Michael Mina Bellagio: A Michelin-Star Tasting Menu | Swetta24

A first-person tasting of the Signature Menu — artistry, precision, and pure deliciousness.

There are meals that simply feed you, and then there are meals that change how you think about flavor. My evening at MICHAEL MINA at the Bellagio — hosted by @michaelminalv, @chefmichaelmina, @theminagroup, and @bellagio — was unmistakably the latter. From the first amuse bouche to the final bright note of The Lemon, every plate was a lesson in balance: texture, temperature, and seasoning working in perfect conversation.

🍽️ The Setting & Welcome

The dining room at Michael Mina feels both intimate and elevated: soft lighting, immaculate service, and an attention to detail that begins before your first sip. We were offered the Signature Tasting Menu — a beautifully paced multi-course experience — and I knew I was in for something special.

✨ Amuse Bouche — A Poetic Opening

The amuse arrived like a whispered promise: MICHAEL MINA'S CAVIAR PARFAIT — layers of smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and delicate egg mimosa. It was a tiny, perfect composition that awakened my palate and set the tone for a meal built on refinement.

🥢 First Course — Bright & Clean

The first course options were Baja Striped Bass Crudo and Ahi Tuna Tartare, showcasing Mina’s talent for highlighting pure seafood flavors with well-chosen accents. My tuna course was bright with Asian pear and a whisper of heat, the textures lively and the acidity timed to reset the palate between bites.

🦐 Second Course — Playful & Luxurious

The second course options read like a love letter to the sea:

• Crispy Kona Blue Prawn with tropical notes.
• Phyllo-Crusted Petrale Sole with crab brandade.
• Maine Lobster Pot Pie — comfort meets elegance.

Each dish balanced fun technique with comforting flavors — the kind of courses you remember for days.

🥩 Third Course — Prime & Precise

When it came to mains, the choices were decadent: Bolinas Black Cod, a foie-graced Filet Mignon 'Rossini', or the showstopping Japanese 'Kagoshima' Wagyu. I opted for the wagyu — buttery, umami-rich, and served with pared-back garnishes that let the beef sing.

🍋 Dessert — The Grand Finale

Dessert is where creativity meets comfort: the dark, elegant Fleur de Cacao or the citrus brilliance of The Lemon. I chose The Lemon — bright, layered, and precisely sweet — a refreshing punctuation to a layered dining experience. Paired with a thoughtful digestif, it was the perfect endnote.

📸 The Experience

📍 Final Thoughts

Service at Michael Mina is quietly spectacular. Courses arrive with gentle timing, servers explain each plate briefly, and sommelier pairings enhance — never overpower — the food. This is fine dining done with heart and a clear love of hospitality.

Thank you @michaelminalv, @ashleyafarkas, @doris.mcalderon, @r_dixit, @jalynngleason, @dianesbloodymary, @bellagio, and @mgmresortsintl for an extraordinary evening.