Prime Steakhouse Returns to Bellagio After a Refresh

By Scott Roeben, on March 20 2025
4 min read 2 comments
Las Vegas Las Vegas Restaurants

Prime Steakhouse has reopened at Bellagio and looks sexier than a dealt royal flush at an uncomfortable denomination.

Prime closed in Sep. 2024 for the renovation and served guests out of the former Picasso space until recently. Picasso closed in August 2024 after 26 years. There’s been no word about what might replace Picasso, but our network of embedded sources are working on it. And by that we mean a cocktail server in one of Bellagio’s casino bars.

Prime is helmed by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, whose name sounds like a Bond villain, but he’s actually a real chef as far as anyone can tell.

If you’re looking to a photo caption on a blog to tell you how to get a reservation at the chef’s table, you’re SOL.

The news release about the Prime renovation has a lot of words, which we appreciate so we don’t have to put much thought into writing this story.

Here are some of the words, “Prime’s new modern-day design welcomes guests into a luxurious living room-style lobby, featuring a Saint Laurent marble door frame, Baccarat-inspired carved glass, 1940s Parisian sconces and a host stand reminiscent of a fine jewelry display. As guests step into the refined cocktail lounge at Prime’s entrance, the new design unfolds with French blue and caramel accents flowing seamlessly throughout the restaurant complemented by Italian damask fabrics, handmade wall coverings, Venetian chandeliers, Baccarat-inspired carved glass and mirrors and Saint Laurent marble accents.”

People in P.R. spend a hell-ton of time writing news releases, and often their work is never seen or appreciated. We’re here to put an end to that injustice.

Here’s more from the news release, “Soft layers of drapery create intimate and distinct areas within the main dining room, while the private dining room features a sculptural piece depicting the Fountains of Bellagio in architectural form. Each room, from the cocktail lounge to the private dining area reflects an interplay of classic and contemporary motifs, with signature details such as lattice patterns woven into the carpet, creating an ambiance that is both inviting and sophisticated.”

We need to appreciate the work of casino resort public affairs persons because A.I. is going to gut the industry soon and they’ll be standing in unemployment lines along with housekeepers, bartenders and marketing persons.

Your significant other is going to want to copulate, so adjust your schedule accordingly.

Will A.I. replace the work of talented chefs? Unlikely. Mashed potatoes aren’t going to truffle themselves. Mushrooms need glazing and brussels require sprouting.

In that spirit, here’s some information about Prime’s reimagined menu: “Prime’s refreshed menu is a global collection of the finest meats through a dueling selection of the best cuts from American farms and steaks from Japan treated with marbling techniques safeguarded for centuries. Guests may complement their steak with homemade sauces such as Soy Rice Wine, Bearnaise and Peppercorn, as well as gourmet sides that include Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Mushrooms or Brussels Sprouts prepared with prosciutto and pear mustard.”

Yes, Chef Vongerichten was folding his arms in the photo, as required by law. We reserve all cropping rights.

But what about the ocean fare aficionados? Prime and its news release have you covered: “For ocean fare aficionados, a raw bar awaits offering a chef’s selection of shrimp, oysters, fish carpaccio, caviar and sushi that can be ordered a la carte or indulged through a towering Seafood Plateau. Guests also can explore a variety of entrees set to become new city signatures from the Truffle BBQ Short Rib with smoked bacon, Chilean Sea Bass or the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with lemon butter and basil.”

We’d share the prices of these incredible menu items, but high-end restaurants tend to not share prices on their menus due to legal liability related to an increased chance of cardiac episodes, commonly referred to as “sticker shock.”

The other reason restaurants don’t share menu prices online is a little something called “dynamic pricing,” or as our fellow youths refer to it, “surge pricing.” If it’s a weekend or a big event is happening in town, prices surge upward based upon increased demand.

That said, when you’re in Las Vegas, price is no object. It’s about the experience.

Rough estimate of the cost of that Seafood Plateau? About the cost of a Tier 2 college education, not including room, board or books.

Prime doesn’t charge a premium for patio seating yet, but there is a $175 food and beverage minimum per guest to guarantee this seating option. Fees are coming, however. They’re already here at a number of Las Vegas restaurants.

We can’t really speak to the Prime experience as we can’t recall ever having eaten there, we are more of a Lago person. One big perk: Children under the age of five are not permitted.

We can speak to the seductive interior design of Prime. For visitors around the world, this is the kind of opulence for which Las Vegas is known and revered.

Vacationers can indulge in the high life and feel like a celebrity, surrounded by the trappings of wealth and success.

Prime Steakhouse is a member of an elite collection of the world’s best restaurants, often taken for granted because Las Vegas is teeming with incredible steakhouses. (Sorry to make it awkward, but they don’t do renovations when restaurants are hitting their numbers.)

The recent renovation is the perfect excuse to return, or to try Prime for the first time, as we plan to do as soon as we hit that next royal.