Picasso at Bellagio

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.

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.

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

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.

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.