AceShowbiz - A fantastic party requires an exciting guest list, delicious cuisine, and a dash of gossip, and the opening of Gymkhana in Las Vegas had all of that and more. On Friday night, Teyana Taylor joined Brooklyn Beckham and Winnie Harlow to welcome Gymkhana, the first U.S. location of the renowned Indian restaurant known for its two Michelin stars in London. Co-founder Karam Sethi shared an intriguing tidbit: “Kendrick Lamar ate Indian food for the first time at Gymkhana,” marking a special moment for the establishment.

Notably, Gymkhana has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Indian restaurant to open inside a Las Vegas casino. This impressive feat comes amid challenging economic conditions, including high tariffs and inflation, which have contributed to a nearly eight percent decline in tourism to the gaming capital compared to 2024. The local hospitality scene is feeling the pinch, with strip club owners reporting an increase in auditions from laid-off hospitality workers.

Despite these challenges, Gymkhana is generating buzz among celebrities including Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Miley Cyrus. The restaurant’s iconic dishes, such as Tikka Masala and Lamb Biryani, are expected to attract food enthusiasts and tourists alike. Meanwhile, other notable chefs are making their mark in Vegas as well; for instance, renowned chef Gabriela Cámara from Contramar is set to open a new venue at the Fontainebleau this spring, while Mario Carbone has launched his seafood concept, Carbone Riviera, at The Bellagio.

The recent announcement of the Corner Store opening at The Cosmopolitan has also piqued interest, especially with its enticing menu featuring dishes like Wagyu French Dip and a Sour Cream & Onion Martini—both of which resonate with the Las Vegas vibe. Interestingly, the chefs behind Semma, the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in New York, opted for a fried chicken concept instead of a lavish Vegas venture. This decision highlights the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Las Vegas culinary landscape.

As Gymkhana boldly enters the competitive dining scene of Las Vegas, the question remains: can a restaurant specializing in Northern Indian cuisine thrive in a city famous for extravagant steakhouses, including one that boasts a $1,000, 55-ounce Tomahawk steak? The answer will unfold as the restaurant settles into its new home, bringing a taste of India to the heart of Las Vegas.