In the ever-evolving tapestry of Las Vegas fine dining, a significant thread is poised to be tucked away into the annals of history. Julian Serrano, the maestro of Mediterranean cuisine and an institution unto himself, is bidding adieu to his masterpiece, the celebrated Picasso restaurant at Bellagio, after a splendid twenty-five-year run. This closure signals the beginning of Serrano’s graceful dance towards retirement—a wistful finale penned in the latest chapter of his illustrious culinary career.
Within the gilded walls of Picasso, which burst onto the scene in 1998, Chef Serrano painted a gastronomic picture that resonated with the palates of gourmands and critics alike. His deft fusion of flavor and artistry garnered the establishment unparalleled acclaim: the first Las Vegas contender for the James Beard’s Best New Restaurant award, the double honor of two Michelin stars, and the distinction of being one of only two Nevada restaurants to be graced with the Forbes Five-Star Award.
While the kitchen at the acclaimed Lago will no longer feel Serrano’s magnetic presence, he assures patrons his culinary narrative will continue at Julian Serrano Tapas at Aria, undeterred by the changing tides.
As one celestial body in the constellation of Las Vegas culinary scene dims, another sparks to life. José Andrés, a fellow Spaniard and celebrated chef, readies himself to unveil his newest treasure: Bazaar Mar. The establishment, set to throw open its doors this summer at The Shops at Crystals in Aria Campus, is Andrés’s homage to the riches of the sea and the vibrant flavors of Spain—a fifth jewel in his Las Vegas crown. This announcement comes on the heels of the anticipated debut of a sixth Andrés restaurant at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace—a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine that promises a culinary tour through Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon.
The dining landscape of Sin City continues to morph and expand, with revered local haunt Lotus of Siam returning to its roots in the Historic Commercial Center—a grand reveal featuring an expanded space, a bar stirring with piquancy, and refined decor. Meanwhile, Fred Howard’s brainchild, Southern Style Eatery, is set to bring a zestful slice of Louisiana to Las Vegas Boulevard this June.
Amidst openings, the city bids goodbye to a few longstanding establishments. Sadly, the Tex Mex eatery bows out to make way for Tilman Fertitta’s ambitious casino resort project, while California Noodle House joyously reopens at California casino after a lengthy pandemic-induced hiatus.
Yet not all tales have a savory end. Spring by China Mama emerges anew, while the original musters resolve in the aftermath of a distressing fire. And the Jamaican VYBZ Bar & Grill, amid controversy and tumult following a staggering 60 demerits from the Southern Nevada Health District, has shuttered its doors.
Thus unfolds another chapter in the vibrant saga of Las Vegas’s culinary chronicles—a dynamic, ever-shifting narrative of closures and grand openings, of unforgettable dining experiences written under the shimmering neon glow.
