Olives at Bellagio

If you visit Vegas, this is a must. Everything from the view, staff, food, and wine is fantastic. I have dined in major cities in the US and abroad and this rates as one of my favorite dining experiences. The only problem I had was I could not take it home to enjoy it later. The other mistake I made was eating at one of the other more expensive restaurants in the hotel the next evening, who's food was nothing compared to this. The flatbreads are divine and I must say, even after living in the south for some years, I had the best collard greens I have ever had with my meal. The fusion of flavors is excellent. I told the staff we were celebrating belated birthdays and after our dinner comes a plate of truffles with Happy Birthday written in chocolate, complete with a candle. What a wonderful added touch. Speaking of staff, attentative, but not in your face, take all the time you need, who also gave us a great wine and food suggestion. Next time I visit I will return and would highly recommend it to anyone I know.

Pros: Food, Wine, Staff

Posted 02/10/09

This was the highlight of our trip to Las Vegas. The food that we had was unbelievable. The best Beef Carpaccio that I have ever had, and deliicous salads also. For our entrees, we had a delicious Filet Mignon, and Pan Seared Scallops. Both were amazing. We loved the unobtrusive and friendly service. The server and staff were very helpful, without being overbearing. The al fresco dining on their beautiful patio didnt hurt the matter, either. I loved dining while listening to Andrea Bocelli and watching the Fountains of Bellagio. We dined in other places at Bellagio and Olives was by far the most enjoyable.

Pros: food, service, view, cocktails, wine

Cons: Busy, make reservations.

Posted 09/28/08

My father ranted & raved about this place and insisted we eat here. When the busser came around to fill our water glasses, he couldn't understand a simple English phrase such as "no, not bottled water" and brought bottled water anyway. Bad taste! Please hire people that speak English if you expect them to speak with and wait on your customers.

The olive spread that was brought for our bread was tasty, I enjoyed that part of the meal. For my lunch I ordered the portobello & tomato panini. Expecting it to be a light lunch, it was extremely heavy and greasy. It made me feel queasy for the rest of the day.

Overall, this place was not worth it. Not an excellent dining experience as I strive to find in my adventures in life. Next time I am in Vegas, I will certainly pass this place up.

Pros: Nice atmosphere

Cons: Non-English speaking service, very greasy & heavy food, felt sick the rest of the day.

Posted 07/26/08

The best part about the restaurant is the view if you're lucky enough to get outside seating. You have to get there pretty early to get it, we've gone twice at 5 or 5:30 for dinner and it was already full. I suggest one of Bellagio's other restaurants so you get the food with the view. The menu is not very exciting and is lightly overpriced for what it is. The pumpkin ravioli is good, but I've never even been tempted to try anything else. Everything was just ok, not necessary to go back.

Pros: Outdoor dining, if you can get it

Cons: outdoor dining fills up quickly, food is average

Posted 06/11/08

the food was absolutely tasty. the selection was large and diverse- we had a couple of strict vegetarians and dedicated meateaters who were quite satisfied with the options. our table ordered the chestnut pasta, butternut squash tortelli, beef carpaccio, steak and potatoes, pork medallions, and salmon- all were DELICIOUS and cooked to perfection! the atmosphere is perfect for people-watching as well. we loved it and will definitely be coming back.

Pros: yummy food, food selection, price point, quality (and quantity)

Cons: loud

Posted 03/31/08

On a recent trip to LV, my husband and I enjoyed a fantastic meal at Olives. We checked with the maitre d' about an hour before our reservation and asked to be put on a waiting list for a table on the terrace, about 45 minutes later we were treated to a table for 2 on the balcony with an amazing view of the strip and the dancing fountains. Out food was spectacular as well, from the obviously-freshly baked bread with various tapenades (both accenting the tanginess and smoothness of olives) to the fig and prosciutto flatbread (a fantastic combination of flavors and textures on a delicious crust) to the scallops on green goddess risotto (perfectly cooked shellfish and creamy rich risotto) and mahi mahi with citrus (a wonderful collection of flavors) to the vanilla panna cotta with a tangy lime sorbet. It was an amazing setting complimented by fabulous food. We left with huge smiles on our faces and bellies full of happiness.

