Veranda

Overpriced and Underwhelming
What can be said about Veranda at Four Seasons? It’s pretty much like any other fancy hotel restaurant. Food is pretty good but overpriced. Waiting staff seemed really nice but the place has a real pretentious feeling to it. There is actually a veranda to eat on but it was full (we went at lunch). This is the kind of place where they make you wait even though there are free seats in the restaurant. It was not very unique - pretty generic restaurant. There are better places in Vegas to eat. This place will suit business lunches where conversation is more important than the actual meal.

“Hidden in plain sight” at Four Seasons Hotel, Veranda has long been recognized as one of Sin City’s best Brunches, and on Saturday morning as a party of three the ground-floor Restaurant located on Las Vegas Boulevard’s south end was found busy as ever, though not all was so great as memory serves.

Now twenty years old, and to this day a far more reserved environment than the sprawling Buffets of Casinos inhabited by “Vegas Baby!” bachelorettes chugging Mimosas, it was after ten minutes at the hostess’ stand that patio seating was procured, a crowd of ‘Boomers predictably present alongside Europeans with many lingering over Coffee and conversation for hours.

Accessed this time from Four Seasons’ Valet, the $22 charge validated by Veranda saving a lengthy walk from Mandalay Bay self-parking, it was once seated that a pleasant waiter approached offering Drinks, Coffee and Juice complimentary with the $42 Buffet or at-cost with a substantially truncated list of a la carte options.

Recently doing away with dinner service and Chef Joel Ott, the focus now Breakfast and Lunch plus weekend Brunch, it was after a sip of Orange Juice deemed ‘very acidic’ by those drinking that a first look was taken at Veranda’s spread, several familiar items quickly noted though the highly recommended Nutella Croissants from February have been replaced by Spanish Tortilla with Pork.

Losing the “Italian” theme across all but a few Pizzas and Pastas on the Lunch menu, and apparently content to keep a low profile inside the gaming-free luxury resort, plate one consisted of starters including two types of Muffins plus chilled fruit, the former highlighted by fluffy Pumpkin topped with Pepitas while the latter used a similar blend of spices to accent Museli and Poached Pears topped with Nuts plus Mascarpone.

Getting to freshly fried Doughnuts quickly this time, first with Sprinkles and later rolled through Cinnamon-Sugar, it was from the a la carte menu that Bananas Foster French Toast was added, the $22 tag undeniably a bit steep though otherwise it would be difficult to find any fault in crustless Brioche with locally-made Banana Whiskey Syrup and Fruit.

Surprised to see Mango Pancakes, though the Fruit flavor was subtle and better enjoyed with Apple Glaze intended for Blintzes that were under-filled in comparison to past visits, there also seems to have been a change in the Waffles served as a base for Sage-fried Chicken, the Bird still delicious with or without Syrup while the Waffles themselves were dry even after being replaced by a fresh batch.

Impressed again by bite-size Sticky Buns, and also by buttery Scones intended to be eaten with tangy Lemon Curd, it is unfortunate that Sea Salt Brioche also memorable from February was remarkably dry, though the Lemon Quickbread with Icing offered a tremendous upgrade on Veranda’s prior Lemon-Poppyseed Loaf.

Finding both styles of Sausage enjoyable, as too were Chilaquiles, those seeking lighter options will likely be impressed by Egg White Frittatas with Tomatoes and Mozzarella while the Farro with Roasted Vegetables tastes like a Thanksgiving side-dish with sweetness added by Raisins and Apricots.

Smartly taking one last look at the Pastry cart, several styles of Viennoiserie performing well with the Pain au Chocolate standing out, it was after a wedge of Blueberry Coffee Cake that Bread Pudding was liberally topped with Anglaise, the top layers still some of Vegas’ best while the Chocolate-lined bottom was unfortunately soggy to the point that it could have been consumed through a straw.

Located away from all the bustle, this place is a gem. Amazing breakfast and brunch. There is a buffet option on weekends and weekdays. Service is excellent and food is flavorful. Portions are just right: not too small, but not overly large. Perfect for fueling the start of your day.

Amazing amazing amazing. Best on the strip...honestly it is. We have been to Ceasers.. Bellagio...MGM and many more....Four Seasons is the BEST BUFFET.

Wonderful breakfasts while staying at the Four Seasons. The outdoor seating is delightful even in the summer. Each dish is flavorful and presented nicely. They provide a full pot of coffee and refill often so you don’t feel rushed.

The wait staff is very attentive and willing to help. A bonus star for May who even asked the chef how to prefer a dish for us.