Sahara Las Vegas invites guests to experience an Italian summer escape with the debut of Ciao Bella Brunch at Balla Italian Soul on the Las Vegas Strip starting Saturday, June 27. Featuring chef-driven Italian cuisine, playful cocktails, live entertainment and more, Ciao Bella Brunch will be offered Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations can be made at SaharaLasVegas.com.

The culinary program is led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Shawn McClain. Guests can enjoy coastal-inspired starters, house-made pastas, brunch classics and indulgent desserts à la carte or opt for a family-style experience for $55 per person, available when the entire table participates and encourages guests to share a curated selection of as many as four aperitivos and four signature entrées.

Starters include Whipped Ricotta with roasted peaches and hot honey; Melon and Burrata; Tomato Arancini; Smoked Whitefish Dip with crackers; West Coast Oysters with tomato mignonette, horseradish and lemon oil; Caviar Donuts with Osetra caviar on warm brioche with lemon curd, creme fraiche and chives; and Italian Pasta Salad with spicy salami, peppers, mushrooms and aged castelrosso. 

Main dishes include Ricotta Pancakes; Prosciutto Omelette with creamy stracciatella, cherry tomatoes and basil; Fusilli Carbonara with pancetta, pecorino and black pepper; Calamari Shells with tomato, basil and Calabrian chili; Pizzas with spicy salami or classic margherita ingredients; and Ham and Cheese Croissant Panini with warm comte cheese and garlic butter. 

Also: Chicken Milanese, a crispy chicken cutlet with mozzarella, prosciutto, alfredo and arugula salad; and Steak Frites with herb salsa verde, arugula and fries. To finish, decadent desserts served from a roaming dolce cart feature Tiramisu, Cannoli, Buttermilk Panna Cotta, Italian Cookies, Dark Chocolate Tart, Cannolis, Gelato and more. 

Complementing the brunch are bottomless spritzes and mimosas alongside a cocktail menu inspired by the sun-soaked Italian Riviera. Signature sips include the Coup de Soleil, crafted with vodka, blood orange liqueur and fresh blood orange juice; the Prickle Me Pink, a lively mix of tequila, prickly pear and elderflower; and Bloody Marys served either classic or spicy.

Guests can savor the Affogato Martini Flight, reimagining classic Italian dessert flavors through three mini martinis: Tiramisu paired with Nutella gelato, Pistachio paired with pistachio gelato and Espresso paired with vanilla gelato. The beverage program is rounded out with Italian café favorites including Cappuccinos, Flat Whites and Lattes, as well as traditional Espresso Service.

Following brunch, guests are encouraged to stop by The Pool, Sahara Las Vegas’ signature outdoor oasis. Offering complimentary admission for hotel guests of all ages and locals 21+ with valid identification, The Pool invites guests to bask in the summer sunshine. Ideal for a leisurely afternoon, guests can enjoy cocktails and poolside bites, and VIP daybeds and cabanas are available for reservation.

Ciao Bella Brunch will introduce a series of themed experiences, including Independence Day Weekend celebrations, Labor Day Weekend programming and a closing party in September. Details will be announced soon. Sahara Las Vegas offers free self-parking and valet for all guests. More: SaharaLasVegas.com. Stay connected on Instagram, Facebook and X.