Zio’s Italian Steakhouse Reimagined

A Top Las Vegas Dining Destination

BY ELAINE AND SCOTT HARRIS

Zio’s Italian Steakhouse in Las Vegas is a highly regarded destination for those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience. Conveniently located adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center within the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, the restaurant has proven its commitment to traditional Italian culinary practices and flavors after a 20-year run as Envy Steakhouse. Now transformed with a culinary facelift—including rebranding, redecorating and shifting to an entirely new cuisine focus while maintaining its love of steak—the restaurant presents a fresh take on Italian dining.

“We originally opened in November 2004 as Envy Steakhouse; this is our 20-year renovation,” said our server. “We kept the steaks that everyone loves, but because so many people have been coming for so many years, we gave it an Italian twist and relaunched it as Zio’s Italian Steakhouse.”

The restaurant offers a varied, curated menu catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences while maintaining Italian cuisine’s nuances and complex flavors, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

Upon walking in, we noticed the warmth and charm of Old World Italy, coupled with the grandeur of an Italian palazzo, while maintaining a modern, spacious feel. The restaurant now features an impressive black-and-white marble tiled floor, living greenery and an expansive dining area. The subdued dark green wood panels, soft lighting and cream-colored accents create an intimate atmosphere.

“The original Italian-style arched ceiling, designed by Richard Chamberlain and Lewis Shaw 20 years ago, we managed to keep that, and the young lady hired managed to airbrush the ceiling within two weeks,” said our server. “We also kept the open kitchen so you can hear and smell steaks sizzling, and we kept our original wine cellar.”

The swirling green and mauve streaks embellishing the vaulted ceiling complement the voluminous mauve drapery surrounding the inviting seating arrangements, creating a welcoming environment suitable for various occasions—an intimate dinner for two or a larger gathering with family and friends.

20-Layer Lasagna at Zio’s Italian Steakhouse. Photo by Louiie Victa

A Culinary Celebration

Taking our seats and looking over the menu was a delight—a true celebration of classic Italian dishes, each crafted with care and attention to detail. Zio’s Italian Steakhouse takes pride in its handmade pasta, so why not savor the tortellini Alfredo, featuring ricotta-stuffed tortellini enveloped with mortadella mousse and crispy mortadella bits that complement the pasta perfectly? Alternatively, the 20-layer lasagna Bolognese is a crowd favorite, showcasing a hearty meat sauce that embodies the essence of rich Italian-style home cooking, expertly ladled between thinly layered pasta.

For seafood enthusiasts, there are a plethora of delightful options. Tuna crudo begins a meal with fresh pieces of tuna, melding the fattiness of the fish with Calabrian chiles, which bring bright pops of spiciness to each forkful. The sautéed Gulf shrimp scampi comes tossed with fresh tagliatelle, garlic butter and lemon.

Carnivores will be pleased with exquisite selections like a 16-ounce USDA Prime rib-eye, a 32-ounce porterhouse and a 32-ounce long-bone tomahawk—all succulent and expertly prepared. These marvelous meat options remain the menu’s stars after 20 years. You may want to share these meaty offerings with a friend or two.

The restaurant also boasts hearty entrées highlighting traditional Italian cuisine with layers of flavor. Guests can enjoy classic dishes such as veal Parmigiana, where tender veal is composed in an intensely flavored marinara sauce with classic mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

For the grand finale, you can’t pass up the tiramisu or the chocolate budino, featuring luscious Amarena cherries and vanilla whipped cream, which will send you home with a sweetly satisfied countenance.

Tomahawk Steak at Zio’s Italian Steakhouse. Photo by Louiie Victa

A Carefully Curated Wine Experience

Zio’s Italian Steakhouse presents a carefully curated wine list showcased in its 1,500-bottle-capacity original wine cellar. Each wine is expertly selected to complement the food offerings and enhance the dining experience. The list includes a variety of Italian wines, ranging from crisp, refreshing whites to full-bodied, robust reds.

Italian wine sommelier Luciano Di Meo is knowledgeable and passionate about wine and is often available to assist diners in selecting the ideal bottle to pair with their meal. This thoughtful approach to wine service adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience, allowing guests to explore the nuances of Italian wines.

Breakfast and Lunch Offerings

Are you staying at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel or attending an early morning convention? Are you in the mood for breakfast? The breakfast burrito—flour tortilla, scrambled eggs, provolone, bacon, house-made salsa and rosemary potatoes—is an ideal way to start the day. The zesty buttermilk pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup will satisfy your morning cravings.

Keep it traditional with the All-American breakfast: two eggs any style, a choice of applewood bacon or sausage, rosemary potatoes and a selection of toast. Add a touch of Italy with a brilliant Italian frittata with cage-free eggs, roasted tomatoes, pancetta and spinach, served with a peppery arugula salad on the side.

Need a fulfilling midday meal? The restaurant offers a lunch menu with seasonal dishes. You may enjoy an Italian focaccia sandwich made with mortadella, salami, capicola, olive oil, vinegar, lettuce and pepperoncini, or even a steakhouse burger with aged cheddar, applewood-smoked bacon, truffle aioli, lettuce and tomato, served with fries or a house salad on the side.

Oysters and cocktail selection at Zio’s Italian Steakhouse. Photo by Louiie Victa

A Dynamic, Evolving Experience

Zio’s Italian Steakhouse goes above and beyond to enhance the dining experience by offering exceptional seasonal and standard features. These may include seasonal menu items highlighting fresh, local ingredients and chef’s specials showcasing creativity and innovation in Italian cuisine. The menu selections occasionally change as seasonal specials are added to ensure that the freshest ingredients remain the focal point.

Additionally, the restaurant occasionally hosts wine-pairing events, allowing guests to explore new flavor combinations and deepen their appreciation for Italian culinary traditions. Given the restaurant’s popularity, particularly during weekends and holidays, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended.

Zio’s Italian Steakhouse has become a beloved destination in Las Vegas for Italian cuisine while maintaining its reputation for serving the best quality steaks. Its delectable dishes, extensive wine selection, charming ambiance and attentive service offer an authentic Italian dining experience. Travelers, conventioneers and locals keep returning for more.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the city, Zio’s Italian Steakhouse promises a culinary journey that captures the essence of Italy in every bite.

For more information, visit zioslv.com.