Even after 23 years, Bellagio continues to be one of the most elegant, picturesque locales on the Las Vegas Strip. Its combination of impeccably detailed interiors, galleries and exhibits draws in millions of visitors a year, and its restaurant offerings are top-to-bottom excellent. But Picasso truly stands alone. Not only has executive chef Julian Serrano created an incredible menu, the venue itself is stunning, with décor that includes actual works from Pablo Picasso himself.
It’s hard to describe the instantly relaxing feeling you get coming through the doors. To begin with, you dine with great views of the man-made lake and fountains, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows (you can also opt for patio dining). The relaxing touches continue with dramatic curtains and white linens on all the tables, not to mention tableware inspired by the eponymous artist.
If you’ve never dined at one of Serrano’s restaurants on the Strip, you are in for a real treat. His Spanish and French influences can be tasted in every dish on the menu, but to really get your tastebuds ready for the experience, order a specialty handcrafted cocktail. We’re partial to the Greyscale, made with Earl Grey-infused gin, orange oleo-saccharum, fresh lemon juice and a splash of soda.
There are numerous ways to work your way through Serrano’s magnificent creations. The menu degustation is the most popular and includes the Chef’s Feature—jamon Iberico de bellota, served with pan de cristal and marinated tomato (a supplemental charge, but so worth it!) Your first three courses include delights like a Maine lobster salad with sauce American, tomato, citrus and caviar, pan-seared U-10 day boat scallops served with potato mousseline and jus de veau, and sautéed steak of “A” foie gras, accompanied by saffron-poached pears, cranberry and wild rice granola. Then you get your choice of main courses—Japanese wagyu filet mignon, sautéed filet of Chilean sea bass or prime petit filet mignon. Wrong choices? We don’t think so!
The prix fixe menu is also a great way to go, where your first- and second-course choices include poached oysters with vermouth beurre blanc and Osetra caviar and sautéed crispy gnocchi made with Alaskan king crab and nantua sauce. Main courses include a roasted milk-fed veal chop served with rosemary potatoes and au jus, and a pan-seared branzino smothered with court bouillon sauce.
There’s also a vegetarian menu which is no less decadent and flavorful. Enjoy roasted delicata squash, served with mushroom escabeche, plancha Chinese eggplant accompanied by hazelnut, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions and raisins, and sautéed asparagus and mushrooms.
Want to pair your meal with a glass of wine? You’ve definitely come to the right place, as Picasso boasts one of the biggest wine collections on the Strip—more than 1,500 labels, all from the finest European vineyards. If you’re more of a spirits fan, choose from a list of more than 150 top-shelf options. And by all means, please take the time to just sit back and really take in your surroundings. This one-of-a-kind restaurant is one you’ll be thinking about years after dining there.
Bellagio, 702.693.8865
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