The Best Italian Dinner in Las Vegas is Under $100

[@RobbieRoe7]

You're thinner, J. Start hitting Bacchanal and the buffets, ok? Do me a favor.

[@FeelYourMind]

I flew to Vegas to try this meal but they don’t do it for less than four people. They said they do a single person tasting menu for $60 that isn’t on the menu but you only get a salad, one pasta, and a small portion of an entree.

[@bethanyarnp8852]

I love it how the best of everything is right there at your fingertips. Everyone deserves to enjoy the best life has to offer at least once. I’m glad to see you back and enjoy your content.

[@sethkang4410]

italian is such a meh food in vegas just like james said. only select few are up there

[@temoesparza91]

Love your content especially when you break down the prices of the restaurants you go to. Keep it coming papi chulo.

[@spizzy7996]

Totally agree. One of the few reviewers which breaks down pricing.

[@MatthewOwen-i7t]

We took your advice and went to Balla for dinner last week. Only problem is they require a party of 4 or more to get the Family Style Tasting Menu for $75 per person, which is what we wanted. SERVED FAMILY STYLE $75 per person $40 Sommelier's select wine pairing Limited to groups of four or more So instead they offered the limited prix fixe dinner, which was about half the food for $60 per person. Please disclose the fine print in your vlog.

[@Coolist]

Certainly wasn't the case for me - I ate at the bar solo 😎. Any fine restaurant has the discretion to limit a (family) tasting menu to the entire table - that's fine dining 101. Since I was a party of one, they must've deemed it ok. I don't work for the restaurant nor have any affiliation, and if you look at my menu there was no fine print.

[@FeelYourMind]

Me too I flew 3 hours here just to try it and found out you need four people

[@claudiamiller7730]

This review is just killing me…we have blown off Italian in Vegas because we’ve had nothing but mediocre to disastrous results..but this stuff…yum! Unfortunately…after many years, my GERD has suddenly blown up big time and all that cheese and pasta would put me in bed for a week. Let alone - no drinking! So perhaps if we do go to Balla on our Christmas visit…I can have a nice, minimal FRESH locally sourced salad….and maybe just a teensy-weensy portion of the grilled octopus…cuz I just gotta do octopus when it’s available! Thanks so much for the review! 💕

[@jtirello3_111]

It’s a bit confusing why they’d serve these gargantuan portions for a tasting menu. As you get the full menu, scaling back the portions would not only make for a lesser intimidating and more approachable experience - I mean, what are you supposed to do, haul the leftovers out in a wheelbarrow? - it would do so without diminishing the value for the dollar. This amount of food would make anyone miserable. How are you going to go out for a night on the strip and actually enjoy it after a meal like this? There’s a real chance here to take a less is more approach while still delivering a top-shelf experience. For all the naysayers out there who see a small plate and automatically think “WTH? I’m still gonna be hungry after this, what a ripoff!”, don’t forget, a nice dinner out is not a mission to fill a hole. If that’s the primary objective, Golden Corral is always there. Opening yourself to an experience is what dining out is supposed to be, and especially in a place like Las Vegas.

[@apm6997]

Eating here now ..yes it is good but the tasting menu is a minimum of four people ….might want to update that in your video. so was not able to do that so I made my own à la cart

[@mrtonyo1965]

Have you been to Ferraro’s ??? It’s my #1 in Vegas. Just saying.

[@aldum14]

I am impresed how you have lost th weight and are mindful of how important it is to lose a crap load of weight before traveling.

[@ryantodd6978]

I’m pretty sure all that was to share with another person so realistically that was 150

[@Omikoshi78]

I agree dollar is worthless these days , mcdonalds even costs $15 for a meal..

[@YolanderDeterville]

That is entirely too much food for one person. Insane! Every plate looked delicious. I must try it one day.

[@MoGeeinternationalsince1969]

Bring that foccacia (bread) home ! 👍🏽

[@beckyjackson7755]

I am definitely adding this to the must try list for our next Vegas trip. Food looks exceptional, and you can not beat that price in Vegas! Thanks for doing a stand-alone review for this restaurant!!

[@Coolist]

Hey Becky - I used to do these all the time! I miss them actually ;) All-inclusive food is SO BAD 🙊

[@Majestyk111]

I am so glad to have you back! Great review and great video. Keep it real.

[@Coolist]

I appreciate that!

[@marizen2]

Wow. The food looks amazing! We will definitely have to try it on our next visit.

[@Coolist]

I was shocked by the food quality especially. "Farm-to-table" is an overused slogan but it's actually meaningful and accurate in this scenario.

[@carolmartin4413]

So nice to find an upscale restaurant in Vegas that actually gives you a real deal...you get what you pay for. At Balla's...thats a lot.

[@Coolist]

What i like is that the portions are huge. So regardless if there are 4 things on the menu for $60 or 8 things for $90, you are going to get your $$$$ worth. I hope they never compromise that...

