Some are traditional, some decidedly modern, but the dishes at Fiamma Trattoria & Bar capture the spirit of Italy perfectly. Fiamma, a gorgeous space in MGM Grand with carved wood decorating the wall, recently revamped much of the menu under the guidance of longtime Vegas chef Pawan Pinisetti.

Start with a cocktail: The pineapple upside down cake channels dessert—yes it’s a drink, with vanilla vodka, cream de cacao and pineapple juice. You might want to guard it zealously and nurse it throughout your meal. Fiamma’s beef carpaccio is paper-thin indeed, with a rich cipriani sauce drizzled over it.

Although you might be satisfied with the bread basket (it’s served with a delightful tomato and basil butter), the burrata bar is sure to take your heart. Soft burrata practically oozes its way onto toasted slices of artisan bread studded with olives. Four condiments come alongside to mix and match as you desire: roasted red peppers, roasted garlic, sundried tomato and basic pesto plus an aged balsamic.

If you haven’t already spoiled your appetite, the pear salad will do it. Arugula and frisée dressed with a champagne vinaigrette create a bed for sweet, roasted pears, pecans and Gorgonzola. The pasta course offers plenty of choices for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. A roasted cherry tomato sauce covers half moon mezzaluna pasta with tender basil; the plump little tomatoes deliver a sweet pop in the mouth. Short rib raviolini, pillows of meaty goodness, nestle under a blanket of nutty, black truffle cream sauce and a red-wine reduction.

The gnocchi lover can find joy here with a version concocted of ricotta, plus Maine lobster, wild mushrooms and leeks in that same black truffle cream sauce; you can get a similar vegetarian version. Shaved black truffles provide a nutty accent to the soft dumplings.

Sea bass (no longer on overfished list, as your dining partner may joyfully exclaim), pairs with molded couscous salad, the restaurant’s imaginative take on panzanella, with rich flavor swimming through. Shaved truffle slices over mushroom risotto impart even more earthiness to an already intense plate, with peas and pretty flower petals accenting the dish.

Decadent desserts feature inventive twists on classics: The panna cotta may be one of the loveliest desserts you’ll see, with edible flowers nestled in green isomalt sugar and streusel, berry compote, buttermilk “cream” and a scoop of apple sherbet above.

Tiramisu is different here, too, with Kahlua as a backdrop to a tidy dessert in a chocolate bowl. The limoncello may be the favorite, though, as your hunt through piled-high whipped cream will be richly rewarded with a zesty treasure.

MGM Grand, 5:30-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 5:30-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 702.891.7600