Dining Updates in Vegas: Cosmo Restaurant Faced with a Fine, New Artist to Grace Picasso's Former Space, and NoButcher is Closing Down
In the vibrant world of Las Vegas dining, recent updates have been unfolding at some of the city's iconic properties - Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan, and Sahara.
The Cosmopolitan
Despite a general "soft" summer business environment on the Strip in 2025, The Cosmopolitan continues to shine as part of MGM Resorts International's luxury portfolio. The property is currently undergoing major renovations, but no direct changes in restaurant ownership have been reported [2][3]. Known for its elegant interiors and central location next to Bellagio and Aria, The Cosmopolitan remains a key destination on the Strip.
Bellagio
Bellagio, also operated by MGM Resorts, is holding steady with its luxury property status. The resort is expected to rebound alongside other MGM properties in late 2025 and into 2026 as group bookings pick up following a typical seasonal dip [2][3]. No recent changes in restaurant ownership or operations have been reported at Bellagio.
Sahara
Regarding Sahara, no clear recent changes in restaurant ownership or operations have been found in the provided data. Historically, Sahara has undergone various ownerships and renovations, but no current reported changes in 2025 are evident.
Meanwhile, at The Sahara, Bazaar Meat, a steakhouse opened by chef José André, will serve its last meal on July 31. Maroon, a Caribbean steakhouse from James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi, will fill the space left by Bazaar Meat.
At The Cosmopolitan, the corporate owner of Zuma Las Vegas, located at the Cosmopolitan, agreed to a $3.6 million settlement for cheating the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown on July 8, 2025 [5].
Changes are afoot at The Bellagio as well. MGM Resorts announced the debut of Carbone Riviera at the Bellagio on Tuesday. Developed by Major Food Group, the hospitality group that's also behind Sadelle's at Bellagio, Carbone Riviera will be a coastal Italian seafood spot. The $16 million redesign includes a 33-foot mini yacht, moored at a new dock on Bellagio Lake outside the restaurant, and will ferry select diners back and forth either before or after dinner [4].
On the other hand, NoButcher, a plant-based sandwich shop, has closed both of its locations in Las Vegas and Henderson. The closure was announced by new owner Phillip Shia on Instagram, but the deli is taking a step back for reflection, suggesting a potential reopening in the future [1].
In a separate development, Julian Serrano, the culinary icon who founded Picasso, closed his staple Vegas fine dining restaurant in August [6].
As we delve deeper into the world of Las Vegas dining, it's clear that changes are afoot, with renovations and new culinary operations taking centre stage. However, for more specific information on restaurant ownership changes or new operations, additional specialized sources or press releases directly from MGM Resorts or Caesars (for Sahara) may be necessary.
- The Cosmopolitan, section of MGM Resorts International's luxury portfolio, continues its prominence despite a slight business lull on the Las Vegas Strip.
- Known for its exquisite interior design and location adjacent to Bellagio and Aria, The Cosmopolitan maintains its significance as a key destination on the Strip.
- No reported changes in restaurant ownership have been noted at The Cosmopolitan, although major renovations are underway.
- Bellagio, operated by MGM Resorts, retains its luxury property status, with group bookings expected to pick up in late 2025 and 2026.
- There have been no reported changes in restaurant ownership or operations at Bellagio.
- At Sahara, no clear changes in restaurant ownership or operations have been identified, although the property has a history of mutable ownership and renovations.
- Bazaar Meat, a steakhouse initially opened by chef José André at The Sahara, will be replaced by Maroon, a Caribbean steakhouse from James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi.
- Julian Serrano, known for founding Picasso and serving as a dining staple in Vegas, closed his fine dining restaurant in August.
