Picasso at Bellagio

11/23/07

Mass exclusivity coupled with dishonesty.

by mohctep

Avoid Picasso restaurant. Their service is abysmal. They overbook their tables and then shove you to any available table . We reserved through Bellagio concierge service and requested window seat. When we arrived we were seated at the table furthest from the window and when we inquired about their promise of a window table they replied with: Well you can see fountains from this table, cannot you?". Despite numerous tables available (it was the last reservation of the day (9:30)) they refused to make any other tables available to us and those tables remained empty for the rest of the evening. Promised conversation with a manger never happened and he never materialized or apologized for them lying to us. As far as food is concerned; it is simply unremarkable. Having 600000 bottles of wine in a cellar does not make a good restaurant nor having a 12 years old sommelier who pours Cabernet right out of the bottle into your glass and immediately asks your opinion of it. Have they ever heard of decanting red wine? All in all mass-exclusivity with very little idea about food or service. Pack-em-in charge em-up go home type of operation. Can you blame them ? They are not in repeat-customer business there at Picasso.

P.S. Try to look at review by houstongirl73, posted as far back as 08/30/2004. We received the same bunch of baloney from their staff, word to word ,including laughable "3-months in advance reservation" quote.

If they ever close down Picasso they should look into opening a car dealership next.

• Pros: Nice decorum.
• Cons: Lying Metr D, Attitude of an overnight operation. Unremarkable food.

04/09/09

AMAZING

by inallabuk

I had such a wonderful experience here for my anniversary....or i would have if I hadn't brought my husband lol. He was sooo disappointed by the tiny food portions that he complained the entire time haha. So make sure you bring someone that can appreciate fine dining and doesnt have a huge appetite!

• Pros: great food, amazing environment, fantastic service
• Cons: ....choose your company wisely!

04/27/08

unbelievable

by foody89

When I read the negative reviews, I found pretty amazing that anyone can complain about Picasso. From the minute we entered and were greeted to the minute we left with our pretty picasso box, everything went perfect. I have been in many restaurants in Las Vegas, and nothing beats Picasso for the money. Food great, service professional and not pretentious, atmosphere unbeatable, for less money than a Steakhouse! When I read the 2 stars Michelins have the same price in France, it makes me laugh. Just go there and compare, or get more info! The lighting of the restaurant was great, whoever went there and couldn't see should go see an eye doctor. It is THE restaurant in Las Vegas, for those who are looking for an incredible experience. Went there 3 times in the past 2 years, will be back there shortly.

• Pros: service, atmosphere, food
• Cons: none

03/29/08

To expensive

by FritsLangerak

To pay $ 330.00 for a 3 -course prix fixe menu is much to high.

A nearly empty glass of Dutgold Chard wine for a price of $ 16.00 is overpriced.

We think you pay for the Picasso's and the view over the waterfountain.

In Europe You don't pay such a price in a 2** Michelin restaurant.

The first and the last time to dinner in the Picasso.

03/17/08

GOOD? - AS IF - A big let down

by mi7

The hype which preceeded our meal probably did not help. 2 Michelin star restaurant - ala Mr Ramsey et al...BLAH BLAH BLAH

In reality it all went wrong from the moment we passed through the doors of the Bellagio.

the whole place had a dire look of confusion - the walkways were primed with touches of asia and the decor was a poor mans attempt to recreate an italian theme. This is surely nothing like the scenes depicted in Oceans 11. The glizty horse in the foyer area was reminescent of a large disco ball seen in an old bollywood film.

As we made our way to the restaurant through the very average casino -BTW- the Pallazzo was miles ahead in this regard, we saw red laterns above and very odd decor with marble background. Nevertheless i remained positively upbeat.

HOW WRONG I WAS... we entered the Picasso via steps leading down to what one woudl be mistaken to interpret as a wine cellar. We were pleasantly seated by the bar in old sofas which allow you to sink in once seated - a great way to keep you somewhere you may not wanted to be !

The first thing that struck me was the lighting - or lack thereof - I did have to ask my dining friends - Nick and Zala whether we were in Draculas den ? The table was not ready on arrival - but when we were being excorted to our seats, we were lucky to get there without fallin over in the dark!

Never mind - i thought - we are hear for the food - so what if we eat in the dark - as long as the food is good right ? - WRONG -

I was surpised to find Marshmellows (yes, I am not making this up) in our sweet pumpkin soup, the smallest served portion of venision ever - finished off with green apples !?!?! and I think the shock of the food taste has affected my senses as i actually paid for the meal. Weird textures and combinations - poor intellectual creativity with the food - and it was a mediocre experience at best.