Posted 03/27/08

My Wife and I went for lunch and everything was great; service, food, and atmosphere. The flat bread pizza's are perfectly baked, which can go great as an appetizer. My Wife had the tuna that was fresh and served on top of crisp greens, mixed with a well balanced vinaigrette. The flavors were all balanced; none of the ingredients over powering each other. Portions are adequate, leaving you very satisfied and not stuffed. I highly recommend this place for lunch if you like fresh, clean, and well balanced flavors. Try to get seated on the balcony for the fountain show. Oh yes, the service was top notch; made us feel we were welcomed and that our satisfaction was their top prioity.

Pros: Service, Food, Balcony seating, Location

Cons: None

Posted 01/03/08

I just got back from Vegas and had the opportunity to eat at olives. True the menu is pricey, but is well worth it. The service is impecable from the front desk to the wait staff. Very cool atmoshere. The food was served promptly and was very tastey. I would recommend eating later (We ate at 9pm) as they get pretty crowded during prime time. Enjoy!

Pros: Great food, great service

Cons: Crowded during prime time

Posted 10/20/07

The food here is terrific and the service is wonderful. I really loved the tapenade and the bread that came with it was wonderful. The view is amazing of the fountains. (we had the window table) The atmosphere is very cozy also. The next time I come to Las Vegas I will eat here again. Don't forget the dessert.

Posted 09/23/07

The food here is great.... I'm a fan of the flatbreads and Butternut Squash pasta things... And all they're drinks are good... esp... The Tiffany... Oh goodness... It's busy all the time... but eating at the bar is good.

Pros: EVERYTHING!!!

Posted 08/15/07

I had an incredible time at Olives. The Food is the best that I have had at the Bellagio, and that includes some pricier, stuffier places. Very helpful and well informed staff, and fun, vibrant atmosphere. Music selection was a litle weird, but hey, that didnt stop me from eating. Great wine and Cocktails too. Creative food, Mediterranean based menu. I didnt sit on that patio, but it seems like a great option also. Fantastic experience, all around.

Pros: Beautiful view, perfect food. Friendly and knowledgable service.

Cons: Music was a little strange

Posted 07/15/07

I eat at Olives every time I come to Vegas. Food is always great. Nice wine list and not too expensive.
Don,t miss the deserts.
Very friendly staff the bar tenders are professional and make you feel welcome.
Eating at bar is fun!!!

Pros: Great food and service

Cons: no cons

Posted 11/20/06

I have eaten at Olives 5 times. Each time the food was great the service was good. The atmosphere is wonderful here. The prices are very reasonable. If its nice ask to sit on the balcony it is the best place to see the fountains.

Pros: Everything

Cons: Busy, No room on the balcony 3 of 5 times

Posted 11/18/06

I can't say anything anyone else here hasn't said. I eat here every trip. Have the pizza and a nice glass of wine and definitely sit outside!

Posted 11/08/06

My husband and I always go to Olives everytime we visit Las Vegas...even if we're there only for a day! We love this restaurant. Wonderful service. Request to be seated outside on the patio and watch the romantic water show...so beautiful! The flatbreads are excellent!

Posted 11/04/06

Although the misters were a bit much (my hair was soaked by the end of the meal) eating on the patio, with the water show (even in July) was fantastic. And that was before we got to the food. Even the amuse bouche (if you want to call it that) with the rosemary shortbread (don't know how else to describe it) and the tapenade was amazing before we got the the real food. Exemplary service, great food! Don't waste your $$$ on crappy buffets. This is the way to go!

