I have been looking through all the dining information on the web and I have been reading some very good stuff about Circo at Bellagio. Is it really as good as it sounds? Would I do better spending the extra money and going to Picasso's?. I will be staying at Bellagio and want to find a memorable restaurant to dine at during my stay.

Osterio del Circo in Manhattan is one of my favorites. So we were really looking forward to it in Las Vegas when staying at the Bellagio. We had reservations after the early show of O.
Our table wasn't ready, but the place was half empty. We thought maybe they were waiting for a window table, but when they finally seated us (after standing in their foyer for almost half an hour), no it was just a regular table in the middle of the room. Thre was no apology about keeping us waiting or explanation why they couldn't seat us at any of the other vacant tables. There were four of us. We all agreed the food was OK, but absolutely nothing was "rave about" wonderful. In addition it was incredibly slow. They apologized several times about how slow it was -- problems in the kitchen they said (just what I always like to hear). It may have been an off night. And this was the second weekend after 9/11 when we understand a lot of staff everywhere had been laid off, then there was a full house that weekend, so that may explain part of the problem. We wished though that we had done Picasso instead.
By the way, although the decor is pretty nice --mainly in the entry -- the place was awfully bright we thought. Took away from the atmosphere.

You can't beat Picasso. It is one of the top places in Vegas. If you can get a reservation, I would absolutly do Picasso.

All right, I'll go ahead and ask for specifics.
Why is everyone so enchanted with Picasso?
Have all of you proponents actually eaten there, or are you simply repeating the ratings printed at various and sundry places?
Having eaten there last year I'll admit it was a pleasant experience, but I can think of a couple dozen places in NYC, SF, Chicago and LA I'd choose over Picasso.
Anyone have any particular reason they were so wowed?

We have eaten at Circo every time we hae been in LV for the past couple of years.It has been great, without a problem,we always get the table we ask for .. the service is impeccable,the food is too!And the wine~! Picasso is also a favorite, Circo is a little less formal,and expensive..they are both very good.Have you looked at the site that shows you the rooms and menus..I cannot remember now-I think you go into the Bellagio site and click on the restaurants..that will give you an idea of their styles.Ask for a window table, the fountains go off while you dine..either restaurant is really memorable~good luck~

Jeannie, your post is very interesting. Yea, I can think of a lot of places I'd rather eat in other cities too, but this thread is about Las Vegas. It seems funny you didn't say there is another place you'd rather eat in Las Vegas, so does that mean that Picasso is your favorite in LV?
Oddly enough I also love Postrio in San Francisco, but the Postrio at the Venetian was pretty disappointing. And although I think Olives is great in Boston, at the Bellagio when I see all the shorts and tshirt crowd gathering for it to open I get a bit turned off, so I have never tried it. I've eaten at Spago and Chinois at Ceaser's and neither compares with the originals in LA. With all the hype about the great dining in Las Vegas, I truly believe much of it is famous restaurants relying on their reputations.
Sure has been a lot of hype about RedSquare at Mandalay, and what a spectacular space. Would like to try that sometime.

Yes, I have stayed at Bellagio several times and have had the pleasure of dining at many of their restaurants including Picasso 3 times in the last year. I too have traveled all over and dined at many wonderful places in the United States but Picasso is in one of my top choices. The room is beautiful, the service is immpeccable but not over bearing. They anticipate anything you might request or need. The wine list lacks nothing. The food is beyond words, what they do with fois gras should be outlawed it is so good. lol. As full as you might be after several courses, you will always have room for any of their several desserts that are works of arts in themselves. Then there is the view - if you can get it - of the famous Bellagio Fountains. You would have to see them. They are beautiful.

The New York Times has an article about a woman going to LV for a short visit,you should try to read it,she mentions Circo and it might give you an idea about things..it was her first time there..it is light and humorous..
Patrick, you should try to overcome your aversion to eating in restaurants with other tourists in shorts and try Olives, it is as good as here in Boston.

We have eaten at Le Cirque in NY and in LV and the one in LV seems to be a little fresher,tries a little harder,tastes a little better
Not too long ago,there was an article in a magazine/NY Times,memory is failing tonight..but they were talking about the great wine cellars in Las Vegas restaurants,the enormous amount of money the management spend on their shopping for good wines...I think Las Vegas "dining" is getting to be less a tourist joke and more serious every day..Sure you are surrounded by the tackiness and tourist crowds, but with hotels like the Bellagio and Venetian catering to more of a European crowd, and with people spending more on hotels,they want the good food that goes with it..just mho~

I can't comment on Picasso or Circo, but we did eat at Olives when we were in Vegas in September. I thought it was very, very good. In fact, I think it was my favorite meal the whole time we were in Vegas. I would kill to get their cream of five onion soup.
KathyH

"...but with hotels like the Bellagio and Venetian catering to more of a European crowd..."

Hmmmm. A more European crowd?
I still see an awful lot of those people straight off the farm in Iowa with the "I'm with stupid" T-shirts, and the 'black socks-thong sandals-sorts with pasty white legs' thing.

I'm not sure Vegas will ever be 'upscale' again like it was in the 50's and 60's. It's tacky for tackiness' sake...which is OK. It fills a niche.
I have more respect for the fact that Vegas makes no excuses for its kitschiness, than I do for places that try to be something they're not (no names).

Of course,Las Vegas is and always will be tacky.And catering to the masses (even if those masses are from Iowa) is it's bread and butter..but if you have ever spent any time at the Bellagio you will have noticed,there is a more European crowd these days.Where does it say that LV must only appeal to the tee shirt and shorts set? Just look at the entertainment and restaurants-they are not directed at farmers-they are intended for a more sophisticated crowd, maybe like the "old days"--maybe there is just room in Las Vegas for all kinds..but I would caution one about being so snide about the people seen in Las Vegas.They spend good money there also and are no less than the tourists who perhaps have a better dress sense.
I may be a little obtuse,but what place do you mean, anon, being something they are not-no names? I am so curious now.

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