Four picks for Vegas spreads

The Las Vegas buffet has reinvented itself. The $1.99 easy-to-prepare-in-bulk dishes have been replaced by upscale offerings, some with a seasonal flair. Here are four of Vegas’ upgraded feasts.

Bellagio

The hotel that turned fountains on their ear has done the same for buffets, giving diners some of the same plates they would find in its restaurants. Taste of Bellagio, open for lunch and dinner, features signature items from four rotating restaurants. Current offerings include crispy Gulf shrimp in beer batter tempura with sweet and spicy aioli and pollo e funghi, chicken and mushrooms blended with mozzarella and pizza sauce. Cost, info: Lunch costs $27.99, dinner is $38.99 weekdays, slightly more on weekends; lat.ms/bellagiobuffet

The Mirage

At Cravings, the Chef ’s Table experience seems more like a restaurant than a buffet. Salads are made to order, and meats are freshly carved table-side. More choices await at nearby serving stations. Cost, info: The Chef ’s Table is available from 4 to 9 p.m. daily for groups of eight or more at $50 per person Mondays-Thursdays, and $53 Fridays-Sundays; lat.ms /miragebuffet

The Wynn

The Buffet is offering seasonal themes this summer. From Friday through Aug. 2, the Great American BBQ Fest will feature smoked brisket, smoked turkey legs and slow-roasted whole pig. Save room for s’mores and hand-dipped ice cream bars for dessert. Cost, info: Seasonal offerings, dinner only; $54 Mondays-Thursdays and $57 Fridays-Sundays, including tax; lat.ms/wynnbuffet

Caesars Palace

At Caesars , the well-reviewed Bacchanal Buffet is so popular that guests often queue up for a seat. Now, diners can make reservations and skip the line. The buffet, which was revamped in 2012, offers 15 daily chef ’s specials. Red velvet pancakes, crab avocado toast and made-to-order dessert crêpes are dishes to try. Lots of mini-plates to sample too. Cost, info: The Bacchanal Buffet VIP Experience, breakfast, lunch or dinner, costs $98 and includes a seafood tower and unlimited beer and wine; lat.ms /caesarsbuffet