A Taste of Italy in the Sahara: Balla Italian Soul Brings James Beard-Winning Flavor to Las Vegas
- Christianne Klein
- 23 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 8 minutes ago
Some meals are good. Some are memorable. And then there are the meals you’re still talking about days later- where everyone at the table agrees, without hesitation, that this is something special. That was our experience at Balla Italian Soul, tucked inside the Sahara Las Vegas.
From the moment the first plate hit the table, it was clear this wasn’t just another Italian restaurant on the Strip. Balla is led by James Beard Award–winning chef Shawn McClain, and his vision comes through in every detail- food that feels soulful and familiar, yet elevated in all the right ways.
Let’s start with the bread, because honestly, it deserves its own moment.
The house-made focaccia may be the best we’ve ever had in our lives- and that’s not hyperbole. Light and airy inside, perfectly crisp on the outside, finished with just the right amount of salt, it struck that elusive balance that only truly great bread achieves. Served with olive oil, pecorino, and optional add-ons (whipped garlic butter, romesco, house-cured olives, vodka sauce- all were delicious), it’s the kind of bread service you keep reaching for, even when you swear you’ll save room for the rest of the meal. The very generous portion of olives was so perfectly cured and marinated, they were gone in minutes.
The other appetizers were equally impressive. The prosciutto and burrata, paired with beautifully marinated peppers and fresh basil, was rich yet bright- simple ingredients, executed flawlessly. A bright, crave-worthy Chop Chop salad loaded with salami, peppers, and creamy cannellini beans, finished with pecorino and a perfectly balanced red wine vinaigrette brought freshness and crunch to the table.
The fried calamari was one of those rare dishes everyone at the table agreed on- even the people who don’t usually love calamari. Light, crisp, and perfectly seasoned, it avoided the heaviness that can ruin the dish, with tender bites inside and just enough lemon and garlic aioli to keep it bright and balanced. Pickled Calabrian chiles added a delightful pop of acid, bringing an additional depth of flavor.
Then came the delicious meatballs. Pro tip: if something on a menu says “like grandma used to make,” you order it. No questions asked. These were tender, deeply flavorful, and exactly what you hope for when a restaurant promises nostalgia done right.
As the main dishes arrived, the table quickly filled with wide eyes and quiet appreciation- the kind that only happens when everyone is too busy enjoying their food to talk.
The spicy scampi linguine, made with squid ink pasta, shrimp, peppers, and ’nduja sausage, delivered a bold kick balanced by depth and richness- comfort food with attitude.
The chicken parmesan was everything it should be: perfectly cooked, generously portioned, and layered with rich red sauce, melted mozzarella, and basil, served alongside spaghetti that soaked up every bite.
While we leaned into the pastas, it’s worth noting that Balla’s steaks are a particularly popular choice among visitors- seared and topped with roasted garlic and rosemary. The menu balances Italian classics with steakhouse confidence.
We also took time to explore the cocktail menu, which is thoughtful and impeccably executed. The Nick & Nora and Little Italy cocktails were perfectly balanced- nothing overpowering, nothing lost- just clean, sophisticated flavors that complemented the meal beautifully. And then there was the house-made limoncello, bright, smooth, and refreshing- the kind of finish that makes you linger just a little longer.
Balla Italian Soul is the kind of place where every dish feels intentional, every bite memorable, and every course shared becomes part of the story.
If you’re looking for a restaurant in Las Vegas that delivers warmth, craftsmanship, and genuinely outstanding food, Balla Italian Soul belongs on your list.
And yes… we’re still thinking about that focaccia.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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