‍A Culinary Jewel in the Desert: The Legacy of Piero's Italian Cuisine

Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, a city better known for its dazzling lights and high-stakes gambling, lies a culinary gem steeped in history and tradition—Piero's Italian Cuisine. Founded in 1982 by Freddie Glusman and his wife Jeanie, Piero's has carved out a niche for itself as the epitome of classic Italian dining, offering a blend of impeccable cuisine, a storied past, and a dash of old-school Vegas charm.

The journey of Piero's began on Karen Ave near Downtown Las Vegas, quickly establishing itself as a favored haunt for a fascinating mix of Las Vegas locals, politicians, celebrities—including members of the famed Rat Pack—and even notorious mobsters. In 1987, seeking more space to accommodate its growing legion of patrons, Piero's moved to its current location, strategically positioned across from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Piero’s Environment

Walking into Piero's, guests are transported to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication. The ambiance, characterized by dim lighting and adorned with exquisite artwork, exudes the charm of old-school Vegas, offering a sanctuary from the bustling city outside its doors. It’s not just the atmosphere that draws people in; the food, service, and overall experience have garnered Piero's numerous national restaurant awards, establishing it as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the finest Italian cuisine in Las Vegas.

Piero’s Cuisine to Savor

One cannot talk about Piero's without mentioning its signature dishes—the Osso Buco and the Garbage Caesar Salad. 

Osso Buco

Piero's Italian Cuisine elevates the classic osso buco, offering a dish that is a symphony of flavors, with tender veal shanks braised to perfection, bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce, and accompanied by a vibrant gremolata that brightens each bite. This culinary masterpiece showcases the restaurant's commitment to traditional Italian cooking, making it a must-try for any visitor seeking an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of Las Vegas.

Garbage Caesar

The Garbage Caesar is a creative twist on the traditional Caesar salad; conceived by Evan Glusman. The salad has a unique blend of hearts of palms, tomatoes, avocado, and chilled shrimp to the salad, transforming a classic dish into a culinary adventure.

Piero’s Anecdotes Over the Years

The walls of Piero's are lined with tales as rich and diverse as its menu. Perhaps the most gripping is the 2005 arrest of two New York detectives turned Mafia hitmen, captured by FBI agents in a scene straight out of a crime thriller, amidst unsuspecting diners. This dramatic history adds an intriguing layer to Piero's dining experience, blending the world of gastronomy with that of intrigue and mystery.

The allure of Piero's has not been limited to the Vegas mob underworld; it has also been a magnet for the stars. The legendary Frank Sinatra, a Palm Springs, CA resident, was so enamored with Piero's Linguine & Clams that he would frequently fly his plane from Palm Springs to Las Vegas, just to savor this dish. Moreover, Piero's served as a backdrop for the filming of Martin Scorsese’s iconic movie “Casino,” with one of the film’s most memorable scenes—Sharon Stone’s dramatic descent down the back stairs—taking place within its walls. The stairs, preserved through the years, remain a point of fascination for visitors, adding a touch of Hollywood glamor to the dining experience.

Beyond its cinematic contributions, Piero's boasts a veritable who's who of celebrity patrons over the years, including Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan, Justin Timberlake, and Anne Hathaway, to name just a few. This star-studded clientele underscores the restaurant's appeal across a broad spectrum of diners, from the political elite to sports legends and Hollywood royalty.

Where Old School Vegas Meets Fine Dining

In a city where the new continually eclipses the old, Piero's Italian Cuisine stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of quality, tradition, and history. It serves as a reminder that amidst the ever-changing landscape of Las Vegas, some things are timeless. Piero's is not just a restaurant; it's a piece of Las Vegas history, a culinary institution that continues to enchant and delight visitors from around the world, promising an unforgettable dining experience that goes beyond the plate. 

‍

About the Author

Jerome Goings is not your typical writer. With a diverse portfolio that spans cybersecurity firms, cutting-edge tech startups, bustling casinos, and vital healthcare institutions, he brings a wealth of expertise and a jack-of-all-trades dynamism to his writing. At the helm of The LionFish Co. agency, Jerome's vision is clear: to foster business development, carve out new categories, craft compelling brands, and ignite creativity with his deeply analytical and results-driven strategies. Beyond his professional pursuits, Jerome cherishes life's adventures in Asheville, NC, as a devoted husband and father of two. Whether he's penning insightful articles or consulting for global enterprises, Jerome's multifaceted approach to business and life is as unique as the stories he tells.

For more information about Piero’s history, check this 2024 interview by Karen Beishuizen on RingSideReport, The Story Of… Piero’s Italian Cuisine in Las Vegas and this 2022 Food and Beverage Magazine article, Piero’s Award-Winning Iconic Restaurant.