Circo

Circo (pronounced "cheer-ko") is possibly Las Vegas' most elegant Italian restaurant. Though it calls itself a "bistro," Circo is really a fine dining restaurant, winner of the Epicurean Award "Best Restaurant on the Strip" in 2004. The decor is somewhat reminiscent of a circus, as its name would imply, but understated. It is really a recreation of the original and renowned Circo Restaurant in New York. It is a bit less formal than "Le Cirque" next door, but casual, it is not. Circo is a lakeside restaurant, and from the dining room you will be able to see the fountain and light shows of Bellagio. The menu offers Tuscan cooking at its best and most elegant with dishes like the braised veal or rack of lamb with parmesan-potato purée. Pasta is also on the menu, like ricotta and spinach-stuffed ravioli. Seafood is also available - octopus, squid, clams, mussels, shrimp and monkfish. The filet mignon comes with brunello sauce and porcini-baked potato. Pizzas from the clay oven offer many different gourmet combinations. The deserts, too, are equally memorable, such as a chocolate caramel bombe, the praline ice cream, or tiramisu (of course!).