Wolfgang Puck has several restaurants in Las Vegas, ranging from casual (Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill in the MGM Grand) to fine dining (Cut at the Palazzo). On my most recent trip to Vegas I ate at the Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina located in the Crystals Shopping Center right next to the Aria Hotel. I’d classify WP Cucina as a mid-range restaurant, somewhere between casual and fine dining.

I was looking forward to ordering lasagna so I could compare it to other lasagnas I’ve had in Vegas. To be honest, the lasagna at WP Cucina was a mild disappointment. It wasn’t bad by all means but it clearly didn’t come close to the lasagnas I’ve had at Sinatra (Encore Hotel) or Allegro (Wynn). The WP Cucina lasagna’s cheese was a bit too mild and soft for my taste.

I also shared an Italian Sausage pizza with Rapini, Caramelized Garlic, and Pecorino Romano. The pecorino (sheep’s cheese) and rapini (a type of broccoli) gave the pizza a very different but good taste. And it is one of my traditions to always have at least one side order of meatballs every trip, so I ordered the Grilled Meatballs, Red Pepper-Olive Ragu, Pecorino Toscano. The meatballs’ taste was also different but interesting and good. My friend had Rigatoncini (pasta), Piedmontese Meat Sauce, Parmesan, which was the best dish of the evening, and Tuscan White Bean Soup, Prosciutto, Rigatoni Pasta, that was also excellent.

All in all, I highly recommend Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina at the Crystals Shopping Center if you’re in the mood for an medium-upscale Italian restaurant in Las Vegas.