[@spizzy7996]

Looks fantastic. Great Restaurant review and hopefully there is one on Bazaar Meats coming to. Only thing missing was the drinks prices and a breakdown of the total. Keep up the great work.

[@Coolist]

Drinks were around $15 each, which were underpriced given their complexity as well as the venue. 🍻 in Vegas are now $14 at premium places..... $20 drinks used to be the ceiling, soon they will be the floor.

[@CrefloMack]

Whew whos hungry now???

[@divinediva71]

Everything looks so DELICIOUS 😋 ❤I just love your style ❤I will visit this restaurant on my next visit in 2024! I ate at Lago at The Bellagio Hotel and that was good 👍🏿 Thanks, James❤ You have the BEST videos❤

[@thewebstylist]

Wow what a deal! 🙄

[@-Ry-Guy]

Keep doing vegas dude! Your videos are amazing. Punta Cana is for stuck up people that aren't going to watch youtube videos. lol

[@Coolist]

Lol. Appreciate that - I don't think I could ever fully leave Vegas

[@-Ry-Guy]

​ @Coolist haha welcome. We watch them on repeat. I'll say what's up if we see you when we are there.

[@brandonlange1843]

Casa di amore off strip. Two best waiters I have ever had. Best dish I have ever had. Gnocchi alla prosciutto. And best cheese cake. You can thank me later.

[@Tigaslots]

❤ italian food 2

[@doctorj7112]

Great video, I'll have to check this out next trip. You always make great recommendations

[@phrewilly8556]

Excellent video James! You have convinced us this as a must do on our next visit! P.S. Book a cruise yet?

[@777AndrewR]

Excellent video going there soon to do this! Keep the Vegas videos coming great channel incredible content! SO COOL!

[@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508]

I will try the restaurant next time I am in Vegas. I've been to that establishment when it was SLS and attended the pool parties.

[@thewesternmind]

Yum! Everything looked great! Thanks James!

[@Coolist]

Yo West!! How are you!? I have an upcoming location that you might really like ;)

[@thewesternmind]

@@Coolist Doing well! Your newest videos from LV are really knocking it out of the park! Can’t wait for the next one to drop.

[@Just-E536]

James thanks for all the fantastic content as always. I've added Sahara to my just stay in Vegas.

[@EASTCOASTNATURE]

great video and would like to see more videos like this. I am actually going to try this spot out.

[@curly6619]

Do you get the same amount of food for one person vs. two? Or do they bring larger portions depending on the number of people?

[@bbustin1747]

a gem revealed by the coolist … will definitely check this one out

[@NurseViv]

Ok Coolist..challenge accepted I’m hitting it up on my next trip! 😊😊😊

[@Coolist]

Hope you get an offering and experience that was as great as mine was. 😃

[@clevejason]

I love Eatly I could spend all day (and have) there

[@Coolist]

I think Eataly is fun too. I don't understand the hate it gets.

[@clevejason]

It’s so fresh to be able to try so many different dishes at an affordable (for Vegas) price and just serve yourself. The bar they have in there is excellent and the ambiance is refreshing. I enjoyed the video you did there at the Park MGM and have been a big fan of yours for years. Thanks for the reply and keep up the fantastic work. Cheers my friend. 🥃

[@pmg-1]

Why would taking leftovers be classless? I mean you did pay for it..and I loathe food waste, especially tasty food.

[@Coolist]

Taking the bread as leftovers can be looked at by some as a dining faux pas.

[@pmg-1]

@Coolist ahh..I see..you meant just the bread...meh..I still wouldn't care what ppl think of me 😂

[@Coolist]

Likewise - getting into sales taught me that real quick. Being on KZbin tattooed it.

[@pmg-1]

@@Coolist same ! should do a food review on the new M hotel buffet..heard it's more upscale than most of your expensive buffets on the strip.

[@matthewschafer4569]

yay he has made it to vegas, lets see what he has to say about us haha

[@amandamiron9031]

Great video - May have to try this in a few weeks

[@Hauler24]

We stayed at Sahara not to long back but didn't go to Balla and since we are moving there in Oct, I'll have to get here ASAP!

[@Coolist]

With so many Italian spots in the city, and with Balla being next to Bazaar Meats, it' an easy one to overlook.

[@Allthingshotels]

A nice tasting menu in Vegas under 100 is a rarity.

[@Coolist]

Agreed

[@Allthingshotels]

@@Coolist I'm curious if they allow two people to share or does each diner have to purchase their own. That's definitely enough food for two to share.

[@Coolist]

They scale the portion sizes based on the number of people at the table.

[@braedenmass5306]

I'm staying at Sahara for the first time in a couple weeks and looking forward to it all.

[@Coolist]

My first time at Sahara was one of my best inaugural visits.

[@handfloboxingreview1673]

The 3 minute mark was a great opportunity for a nicholas cage reference.

[@hammerdown3000]

Hi James, I love your content but Vegas and The DR are getting over done. How about a trip to Jamaica?

