Any New York City import has a high chance of success in Las Vegas. Cathédrale, a recent addition to the Aria Resort family, is making waves as the sister location to East Village’s flagship.
The Architecture
New York-based Rockwell Group engineered the expanse of Cathédrale, along with Vegas staples like The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan, Omnia and Jewel nightclubs and Nobu Hotel, to name a few.
At the end of the main hallway, an intricate eye watches entering guests. Portuguese artist Vhils is the visionary responsible for Cathédrale’s blue carving, greeting guests as they walk into the restaurant.
True to this sentiment, the dark and sultry restaurant holds its own. As an outpost of “urban decadence and grit,” rich wood and leather complement the crushed blue velvet draped throughout. A glance upward reveals intricate chains weighing a collective 6,000 pounds stretched across the ceiling, with dim lighting and bright flowers to juxtapose the other splendors.
The Food
While each dish is an art display in its own rite, starters and finishers truly shine at Cathédrale Las Vegas. French-Mediterranean made with fresh, seasonal ingredients dominates the menu, from the bread service to aperitifs.
Warm dates with Roquefort cheese and Marcona almonds complement octopus grillé, made with fresh red chilis, tomato ragoût and oregano breadcrumbs for a fresh beginning. The menu’s focal point includes The Omelette, a folded masterpiece smothered in potato chips, creme fraiche and Kaluga caviar. At $37, the ratio of caviar to price makes it one of the best deals in the city.
Get the sweet tooth ready and bring a friend — there are two desserts that deserve a try. The Paris-Brest with hazelnut cream, chocolate sauce and Pâte à Choux is a crowd pleaser, as a decadent choice for at least two people. Crêpes Suzette with orange caramel and vanilla Chantilly, served as a live presentation tableside also serve several diners at once.
A Playground of Cocktails, Wine and Beyond
Cathédrale’s fanciful nature is realized through its cocktails, which arrive in vessels ranging from glass medicine bottles to carved ice blocks adorned with — no surprise — caviar.
To kick-start the night, a La Caffe Vita is the strong and smoky cousin to an espresso martini, made with Jack Daniel’s, Amaro Averna, Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth and Grand Marnier barrel-aged for three months with coffee beans. Or, get the Quintessentia, living up to its title as the signature drink of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Nonino Amaro, Lemon, Blood Orange and shaken egg white. Relax with a Camelia de Mûre, a sweet yet subdued mix of Belvedere, Crème de Mûre, black tea and lemon and served in a china teapot.
Wine holds court in the back, adorning the private room with floor-to-ceiling wine racks and a mile-long list. Cordials, beer and spirits are also available.
The Character
A Saturday evening visit to Cathédrale provides peak spectacle and entertainment. One might find Victorian-costumed ladies in barely-there skirts and powdered wigs moving through the room, dazzling with their charms and vintage props. Our visit featured a trumpet player dancing between tables, matching the beat of the music with effortless skill. Between the entertainment and notable glitter preferred by the patrons, the whole ambiance gives a modern Gatsby appeal.
Visit Cathédrale Las Vegas at Aria Resort & Casino
This gorgeous velvet hideaway is located off the Aria main lobby next to Catch. Visit Cathédrale Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10:30 p.m. and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Dress is business casual, although an upscale twist is recommended. Reservations can be made here or by calling 702.590.8577 for availability.