Posted 08/04/06

If you're looking for a fun place this is it. I didn't enjoy my experience there, though. Bring a large group.

Pros: Pretty good food, if you can block out all the distractions

Cons: The distractions: chaotic surroundings, unsettling lighting and music

Posted 07/24/06

We had prompt seating at the window, allowing wonderful views of the Bellagio fountains. The lady faces the fountains, while the man faces the lady. The wait staff was prompt and professional. The food selection was good - steaks, pastas, seafood and flatbread. The roasted mushroom floatbread was to die for. My wife ordered pasta while I ordered steak. Both were excellent.

The dress was dressy casual, though some people came dressed a bit too casual (nice shorts, jeans, etc..). Price was high as expected at the Bellagio. The overall experience was very very nice - our best while staying at the Bellagio.

While at the Bellagio, you must try the live music of the Fontana Bar. Enjoy!

Pros: The view, food & service were great.

Cons: They need a tighter dress code.

Posted 07/08/06

I made reservations for Olives over the Internet about 2 weeks prior to our visit. Upon arrival, we were promptly seated for our 9 PM reservation. My wife order the salmon flatbread as an appitizer and I ordered the tuna tartare. Both were excellent. The tuna tartare had an excellent presentation. My wife ordered lamb for her entre and I ordered sea bass. Again, flawless presentation and superb taste. The service was excelent and the wine sommelier was very helpful in suggesting a bottle of wine in the $85 price range to pair with our entres.

Posted 04/21/06

We visited Olives late afternoon for wine and appetizers and enjoyed ourselves immensely. I will have to admit that we got a bit lucky and were able to sit on the patio on a beautiful afternoon which elevated the experience quite a bit. We had the tuna carpaccio and grilled squid and octopus appetizers, both of which had wonderful flavor and texture combinations that made you want to savor each bite slowly. Although they were not cheap, the quantity of seafood was generous, which made for ample lunch fare. The wine list has good choices but is pricey, which seems to be du rigour in just about all of the upscale dining options in Vegas. Service was quite friendly and for the most part attentive. Very romantic ambience, particularly when seated on the patio - spectacular fountain shows. Sigh. One of the more memorable dining experiences for me. Highly recommended.

Pros: Food, Ambience, Romantic

Cons: Prices, Hard to get in

Posted 04/25/05

I returned to Olives after their recent renovation with high expectations, and they were surpassed once again. The decor is lovely, although a bit dark. We asked and recieved several great recommendations from our server. Loved the Maytag Martinis, Carpaccio and a perfectly prepared Veal Chop. Very pleasant to be served without the uptight attitude of some other outlets.... Staff very friendly. They really make us feel at home at Olives, we will be back........... Soon!!

Pros: Great food, Friendly Service, Water show view

Cons: Noise, Lighting

Posted 04/02/05

Dined there during our stay at Bellagio. Did not make reservations so we dined at the Bar. The Bartender who waited on us was cocky and rude. After calling me "sport" , "dude" , and "boss", he inquired where we were from. After telling him we were from Canada we got the obligatory "Canada Eh" which was tolerable the first time but after 5 times very annoying. The food however was excellent- melt in your mouth tuna taratar with rock shrimp and wasabi best I've ever had. My girlfriends ricotta ravioli was simplistic and beautiful. My Dover Sole was perfectly cooked with a crisp skin and delicate meat well balanced with caramalized cauliflower well worth the $42 price tag. I would eat there again but would hope to get a more pleasent and professional server as opposed to the punk who served us.

Pros: great food, fun atmosphere

Posted 01/21/05

I am a foodie from New York who dines out frequently. I had lunch at Olives in December 2004. The decore is very nice. The view of the fountain was beautiful. The service was average- no compliants. The food was good. We all enjoyed our meals. If you don't dine often in nice restaurants, you will love this place. If you are use to finer restaurants, you will enjoy the food but it will not make your top ten list.

