What’s New in Las Vegas November 2025: COTE, White Whale, High Steaks, and the Hottest New Openings You Can’t Miss
Whether you’re sipping craft cocktails at White Whale, indulging in Korean-style luxury at COTE, or racing at the new F1 Arcade, these are the newest must-visit spots transforming the Strip and beyond. Here’s your insider guide to the most exciting things to do, eat, and see in Las Vegas this November.
1. COTE (at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas)
The Michelin-starred Korean-steakhouse concept has opened its most ambitious location yet on the Strip.
Why it stands out: premium dry-aged rib-eyes grilled table-side, Korean flavours, big drama in the dining room.
Tip: Ideal for couples or special-occasion dinners; plan for a higher budget.
Insider angle: Many travelers still expect “classic steakhouse & Vegas views”; COTE gives you something distinct.
2. White Whale (Downtown Las Vegas)
Downtown Las Vegas just added a stylish craft-cocktail lounge: White Whale opened mid-October in the former Downtown Cocktail Room space.
Why it stands out: Led by mixology heavy-hitters including Evan Hosaka & Daniel Yang (consulted by Sam Ross) — the cocktail program is elevated and creative.
Tip: Great for a pre-dinner drink or late-night stop in the downtown district.
Insider angle: An alternative to the over-strip lounge scene — appeals to guests wanting something more intimate and craft-oriented.
3. High Steaks Vegas (at Rio Hotel & Casino, Masquerade Tower)
On the steakhouse front — yet again — High Steaks Vegas is a fresh entry. Chef James Trees has rolled out a modern-steakhouse concept atop the Masquerade Tower at the Rio.
Why it stands out: Elevated views (50-floor above the Strip and valley), wild-game options (elk, boar, bison), plus beef cuts from premium ranches.
Tip: For foodies and steak-lovers who want something elevated but less “traditional tourist steakhouse”.
Insider angle: A nice complement to COTE (which is Korean-steak luxury) — High Steaks offers something more experimental. Great for upscale guest with adventurous palettes.
4. BOA Steakhouse (at The Venetian)
For those tracking returning favourites, BOA Steakhouse is back on the Strip after 13 years. It reopened October 17 at The Venetian (Grand Canal Shoppes).
Why it stands out: California-style steakhouse meets Vegas swagger — menu includes 40-day dry-aged NY strip, Australian Wagyu, Japanese A5; luxury touches like caviar-filled cones.
Tip: This is ideal for travelers who prefer tried-and-true brands but want the “new for Vegas” spin.
Insider angle: For travelers who like the idea of a “returning classic” rather than something completely unknown.
5. Butterface (Spring Valley)
Switching gears — for brunch or daytime clients, Butterface delivers Italian-inspired breakfast/brunch in Spring Valley.
Why it stands out: Fresh brunch concept (opened earlier in 2025) offering Italian flavors — burrata, prosciutto, lemon-poppy pancakes, etc.
Tip: Perfect for the “off-Strip” or neighbourhood feel; something less carnival-style than the Strip brunches.
Insider angle: For travelers staying off the Strip or exploring beyond the main corridor, this gives a “local brunch” feel — ideal for extended days, not just dinner/nightlife.
6. Nom Wah (Tea Parlor) (Summerlin location)
While not exactly on the Strip, this is still West Vegas and worth calling out: The historic New York dim-sum institution Nom Wah is arriving at the JW Marriott in Summerlin.
Why it stands out: Strong brand heritage (founded 1920 in Manhattan), bringing hand-made dumplings & tea service.
Tip: Good for travelers staying northwest of the Strip or doing a “locals or off-Strip food crawl”.
Insider angle: Adds variety beyond steaks and cocktail lounges — includes Asian heritage cuisine for more diverse foodie itineraries.
7. The Deck at Ellis Island
For a more relaxed, off-beat weekend afternoon or evening activity, The Deck at Ellis Island (the rooftop pool bar area of Ellis Island Hotel & Casino) is a good mention.
Why it stands out: Offers an alternative to the high-glitz venues; approachable, less crowded, good for mid-afternoon drinks or a chill escape from the bustle.
Tip: An “early evening roof-top start” before dinner & nightlife in your itinerary.
Insider angle: Having a “hidden rooftop” spot can appeal to couples or groups looking for something quieter early in their stay before the big nights out.
8. (Bonus) Carbone Riviera
While I wasn’t able to pull an entirely new-opening headline for Carbone Riviera, it’s still a premium dining option that your clients should know is “top tier” and worth considering in November.
Why it stands out: Classic Italian-American in the high-style dining sphere, gives variety beyond steak and cocktail bars.
Tip: Use this spot as a “fallback luxury dinner” if steakhouses are booked or if you want something non-steak but still upscale.
Bonus: One More “Big Experience” Opening
While not a restaurant/bar, worth noting: F1 Arcade Las Vegas is set to open October 17 2025 inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
Why include it: For travelers looking for daytime/early evening entertainment (group of friends, families) — 21,000 sq ft, 87 full-motion racing simulators, terrace with Strip views.
Tip for itineraries: Use it as an “experience break” before or after dinner.
