Las Vegas knows how to put on a show, and The Venetian Resort has been a stunning staple of glamor along the strip for 25 years. Recently, the resort pulled off more than just a simple glow-up as it completed a total transformation of more than $1.5 billion into its property. The Venetian has redefined what luxury looks like on the strip in 2025.
I spent a few days walking the marble halls, tasting my way through the new food concepts, relaxing by the pool, and even catching one of the best magic shows I have ever seen. This is not just a hotel upgrade. It is a full-blown sensory experience with enough surprises to keep even the most seasoned Vegas visitors impressed.
A New Culinary Epicenter: Via Via Food Hall
Let’s start with the Venetian’s newly opened Via Via Food Hall. Conveniently located next to the casino floor, it’s more than just a convenient place to grab a quick bite, it is a culinary playground packed with a mix of flavors from some of the most exciting food brands and concepts from across the country.
I was lucky enough to attend the grand opening party of the resort, to sample items from each spot. Turkey and the Wolf and Howlin’ Ray’s were personal standouts that hit different. Having spent a large part of my childhood growing up in Louisiana, I was genuinely excited to see Turkey and the Wolf in the line-up. The infamous New Orleans sandwich shop has a cult following for a reason, and after biting into their collard green melt, and the fried bologna sandwich, I was fully reminded why. The flavors are loud, nostalgic, and wildly creative, equal parts comfort and chaos in the best way possible.
Howlin’ Ray’s brought its signature Nashville hot chicken energy straight from LA. I went for the medium heat level and got the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and just enough fire to keep things interesting. It’s everything you want from street-style chicken, served fast and with a side of serious attitude.
I chased all that spice with a buttery slice from Scarr’s Pizza, the New York City icon known for using organic ingredients and no shortcuts. All’Antico Vinaio turned out chewy, flavor-stuffed Tuscan schiacciata that lived up to the hype. Ivan Ramen delivered rich, soulful bowls that brought Tokyo flavor straight to the Strip.
B.S. Taqueria brings bold, ingredient-focused tacos from Los Angeles chef Ray Garcia, with standouts like chile rubbed cauliflower al pastor and house made chorizo served on freshly pressed heirloom tortillas. To balance it out, Close Company offers some of the best cocktails on the Strip, created by the team behind Death and Co. The vibe is playful and welcoming, with top tier drinks served in a space that feels both relaxed and refined.
Via Via brings the energy of a street market in Europe, the attitude of downtown Los Angeles, mixed with the magic of Las Vegas, as you hear the slot machines nearby.
Nomikai and Gjelina Join the Party
Via Via food hall commanded the spotlight as the latest opening in the resort, but there’s also two new restaurants that recently opened in 2024, which further elevate the resort’s culinary line-up.
Nomikai, located on Restaurant Row, is a Japanese-inspired concept that brings together a casual sushi counter and an intimate speakeasy-style restaurant. The fast-service counter offers a Tokyo-style grab-and-go experience with fresh rolls, sashimi, and Japanese beers. We slipped into the speakeasy to enjoy a few artfully plated small bites paired with smooth Japanese cocktails.
Down the corridor is Gjelina, the Venice Beach original that built its reputation on produce-forward, California-style, farm-to-table dining. This newly opened Vegas location keeps the same spirit, offering house-made pastas, market vegetables, and a warm minimalist atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for hours. I appreciated how it delivered something calm and earthy amid the sensory overload of the Strip.
Soaking It All In: Pools, Spa, and People Watching
Between meals and sightseeing, I carved out five glorious hours at The Venetian Pool Deck. The main deck recently went through a renovation and now includes four crystal-clear pools, upgraded lounge chairs, and spacious cabanas. There is even a digital reservation system so you can claim your spot ahead of time.
For a more lively experience, TAO Beach is just steps away with its signature tropical energy, DJs, bottle service, and endless people-watching. For a quieter escape, The Venetian South Pool Deck and Palazzo pools offer shaded loungers and fewer crowds.
One of the underrated highlights of visiting Las Vegas is the people watching. It is not just about celebrity sightings or extravagant outfits. It is about watching the spectrum of personalities that make this city so entertaining. No matter if you’re at the pool, in restaurants, or walking through the casino, you’ll see people from all over the world, all with their own purpose for being there. I saw corporate conference attendees escaping breakout sessions for a cocktail, families juggling kids and hunting for gelato, and locals who treat The Venetian like their backyard playground. That diversity of energy is part of what makes Vegas feel so alive.
Signature Suites for the Big Dreamers
We were able to get a sneak peek at a few of the resort’s most luxurious and exclusive suites. These suites are only available by invitation and include the Chairman, Presidential, and Penthouse layouts. They are massive and designed by world-renowned firms like Meyer Davis, Richmond International, and Wimberly Interiors.
Walking into the 8,000 sq ft. Chairman’s Suite felt like entering an issue of Architectural Digest’s dream home. Murano glass lighting, sculpted wall panels, rich textures, and bespoke furniture created an elegant atmosphere without being stiff. The Presidential and Penthouse Suites are equally dramatic, with elevated modern-Italian color palettes and timeless design details that blur the line between hotel and private residence.
A Magical Ending: Shin Lim’s “LIMITLESS”
There’s almost nothing that gives off a signature trip in Vegas than a classic Vegas show in the theater. I wrapped up the visit with a show at The Palazzo Theatre featuring America’s Got Talent winner Shin Lim. His production, titled LIMITLESS, completely redefined what I thought close-up magic could look like on a large stage. Every movement was choreographed to music, and each card trick is so surreal it leaves you with that “how’d they do that?” feeling. His wife, Casey Thomas, also joined the show and brought her own card magic into the mix. The performance felt intimate but still dazzling, and it was one of the most memorable parts of my entire trip.
The Venetian Resort is setting a new tone for what luxury in Las Vegas looks like in 2025. From its world-class food concepts to its elevated pool scene and unforgettable entertainment, the resort defines what a fully immersive Las Vegas experience can offer. Whether you are a foodie, a design junkie, or someone just looking to escape for a few days, The Venetian delivers an experience that feels current, exciting, and absolutely worth the trip.