Pros: decore, view of fountain, food

Posted 12/27/04

I've always wanted to try one of the so-called "world class" restaurants at Bellagio, and I finally had the chance.

The olive tapenade is fantastic, as was the flatbread and the goat-cheese pasta. Overall, all of our food was tasty, but not what I would call spectacular.

My biggest 2 comlaints about Olives are the overpriced wine list and the lack of service considering the price point. While the view is to die for (if you can snag a window table), this restaurant is not worth the premium price.

Have I mentioned the overpriced wine? The cheapest glass of Red wine is $11!! The general markup on wine at restaurants is 2-3 times retail market price. Olives borders on 4-5 times retail market price.

Pros: Excellent Food, Wonderful Wines

Cons: , Overpriced Wines, Substandard Service

Posted 12/25/04

There is only 1 place in Vegas that I go to every time I visit (I like to try different places) and Olives is it. Yes it will be crowded and you will probably have to wait so just grab a delicious drink at the bar and wait to be seated. Once seated try not to fill up on the delicious bread and olives and save room for one of the awesome flat breads. The place is beautiful and a window seat is even better. The food is top notch and inventive and is always high quality. Since it is always packed, service can be a bit slow to refill water and remove plates, etc. but you can't beat Olives for a great lunch in the Bellagio.

Pros: Great food, Great drinks, Great ambience

Posted 07/12/04

My husband and I just returned from Las Vegas where we enjoyed another fantastic lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in town, Olives. After reading some of the lackluster reviews posted, I felt compelled to comment.

The combination of Olives outstanding cuisine, awesome atmosphere (complete with fountain show) and decor, stellar service, diverse menu, and excellent wine list makes it well worth the premium price. Not to mention, you probably shouldn't be hanging out at the Bellagio if you are on a budget anyway (the Prada store is just across the hall if you need a hint).

The tapanade is top notch, the beef carpaccio sublime, and the new Niman Ranch lamb appetizer is simply out of this world truly one of the best dishes I've ever ordered. Anywhere. I highly recommend a visit as it is without doubt among the best in Vegas.

Pros: Delicious Food, Friendly Staff, Great Atmosphere

Posted 03/12/04

Nice place, very good food, but like every other restaurant at the Bellagio (except the buffet), too expensive to justify the dining experience. If you decide to dine here, get a table outside - the water show is a great backdrop.

Pros: Outdoor dining

Cons: $$$$$$$$$$$$$

Posted 06/07/03

Maybe it was because I went with a large group with a set menu but the food was a let down. The seasonings were all off and none of the tastes were well balances. The calarmari appetizer had way too much wasabi on it and the steaks were all overdone. None of the food seemed well prepared. The service was good though as was the drink menu.

Posted 03/06/03

This is a great place to go in groups. Food is reasonably priced given the portions and the quality of food. Recommend the fois gras and the lobster bisque. Also-- don't underestimate the portion size. By the end of the meal we unfortunately didn't have room for dessert!

Posted 11/24/02

WOW WOW WOW. thats all I can say about Olives. Absolutely awesome cuisine. Great vibe, lots of energy. Awesome, friendly, knowledgable waiters. Very helpful Sommelier and Bar Staff. This Place has it ALL!! Loved the Shitake Sirloin, Falling Chocolate cake, and that strange looking Caesar Salad. All was Delicious. Pasta, Fish, Steaks, what variety. I will be back to Olives.... SOON!!!

Pros: Food, Service, view

Cons: not kid friendly

Posted 11/18/02

To be honest, I didnt know what to expect coming to Olives. Casual setting, though beautiful, greeted us. Wonderful view of the Bellagio water show. This restaurant was the biggest surprise during my trip to Vegas. The food was incredible. Such robust flavors and tastes. A must for anyone who truly enjoys well prepared food and delicious wine to accompany. My waiter assisted me effortlessly through the extensive menu. Their Staff is truly exceptional. Make sure to stop by Olives and see for yourself.

