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An offshoot of the luxe Carbone brand serving Italian-American classics, Carbone Riviera is a fish-first spot nestled lakeside at the Bellagio. With a menu packed with seafood, a whole fish program and a miniature yacht taking select guests on a private float, this hotspot was created to make an impression.
The vibe: Carbone Riviera inherited the Picasso and Renoir paintings from the previous owner of the space (Picasso) and plays up its devotion to seafood. The restaurant can be a bit stuffy with convention-goers proudly impressing clients and using corporate cards to pay for meals. A floating patio offers front row views of the Bellagio fountain show and a 33-foot yacht gives rides to VIP guests.
The food: While Carbone classics like spicy rigatoni vodka, baked clams casino, and Caesar salad prepared tableside are available, you’ll be rewarded when ordering the photogenic whole sea bream that seemingly swims on the plate or the two-pound lobster fettuccine. Pastas and Snake River steaks round out the menu.
The drink: Guests can toast with wines or champagne (including Dom Perignon) by the glass, order full bottles or one of Carbone’s many martinis. But if you really want to pretend you're in Lake Como, order a refreshing tangerine-flavored Sunrise Margarita or a pistachio colada.
Time Out tip: The best seat in the house is on the patio. Be sure to reserve in advance to enjoy the fountain show with your meal. There is a minimum spend of $175 per person, but honestly, that won’t be a problem here.