PROS: - great venue if your date is ugly

CONS:- the food does not come free

04/18/07

Perfect!

by anabihibik00

This was fantastic! Great amount of amazing food for a great price. The service was only second to one other restaurant that I love in Boston, very professional, but not stuffy. The tasting menu was phenominal, and my boyfriend did the four-course and it was amazing, too. I know because I had at least a bite of everything. It's been two months, and I can still tell you EVERYTHING, including reductions, etc. that we had. If only I knew as much about wine, but he could tell you everything about the wine, I'm sure. By the way, whatever it was that was paired with the foie gras, was the best pairing I think I've ever had. Talk about an amazing taste bud experience. The water show outside the window was a perfect. I'm still dreaming of the lobster salad and the caulliflower moussaline and the black sea bass.... Oh, I could go on forever. Everyone I've told about my first trip to Vegas finds it hilarious that this is what I talk about first and spend 99% of the time discussing.

03/25/07

Perfection!!!

by wendora

I have to admit I was a little daunted at the thought of Picasso. All of my doubts and cares dissapeared the minute I walked into the place. The interior at Picasso is absolutely breathtaking! The artwork is incredible and my eyes did not know where to look first. The abundance of fresh flowers was incredible..truly stunning. We were a little early for our booking (on purpose hoping to sit outside with a glass of wine and watch the fountains for a while). The staff was very accomodating and friendly, I experienced no pretense or "snobbishness" like others have complained about here. The bartender was extremely helpful and nice, even turning on the outisde heat lamps for us. When our table was ready, we were escorted inside and presented with menus, which the waiter explained with care and detail. I ordered the four-course prix fixe menu with wine pairing. From the amuse bouche to the petit fours and coffee, the meal was perfection! Easily the best meal and service I have ever experienced. The wine pairings were innovative and unexpected, yet obviously selected with care and skill. The food was rich and grand and beautifully presented in perfect harmony with the incredible surroundings. I wanted to stay forever. Luckily, the rest of our five-person party felt the same. We asked if we linger out on the patio with a bottle of wine for a while. Once again the staff was amazingly friendly and accomodating. I can not wait to go back to Picasso. I've been planning our next visit since the moment we left.

• Pros: Stunning interior, incredible artwork, amazing food, excellent service.
• Cons: Now nothing else compares.

12/18/06

Best food in the world!

by tego_hambre

I live in L.A.

I eat out all the time at the newest and the with most fabulous.

But, come on people.

Stuffy?!?!

You people need to get out more often.

Tell me how many of your friends ate in front of Picasso art work?

The food is the most elegant and flavorful.

Wait staff is the best of the best.

Attention to detail and let me tell you they don't even frown on the question "what's that?"

Julian Serano or however you spell it is a true master. A very friendly chef as well ( well at least to me he was).

I also highly recommend walking out on to the patio and watch the fountain show.

The water explodes in front of your face.

Go to Picasso!!!!!

12/09/06

Out of this world

by gringo_stu

I also cannot relate to the negative reviews of Picasso. I dined here recently with a friend while on business in town. The whole experience was nothing less than perfect leaving my wife very jealous indeed. We opted for different selections from the the four course tasting menu with wine pairing. What impressed me about Picasso (in addition to the food) was how the kitchen and floor staff co-ordinated the whole meal meticulously. Not only did me and my friend order different selections, but they both arrived together AND warm. No mean feat to achieve given my experiences elsewhere. Each course came with suitably precise descriptions by the waiter. All the time not feeling forced or pretentious. Again as we had opted for different items our wine pairing invariably differed. This was also handled remarkably well. We did not share one sommelier in turn, but had two sommeliers expertly describe the wine flavours and complexity to us individually. The meal was several hours of dining pleasure and fun! Yes fun! With each course came a new chance to try something different and unique. Quail, black bass, saffron, venison, foie gras, truffle, the list of decadence went on and on. There was much envious glances at each others plate as each course arrived quickly followed by the smug look on arrival of your own plate. At the end of the meal we had dessert and discovered that although the courses individually are quite small, as a whole they comprise a very satisfying meal. Be warned that you do need to book in advance. We ourselves booked around 5 weeks in advance for a 6PM Thursday sitting. It quickly became obvious we should have requested seating closer to the windows to better watch the Bellagio fouuntains that rage otside the window while you dine. I would certainly recommend booking well in advance for a decent seating at Picasso. All in all a quite enjoyable evening, one which I cannot wait to try again!

• Pros: Food, ambience, service
• Cons: Need to reserve a long time in advance

11/17/06

the Fountains

by tambotambo

I've been there twice and sat outside both times. the inside seemed a little stuffy but a good place to spot celebraties, but sit outside! the veiw of the fountains and a front row seat for the show is well worth it . there arent that many tables outside so it is quite intimate too.

• Pros: water show, intimate outdoor dining, food
• Cons: need a new menu every few years