CARBONE Riviera, the newest edition of the famed CARBONE brand, will drop anchor this fall on the Fountains of Bellagio. The seafood-driven restaurant-crafted by Major Food Group and MGM Resorts-aims to redefine upscale dining on the Las Vegas Strip with theatrical tableside service, a towering raw-bar centerpiece, and exclusive yacht rides on the resort's lagoon. Early previews suggest CARBONE Riviera could become the city's most coveted reservation.
Key Points
- Why it matters: replaces Picasso, a Strip landmark
- Seafood focus: raw-bar tower, whole-fish program, lobster pasta
- Design: Martin Brudnizki reinvents the lakefront dining room
- Service style: uniformed captains deliver polished theatrics
- Bellagio perk: rides on a rare 33-foot Riva "Anniversario" yacht
CARBONE Riviera Snapshot - How It Works
Occupying Picasso's coveted lakefront footprint, CARBONE Riviera marries the brand's Italian-American soul with Mediterranean seafood traditions. Guests enter to a glistening ice display stacked with king crab, razor clams, and ricci di mare flown in daily. Uniformed captains then choreograph the experience, presenting salt-baked branzino or grilled Dover sole tableside before carving. Signature pastas, including a two-pound lobster linguine and the cult-favorite Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, round out the feast. With 230 seats, a lounge, and an al fresco fountain terrace, the venue targets both destination diners and high-roller regulars.
CARBONE Riviera Background - Why It Matters
CARBONE burst onto Manhattan's scene in 2013, reviving mid-century red-sauce glamour with white-tablecloth polish. Franchise siblings in Miami, Dallas, and Hong Kong soon followed. Las Vegas already hosts a CARBONE at Aria, yet the brand's founders-Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick-have long envisioned a seafood-forward concept. Bellagio's decision to retire Picasso, a two-decade Michelin mainstay, opened the perfect stage. The move preserves the Strip's tradition of headline culinary experiences while satisfying demand for premium seafood and experiential dining.
CARBONE Riviera Latest Developments
Bellagio and Major Food Group unveiled the project on July 9, 2025, signaling a multi-faceted upgrade to the resort's food-and-beverage lineup.
Dining Room Reinvented
Designer Martin Brudnizki stripped Picasso's earth tones for Riviera-inspired blues, terrazzo floors, and Murano-glass chandeliers. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame fountain shows, while a marble service cart system supports tableside filleting and flambéing.
Signature Seafood Rituals
A daily-flown raw bar anchors the menu. Whole fish arrive on silver trays for guest approval before heading to the wood grill or salt crust. Captains slice, debone, and plate each portion with synchronized flair-continuing CARBONE's tradition of dinner as theater.
Bellagio's Riva Yacht Experience
For the first time, diners may book a pre- or post-meal Cruise on a limited-edition 33-foot Riva "Anniversario." Only 18 exist worldwide, and Bellagio's model circles the Lago di Como lagoon for fountain performances, champagne in hand.
Analysis
CARBONE Riviera checks every box for travelers chasing exclusivity. By pairing a trusted luxury brand with Bellagio's iconic setting, Major Food Group taps both loyal CARBONE followers and high-end Vegas tourists. The seafood emphasis differentiates it from steak-heavy competitors like Prime and Jean Georges, while the yacht ride adds a share-worthy experience that extends beyond the table. Expect reservation demand to mirror the original CARBONE's New York frenzy-booking early will be essential. Price points have not been released, yet comparable Strip tasting menus start around $195. Advising clients, position CARBONE Riviera as a marquee splurge night: suggest pairing it with evening fountain shows or Cirque du Soleil's "O" in the same complex. Note that formal attire, while not mandatory, will match the room's atmosphere and may yield better seating. Meanwhile, seafood aficionados should request the first wave of nightly deliveries for peak freshness. Finally, remind guests that the restaurant sits within Bellagio's Via concourse, an easy elevator ride from guest rooms-ideal for those wanting to linger over digestifs without hailing a Ride Share. For broader Strip planning, see our Las Vegas Travel Guide.
Final Thoughts
With CARBONE Riviera, Bellagio positions itself once again at the pinnacle of Strip dining. Travelers who crave spectacle with substance will find both in the raw-bar towers, choreographed service, and lakeside yacht cruises. Reserve early, arrive hungry, and allow extra time to savor the fountain views. Seafood lovers-especially those seeking tableside whole fish-should flag preferences when booking. Lastly, schedule a late reservation to catch Bellagio's nighttime fountain finales, ensuring the CARBONE Riviera name bookends your evening in style.