Value: Ideal for those wanting to sample different buffets during their stay
- Flexibility: Visit multiple times within the 24-hour period
Pair with a Show
Plan your buffet visit around one of the many shows in Las Vegas for a complete night out.
- Cirque du Soleil: “O” at Bellagio or “KA” at MGM Grand are both nearby and spectacular options
- Headliners: Check who’s performing at Park Theater, also within walking distance
- After-Show Drinks: Enjoy a cocktail at one of ARIA’s lounges, like ALIBI Ultra Lounge
A Must-Visit Culinary Experience
The Buffet at ARIA is more than just a place to eat; it’s an essential part of the Las Vegas experience. With its vast array of international dishes, gourmet offerings, and luxurious ambiance, it stands out as one of the premier dining destinations on the Strip. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a first-time visitor, The Buffet at ARIA offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the best Las Vegas offers.
So, next time you find yourself in the city of lights, make sure to carve out some time to explore the culinary delights at The Buffet at ARIA. Trust me, after two decades of living in Las Vegas, this is one experience that never gets old.
