Bellagio and Major Food Group Unveil CARBONE RIVIERA, Ushering in a New Era of Fine Dining on the Las Vegas Strip

Rhea-AI Summary

Bellagio (NYSE: MGM) and Major Food Group opened CARBONE RIVIERA on November 7, 2025, a seafood-forward CARBONE concept in the former Picasso dining room overlooking the Bellagio Fountains.

The 240-seat restaurant features a whole-fish program, daily flown luxury ingredients, pasta and steak offerings, a Champagne-focused wine list, coastal cocktails, interiors by Martin Brudnizki, and a private 33-foot Riva yacht deck for select guests.

CARBONE RIVIERA is open nightly 5–11 p.m.; reservations via bellagio.com or Bellagio Concierge.

Insights

Hospitality & Revenue Strategist

High‑end restaurant launch at Bellagio signals a premium amenity and potential revenue upside, but lacks direct financial metrics.

CARBONE RIVIERA opens at Bellagio in partnership with MGM Resorts International, occupying the former Picasso space with a 240‑seat dining room, a luxury whole‑fish program, curated wine and cocktail lists, and a unique guest amenity in the limited‑edition Riva yacht on the patio.

The business mechanism is straightforward: a co‑branded, high‑margin fine‑dining venue aims to drive room guest spend, F&B revenue and brand prestige rather than immediate broad market share. The press release provides no revenue targets, costs, or launch economics, so any impact on MGM’s near‑term financials remains unquantified.

Key dependencies and risks include execution of premium supply logistics (daily flown seafood), consistent occupancy to fill a 240‑seat room nightly, and sustained guest demand for ultra‑luxury pricing; operational missteps or supply cost swings could mute benefits. The announcement cites partnership strength and design pedigree but gives no measurable performance indicators to confirm success.

Watch for these monitorable items over the next 3–12 months: reservation velocity and average check data, reported F&B revenue contribution in MGM’s quarterly filings, and any management commentary on operating margins or incremental hotel spend tied to the venue. Absent disclosed financials, rate the news as neutral for investors until concrete metrics appear.

First-ever fish concept from CARBONE is an instant classic in a legendary location

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Set against the unrivaled backdrop of the Fountains of Bellagio, CARBONE RIVIERA is now open, ushering in a new chapter of the CARBONE brand. Created by Major Food Group (MFG) co-founders Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick and Rich Torrisi, in partnership with MGM Resorts International, the restaurant is poised to rank among the world's best fish restaurants located in one of the city's most storied dining rooms.

In the former home of the iconic Picasso restaurant, CARBONE RIVIERA offers a stunning interpretation of Italian coastal dining, infused with a sense of inimitable glamour. An unforgettable evocation of the likes of Lake Como and Capri during its golden age, the restaurant showcases an array of exquisitely prepared luxury ingredients flown in daily from oceans near and far. CARBONE RIVIERA boasts interior design by the renowned Martin Brudnizki, artworks by Miró, Picasso, Renoir—and, in a first for Bellagio, a gorgeous deck featuring the rarest of Riva yachts, upon which select guests are invited to experience the iconic Fountains like no one else can.

"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."

"It is an extraordinary honor to serve as the new custodians of one of America's most iconic dining rooms," said Major Food Group Co-Founder Jeff Zalaznick. "CARBONE RIVIERA is the realization of a long-held dream—an expression of our passion, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing on a decade spent breaking boundaries, our intention is to create the greatest fish restaurant this country has ever seen."

CULINARY EXPERIENCE
The CARBONE RIVIERA experience begins with an ever-changing collection of flawlessly executed crudo and other delicate indulgences that pay reverence to the essence of star ingredients. On any given night, these might include Nantucket Bay Scallops with Brown Butter and Shaved White Truffles; Lightly Grilled Chu Toro with Aceto Balsamic and Crispy Leeks; Scottish Langoustines in a Green Acqua Pazza; and, in a nod to CARBONE's Italian-American roots, Freshly Baked Zeppole with the finest Golden Osetra Caviar.

During this exceptional opening act, diners may for a moment forget that a parade of Antipasti, Fritti and Insalata awaits. Early standouts in these categories range from Lobster Polpette Fra Diavolo and Grilled Octopus Peperonata to an ethereal preparation of Calamari and the never-before-served, cheekily named "Mario's Famous di Mare Salad." Macaroni, as one would expect from CARBONE RIVIERA's culinary pedigree, is an event all its own. Guests will be able to try all-new expressions, such as the Linguine Vongole Rosso, Cappellini Crab AOP, Ricotta Gnudi with Caviar, and a signature two-pound lobster arrabbiata served with hand-crafted fettuccine.

The main event, however, is without question CARBONE RIVIERA's whole-fish program: a nightly selection of Sea Bream, Red Snapper, Dover Sole, Branzino, Turbot and myriad obscure varieties of varying weights and provenances, allowing guests to experience the best fish from every corner of the world in one meal. Whether grilled over Japanese charcoal, roasted al forno or baked in a salt crust, each whole fish is presented table-side by debonair service captains with the elegant ceremony and flair that define Major Food Group. 

Fulfilling the restaurant's promise of offering everything a diner could want, CARBONE classics like the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Caesar alla ZZ appear throughout the menu, along with an extraordinary selection of steaks from Snake River Farms. Dessert crowns the meal with CARBONE's take on traditional dolci, such as Stracciatella Tiramisu and Sicilian Lemon Cheesecake.

