HEIDI’S PICKS

Heidi's Picks is a weekly selection of restaurant suggestions from Review-Journal critic Heidi Knapp Rinella. Price symbols are based on the cost of an average entree: $ = entrees less than $10; $$ = entrees between $10 and $20; $$$ = entrees between $20 and $30; and $$$$ = entrees more than $30.

LOU'S DINER

415 S. Decatur Blvd.; 870-1876

Lou's is the kind of diner you seldom find anymore -- which is to say a good one. It's clean and neat and the service is prompt and best of all the old-fashioned breakfast favorites are great. We liked the Country Combo, which was eggs, sausage and sausage gravy atop a split biscuit, eggy-edged sourdough French toast with a side of bacon, and a bacon cheeseburger. And a homemade cinnamon roll was nothing short of amazing. (8/18/08)

Overall: A $

RAO'S

Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 346-4642

We had to reserve well in advance to dine at Rao's; in keeping with the New York original, this is a tough table. Was it worth it? For the most part, yes. Clams oregonata had been overbrowned, but we liked the Insalata Caprese, fettucine alla Bolognese, Uncle Vincent's Famous Lemon Chicken and ricotta cheesecake. (6/1/07)

Overall: B $$$

SETTEBELLO

140 S. Green Valley Parkway, Henderson; 222-3556

When your pizza earns the approval of the Italian government you have to be doing something right, and Settebello seems to be doing everything right. Highly recommended: the Insalata and Caprese salads, Quattro Stagioni and Capricciosa pizzas and some of the most reasonable (and nice) Italian wines in town. (1/11/08)

Overall: A $$

THE CAPITAL GRILLE

Fashion Show Mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 932-6631

The Capital Grille is the kind of steakhouse they're not building much of anymore, but contemporary touches help this old-school-style spot feel like anything but a throwback. Onion soup and a dry-aged steak au poivre with Coirvoisier cream were both excellent but on the salty side; also excellent (but not too salty) were the prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella, creamed spinach and roasted chicken. (12/12/08)

Overall: A- $$$$