Chef Scott Conant

The decidedly more upscale of Chef Scott Conant’s two offerings at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (the other, D.O.C.G. is a swanky wine bar), Scarpetta is aimed to become one of Las Vegas’ most romantic restaurants – which is saying something for a restaurant, in a town filled with dimly-lit rooms and flowing wine.

Spaghetti at Scarpetta

It’s no secret that Scott Conant’s food is among the country’s most consistently high-rated Italian cuisine.  Whether it’s The New York Times, Time Out New York, Esquire, The Miami Herald, New York Magazine, or Travel + Leisure – the message is the same: Get your ass into Scarpetta, pronto!

Short Rib Agnelotti at Scarpetta

And yes – we’ve all heard about how incredible his Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil is (and Totes McGoats, it deserves every accolade it receives), but have you ever had a Short Rib Agnelotti with Brown Butter Horseradish and Toasted Breadcrumb?  Well, don’t let me keep you!  Every bite elicited a verbal moan of ecstasy from all three of us at dinner, that night.  To paraphrase Joey, on Friends, “Short ribs – good...  Pasta – good…  Horseradish – GOOD!”

Wagyu Beef Tartare at Scarpetta

But it neither started nor stopped with one entrée-sized order of sublime pasta pouches.  Oh no!  The Wagyu Beef Tartare with Cured Egg, Parmigiano, Toasted Hazelnuts and Sea Salt was a rather sassy take on a classic.  And the Creamy Polenta, when combined with its Fricassee of Truffled Mushrooms was exactly what it proclaimed itself to be (namely, creamy and truffle-y).

Spiced Duck Breat at Scarpetta

Nor was it all about the apps (although we could have made a fantastic meal from just the starter menu).  The Spiced Duck Breast with Endive, Preserved Orange and Cipollini was tender and tasty, and is, I think, my next-to-favorite duck preparation in Las Vegas (narrowly missing to the Peking Duck Salad served at Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas).  Having only tried it once, I’m gonna have to go back and confirm; but it’s close.

As for the room, it’s just lovely.  The view of Las Vegas Boulevard is dynamic and colorful, and the round tables in their serpentine S-shaped opposite-facing double banquettes are fantastic way to make the most out of the space, and incorporate the letter “S” into the décor. 

Creamy Polenta at Scarpetta

The best thing about the whole Scarpetta experience, though, is that it’s not trying too hard.  The hostesses aren’t looking down their noses at the guests.  The servers know their stuff backwards and forwards, and find no question to be beneath them (I know, having asked more than a few, myself).  Everything is presented with an ease of sophistication that belies the complexity that must go into every meal. 

And when everything goes so smoothly that your complete attention is focused your date, then that, my friends, is a truly romantic restaurant. 

Scarpetta
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
5:30 – 11pm, nightly
Click HERE for more info

 
Get into it!