1-4. The Restaurants of the Bellagio
1. Picasso
The Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Flamingo Road)
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 693-8105
2. Aqua
The Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Flamingo Rd.)
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 693-8199
3. Le Cirque
The Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Flamingo Rd.)
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 693-8100
4. The Buffet at the Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Flamingo Rd.)
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 693-8111
It may seem unreasonable to have 40 percent of the entries on this list located at the Bellagio, but the fact is that each restaurant excels in various areas, and each is highly acclaimed.
Widely considered to be one of the finest upscale dining experiences is the Picasso, where you can eat fine cuisine surrounded by the works of Picasso (yes, the actual paintings, not reproductions). The cuisine is inspired by Picasso's life, with Spanish and French cuisine dominating the menu. The view of the lake is romantic beyond belief, and the cuisine is elegant and dramatically presented. It is a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Meanwhile, at Aqua the team of chef Mark LoRusso and consulting chef Michael Mina have created a menu so decadent that devotees advise you to splurge on the five-course tasting menu to fully appreciate the Aqua experience.
Le Cirque offers more than 400 wines from around the world. The restaurant offers contemporary cuisine, such as striped bass stuffed with vegetables and steamed in a truffle sauce. Chef Marc Poidevin, formerly of New York's Maxim's and Tavern on the Green, oversees the kitchen. Like Picasso, this restaurant also has a great view of the lake.
Finally, the Bellagio also offers an excellent buffet for the more price-conscious traveler. And though the price is lower than some of the other Bellagio properties, that doesn't mean the quality of the food is lower. Buffet diners can feast on kobe beef, as well as an assortment of Italian, Japanese, American and Chinese dishes.
All four of these properties can help you recharge, refuel and unwind after a long day of outdoor activities.
5. Bouchon
Thomas Keller's Bouchon
The Venetian
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-8941
(702) 414-6200
Keller is widely considered to be one of the greatest chefs working in America. The food is simple, classic bistro food that is perfectly prepared. If you enjoy simple, beautiful food, you should make the time to eat a meal at Bouchon.
6. Diego
Diego
MGM Grand
3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (East Tropicana Avenue)
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 997-5847
It is the favorite family-friendly dining spot of many Las Vegas insiders. The restaurant features Mexican food prepared by chef Noel Santos. The environment is casual, kid-friendly and offers tableside guacamole preparation that will delight kids and parents alike.
7. Bally's
Bally's
3645 Las Vegas Blvd S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(800) 634-3434
The best Sunday brunch in Vegas is the Sterling Sunday Brunch at Bally's. The buffet offers seafood, caviar and sushi. You can also order extravagant items such as a roast duckling with black currant and blueberry sauce.
8. Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare
Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare
The Wynn Las Vegas
3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV
(888) 352-DINE, (702) 352-DINE
Considered to be the best Italian (and best seafood) in Vegas, Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare offers authentic Italian dishes made from fresh Mediterranean seafood that is flown in daily.
9. Nobu
Nobu
Hard Rock
4475 Paradise Road (Harmon Ave.)
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 693-5090
Award-winning chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa's sushi bar seats 150. The specialty of the house is black cod with miso, and the rest of the menu offers both raw and cooked fish dishes.
10. Capriotti's
Capriotti's
324 W. Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, NV
(702) 474-0229
If you need a great meal on the cheap, or perhaps a sandwich to take with you for lunch al fresco, you can't go wrong with Capriotti's. They serve giant sub sandwiches that include house-roasted beef and turkey. The sandwiches range from 9 to 20 inches, and most are under $10. The sandwiches are critically-acclaimed, and might be just the thing to hit the spot depending on your itinerary and budget. The restaurant was once voted Best Budget Group Meal by the LA Times.
