My husband and I are always on the lookout for new, elevated dining experiencesโespecially when thereโs 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 Seedโa brand-new spot at Resorts World Las Vegas by Top Chef winner Jeremy Fordโit sounded like the perfect pick for my birthday dinner. It was elegant, creative, and centered around a tasting menuโright 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 openโwhich 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 Menuโeven 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 couldโve eaten 10 of these. It was the perfect one-bite wonderโcrispy 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 wouldโve.
Hudson Valley Foie Gras & Black Truffle Tart: Okay, real talkโthis 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 couldnโt stop smiling. This is the dining magic we live for.
Intermezzo:This caught us by surprise. It was a small palate cleanser served mid-mealโand ended up being my husbandโs 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 tinyโWe were both left wishing there was just a bit more on the plate.
Celebrations at Stubborn Seed
Over the years, weโve 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. Itโs 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 candleโitโs become a little tradition. This was the first time in seven years that moment didnโt happen. It wasnโt a big deal, but it was noticeable. Stubborn Seed doesnโt 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 didnโt expect anything over the top for my birthday, weโve celebrated at many restaurants across Las Vegas, from fine dining to casual, and thereโs usually some small gesture to mark the occasion. A candle, a quick visit from the managerโIt is less about the gesture itself and more about the feeling it createsโthat sense of being genuinely welcomed and appreciated.
Weโve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries at Bazaar Meats more than once, and thereโs always been a thoughtful touchโwhether itโs a surprise dish or a warm moment from the team. It makes you feel like theyโre genuinely glad you chose to celebrate with them. Earlier this year, we also dined at Joรซl Robuchon and Hellโs Kitchen for special occasions, and both offered a small gesture to mark the moment. It doesnโt 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.
๐ฟ 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 itโjust show up polished and comfortable.
- Reservations: Definitely make one, especially on weekends or if you’re planning a celebration. That said, it wasnโt 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.
- Dรฉcor: The vibe is modern and minimal, with soft lighting and clean lines. Just FYIโif 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, theyโll 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 youโre going in extra hungry or expecting something heartier.
๐ฅ 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. ๐ฅ
