Simon Kim moved from Seoul to Long Island as a teenager, but he never quite fit in on the East Coast. There were schoolyard fights, bar fights, and shifts at his parents’ Tribeca restaurant, Kori, where he worked as a busboy, waiter, and bartender. In 2005, he booked a one-way ticket to Las Vegas to study hospitality at the University of Nevada. “Growing up, I always thought hotels were very alluring,” he told Eater in 2019—”luxury hotelier life.”
He started off at the front desk of the MGM Grand before the owner of Shibuya, a Japanese restaurant where Asian gamblers could drop $7,000 on dinner, tapped him to manage the place. By 2013, he was back East, working with Jean-Georges in New York, followed by a stint with Thomas Keller at Bouchon. That same year, he struck out on his own with Piora, a sleek West Village bar and restaurant. In 2017, Cote, the first American-style Korean steakhouse, opened, and quickly earned a Michelin star.
Since then, Kim has expanded Cote to Miami, Singapore, and Las Vegas, and in 2023, he opened Coqodaq, a Korean-style chicken-wing-and-champagne restaurant.
Here, the entrepreneur shares his favorite places to eat, see, and shop in the city that shaped him. “A lot of these recommendations are staples that have stood the test of time,” he says, “paired with a few incredible spots that have helped shape what Vegas has become today.”
Lotus of Siam
One of my favorite Thai restaurants. Lotus of Siam was the first place I truly experienced authentic Thai cuisine, and it completely reshaped how I think about the food. Their Northern Thai cooking, bold, layered, and deeply flavorful, has made the restaurant a Las Vegas institution for decades. To me, Lotus of Siam is more than a restaurant—it’s a benchmark for authenticity and excellence. (lotusofsiamlv.com)
Bouchon & Bouchon BakerY
Located in the Venetian Hotel, this Thomas Keller classic never disappoints. I love the simplicity and perfection of their “Pain d’Épi” break with butter, followed by oysters and steak frites. It’s a meal that feels both effortless and luxurious, ideal to have before a big night out, or for breakfast or brunch. And of course, no visit to Las Vegas is complete without a stop at Bouchon Bakery for macarons, TKO cookies (their take on Oreos), and other incredible pastries. (bouchonlasvegas.com; bouchonbakery.com)
Mott 32
Also in the Venetian, Mott 32 is a must for anyone who appreciates high-end Chinese dining. Originally from Hong Kong, the restaurant brings ingredients and dishes rarely seen in the U.S., from dehydrated sea cucumber to bird’s nest, alongside an exceptional beverage program. It’s one of my go-to spots. (mott32.com)
Mizumi
Mizumi, in the Wynn hotel, is one of the most stunning dining rooms in Las Vegas. Its setting makes every meal feel like a true occasion, and its Japanese cuisine is consistently outstanding. A true embodiment of elegance. (wynnlasvegas.com)
Pho So 1
Located in Chinatown, Pho So 1 is my go-to for comfort food, especially after a late night. The spring rolls, followed by a steaming bowl of pho, always restore me, and the lime soda with sugar is the perfect add-on. Simple, satisfying, and exactly what you want in the moment. (orderphoso1.com)
Delilah
Another go-to for a proper Las Vegas night out, with live music, a great wine list, a beautiful space, and food that always delivers. Delilah, in the Wynn hotel, captures the spirit of the city—lively, refined, and memorable, without trying too hard. (wynnlasvegas.com)
TP Tea
I’m more of a tea drinker than a coffee drinker, and this Taiwanese spot is my favorite place for bubble tea. I often go when I’m in town—it’s definitely worth stopping by when you need something refreshing off the Strip. (order.snackpass.co)
The Venetian resort
The Venetian has always been my home base in Las Vegas, and it means a lot that Cote Las Vegas will now be part of its incredible story. The property just completed a $1.5 billion renovation, and the new suites are on another level. If you can, request one with a steam bath and sauna—it’s the ultimate way to recharge in the desert climate. (venetianlasvegas.com)
Lake Mead
Whenever I need a real break from the Strip, I head to Lake Mead. It’s less than an hour away, but it feels like another world with open water, mountain views, and total calm. Renting a boat or jet ski for the day is one of the best resets, and it’s a side of Las Vegas most visitors never think to check out. (nps.gov)
Watch Boutiques
I’m a bit of a watch guy, and Las Vegas is a dream for collectors. I like to browse the boutiques at the Venetian, the Wynn, and the Bellagio. There’s always the chance of discovering a rare piece. If you’re serious, it’s worth building a relationship with the sales team; they’ll often give you a heads-up when something special comes in.
