GOURMET DINING IN LAS VEGAS: A DISCRIMINATING FOODIE'S GUIDE.

Byline: -- Natalie Haughton

If you're Vegas-bound and up for some terrific food experiences, don't miss L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon restaurant in the MGM Grand, and Jean Philippe Patisserie and Sensi restaurant, both in the Bellagio. We've tried them all -- and they are definitely worth a visit.

L'Atelier is Paris restaurateur Joel Robuchon's less expensive place (His pricier Mansion is next door), and it's truly an eating adventure, although it doesn't come cheap. We were anxious to try it as we'd been to lunch at Robuchon's Michelin three-star Jamin in Paris 20 years ago -- and it was fabulous and memorable. The nine-course discovery or tasting menu at L'Atelier is $125 per person -- one in our party ordered it -- but I'd suggest skipping that and share some smaller and larger plates, which others in our party enjoyed immensely. Among them: the Mediterranean vegetables layered with buffalo mozzarella; prosciutto ham served with toasted tomato bread; French seared foie gras burger with sweet bell peppers and ginger (unbelievable); Norwegian smoked salmon with a potato waffle; and French-style hanger steak with fried shallots. A dessert -- Le Chocolat Sensation -- was a winner, as was a mini selection of assorted tart pieces elegantly presented on a long, narrow plate.

The stylish black and red decor sports seating around a granite bar that allows two dozen guests to watch the cooking action. It can also be viewed from a few high and low tables nearby. The most unique part of the restaurant is the gorgeous still life of picture-perfect, beautiful fruits and vegetables arranged on racks behind glass. Chef de cuisine Steve Benjamin, who oversees the kitchen, noted that they change daily as they are used in the menu creations.

Make a reservation -- especially for a special occasion. You won't regret it.

Sensi is another interesting dining destination -- with four different open kitchens (behind glass) and menus based on each -- Italian, Asian, Grilled and Seafood Classics. For instance, you can dine on a steak and grilled shrimp -- and have naan bread with assorted chutneys alongside. Presentations are eclectic and beautiful -- the food tastes delicious, too.

The Patisserie, a shop presenting more than 25 gorgeous pastries, 18 Danish, 18 gelatos, assorted hand-made candies and the like, was long a dream of the Bellagio hotel's executive pastry chef Jean Philippe Maury, and it finally came to fruition within the last couple of years. You can also order sandwiches, salad, coffee, teas, cookies, etc. There always seems to be a line. Everything we sampled (including the cheese Danish, chocolates and several fancy individual pastries) on two different visits tasted as fabulous as it looked.

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(1 -- 2) Gourmet paradise: L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in the MGM Grand, left, and Jean Philippe Patisserie in the Bellagio.