Scarpetta Las Vegas Review – Simply Sinful

While letting loose in the world’s sexiest playground, it’s important to take time to dine in the same decadent fashion. Enter Scarpetta Las Vegas: a sultry 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 Vegas. Conant’s paradise of plush indulgence captivates from the moment you set foot inside it, the sleek decor and dark lighting creating a perfect Vegas setting while the irresistible aromas of Old World cuisine illicit sinfully-satisfied smiles and nods of approval from everyone who has the pleasure of smelling them.

Before we could even fully feast our eyes on the ornate decor, we were presented with a marvelous basket of assorted breads to distract us—fresh, hot, and straight-from-the-oven. The delectable, doughy treats were accompanied by a to-die-for eggplant dip, lush olive oil, and creamy butter. The rolls were the best I have had at any restaurant. My favorites included one that had been stuffed with salami, as well as a remarkably flavorful vegetable bread. Each and every variety was absolutely delicious after being slowly dipped into the premium oil to soak up the unctuous richness therein.

After we’d tackled the generous bread basket, we started with Conant’s famous Creamy Polenta. The dish was even better than its reputation proclaimed. In its simplest form, polenta is cornmeal that is boiled into a porridge-like mixture. At Scarpetta Las Vegas, the polenta is a luscious blanket of flavor, served with a generous helping of fricasseed (cut up, sautéed, and braised) truffled mushrooms. What makes this treat so incomprehensibly delicious is that the polenta is cooked for three hours, dissolving each tiny grain of corn and transforming what would be a common dish into into a velvety and deliriously superb delicacy. The amazing consistency of the polenta simultaneously dazzles the palate and soothes the soul.

Next up was the Lobster Salad—a fresh, radiant, concoction of summer vegetables that was supremely light and tasty. The mix of burrata, baby heirloom tomatoes, and peaches was creative, unique, and worked in a divine fashion.

After that refreshing detour, we sampled the Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil, the world-renowned dish that vaulted Scarpetta into the realms of culinary fame. Scarpetta Las Vegas uses noodles imported from straight from Italy—an instantly noticeable and much-appreciated difference from the usual. The pasta was cooked al dente (firm, but not hard) to perfection. The thick, substantial noodles were soft enough to twirl around your fork and tongue but maintained a firm bite that was wonderful to sink your teeth into. The tomato, while bright and flavorful, did not overpower the sauce, allowing the deep herbal essence of the basil to permeate every bite. Impressively, the dish was very delicate for a pasta, and while it was a simple preparation, it was executed perfectly. This is what spaghetti was always meant to be—the epitome of its kind.

To finish off this Italian Feast, we ordered Coconut Panna Cotta, served with caramelized pineapple and a guava “soup.” The fun combination of flavors made eating feel like playing. The sweet and tart soup contrasted elegantly against the deceptively thick and dense custard and left our taste buds both surprised and wowed. As all of the flavors harmoniously blended together, the Panna Cotta became even more addictive, an ambrosial sugar rush that we could not stop eating.

Scarpetta Las Vegas is a wondrous spot where every nook and cranny exudes a seductive energy that you will want to immerse yourself in time and again. If your are looking for a sexy fine dining with fantastic Italian food, incredible wine, and impeccable service, then Scott Conant will never steer you wrong.

Photos Courtesy of Cosmopolitan Hotel Las Vegas

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