A friend of N’s from LA had been in Las Vegas just a few weeks before us. He recommended that we go to Anise Tapas & Grill. There are no Mexican kosher restaurants where we live much less Mexican Israeli fusion restaurants so we were excited.
The atmosphere was great. The restaurant was quiet and romantic with an intimate feel.
To the right is a bar where there were many people who sat and ate instead of getting a table.
N and I sat at a nice little elevated table in the center of the restaurant.
We sat down and were brought a tin filled with what tasted like homemade Za’atar crackers and a mini mason jar filled with oil and garlic. These crackers were fantastic, and N and I could not get enough of them!
The first thing we ordered was Sangria. I had never had it before, but N had. I loved it, and N said it was the best that he had ever had.
N’s friend had suggested getting a burger because the one he had was great. But there were so many yummy looking things on the menu that N and I decided to have many small things (tapas) and no main. We actually went item by item and didn’t know we wouldn’t have a main until the end when we were too full for one.
Before ordering, N asked the waiter for recommendations. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. He gave us many recommendations, most of which we followed.
The descriptions in quotation marks and italics below are taken straight from Anise Tapas & Grill menu listed on their website.
Drunken Avocado Empanadillas
“We admit it; our eggrolls are luscious lushes! Finely Crisped egg rolls filled with seasoned avocados and fresh cilantro. Served with Patron jalapeño agave sauce.”
We loved this! These were fried to perfection, the avocado was smooth and creamy while the seasoning was flavorful and bright. The slaw was ok but light and could have used a little more flavor.
Fish Taco
Moussaka Sliders
Overall we were very pleased with this meal and gave the restaurant an overall grade of A-/B+. We were quite pleased with the suggestions from our waiter and wished that we had stuck with his recommendations.
On the last night in Vegas, we went back to Anise Tapas & Grill for another excellent dinner.
Once again we started with Sangria. N ordered two this time. He claimed it was because he had a cold and didn’t want to get me sick as he was coming down with a cold. I think that was just an excuse and he wanted his own since I drank so much of the one we had the first night we ate there.
Not only was the Sangria fantastic once again, but I scooped out all of the fruit from both mine and N’s. The fruit was also excellent.
Lentil Soup
We loved the lentil soup, it was rich and tasty.
Chicken Dumpling Soup
Our helpful waiter gave us two little bowls to split the soups.
Cigarro Marroqui
Paella Para Mi’
House Angus Burger
Once again we were quite happy with the meal. We give the restaurant an overall A-. Both times we were there a live band started playing as it got later. If Anise Tapas & Grill was near us, this would definitely be out new go to date night restaurant.