Stepping into BARDOT Brasserie, nestled within the opulent Aria Resort & Casino, is akin to a journey to the heart of Paris, right in the vibrant core of Las Vegas. This acclaimed French brasserie transcends mere dining, offering an exquisite escape that caters to a myriad of desires. Whether you’re seeking an intimately romantic evening, sophisticated pre-show cocktails, or simply an unparalleled culinary adventure that promises to be one of the best meals of your life, BARDOT Brasserie flawlessly delivers on every front. It masterfully blends classic French elegance with the dynamic energy of the Strip, creating an experience that is both timeless and uniquely thrilling.
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Experience the Essence of Paris at BARDOT Brasserie, Aria Las Vegas
From the moment you cross the threshold into BARDOT Brasserie, you are transported. The restaurant’s design is a thoughtful homage to the grand Parisian cafes, marrying a sense of classic sophistication with a comfortable, inviting warmth. Rich, dark wood accents, plush leather banquettes, and elegant lighting create an atmosphere that is both intimate and lively. It’s a space designed for leisurely meals and meaningful conversations, where every detail, from the artwork to the table settings, contributes to an authentic French dining narrative. The ambiance alone sets the stage for a truly memorable culinary journey.
The Visionaries Behind the Culinary Excellence
At the heart of BARDOT’s exceptional menu lies the brilliant collaboration between renowned Chef Michael Mina and Executive Chef Joshua Smith. Their shared passion for French cuisine, refined through extensive travels to Paris, is evident in every meticulously crafted dish. They have seamlessly merged classic French culinary traditions with innovative techniques, resulting in an array of imaginative dishes that are both deeply authentic and refreshingly modern. This commitment to honoring French heritage while infusing it with contemporary flair ensures a dining experience that is consistently surprising and utterly delightful. Trust that their collective expertise has created a menu where each course is nothing short of divine, promising an unforgettable gastronomic adventure that will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.
A Culinary Journey: Delectable Starters & Appetizers
The journey at BARDOT begins with a selection of starters that perfectly encapsulate the brasserie’s philosophy of elevated French comfort food. Each dish is designed to awaken the palate and set the tone for the exquisite meal ahead.
A shining example is the Tarte Provençal. This savory tart, featuring tender swiss chard, tangy goat cheese, crunchy pine nuts, and delicate market apples, is an absolute revelation. The interplay of the creamy goat cheese with the crisp sweetness of the apples creates a harmonious balance, while the pine nuts add a delightful textural contrast to each bite. It’s a sophisticated yet comforting starter that perfectly showcases the freshness of its ingredients.
The Traditional Onion Soup Gratin is nothing short of a gourmet masterpiece. This classic, deeply flavorful soup is elevated by BARDOT’s commitment to excellence and offers bespoke customization. Guests can enhance their experience by adding luxurious Perigord truffles, tender braised oxtail, or a perfectly soft-poached egg, transforming an already exceptional dish into a truly opulent one. My husband, a lifelong aficionado of onion soups, declared this the most amazing version he had ever encountered. His reluctance to let the server clear his bowl, even as the next course arrived, speaks volumes about its irresistible allure. Every spoonful was a testament to its rich broth, perfectly caramelized onions, and gooey, golden cheese topping, making it an absolute must-try.
Another triumph is the Escargot BARDOT. Served with warm hazelnuts and chartreuse butter, all encased in a delicate puff pastry, this dish redefines perfection. The buttery richness of the escargot, combined with the subtle nuttiness of the hazelnuts and the herbaceous notes of the chartreuse, creates an explosion of flavors and textures that is truly divine. Each bite is a savory delight, proving that classic dishes can always be reimagined with exquisite results.
Then there’s the Parisian Gnocchi with wild mushrooms, goat cheese, and roasted garlic. This dish is so profoundly delicious that it will, quite simply, ruin all other gnocchi for you. The gnocchi themselves are impossibly light and pillowy, melting in your mouth, while the earthy wild mushrooms, the creamy tang of goat cheese, and the aromatic roasted garlic create a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. I distinctly remember telling the chef that he had forever changed my perception of gnocchi – and it’s absolutely true! This dish alone is reason enough to plan another trip to Las Vegas, just for the sheer joy of experiencing it again. Make sure you arrive at BARDOT hungry, ready to savor every single moment of this unparalleled dining experience.
Beyond the Main Course: Savory Sides & Culinary Masterpieces
While BARDOT Brasserie excels in its appetizers, the main courses and side dishes uphold the same high standard of culinary artistry. Each offering is crafted with precision, presenting both classic French preparations and innovative interpretations that cater to refined tastes.
Among the side dishes, the macaroni and cheese stands out as a true culinary creation. Far from a simple comfort food, this rendition is a visual and gastronomic marvel. Each piece of macaroni is meticulously lined up, creating a stunning presentation before being enveloped in a luscious, perfectly seasoned cheese sauce. Its rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor are so captivating that you might find yourself reluctant to share it with your dining companions. It’s a side dish that commands attention and perfectly complements the sophisticated mains.
