Sometimes four to five star restaurant can be quite “stuffy” -- these are the types of places where you may have to purchase a multi-course meal added with wine. Perhaps you want a place that’s a little more relaxed where you can walk in and not feel guilty about wearing shorts. Maybe a place that resembles someone’s dining room.

That is the concept behind the bistro: a comfortable environment that resembles the chef’s dining room. And comfortable is what you will get at Mon Ami Gabi, which means “my friend Gabi”. The chain of restaurants is owned by Gabino Sotelino, thus the name “Gabi”. What you will get here is good wine with good steak, fish and poultry entrees.

Upon walking into the restaurant, you will notice that so much is milling about. From the bar area to the crowded dining area, the restaurant is usually full of diners who are enjoying the Vegas nightlife. This is not your typical formal wine “resto” and it isn’t meant to be. It’s a casual dining experience that just happens to have amazing food and wine selections.

This is one of the great restaurant chains that have their very own wine label. The “Mon Ami Gabi” branded wine is grown by the franchise themselves and is considered as their house wine. Their house Merlot is usually at the top of most Vegas wine lovers’ list as it usually pairs well with their amazing steaks.

Speaking of steak,, their filet mignon and steak classique are their best entrees. Going at a moderate price of $25-$40 a plate, the entrees are served with delectable sauces and pommes frites. If you like seafood, their lunch menus consists from a formal pan fried salmon all the way to the lunch truck-like serving of a lobster roll.

Once you’ve enjoyed their servings of steak, fish and of course wine, their dessert menu consists of French classics like Chocolate mousse, creme brulee and banana crepes. But the stars of the menu are the steaks and the wines. When in Vegas, try their house wines -- Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot: All great tasting at a low price.