If you want to have a dinner you’ll never forget, (and your wallet won’t either), take your date to the Picasso at Bellagio. This restaurant takes its name from the numerous original Picassos hanging on the wall. I have had the pleasure of dining here twice. The first time was about 4 years ago and at the time it was the most I had ever spent on dinner. It was $450 for the two of us. My husband and I chose the degustation menu, where the entrees are pre-selected and simply brought out in turn. This is listed as $115 per person on the website. We also chose the wine accompaniment, where a perfect glass of wine paired up with each course. I learned that a scallop can indeed taste like a filet mignon. That meal was superb. The service was exceptional and the environment made me feel like a celebrity. In fact, you can see Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Andy Garcia in a dinner scene from Ocean’s 11.

Again last Thanksgiving, in 2006, my husband and I decided to eat at Picasso again. This time we chose to sit outside on the patio, which has a fantastic view of the awesome Bellagio fountains. You actually sit “behind” the fountains, since you are in the building rather than on the strip looking at them. This makes for an almost private viewing feel. The restaurant also had some patio heaters set up outside to take the chill out of the air. Their Thanksgiving Day menu did not include the traditional turkey. I chose lobster, as a $40 upgrade, my husband chose the Kobe beef filet mignon for a $120 upgrade. (If you don’t know what Kobe beef is, it’s an excellent grade of beef imported from Japan. The cows are feed beer and given massages daily to keep the meat tender and delicious.) This was on top of the fixed price, which was something like $180 per person already. (hey, I said it wasn’t cheap). We also had wine accompaniments with this meal, which if you like wine, is definitely worth it. The sommelier (wine steward) and chef (Julian Serrano) really know how to enhance the meal with the perfect beverage. We actually came across a terrific 1961 Pedro Ximenez dessert wine that since then, my husband has been on a mission to get more of. The total bill for that meal, with tip, was approx $900. You wouldn’t have to spend that much to have a great meal, after all this was Thanksgiving, which was a special, more expensive menu.
I have eaten at many great restaurants in Las Vegas, and this is definitely at the top of my list. If you have something to celebrate, or you simply want to have a fantastic meal, check out the Picasso. For a perfect evening, go to “O” at the Bellagio afterwards. See my article on “O” (not Eau).
There is a dress code. Men should be in a blazer, women should be in skirts or very nice dress pants. Reservations are required.