Armando Martinez knows a thing or two about cooking under pressure: he's served his old-world pasta dishes to some of the biggest stars on the planet, including entertainers such as Celine Dion and athletes such as Andre Agassi. Splitting his duties as chef and owner of Pasta Mia West, chef Armando has been celebrated in the Las Vegas area since opening his restaurant more than two decades ago.

Having stood the test of time in a city that sees restaurants come and go, Pasta Mia East continues to draw rave reviews for its Northern Italian cuisine, especially its pasta. Linguine with fresh mussels, lasagna bolognese, and a multitude of other pasta masterpieces stand out here, even if the restaurant itself doesn't stand out at first glance. But passersby shouldn't be tricked by the humble storefront: inside, crisp linens set the tone for an elegant dinner, while a garden patio waits to whisk guests away from the noise and random downpours of confetti that beleaguer the Strip.