My husband and I are always on the lookout for new, elevated dining experiences—especially when there’s something to celebrate. For birthdays, anniversaries, or even just a Tuesday night we feel like splurging, we tend to gravitate toward Michelin-star, James Beard, and diamond-rated restaurants that take food to the level of art.
So when he came across Stubborn Seed—a brand-new spot at Resorts World Las Vegas by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford—it sounded like the perfect pick for my birthday dinner. It was elegant, creative, and centered around a tasting menu—right up my alley.
Stubborn Seed is tucked neatly inside the resort and has a modern, upscale feel. The lighting was soft, the vibe was intimate, and the kitchen was partially open—which I love. You could feel the creativity and precision coming from the line.
Menus arrived in sealed, wax-stamped envelopes, which was a nice touch. We did notice the menu was still the Winter Tasting Menu—even though it was just two days before April. Our server mentioned the spring menu was coming soon.
The Elevated Tasting Menu
We chose the Elevated Tasting Menu, a multi-course experience designed to highlight seasonality, technique, and creative flavor pairings. Priced at $175 per person, it featured beautifully plated small plates, each presented on artistic ceramics that made the visual part of the meal just as exciting as the taste.
Standout Dishes
Kaluga Caviar Macaron: I could’ve eaten 10 of these. It was the perfect one-bite wonder—crispy macaron shell, a creamy citrusy center, and that luxurious hit of Kaluga caviar on top. Bold, playful, and totally addictive. If I could bottle this bite and take it home, I would’ve.
Hudson Valley Foie Gras & Black Truffle Tart: Okay, real talk—this tasted exactly like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The texture was creamy and the tart base was buttery, but the flavor combo leaned unexpectedly sweet.
Sake & Citrus Cured Japanese Yellowtail: Truly art on a plate. This was one of the most visually beautiful dishes of the night, and the flavor delivered just as much as the presentation. Clean, fresh, and perfectly balanced with a touch of citrus heat. A highlight.
One of my favorite moments of the night was when this dish arrived with dry ice mist pouring out of a vase of flowers. It was magical and cinematic, the kind of detail that made the whole table light up. I couldn’t stop smiling. This is the dining magic we live for.
Intermezzo:This caught us by surprise. It was a small palate cleanser served mid-meal—and ended up being my husband’s favorite course. Light, refreshing, and a clever break between the heavier dishes. It did its job perfectly.
Pan-Roasted Barramundi:The flavor? Fantastic. The fish was cooked beautifully, and the sauce brought a lovely depth. But the portion was so tiny—We were both left wishing there was just a bit more on the plate.
Celebrations at Stubborn Seed
Over the years, we’ve celebrated many occasions across Las Vegas, from upscale tasting menus to cozy neighborhood spots. Most places, regardless of price, have offered a small gesture to mark the moment. A candle in the dessert, a birthday message on the menu, or a surprise treat. It’s never expected, but always appreciated.
At Stubborn Seed, there was none of that. While each restaurant has its own style, the lack of acknowledgment felt impersonal for a place that positions itself as fine dining.
My husband always records me blowing out a birthday candle—it’s become a little tradition. This was the first time in seven years that moment didn’t happen. It wasn’t a big deal, but it was noticeable. Stubborn Seed doesn’t seem to be about celebration. You come in, enjoy the food, and move on. That might suit some, but for us, it left the evening feeling like it missed that final touch of sparkle.
Was Stubborn Seed It Worth It?
In terms of taste, we genuinely enjoyed the experience. The cocktails were fun and inventive, the plating was beautiful, and our server was kind, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. She took the time to explain each dish, how to enjoy it, and what inspired it, which added a thoughtful, personal touch to the evening.
That said, the overall portions felt quite small for the price point. And while we didn’t expect anything over the top for my birthday, we’ve celebrated at many restaurants across Las Vegas, from fine dining to casual, and there’s usually some small gesture to mark the occasion. A candle, a quick visit from the manager—It is less about the gesture itself and more about the feeling it creates—that sense of being genuinely welcomed and appreciated.
We’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries at Bazaar Meats more than once, and there’s always been a thoughtful touch—whether it’s a surprise dish or a warm moment from the team. It makes you feel like they’re genuinely glad you chose to celebrate with them. Earlier this year, we also dined at Joël Robuchon and Hell’s Kitchen for special occasions, and both offered a small gesture to mark the moment. It doesn’t have to be grand, but those little touches go a long way in making the night feel memorable.
Every place has its own style, and that is totally fine. But if you are looking for something with a more personal or festive feel, this might not be the spot. Our total came to $425 before tip, landing around $500 in the end. On the way out, my husband mentioned he kind of wished he had chosen a different place for my birthday.
🌿 Insider Tips On Dinner at Stubborn Seed
- Dress code: Upscale casual works perfectly. You’ll see everything from heels and button-downs to sneakers and elevated basics. No need to overthink it—just show up polished and comfortable.
- Reservations: Definitely make one, especially on weekends or if you’re planning a celebration. That said, it wasn’t busy at all the night we went, which made the space feel calm and quiet.
- Must-try: The Kaluga caviar macaron, yellowtail crudo, and the Kill Dill cocktail were easily the stars of our night. A few OpenTable reviews also mentioned the Wagyu and the ricotta gnudi as favorites.
- Décor: The vibe is modern and minimal, with soft lighting and clean lines. Just FYI—if you love ambiance details like real florals or flickering candles, note that the greenery and candles here are decorative.
- Parking: Valet is available at Resorts World, but if you’re dining at Stubborn Seed, they’ll usually waive the fee. Just let them know when you arrive and ask to validate your ticket.
- Food notes: The tasting menu leans creative and ingredient-forward. Some reviewers noted the portions felt small (we felt the same), so just be aware if you’re going in extra hungry or expecting something heartier.
🎥 Watch the Full Dinner Vlog
You can watch the full dinner vlog here on YouTube to see how the evening unfolded, including close-ups of each dish and our real-time reactions.
Trying a new place is always a bit of an adventure. Sometimes it becomes a new favorite, and other times it ends up being a one-time experience. For us, it was a beautiful night with creative food, thoughtful presentation, and a few memorable highlights. And that caviar macaron? It will be living rent-free in my foodie memory for a long time. 🥂
