GREAT EATS HAWAII: ANDIAMO ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE BY JOE VICARI

ANDIAMO ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
THE D HOTEL
301 FREMONT STREET
LAS VEGAS, NV 89101
702-388-2220
HOURS: Daily 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
www.thed.com/dining/andiamo-steakhouse/

With all of the great steakhouses in Las Vegas we really wanted to hit a winner during our recent stay. I turned to TripAdvisor and found Andiamo listed as #1. The reviews seemed legit with most people praising the food and service. Being rated the #1 restaurant in Las Vegas is big and I was ready to experience the bigness. Our visit did not live up to a #1 ranking and I would never return to this restaurant again. I would prefer Ruth's Chris or Morton's to this place. I don't even think this would make the top 10 in my steakhouse world. While the service was ok, it seemed a bit out of step and confused at times. We started with the Andiamo Grand Meatball ($11). This homemade Meatball was excellent. Probably the best thing we tasted on this evening. Great meat flavor, sauce and the Ricotta was amazing. The Calamari Fritti ($15) was also excellent. Very light breading allowed the flavor of the Calamari to come through and the portion was huge. Nice to get a bite of Banana Peppers in-between the Calamari. The Caesar Salad ($11 per person) was prepared table side by our waiter and it was excellent. One of the best homemade Caesar Dressings I have had at a restaurant. We ordered the Tamahawk Steak and were told they were out. Then we asked for the Bone In Rib Eye and again they were out. Now this should be a big red flag at any restaurant. When you are out of two of the most popular and expensive cuts of meat at the beginning of dinner service there is a vendor problem. This should just not happen at a high end restaurant. My Wife and Daughter were 0 for 2 with their steak selections and finally tried choice number 3. The Bone In New York Strip ($42) was cut by the waiter and looked to be a perfect Medium Rare. The taste registered a big zero and my Wife said it was one of the worst steaks ever. "Hard and tasteless" she said. The Gnocchi served with the steak had a "weird" taste my Wife said. She did not eat them after one bite. The Classical Surf and Turf ($68) was pretty disappointing. The Lobster was not that sweet and did not seem fresh. The steak was horrible. Absolutely no seasoning or taste. One of the worst steaks I have ever been served in a fine dining steakhouse. Really ruined the meal for me.