Lago

Lago’s al fresco waterfront dining, just a stone’s throw from the Bellagio Fountains with the Eiffel Tower in the distance, is one of the most spectacular culinary experiences in Las Vegas. And at just $38 for three courses plus a pastry basket, its weekend brunch is one of The Strip’s most luxurious dining deals. (The main indoor dining room also offers great climate-controlled views.)

Lago is an Italian small-plates concept by Chef Julian Serrano, the Spanish-born chef who has been serving fine French cuisine at Picasso since Bellagio opened its doors in 1998. Serrano also has an eponymous tapas restaurant in Aria. That’s a lot of prime real estate for a chef who isn’t on TV, which says a lot about how respected (and how good) he is.

The dinner menu is heavy on shareable dishes: crudo and raw bar items; salumi and cheese plates; pizzas; crostini and pastas. There are also a handful of “main courses” like cioppino, a one-pound bone-in ribeye and a full plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Brunch entrees include eggplant parmesan Benedict, a breakfast pizetta, mac carbonara and lasagna with poached egg.