Date of Publication: February 25, 2026, 04:13h. 

Last revised on: February 25, 2026, 04:18h.

• Reservations are now available for Alinea’s six-week residency at the Bellagio’s Michael Mina venue.
• This pop-up event marks the culmination of Chef Grant Achatz’s 20th anniversary global tour.
• Bob Taylor’s Ranch House has received the 2026 James Beard America’s Classic distinction.

In an exciting development for the Las Vegas culinary scene, the acclaimed Alinea will offer a six-week residency at the Bellagio this spring.

Alinea, the Chicago-based eatery renowned for transforming fine dining into an “avant-garde performance art” experience, was launched in 2005 by Chef Grant Achatz and restaurateur Nick Kokonas. It is widely recognized as a trailblazer of modernist cuisine (often referred to as molecular gastronomy) in the U.S.

From April 16 to May 31, 2026, Achatz and his team will occupy the Michael Mina restaurant space. This event serves as the concluding act of Alinea’s 20th anniversary tour, which featured sold-out shows in cities like Brooklyn, Miami Beach, Beverly Hills, Tokyo, and Big Sky, Montana.

“Las Vegas has always embraced grand visions and bold initiatives,” Achatz stated. “There’s a rich history of chefs and teams elevating hospitality here—in not just scale but also creativity and craftsmanship. Bellagio excels at curating experiences that are both daring and thoughtful, making it an ideal venue for us to showcase what Alinea has cultivated over the past two decades.”

Despite its Michelin Guide rating being lowered from three stars (outstanding) to two (excellent) in November 2025, Alinea remains one of the most acclaimed and desirable dining establishments in the U.S., having previously earned “Outstanding Restaurant” awards from the James Beard Foundation.

With anticipated high demand for reservations, guests will need to purchase tickets instead. Secure your spot here: www.bellagio.mgmresorts.com/alinea.

A Culinary Icon

Bob Taylor’s Ranch House, the longest-established steakhouse in Las Vegas, has been honored as one of six recipients of the James Beard America’s Classics Award. (Contrary to popular belief, the Golden Steer is not the oldest; we caught it exaggerating its age!)

The America’s Classics Award celebrates “locally-owned eateries with enduring charm that offer exceptional food, cherished by the communities they serve,” as described by the foundation. The only other Las Vegas establishment to receive this honor was the Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge in 2024.

Bob Taylor’s Ranch House will receive its accolade at the prestigious James Beard Awards in Chicago on June 15.

Other recipients of this year’s James Beard America’s Classic Award include Oyster House in Philadelphia; Eng’s in Kingston, New York; Figaretti’s Italian Restaurant in Wheeling, West Virginia; and the Serving Spoon in Los Angeles.

Dining Updates

Big B’s Texas BBQ, a smokehouse specializing in South Texas-style barbecue, is set to open in the former McDonald’s location at the Plaza, as reported by Vital Vegas.