Lago Bellagio – An Extraordinary Meal on Lake Bellagio
While in Vegas, there is a good chance you may run out of money. But no matter how many times you descend upon America’s Sin-opolis, you will never run out of marvelous venues at which to dine out. So how the hell does one pick a restaurant from hundreds of superb options? You look for something special—and Lago Bellagio easily fulfills that requirement.
Lago Restaurant is the third Las Vegas manifestation of idolized Chef Julian Serrano. This is the man who brought Picasso to the Bellagio and molecular gastronomy inspired Spanish tapas to the Aria. Before you taste even a smidgen of of Serrano’s elegant fare, Lago will awe you with its resplendent majesty. The decor is ravishing, eclectic, and modern, highlighted by extensive glass windows overlooking the cascading Bellagio fountain show, with the Eiffel Tower serving as a worthy backdrop. My favorite part of my dining experience was watching the fountains explode every 15 minutes. The Lago side has a much better view than where the crowds view it from—the restaurant even boasts an outdoor porch for the best seats in the house. For those enjoying the luxurious indoor seating, a large shade swoops up and down to shelter diners from the onslaught of the brutal Nevada sun.
Lago Bellagio is all about eating family style, featuring a lengthy menu and over 750 wines to share with loved ones or even random strangers with whom you find yourself having an extemporaneous Bestie weekend.
Out of the wide range of appetizers I tried, the Alla Ricotta E Miele (small focaccia with ricotta cheese and honey) and the Capasanta (scallop, blood orange, and pistachio) were the standouts. In the ricotta dish, the overflowing honey coating the cheese and focaccia swirled together harmoniously as I used the bread to scarpetta any sweet morsels left on the plate. The blood orange and scallops were a new taste for me and accented each other exquisitely.
Lago also serves a very special take on small pizzas called pizzettes. These cheesy, bready jewels are baked in an electric and wood oven at very high temperatures, where their distinctive fluffy dough from Sardinia transforms into an enchanting and addictive crust. The Al Cipollotto E Speck (pizza with buffalo ricotta, cipolline onion, and speck) will make you feel like the Bellagio flew it in straight from Italy! The smokey speck plays well against the sweet onions and premium dough. My only regret is that I did not try the Margherita and Zucchini pies as well.
The Gnocchi Alla Romana, comprised of flat semolina gnocchi and decadent blue cheese, was a sublime pasta experience. The pungent blue cheese flavor is tamed through a fondue process, resulting in a decadent yet subdued taste. My dining mate was so enraptured by the smell that he grabbed one before I could even take a proper photo.
The Costa Di Manzo (slow-cooked short ribs) are so soft that they melt in your mouth like nostalgic childhood pudding. Kudos for packing such an intense flavor into every bite without the use of any sauce.
The Caponata (sweet and sour, eggplant, onions, pepper, basil, and pine nuts) made me sing with delight and was my favorite plate of the night. The sweet and slightly vinegary tang deliciously contrasted with the fresh, crispness of the veggies and was a welcome change to the usual, overly-sauced version of the dish. I’m still not sure if it was the regal Bellagio fountain show soundtrack or this caponata rapture, but the high notes of Ava Maria were blasting in my head on repeat as I indulged on bite after bite of vegetable bliss.
I sat there in Lago Bellagio smiling, dazzled, and profoundly gratified, simply admiring the beauty of the restaurant, when an artistic dessert masterpiece graced the table before me. ‘Twas a gorgeous assortment of breathtaking confectionery goodies. Every last dot of sugar on the plate was both savored and scarfed down, like the last kindergarten birthday party of the school year. Highlights included an addictive Chocolate in a Cup with Nutella, Banana Foam, and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and a Yuzu Citrus Sable Crumble with Strawberry Gelato. If you do not think you have room for dessert, watch another fountain round to give yourself time to digest and then make sure you order something, because this final, sweet course is not to be missed!
Lago Bellagio is one of those magical places where gorgeous architecture, marvelous plates, stellar service, and something extra special (the Bellagio fountain shows) entwine to delight and amuse all of your senses. Simply put, Lago is an absolute Must-Try for your next naughty or nice Las Vegas excursion.
Restaurant Photos Courtesy of MGM Resorts
[…] Click Here for Another Incredible Spot to Eat at in Las Vegas. […]
[…] Click Here for a Review of Amazing Las Vegas Dinner Watching the Bellagio Fountains. […]
[…] Click HERE for a Breathtaking Las Vegas Culinary Experience! […]
[…] Italian spot from celebrity Chef Scott Conant. Situated in the Cosmopolitan Hotel, overlooking the majestic Bellagio fountains, it is the perfect location to take an Italian journey without ever leaving the luxury of Las […]
[…] Click here for Bellissima Lago Bellagio in Las Vegas […]
[…] Click Here for an Exquisite Spot to Watch Bellagio Fountains While you Dine. […]
[…] Italian spot from celebrity Chef Scott Conant. Situated in the Cosmopolitan Hotel, overlooking the majestic Bellagio fountains, it is the perfect location to take an Italian journey without ever leaving the luxury of Las […]