Carbone Riviera to set sail in former Picasso space at Bellagio
Coastal Italian seafood restaurant replaces iconic fine-dining hotspot
This fall, the Bellagio is charting a bold new culinary course by transforming the legendary Picasso dining room into Carbone Riviera, a lavish coastal Italian seafood restaurant from Major Food Group. Known for its upscale Carbone brand with locations in New York City, Aria, and beyond, the group is diving into a seafood-forward concept designed to complement one of Las Vegas’s most celebrated settings.
A grand redesign with seaside flair
The overhaul of the Picasso space includes a dramatic redesign by acclaimed architect Martin Brudnizki, featuring an expanded terrace and the construction of a dock on the Bellagio lagoon. A 33-foot mahogany mini yacht from Italian boat maker Riva will ferry select guests across the lake—perhaps to dinner or to catch a closer view of the Fountains of Bellagio—adding an element of on-water charm to the dining experience.
Inside, a towering ice display will showcase daily-fresh seafood like Dungeness and king crabs, oysters, langoustines, sea urchin, razor clams, and other ocean treasures. This dramatic centerpiece sets the tone for a menu built around whole fish, including salt-baked branzino and Dover sole served tableside with flair by dedicated captains.
An ambitious menu rooted in abundance
In addition to signature seafood production, Carbone Riviera will offer chef Mario Carbone’s famed spicy lobster meatballs, indulgent pastas—such as a two-pound lobster pasta and spicy vodka rigatoni—and delicately prepared seafood sourced from outstanding purveyors. The restaurant aims to weave the theatrical hospitality of Major Food Group with the elegance and abundance befitting its iconic location.
Honoring tradition while charting a new course
Major Food Group’s co-founder Mario Carbone describes the transformation as an “honor” and a celebration of the Picasso legacy. Guests will find subtle nods to the previous restaurant’s artistry in select décor and plateware, maintaining a respectful link to the space’s storied history while ushering in fresh coastal vibrancy.
A new jewel for Bellagio’s dining crown
Situated on the water’s edge with sweeping views of the Strip, Carbone Riviera promises to be the “culinary crown jewel” of Bellagio. MGM’s food and beverage leadership sees it as a seamless continuation of the resort’s legacy in the space, positioning the restaurant as one of the most beautiful and important dining rooms in America.
With its rich combination of architecture, ambiance, theatrical seafood service, and vessel-based ferry service, Carbone Riviera offers guests a luxurious escape to the Amalfi Coast—right in the heart of Las Vegas.
Image Source: https://neon.reviewjournal.com/dining-out/replacement-revealed-for-legendary-picasso-restaurant-on-las-vegas-strip-3316993/
Category: Local News
Subcategory: Culture & Travel
Date: 07/09/2025
