Located off the shopping esplanade at Wynn Las Vegas, the entrance to Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare is a spectacular site to behold. Framed by a fringed canopy with an impressive sign on which is the restaurant's name, Bartolotta Ristorante's facade features several columns between which are windows through which you can glimpse into the two-story restaurant. When you do, you'll see its lavish chandeliers, its bar, the more casual upstairs dining room and, if you look farther, the lush garden with outdoor dining. You'll have to keep pressing your nose against the window until 5:30 p.m., though, when the restaurant officially opens for business. It used to be open for lunch - and we hope that one day it will be again - but for now it's dinner theater only. And what a wonderful dinner theater at that.

Directly to the left upon entering Bartolotta Ristorante is a highly polished curvilinear wood bar with a rich pattern of mahogany, sand and black hues. With light wood chairs with olive upholstery, it seats about 12 at the bar directly, and 22 within the larger bar and lounge area. The bar has multiple open-faced cabinets with glass shelves that showcase multicolored bottles and beautiful wine glasses.