"CARBONE RIVIERA is a new chapter for CARBONE — same DNA, completely fresh expression — on a stage unlike anywhere else in the world," said Chef and Major Food Group Co-Founder Mario Carbone. "Here, we're leaning into seafood at the highest level in a way that's far beyond anything we've done before: a grand seafood display, a whole fish program orchestrated with ceremony, pastas anchored by pristine 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. 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."

BEVERAGE PROGRAM
CARBONE RIVIERA's wine list is reason alone to visit. The collection places a particular focus on Champagne, White Burgundy and coastal Italian whites that pair beautifully with the crudo and antipasti. There is an equally impressive selection of reds from Tuscany, Piedmont, Burgundy and The Rhone. Meanwhile, the restaurant's cocktail program balances perfectly executed classics with new signatures that channel the Italian coast, such as the Pistachio Colada made with absinthe, pineapple, pistachio and amaro, along with the Strawberry Pomodoro featuring rum, bergamot, strawberry and mint. Guests can also opt for a variety of non-alcoholic libations of the highest caliber.

DESIGN
The 240-seat restaurant is a collaboration between international designer Martin Brudnizki, MGM Resorts and Major Food Group. The interiors take inspiration from MFG's sense of contemporary elegance, the Mediterranean and Picasso's Vallauris years — a period marked by warmth, creativity and the sun-drenched ease of the French Riviera. The resulting design channels this spirit through a palette of terracotta, golds and clay tones, balanced by the fresh blues of the sea.

A carefully choreographed entry sequence establishes a sense of transition from the casino's dynamism to the restaurant's calm allure. Guests arrive through a custom sea-inspired mosaic portal. The path winds through an abstracted citrus grove, where a soaring plaster arcade of sculpted branches and lemon-shaped sconces leads past art-filled niches that frame the host stand before arriving at a richly mosaic-clad vestibule.

Steps beyond is the expansive dining room, which features deep terra cotta leather mirrored banquettes, swirling mosaic-clad archways and custom Murano glass chandeliers and sconces. The main room opens up to two terraces that extend the experience outdoors, offering unparalleled views of Lago di Como as an elegant interplay between the Las Vegas spectacle and Riviera sophistication.

FORTUNA -YACHT
Docked on the patio at CARBONE RIVIERA, Fortuna, Bellagio's custom 33-foot Riva yacht, offers invited guests a rare and unforgettable way to experience the iconic Fountains. One of only 18 in the world, Fortuna is part of the limited-edition Riva "Anniversario" collection, handcrafted in Italy and celebrated as a symbol of timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship.

CARBONE RIVIERA  is open seven nights a week from 5 – 11 p.m., and reservations are available via Bellagio.com or by calling Bellagio Concierge at (702) 693-6705.

ABOUT BELLAGIO  
Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, Bellagio Resort & Casino overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, 8 ½-acre lake in which fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet. Award-winning dining including Prime Steakhouse and The Mayfair Supper Club, a world-class art gallery, the exquisite Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the stunning performance of "O" by Cirque du Soleil, a sumptuous spa and salon and exclusive luxury shopping all work together to compose the symphony that is Bellagio. Bellagio is operated by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit bellagio.com, call toll free at (888) 987-6667 or find us on Instagram, Facebook and X

ABOUT MAJOR FOOD GROUP
Major Food Group (MFG), recently named one of the 20 Most Creative Companies in the World by GQ, is one of the most celebrated, innovative, and successful companies in the history of the hospitality business. Founded a decade ago by Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi, MFG has established a global empire that exceeds fifty restaurants, private clubs, bars, and hotels, spanning seven countries and has redefined industry standards along the way. This accolade underscores MFG's dedication to creativity and excellence across its expansive portfolio. Among the brand's numerous iconic concepts—which represent the pinnacle of dining and luxury in cities from New York, Miami, and Las Vegas to Paris, Toronto, Hong Kong, and the Middle East—are CARBONE, The Grill, Dirty French, ZZ's Club, Sadelle's, Contessa, Parm and Torrisi Bar & Restaurant. While each brand this creative force brings to life is distinct, they all reflect MFG's refined, celebratory, and thoroughly contemporary approach to its craft.

Media Contacts:
Ashley Farkas
MGM Resorts Public Relations
afarkas@mgmresorts.com

Lauren Gnazzo
Major Food Group
lauren@majorfood.com

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SOURCE MGM Resorts International

FAQ

What is CARBONE RIVIERA and who operates it at Bellagio (MGM)?

CARBONE RIVIERA is a seafood-focused CARBONE restaurant operated by Major Food Group in partnership with Bellagio/MGM, opened November 7, 2025.

Where is CARBONE RIVIERA located and how many seats does it have?

The restaurant occupies Bellagio's former Picasso dining room, seats 240 guests, and includes outdoor terraces and a Riva yacht deck.

What are CARBONE RIVIERA's signature menu features investors should note for MGM (MGM)?

Signature elements include a whole-fish program with global varieties, pasta specialties, Snake River Farms steaks, and a Champagne-focused wine list.

When is CARBONE RIVIERA open and how do customers make reservations at Bellagio (MGM)?

CARBONE RIVIERA is open nightly from 5–11 p.m.; reservations are available via bellagio.com or Bellagio Concierge at (702) 693-6705.

Who designed CARBONE RIVIERA's interiors at Bellagio (MGM) and what is the design theme?

Martin Brudnizki led the design, inspired by the French and Italian Riviera with terracotta and sea-blue tones, mosaics, and Murano glass.

Does CARBONE RIVIERA offer any unique guest experiences tied to Bellagio (MGM)?

Yes; select guests can dine on the patio's docked 33-foot Riva 'Fortuna' yacht to view the Bellagio Fountains.