Published on: April 14, 2026, 06:41h.
Updated on: April 14, 2026, 06:41h.
Le Cirque, renowned as one of Las Vegas’ top fine-dining establishments and the last U.S. presence of the famed family name, will close permanently following dinner service on August 23, MGM Resorts announced on Tuesday. This closure will mark the end of nearly 28 years of service for the celebrated French eatery, which opened alongside the Bellagio in October 1998.
Recognized for its intimate 40-seat dining area, its distinctive circus-striped ceiling, and views over the iconic fountains, Le Cirque received numerous prestigious accolades during its time in Las Vegas. These include a Michelin one-star rating, a Forbes Five-Star distinction, and a AAA Five Diamond award.
The Bellagio location established itself as the flagship of the brand after the original New York Le Cirque—founded by hospitality icon Sirio Maccioni in 1974—closed its last Manhattan location in 2017. For many years, the New York venue was celebrated as one of the leading establishments in American French cuisine, drawing royalty, celebrities, and influential figures.
MGM Resorts has indicated that the area will be renovated into a new culinary venture set to launch in mid-2027, although further information has yet to be disclosed.
Durango to Host Super Taco Bowl
Chef Victor Villa presented Bad Bunny with a piragua during the singer’s halftime performance at the 2026 Super Bowl, and now his restaurant, Villa’s Tacos, is set to launch its first location outside California this summer at Durango Casino’s Eat Your Heart Out food hall.
Villa started his culinary journey in 2018, grilling tacos in his grandmother’s backyard in L.A.’s Highland Park, eventually transitioning to pandemic-era takeout orders. He earned a Bib Gourmand distinction from the Michelin Guide in 2022, a noteworthy achievement for a brand that lacked a storefront until a year later!
“From the beginning, Villa’s Tacos has been built on family values and tradition, with a profound appreciation for the ingredients and flavors that characterize our cuisine,” Villa stated in an announcement. “We’re excited to extend that same ethos to Durango and introduce what makes Villa’s Tacos unique to a new audience.”
Villa’s Tacos, known for its blue corn tortillas and crispy Monterrey Jack cheese skirts, will take over from chef Marc Vetri’s Fiorella Pasta Bar, which closed in March.
Dining Updates
Grotto Ristorante located at the Golden Nugget has ceased operations and is currently being utilized for events, as reported by Vital Vegas.
Qargo Coffee, an acclaimed brand from Florida now present in seven states, has launched at 3900 Paradise Road—sharing a mini-mall with the new Braseria by EDO.