With their crispy browned edges and cross-hatched patterns, few breakfast items are as eye-catching—or as heart-warming—as waffles, the comfort food equivalent of your favorite sweater. Plus, their geometric indentations are the perfect receptacle for toppings like melted butter, thick syrup and juicy fruit. Here are three of our Las Vegas favorites, reimagined for the global palate.
Farmtable Waffle at Farmtable Kitchen + Spirits
The lemon-poppy seed double-stackers at this Town Square spot are quintessential, all-American hearty breakfast fare ($11). Made with malted batter, these outsize discs are crunchy on the outside and puffy inside, with a touch of Meyer lemon tang throughout. They come with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of maple syrup to fill all those nooks and crannies. Ask for a ramekin of house-made strawberry preserves, and pair the stack with a floral lavender latte or an apricot Bellini. 6587 Las Vegas Blvd. S. #196, 702-983-2900.
Semolina Waffle at La Strega Trattoria
The stylish Summerlin eatery’s lovely Sunday brunch waffle ($13) is both refined and rustic. Its Italian-inspired batter derives from semolina—a flour variety used to make pasta—with whipped eggs and cream, resulting in a soft, fluffy interior encased in a delicate golden crust. Each toasty round gets topped with a dollop of luscious mascarpone-swirled butter and a smattering of seasonal, vibrant fresh fruit like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Don’t worry, there’s maple syrup, too. Keep the Italian vibe by going Vetro Infinito ($26), which grants unlimited pours of snappy rosé, bubbly Prosecco and more. Sunday brunch, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 3555 S. Town Center Drive #105, 702-722-2099.
Nordic Waffle at Saga Pastry + Sandwich
Dig in like a sweet-toothed Viking at this bright Henderson nook, where the delightful Nordic waffle ($8) is made in a fourfold, heart-shaped grill. The eggy Scandinavian-style batter has a hint of citrusy cardamom, and the waffles are sizzled thinly into something like epic crêpes. The foldable, chewy creations are adorned with vanilla-infused sour cream and tart lingonberry preserves. Go totally berserk with Land of the Midnight Sun add-ons like chocolate-hazelnut Nutella, apricotlike cloudberry jam and shaved gjetost, an umami-rich caramelized goat cheese. Then wash it all down with zippy lingonberry punch or some robust Swedish coffee. 10345 S. Eastern Ave. #100, 702-260-0860.