The Grand Finale: Decadent Desserts at BARDOT
As you near the conclusion of your meal, remember the earlier advice: save room for dessert! At BARDOT, dessert is not just an afterthought; it is a grand finale, a work of art that provides a stunning culmination to your dining experience.
One of the most theatrical and indulgent offerings is the oversized Chocolate Macaron. Chefs Mina and Smith have taken the traditional French macaron and transformed it into a large-scale, ultra-decadent presentation. The experience begins as your server dramatically pours warm, molten chocolate sauce over the colossal macaron, creating a visually stunning cascade that releases a glorious, sweet aroma. This dessert is sinful, delicious, decadent, and divine all at once. The rich, deep chocolate flavors, combined with the signature crisp-chewy texture of the macaron, create a truly unforgettable experience that might just make you swoon a little.
For those who prefer a zesty flourish, BARDOT’s Lemon Meringue Tart is a masterpiece of balance and flavor. Prepared with vibrant market citrus and adorned with fresh berries, this tart offers a delightful contrast of tangy lemon curd and sweet, delicate meringue. The crisp, buttery crust perfectly complements the smooth, bright filling, making it an ideal choice for lemon enthusiasts.
Fans of classic French patisserie will also marvel at the Mille Feuille. This elegant dessert features layers of caramelized puff pastry, offering an exquisite crunch with every bite, interspersed with a luscious vanilla diplomat cream. It’s a testament to timeless French technique and a truly satisfying way to conclude your meal.
An Inventive Beverage Program: Toasting French Tradition
Complementing BARDOT’s culinary excellence is an inventive beverage program curated by an elite team: ARIA’s Mixologist Craig Schoettler, Wine Director Kim Wood, and Mina Group’s Director of Cocktails Carlo Splendorini. Together, they salute French drinking traditions with a sophisticated menu that is truly unparalleled in Las Vegas.
Finest Wines
Under the masterful direction of Kim Wood, BARDOT boasts one of the most extensive by-the-glass programs on the Strip, alongside the largest selection of French wines in Las Vegas. This impressive collection highlights the finest small production labels and rare vintages sourced from across the globe, offering a truly global journey for the wine connoisseur. Furthermore, BARDOT proudly stands as one of the few restaurants in the country to feature wines from esteemed houses such as Couly-Dutheil, Patrick Piuze, and Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve, celebrated as some of France’s most exceptional producers.
Innovative Cocktails
The cocktail program at BARDOT brilliantly fuses the sophisticated charm of French culture with the dynamic flair of Las Vegas. Signature creations include “And God Created Women,” a satisfying blend of French spirits delicately layered with egg whites, offering a smooth and elegant sip. Another standout is “The Voltaire,” a cider-based cocktail that captivates the senses with its harmonious notes of baked apple bitters and housemade ginger syrup, creating a truly dazzling flavor profile.
Eclectic Brews
Beer enthusiasts will be delighted by a remarkable selection of over 80 international and often hard-to-find varieties. The collection spans the globe, featuring exceptional brews like Germany’s Kulmbacher, Belgium’s N’ice Chouffe, and France’s Jade Organic. Adding to its unique offerings, BARDOT also presents its own exclusive craft beer, “Hors D’age,” a special brew created in Northern France through a distinctive collaboration with Stillwater Artisanal Ales, providing a truly bespoke tasting experience.
Historic Spirits
Craig Schoettler’s meticulous curation has resulted in BARDOT Brasserie’s truly impressive collection of historic spirits. This includes rare cognacs dating as far back as 1811, offering a taste of history in every glass. Additionally, BARDOT proudly houses Las Vegas’ largest selection of Chartreuse, the legendary French liqueur distilled by Carthusian Monks for centuries, renowned for its complex herbaceous flavors and rich legacy. This collection provides an extraordinary opportunity for guests to explore rare and exceptional spirits.
Planning Your Visit to BARDOT Brasserie
BARDOT Brasserie is conveniently located on the second floor of the illustrious ARIA Resort & Casino, making it easily accessible for guests and visitors alike. To ensure an exceptional experience, especially during peak hours, reservations are highly recommended.
The restaurant’s extensive hours of operation cater to a variety of dining preferences:
- Dinner: Served daily from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Nightly Happy Hour: Enjoy special offerings at the bar and in the lounge from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Breakfast: Available Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
- Brunch: Indulge in a decadent weekend brunch experience on Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Stay connected with BARDOT Brasserie and discover their latest offerings by following them on Twitter and Instagram at @Bardot_LV. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor a truly authentic and luxurious French dining experience right in the heart of Las Vegas.
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Disclaimer: Our meal at BARDOT Brasserie was provided to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are entirely our own and reflect our genuine experience.