Bartolotta Ristorante Di Mare Wynn Las Vegas
May 29th, 2008 by seanh420
The most exquisite seafood and Italian dining isn’t in the heart of Italy or in the Mediterranean. It’s in the middle of the desert! Look no further than the Wynn. Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas,
winner of the 2008 Ivy Awards, features a whole galaxy of rare upscale Mediterranean seafood and authentic Italian cuisine prepared by Chef Paul Bartolotta. I was most impressed by the scenery. The entrance invites a prospective diner right down a winding staircase with crystal chandeliers hovering above and a lower level with a dark carpet with a vast array of colored shapes and patterns. From there, the restaurant extends out to an outdoor patio with a series of cabanas surrounding a decent size pond complete with fish and chrome spheres. I chose to dine out by the cabanas. The sun was at such an angle so as to provide me with a unique view of the pond. My waiter Chris was very professional. First he brought out a tray and explained the fish in severe detail. Since I am not privy to seafood, I cannot recall most of what he told me. What surprised me though was that the fish are flown in daily from the Mediterranean sea. So all that lay on the plate before me swam in the sea half a world a way just hours earlier! The idea is that Bartolotta wanted to recreate authentic Italian food, but could not do so with American fish. This was the first time I had experienced such fish. I had no idea what to do, so I ordered the tasting menu. The octopus salad had a chewy rubbery texture with a very nice lemon flavor. A certain cheese slice graced the top of seared sea scallops; I nibbled on the cheese slowly as it was cut extra fine, extra thin, and it was extra tasty. SweetSicilian langoustines were added to the tasting menu for $20 extra. My favorite, by far, was the sheep’s milk ricotta ravioli with Tuscan pecorino cheese and Marsala wine-reduction glaze. I wished that Todd Wilbur would create a clone of this secret recipe. I would and probably will drive all the way back to Las Vegas just to have this ravioli again! The desert featured a chocolate cake and three servings of gelato. One of the servings tasted as if it were made from a fine champagne. Another serving tasted like a sour passion fruit puree. The bill tasted like two Ben Franklins for one person. The dinner overall was a great experience that left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I loved the scenery and the pasta. I was a little afraid of the fish because I’m not too big on seafood. Overall I was very impressed.
Standing at the Top of the Staircase
Looking Down from the Staircase
Outdoor Patio
Fresh Seafood Selection
risotto ai frutti di mare
risotto with clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster, calamari, mussels
piovra alla Ligure
warm Ligurian octopus salad, potatoes, lemon, olive oil
cappesante dorate con porcini
seared sea scallops, imported porcini mushrooms
scampi Siciliani
Sicilian langoustines
alici marinati
marinated Mediterranean anchovies
penne con scorfano e melanzane
penne with Mediterranean scorpion fish, eggplant, tomato, basil
ravioli di ricotta con caciotta Toscana
sheep’s milk ricotta ravioli, Tuscan pecorino cheese, Marsala wine glaze
risotto ai frutti di mare
risotto with clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster, calamari, mussels
pescato d’amo al forno
whole roasted line caught Mediterranean fish of the day
sinfonia di dolci
symphony of desserts
The Bill
about $155-200 for one Gran Menu di Mare (family style Grand Seafood Feast)
Dining at Bartolotta was the most memorable experience of the places I dined at in Las Vegas. The cuisine is a bit pricey and a bit fishy. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys seafood or great pasta and isn’t worried about price. If the food doesn’t impress you, I guarantee that the scenery will. So at the least, stop on in for a drink at the bar.
Bartolotta Ristorante Di Mare
3131 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 248-3463
Google Map