Julian Serrano Brings The Milan-Inspired Lago to the Bellagio

Bellagio makes it official: Lago by Julian Serrano plans to open in the former Circo space in March 2015, bringing Italian fare from the Spanish chef.

Serrano, who already has Picasso at the Bellagio and his eponymous tapas restaurant at Aria, plans to serve "small, savory Italian dishes." Some of the menu items teased by the James Beard Award-winning chef include antipasti such as carpaccio and bruschetta; fresh pastas such as risotto and gnocchi; an assortment of pizzas; and salmon, chicken and steak.

Munge Leung is in charge of the makeover to the former tentlike space from Adam Tihany occupied by Circo. The 20th century movement Italian Futurismo inspires the interior with a mosaic measuring 15 feet tall and spanning 100 feet made of colorful Italian glass portraying an aerial map of Milan greeting guests as they enter. Colored backlit glass panels with a gradient and bright metal accents symbolizing Milan’s roadways accent the art.

Guests first see a lounge with a glass-and-chrome mixology counter. Lago plans to serve 30 wines by the glass. The backbar finds inspiration from fashion designer Emilio Pucci’s designs, while Venini-inspired hand-blown glass vases filled with flowers sit along the top of the bar.

The main dining room is where guests will find views of the Bellagio Fountains, a 600-bottle wine list and the full menu. A private dining room features a custom glass chandelier inspired by antique Italian wicker wine bottles.

And with the fountains comes an opportunity to dine outside. A patio described as "a garden-inspired respite framed by a glass-enclosed green wall" will give guests center court seating for the show.

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