Jose Andres' new Bazaar Mar restaurant opens in Las Vegas

José Andrés, the world-renowned chef and humanitarian, has once again expanded his culinary empire with the opening of his fifth restaurant in Las Vegas, Bazaar Mar. Nestled within the upscale Shops at Crystals along the famed Las Vegas Strip, this seafood-focused dining experience joins his already established Bazaar Meat, located nearby in the SAHARA Las Vegas. While Bazaar Meat has garnered acclaim, including Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence for its exceptional wine program, Bazaar Mar brings a different yet equally exciting flavor to Andrés' growing portfolio.

A tribute to the sea and Spanish cuisine, Bazaar Mar draws heavily from both in its menu and ambiance. Stepping into the restaurant, guests are met with an immersive oceanic theme: warm orange hues mixed with emerald greens sweep through the dining room, while marble centaurs and ornately crowned Sicilian ceramic busts—teste di moro—add a theatrical touch. The carefully curated design lends a sense of playfulness to the sophisticated surroundings, setting the stage for the culinary adventure that follows.

The head chef at Bazaar Mar, Daniela Romero, expressed enthusiasm about the warm reception the restaurant has received since its opening on August 7th. She notes that guests have been particularly impressed by both the imaginative design and the originality of the dishes—hallmarks of Andrés' signature approach, which often balances bold flavors with whimsical presentation.

The menu at Bazaar Mar showcases a blend of traditional Spanish tapas with elements of modern culinary technique, including touches of molecular gastronomy, a style Andrés helped popularize. Among the standout offerings are the iconic liquid olives—an homage to chef Ferran Adrià of El Bulli fame, and an early example of molecular cuisine at its finest. Equally intriguing is the dish known as Neptune's Pillow, which features spicy tuna presented atop a delicate air bread, creating a contrast of textures that's as delightful to the palate as it is to the eye. Classic dishes with a contemporary twist, like the Rossejat Catalán, a seafood-inspired take on pasta with roots in Spain's paella tradition, and the lobster salpicón, also grace the menu.

Even the desserts continue the theme of creativity. The Key Lime Beach is a signature offering, cleverly arranged to resemble a beach scene, with lime foam mimicking the gentle waves breaking on a sandcastle. It's this type of imaginative presentation, combined with thoughtfully crafted flavors, that distinguishes Bazaar Mar from typical dining experiences, pushing the boundaries of what modern cuisine can offer.

Supporting these innovative dishes is a meticulously curated wine list, overseen by sommelier Roy Arias. True to José Andrés' Spanish heritage, the wine program emphasizes a selection of Spanish labels, though it also incorporates renowned bottles from Bordeaux and beyond. The wine list features approximately 220 selections, with an inventory surpassing 1,600 bottles. Notable Spanish wines include R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, a Rioja institution known for its age-worthy vintages, and Josep Maria Raventós i Blanc, a respected producer of fine sparkling wines from Catalonia.

The seafood-centric menu is well-suited to the wines on offer, with white wines like Albariño or Viura proving to be ideal pairings for lighter fare, while more robust red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, such as Señorio de San Vicente and Vega Sicilia Unico, offer structure and depth to complement heartier dishes. Bordeaux selections, including the illustrious Château Latour Pauillac 1990, provide a sense of grandeur for those looking to indulge in the finest that Bazaar Mar has to offer.

While Bazaar Mar is undoubtedly the centerpiece of José Andrés' latest venture, the addition of Bar Centro adds another layer of versatility to the dining experience. Located a level below the main dining area, Bar Centro transforms from a casual café by day into a chic cocktail lounge by night. In the morning, patrons can enjoy coffee, tea, and a selection of pastries, perfect for those looking for a lighter start to their day. By evening, the space shifts its focus to more refined offerings—luxurious cocktails, caviar, and gourmet snacks, providing a relaxed yet sophisticated environment for socializing and unwinding.

Together, Bazaar Mar and Bar Centro encapsulate José Andrés' ability to blend innovation with tradition, offering guests a dynamic experience that caters to a wide range of tastes. The launch of these two venues not only further solidifies Andrés' presence in Las Vegas but also underscores his continued dedication to creating spaces where the joy of food is celebrated in all its forms—from the casual to the elaborate, and from the familiar to the unexpected.

For fans of José Andrés' culinary artistry and newcomers alike, Bazaar Mar promises to be a destination where the bounty of the sea and the creativity of the kitchen meet in perfect harmony, complemented by a wine list as rich and varied as the dishes themselves. With each new restaurant, Andrés continues to push the envelope of dining, and his latest creation on the Strip is no exception—Bazaar Mar is sure to be a sparkling addition to the ever-evolving Las Vegas culinary scene.