Bellagio opens Carbone Riviera, a new high-end Italian coast seafood restaurant

Major Food Group (MFG) has opened Carbone Riviera, a high-end Italian coastal seafood restaurant, on the Las Vegas Strip's Bellagio in partnership with MGM Resorts International.

Carbone Riviera, founded by MFG co-founders Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick, and Rich Torrisi, occupies the former Picasso space and focuses on high-end Italian coastal seafood.

The 240-seat restaurant features interiors by Martin Brudnizki, artworks by Miró, Picasso, and Renoir, and two terraces with views of the Bellagio Fountains. For select guests, a private deck includes Fortuna, Bellagio’s rare 33-foot Riva yacht, for an exclusive fountain-viewing experience.

"Major Food Group's unparalleled creativity and commitment to excellence have made them an extraordinary partner over the past decade," said Ari Kastrati, Chief Content, Hospitality & Development Officer for MGM Resorts. "Together, we've created a world-class seafood dining experience that will redefine Las Vegas luxury—where Bellagio guests can savor exceptional cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and breathtaking Fountain views in a setting beyond compare."

Major Food Group co-founder Jeff Zalaznick also emphasized that taking the helm of one of America’s most iconic dining rooms is an extraordinary honor. "Carbone Riviera is the realization of a long-held dream—an expression of our passion, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence,” he said. “Drawing on a decade spent breaking boundaries, our intention is to create the greatest fish restaurant this country has ever seen."

Carbone Riviera opens with a curated selection of crudo and refined seafood dishes, including Nantucket Bay Scallops with brown butter and truffles, Lightly Grilled Chu Toro, and Scottish Langoustines in Green Acqua Pazza. Antipasti, fritti, and salads include Lobster Polpette Fra Diavolo, Grilled Octopus Peperonata, and “Mario’s Famous di Mare Salad.” Signature pasta dishes such as Linguine Vongole Rosso, Cappellini Crab AOP, and a two-pound Lobster Arrabbiata highlight the menu.

The restaurant’s centerpiece is its whole-fish program, offering selections from Sea Bream to Dover Sole and Branzino, prepared table-side with a variety of techniques including Japanese charcoal grilling, al forno roasting, or salt-crust baking. Classic Carbone dishes like Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Caesar alla ZZ, and Snake River Farms steaks complement the seafood-focused menu, while desserts such as Stracciatella Tiramisu and Sicilian Lemon Cheesecake provide a sweet finale.

Carbone Riviera also features an extensive wine list emphasizing Champagne, White Burgundy, and coastal Italian whites, alongside reds from Tuscany, Piedmont, Burgundy, and the Rhône. The cocktail menu blends classic and innovative creations, including the Pistachio Colada and Strawberry Pomodoro, alongside elevated non-alcoholic options.

Mario Carbone, chef and co-founder of Major Food Group, described Carbone Riviera as a fresh chapter for the Carbone brand. While maintaining the restaurant’s core identity, it introduces a new expression on an extraordinary stage. He said the concept emphasizes seafood at the highest level, featuring a grand seafood display, a ceremonial whole fish program, and pastas crafted from the finest ingredients.

“The energy is coastal, the room brighter and more open. From the moment you step inside, it feels like you've arrived somewhere timeless on the Riviera,” Carbone said. “Our goal is to deliver that 'wow' factor every single time you join us: to make it feel just as special on someone's tenth visit as their first."

Carbone Riviera is open nightly from 5 – 11 p.m. Reservations are available at Bellagio.com or via Bellagio Concierge at (702) 693-6705.