Pros: Delicious menu, Impeccable Service, Beautiful View

Posted 10/09/02

I had pretty high expectations for Olives, and the menu prices I saw upon arrival confirmed that I had reason to expect the best. I was very disappointed.

We requested outdoor seating. This might have been nice had our table not been pressed against the inside wall, me facing inward. Not much of a view!

The waiter, after a long delay, came and asked if we'd like sparkling or still water. Naive I was, for it sounded to me like the water was included. Would have been a nice touch, but instead, when the check came, we discovered that the two bottles of water cost us $8 and $9 each!

The food was disappointing to all of us. The service was irregular and not friendly. I doubt I would ever go back there.

Posted 09/29/02

WOW!! Thats all I can say about Olives.. Awesome experience.. Impeccable service... Delicious tastes.... Tapenade... Tuna Tartar..... Double cut pork chop.. Sea Bass.... all was outstanding. Unpretentious waiters and sommelier really made our evening.... Dont walk... RUN to Olives.. Best in Las Vegas.

Posted 09/12/02

Olives exceeded my expectations. Delicious and imaginative food...... Great wine selection. I Loved the Shittake and Roquefort Sirloin, the beef Carpaccio... and dont forget the Chocolate falling Cake. Very friendly and attentive Wait Staff. Bartenders are great, with extensive cocktail list. Cant wait to go back to Olives, Save me a patio table!!

Posted 09/12/02

Whenever I am in Vegas I dine at Olives at every opportunity I get! Friendliest bartenders in town, wonderful ambience, good food and the fountains dancing to the music. Can't get much better than this. Had a wonderful tasting menu prepared for my nieces birthday on one occasion that was a most memorable evening. Food is expensive but very good. I always try to finish my trip here to be sure to lure me back for another visit!

Pros: outdoor table

Cons: crowded

Posted 08/23/02

Reservation for 8:45pm. The majoirty of the specials were not available. My husband had the pasta/lobster dish with lobster that was difficult to find. ($34). I had the Butternut Squash Ravioli which tasted like pumpkin pie in pasta. Way, way to sweet. The service was so fast and swift, that even logding a concern about our meal seemed inappropriate. We received the check with no pen. Afer five minutes of waving someone down, the explaination given was that "we wait to be asked for a pen, since some people skip on the check". How incredibly tacky. Remember you are locataed in one of the finest hotels in Vegas. Have a little class! Need less to say we spent the next four days of our stay advising our collegues and friends to try another restaurant. Not surprising, we heard the same complaints from others. Mr. English clean up your act!!!!

Posted 08/20/02

Beautiful decor, mural by ceramist artist Viola Frey and wonderful mosaic floors plus artistic chandeliers and lamps. Outside the fabolous fountains of the lago of Bellagio are the backdrop to a very good choice of dishes, wines and excellent service.

Pros: view, food, decor

Posted 08/08/02

THIS RESTAURANT OFFERS EVERYTHING. GREAT FOOD, SPECTACUAL VIEW, GOOD SERVICE AND CAUSUAL DRESS CODE. iT'S A VEGAS MUST.

Pros: CASUAL, RESERVATIONS, FRIENDLY

Posted 07/25/02

We were greeted and seated promptly, it was all down hill from there. As a starter I had the Tuna Carpaccio Salad. The slice of tuna was too thick, and quite large. The dish lacked flavor and texture. I also had a grilled tuna sandwich that I ordered Med. Rare, it was served well done(charred). Also needed seasoning. When the waiter came by to check on our food, I only had a couple of bites left so nothing could be done(I don't send food back when I'm in a hurry at lunch time). I was so disappointed with the first two courses that dessert was out of the question...I think Mr. English should keep a closer eye on his Kitchens.

Pros: Bread Selection, Wine List, Hostess

Cons: Overcooked Tuna, Flavorless Salad, Poor Service

Posted 07/14/02