[@Coolist]

I've actually never seen you comment before but I know you mean well 😊 Others are certainly wondering about this as well, and I still might make a video on it because only a small fraction of people will see this comment. A few things: (1) From a business perspective, you aren't privy to my growth strategy nor understanding that more than 80% of my audience is here from and for Vegas and DR content. I agree that product evolution and expansion may be the most paramount factor for long-term channel success, but it must be done surgically and timed perfectly because your standing with the algorithm and your audience is always flimsy-at-best given the extremely fickle and hyper-competitive KZbin landscape. (2) You fail to empathize or understand that I'm real person just like you, subjected to the same trials, tribulations, and limitations sometimes inflicted by life. Why haven't I gone to Aruba, Costa Rica, or Jamaica this year - could something be awry?... (3) Broadly, I made a promise to myself since Day 1 of this journey that I would produce the content that I am passionate about. The second any creator (artist, comic, musician, writer, etc.) starts pandering or placating to an audience, is the second authenticity - the fundamental trait involved with you being here, watching, writing, wanting - is lost, and eventually, you would be too. That is not to say I dismiss all feedback nor cherish the engagement I prayed for when my channel was getting 30 views a day - au contraire! But an internal compass has to be the ultimate guide to any creator - not populism. I've actually filmed a video covering some of this stuff multiple times throughout the year but never liked it, so I never released it. Jamaica, Costa Rica, Aruba, Atlantic City, Bali... Yes 😉 2024 will be very different.

[@hammerdown3000]

@@Coolist Hi James, thanks so much for taking the time to reply to my comment, as always your words are impactful and give so much insight. Let me say that I am a big fan of your channel and your content, I think the best in your domain and the material you cover! I watch all the videos and then make my wife watch them again so we can sit and dream as you paint a picture of your campus. You have definitely helped us make up our minds on where we would like to go and where we never will. So that is what led to my selfish comment. The fact is we want to see you more, in various new places, because you do it so well. Merci Beaucoup et salut de Montreal.

[@alyonapetrova694]

Carbone’s is NOT worth the 90 day reservation requirement unless your a local.

[@Coolist]

is it 90 days? It's a tough reservation but that is ridiculous. But also deserved - it has to be top 3 Italian in the Vegas.

[@alyonapetrova694]

@@Coolist Even with a $20-$50 either to the front staff or casino host/concierge

[@williamblackledge1406]

Looks like I'm gonna have to make a trek to the North part of the Strip while I'm there in November , thanks James for another fantastic video shared. 👍

[@Coolist]

November is such an amazing Vegas month.

[@williamblackledge1406]

@@Coolist Absolutely, we went last year for the first time in November and it was great. Going again this year for my 50th, only thing I'm worried about is we get there on the 20th right after F1 and I have a feeling the Strip will still be a mess of carnage in the wake of the race. Always a spectacular time though, looking forward to it.

[@scottteague3738]

Love your reviews.

[@valsquyres]

You have the best descriptions of all those fantastic foods! I'd stay there for that. I have a jar of capers, I'll have to try that sea breem.

[@Coolist]

Thanks Val!

[@Coolist]

Hope all is well with you 🙌

[@bobywork]

Wow amazing

[@raulrodriguez4006]

Did you hear about the cyber attack in vegas?

[@Coolist]

The crippling severity of it is mindblowing....

[@Christine_1111]

I hope you’re well!

[@alyonapetrova694]

Too many capers

[@Coolist]

Ha, I can see how you can say that. I felt the mains that were served to me needed them for flavor, but I'm not the biggest fan of white fish so maybe that could've had less.

[@anthonylagano2371]

Hey hey James ! The Dolce drink looked good . I love me a nice cocktail . I’ve heard excellent things about this restaurant so adding it to my growing list . Being 💯 percent Italian I naturally love this type of food . Looks like a very enjoyable experience for sure . Cool review as always Sir 😎😎😎

[@Coolist]

Yooooo Broooo

[@Coolist]

Are other people talking about finally? Good!! I think it's special and a standout in an overcrowded genre. After you go there let me know what you think. Hope you are 💯 🙌

[@anthonylagano2371]

@@Coolist I had a few friends who went and loved it .Another KZbin channel liked it as well . My ankle is getting better but have a ways to go . Have to postpone my October Vegas trip but it’s fine . I’ll live vicariously through your adventures til I’m up and running again .

[@EightOEight808]

🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@Coolist]

😎

[@djkid22]

so does everyone get every dish separately or do they just bring out one dish of pasta and make the portion larger depending on how many are sitting at the table and getting the tasting menu?

[@kerrierohr9341]

Wow! That is legitimately a beautiful meal! All summer we can find restaurants touting Farm to Table here in CT but it is never anything like that (and guaranteed to cost more).

[@Coolist]

sadly, farm-to-table has become a marketing slogan. but at Balla it is uniquely (and deliciously) accurate