"Chef David Chang first made a splash with his Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City more than 20 years ago. He went on to launch spin-offs like Momofuku Ssäm Bar, which nabbed a place on the World’s 50 Best list, and Momofuku Ko, which earned two Michelin stars in its first year. And while Chang’s innovative menus, casual cool restaurant atmospheres, and pork buns — a star in their own right — have kept the brand relevant, the Las Vegas Momofuku is singular in its excellence. A starter of spicy cucumbers comes sliced into bite-sized chunks, salted and chilled with a sprinkle of fiery togarashi. Spicy rice cakes are joyously crunchy while remaining impossibly soft at the interior, swathed in a bold tofu ragu with scallions and mouth-numbing Szechuan peppercorns. And of course, there are those pork belly buns — generous slices of supple pork belly cradled in a super soft bao bun with crunchy cucumbers and sweet hoisin sauce. Chang has long been credited for his role in ushering in the rise of contemporary Asian-American cuisine. Here, it’s evident in big flavors like an umami broth in a bowl of spicy ramen and crispy lamb ribs with tart chile yogurt. But the restaurant also makes a mark for its chic design, windows that overlook the Strip, bar that whips up passionfruit vodka spritzes, and the adjacent Milk Bar. —Janna Karel, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Know before you go: Make a stop at Christina Tosi’s Milk Bar on the way out for cornflake chocolate chip marshmallow cookies" - Matthew Kang