The Aria Cafe is the 24 hour cafe (or diner) of the Aria Hotel and City Center. It is located in the back of the casino to the left of the hotel registration.
I have caught Aria Cafe's act two times. The first time we ate here was in 2010 when we were staying at the Aria after my brother's laser surgery and yesterday when my brother and I met up with my New York bound Aunt who had checked out of the Aria. The common denominator of both visits was that we needed to dine by the Aria.
The contemporary ambiance of the Aria permeates into the Aria Cafe. So do the high prices. Considering that this is an MGM-owned restaurant it comes as no shock that the prices are inflated. The average sandwich costs $17.99 and up. This included the Philly cheese steak that I ordered.
Although "aria" means solo in an opera, here it could mean a solo menu page. The menu is only one page. The good is that deciding what to eat is not overwhelming. The bad is the want of a variety of food.
Throughout the dinner, the waitress was attentive and professional. She took the initiative to refill the drinks. Furthermore she did not rush us out when my brother and I were talking to our Aunt after dinner.
Prior to the meal, the waitress placed a bowl of complimentary house bread on the table. The Philly cheese steak was good. For $18 I expected it to be good. My picture below the review, shows a medium size sandwich overflowing with the sliced steak and melted American cheese. The picture also shows a Philly cheese steak without toppings such as onions and mushrooms. The Philly cheese steak included French fries and a pickle slice. The waitress delivered the bowl of French fries a few minutes after the sandwich. In similar style to the Philly cheese steak, it was good yet short of great.
When I review places on the Strip two questions come to mind. 1. Would I visit this business if it was off the Strip? 2. Is this a business that provides a unique experience?
1. Would I visit Aria Cafe if it was off the Strip? Absolutely not. The prices are inflated. The menu is limited missing the variety of choices that a great cafe or diner offers. The Philly cheese steak was nothing special. If I want a delicious Philly cheese steak in Henderson Miller's Ale House serves them. If I want a delicious South Chicago cheese steak that is similar to Philly cheese steak in Las Vegas Chicago Brewing Pub serves a delicious one.
2. Does the Aria Cafe provide a unique experience? Not really. I feel that if the Aria had a strong theme like Paris or Venetian, it would be a unique experience. However, if you are spending a lot of time at the Aria on a Las Vegas vacation partying, clubbing, or chilling it could be a unique experience to a Las Vegas visitor.
Based on my two first hand experiences at the Aria Cafe with the answers to the two above questions, I rate Aria Cafe three stars.