The saturation of culinary excellence along the Las Vegas Strip might make it seem daunting to identify a true game-changer when one arrives. However, culinary aficionados need not look far, as something exceptional is on the horizon.
This December 3, the opening of Gymkhana at Aria will mark a significant milestone as the first Indian restaurant within a Strip casino resort. Its original London location is not merely a dining establishment but a culinary landmark, boasting an impressive two Michelin stars—an accolade that few Las Vegas restaurants can claim.
Gymkhana is a brainchild of JKS, the parent company founded in 2008 by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi. The trio has garnered a remarkable seven Michelin stars across their diverse portfolio, and the Las Vegas venue will be their inaugural U.S. location, with an Ambassadors Clubhouse slated for New York in early 2026.
Karam Sethi encapsulates the vision for this venture when he shares, “Our mission in America is the same as in the U.K. Indian cuisine is an adopted food in the U.K., it’s ingrained in the culture. The mission is to make Indian food a local cuisine in America as well.” His words emphasize an ambition that transcends culinary boundaries.
Excitement for Gymkhana’s unveiling can be described as overwhelming; the restaurant is already booked through mid-January, and new reservations set to be released on December 8 promise to further entice eager diners.
What’s striking is that Gymkhana Las Vegas has been years in the making. Discussions about a Strip location began nearly a decade ago, spearheaded by longtime MGM Resorts executive Ari Kastrati, who dined at the London location and envisioned bringing its stellar fare to the vibrant Vegas scene.
Sethi insists that Gymkhana is not about reinventing the cuisine but rather celebrating Indian culture in its purest form. “It’s a very personal take on food and beverage and service. The Vegas guest profile is the perfect cross-section of the American public, so there’s a real opportunity to widen the exposure of Indian food across the country,” he notes.
The average American—and especially those in Las Vegas—may be familiar with Indian cuisine in more casual settings. Gymkhana aims to elevate this experience, presenting a sophisticated take without an air of pretentiousness. “The way we’ve built it since day one is all about conviviality, sharing, family-style, and good vibes,” Sethi explains. “Everything is delivered with finesse and precision, but it’s not the typical white tablecloth, hush-hush experience. It has to be fun.”
True to its roots, the menu features classic dishes such as tandoori masala lamb chops, chicken butter masala, and venison biryani. However, the Vegas iteration will introduce beef dishes for the first time, including a Wagyu keema naan and a beef shortrib pepper fry, pairing traditional flavors with a modern twist. The sophisticated spices that define Indian cuisine will be represented in full glory, ensuring a memorable culinary journey.
As Sethi emphasizes, “The timing is right. We have carefully curated this Gymkhana for the Las Vegas market.” His vision involves combining what they are renowned for in London with the fun and dynamic lifestyle that Las Vegas guests cherish. This deliberate fusion aims to introduce an expansive audience to the richness of Indian flavors, building a bridge between culinary heritage and contemporary dining experiences.