A completely indoor space spans along an indoor terrace and long bar that leads to the slightly more-formal rear dining room with collection of cocoon-shape club chairs with bold red leather tufting. He's hardly a newcomer to Vegas fine dining, Chef Julian Serrano has long been at the helm of the Bellagio's eloquent Picasso dining room with its fickle Wednesday thru Monday opening hours and French-leaning menu. Julian Serrano at ARIA is slightly more relaxed, thoroughly Spanish tapas-style dining experience located directly off the main reception of Aria at City Center.
The Food
In recent lean-economic years most of the city’s top eateries have scaled back on opening hours preferring to skip lunch altogether. Luckily that’s not the case here, where Serrano-protegee chef Jose Picazo whips up a collection of small and larger plate tapas with perfected Ahi tuna tartar, delicately grilled octopus, pan de Manchego and heaping of traditional Spanish paella. To wash it down, an innovative cocktail menu includes a rosemary-infused caipirinha and white or red sangria by the pitcher that makes you glad you’re walking back to your hotel room.
Last Word
Legendary Vegas chef does Spanish tapas menu for lunch and dinner at the heart of Aria at City Center.
