Casa Di Amore is a locals' favorite that has operated since 1970 near the Sahara Casino on the north Strip, serving generous, comforting Italian-American food in a kitschy red-sauce atmosphere that feels frozen in time. The portions are enormous, prices are reasonable, and the restaurant fills with regulars who have been coming for decades.
Casa Di Amore on East Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas has operated as a neighborhood Italian-American restaurant since 1970, making it one of the longest-running independently owned restaurants in Nevada. The restaurant sits in a commercial corridor east of the Strip and has sustained itself for over five decades on a formula of enormous portions, reasonable prices, and a reliably welcoming atmosphere that has accumulated generations of loyal regulars. The décor has changed little since the early years — red-checked tablecloths, Chianti bottles as candle holders, photographs of Las Vegas entertainers on the walls, and lighting calibrated for a romantic atmosphere that feels pleasingly retro rather than merely dated. The menu is unapologetically Italian-American: Chicken Parmigiana served with a crater-sized portion of pasta; Spaghetti and Meatballs with hand-rolled meatballs in a long-cooked tomato sauce; Eggplant Parmigiana for the vegetarian contingent; and a veal section that maintains the Italian-American canon of cutlets and scaloppine. Portions are enormous by any standard and the food is made to comfort rather than to impress — there is no attempt at modernity or Italian regional authenticity, and that honesty is part of the appeal. The wine list runs to Italian bottles and affordable house pours. Casa Di Amore is open daily for dinner and fills with a mix of locals who have been coming since childhood and visitors who have heard about the old-school Las Vegas restaurant circuit. It is one of the last surviving examples of a restaurant type that once defined non-casino dining in Nevada.
Signature dishes
- Chicken Parmigiana — $24
- Spaghetti & Meatballs — $20
Good to know
- Known for
- Old-school Las Vegas Italian-American since 1970 — generous and nostalgic
- Hours
- 5PM-10PM daily
Location
2850 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89121
36.0946, -115.1108 View on map
Highlights
- Las Vegas Italian-American institution operating since 1970 — one of the longest-running independent restaurants in Nevada
- Enormous portions of classic Italian-American dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Veal Scaloppine
- Retro red-sauce atmosphere with red-checked tablecloths and framed entertainer photographs — frozen in a beloved era
- Prices that genuinely reflect the neighbourhood rather than the Strip — generous value for a full Italian dinner
- Loyal multigenerational customer base of Las Vegas residents who have been returning for decades
Tips for visiting
- Portions are enormous — consider sharing a pasta and a main between two people for a complete meal without overwhelming the table
- The Chicken Parmigiana is the dish most associated with Casa Di Amore and the appropriate starting point for a first visit
- Midweek dinner is less crowded; weekend evenings fill with local regulars and the atmosphere becomes genuinely festive
- Reservations are accepted and recommended for groups of four or more, especially on weekends
- The house red wine is inexpensive and suited to the food — a full Italian-American experience does not require an elaborate wine selection
Accessibility
Casa Di Amore is located at street level with step-free entry and accessible parking in the adjoining lot. The dining room is flat and accommodates wheelchairs, though the tables are closely spaced during peak hours. Guests with specific accessibility requirements are welcome to call ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Is Casa Di Amore on the Las Vegas Strip?
No. Casa Di Amore is on East Tropicana Avenue, east of the Strip in a residential-commercial corridor. It is approximately 15 minutes from the south Strip by rideshare and represents the kind of neighborhood Italian restaurant that Las Vegas locals patronize rather than visitors.
What is the atmosphere like at Casa Di Amore?
The atmosphere is warmly retro: red-checked tablecloths, dim lighting, Chianti bottle candles, and walls decorated with entertainer photographs from Las Vegas's mid-century golden era. It is genuinely nostalgic rather than artificially themed.
Is the food at Casa Di Amore authentic Italian or Italian-American?
Casa Di Amore is unapologetically Italian-American — the tradition of generous, saucy, comforting dishes that Italian immigrants adapted for American appetites in the 20th century. It does not aspire to regional Italian authenticity and is better for that honesty.
Does Casa Di Amore serve lunch?
Casa Di Amore operates for dinner service only, opening at 5 PM daily.
Is parking available at Casa Di Amore?
Yes. The restaurant has on-site parking in the surrounding lot, making it convenient for guests arriving by car.