Las Vegas's dining scene just got a major Italian upgrade. Celebrity chef and restaurateur Fabio Viviani has officially opened the doors to ai Pazzi, an elevated Italian dining experience at the JW Marriott Las Vegas The Resort At Summerlin. The highly anticipated restaurant, which launched on July 3, 2025, promises to deliver Viviani's signature blend of traditional Italian comfort food reimagined with sophisticated flair and presented with unmistakable heart.
A New Culinary Jewel in Summerlin
Nestled within the elegant JW Marriott Las Vegas, ai Pazzi (which translates to "to the crazy ones" in Italian) represents the first phase of an exciting culinary partnership between JW Marriott Las Vegas, Rampart Casino, and Fabio Viviani Hospitality. The restaurant offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere where guests can indulge in handmade pasta, fresh seafood, decadent entrées, and artfully crafted cocktails.
"Every dish at ai Pazzi tells a story," says Viviani. "We're bringing the soul of Italian cooking but elevating it with contemporary techniques and premium ingredients. It's comfort food dressed in its Sunday best."
The restaurant's interior strikes a perfect balance between upscale elegance and inviting warmth—a hallmark of Viviani's approach to hospitality. Diners can expect an atmosphere that encourages lingering over multiple courses while enjoying the convivial spirit that defines Italian dining culture.
A Menu That Celebrates Italian Excellence
The ai Pazzi menu reads like a love letter to Italian cuisine, featuring bold flavors and vibrant ingredients that showcase Viviani's talent for transforming familiar comfort foods into high-end culinary experiences.
Appetizers That Set the Stage
The dining experience begins with starters designed to awaken the palate. Standouts include the Crostino featuring Roasted Woodland Mushrooms, Gorgonzola Fondue, and Black Truffle Prosciutto Cotto—a symphony of earthy, creamy, and savory notes. The Whipped Fresh Ricotta Bruschetta with Charred Cabernet Grapes, Toasted Pistachio, and Truffled Honey offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory elements.
Perhaps most emblematic of Viviani's approach is Fabio's Wagyu Meatball with Rich Tomato Sugo, Whipped Ricotta, Torn Basil, and Grilled Bread—an elevated take on a classic Italian-American favorite that demonstrates how simplicity and quality ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Pasta Perfection
At the heart of ai Pazzi's menu is a selection of handmade pasta dishes that showcase the kitchen's technical prowess. The Short Rib Agnolotti with Taleggio Crème and Summer Black Truffle is already generating buzz among early diners, with its rich, savory filling and luxurious sauce.
Seafood lovers will gravitate toward the Maine Lobster Linguini with Cherry Tomato, Garlic, White Wine, Lobster Butter, and Fresh Basil—a dish that balances the sweet flavor of lobster with the brightness of fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Entrées That Command Attention
The Mediterranean Branzino with Oregano Oil Vinaigrette, Charred Lemon, and Herbs offers a light yet flavorful option, while the Zuppa di Pesce presents a bounty of seafood including Manila Clams, P.E.I. Mussels, Shrimp, Fresh Calamari, and Rock Fish Bites in a Lobster Tomato Broth.
For meat enthusiasts, the Bistecca alla Fiorentina—a grilled and sliced 32 oz Linz Heritage Reserve Porterhouse with Roasted Garlic, Tuscan Olive Oil, and Mediterranean Salt—provides a showstopping centerpiece for the table. Meanwhile, comfort food classics get the Viviani treatment with dishes like Pollo Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, 24-Month Aged Parmigiano, and Fusilloni in Pomodoro Sauce.
Sweet Finales
No Italian meal would be complete without dessert. ai Pazzi's offerings include a classic Tiramisu with Espresso-soaked Lady Fingers and Sweet Mascarpone Cream, alongside more creative options like the Frutti de Bosco Panna Cotta with Mix Berry Custard and Basil Meringues.
The Lemon Ricotta Cake with Champagne Macerated Strawberries brings a bright, citrusy note to the dessert selection, while chocolate lovers will appreciate the Flourless Chocolate Torte with Fresh Berries and Spiced Chocolate Ganache.
Liquid Art: The Cocktail Program
Complementing the cuisine is a thoughtfully crafted wine and cocktail program that draws inspiration from Italian flavors while incorporating innovative techniques and unique spirits.
Standout cocktails include The Roman High Baller featuring Maker's Mark Bourbon, Bruto Americano, Carpano Antica, and Orange Bitters, topped with an Orange Twist—a sophisticated take on the classic highball. The Montenegro Nights with Old Forester 100 Bourbon, Vanilla Syrup, Caramel Syrup, Angostura, and Amaro Montenegro, garnished with a Toasted Marshmallow, offers a playful, dessert-inspired libation.
For those seeking something bright and refreshing, the Sicilian Sunset combines Bandero Tequila Blanco, Fresh Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup, and Amaro Averna, while the Positano Paradise with Tito's Vodka, Fresh Lime Juice, Coconut Cream, Fresh Pineapple Juice, and Amaro Averna delivers tropical notes with an Italian twist.
The Vision Behind the Venue
ai Pazzi represents just the beginning of Viviani's culinary vision for the JW Marriott Las Vegas. Coming this September, the partnership will expand to include ai Pazzi Pizza and Pearls Oyster Bar, creating a multi-concept Italian dining destination within the resort.
"We're creating more than just restaurants—we're building dining experiences that bring people together," explains Viviani. "Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying an evening out, we want ai Pazzi to feel like home, but with food you couldn't possibly make yourself."
This latest venture adds to Viviani's impressive portfolio of more than 40 restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues across the country. Through his company, Fabio Viviani Hospitality (FVH), he continues to expand his culinary footprint with acclaimed establishments including LAGO, Giostra, Seville, Taverna Toscana, Taverna Costale, Adelina, and Chuck Lager.
The Fabio Phenomenon
For those who may not be familiar with Viviani's rise to culinary stardom, his journey is as flavorful as his cooking. Born and raised in Florence, Italy, Viviani moved to the United States in 2005 to pursue greater opportunities in the culinary world. His undeniable talent and charismatic personality soon caught the attention of television producers, leading to his breakout appearance on Bravo's hit series Top Chef in 2008, where he was voted "Fan Favorite."
Since then, Viviani has become a household name in the culinary world, expanding his empire beyond traditional restaurants to include innovative concepts like JARS, a gourmet dessert brand, and partnerships with meal delivery services like CookUnity. His entrepreneurial spirit and authentic approach to Italian cuisine have made him one of the most successful celebrity chefs in the industry.
Currently featured on the latest season of Food Network's Tournament of Champions with Guy Fieri, Viviani continues to bring his passion for Italian cuisine to audiences across America.
Experience ai Pazzi
ai Pazzi is located at JW Marriott Las Vegas The Resort At Summerlin and Rampart Casino At The Resort At Summerlin at 221 North Rampart Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89145. The restaurant operates Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For those eager to join in the celebration, ai Pazzi will host a public grand opening party on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. To receive an invitation, simply text "PAZZI" to 702-291-7080.
The restaurant's opening marks an exciting development for Las Vegas's dining scene, particularly in the Summerlin area, which continues to emerge as a culinary destination in its own right. By bringing Viviani's Italian vision to life in this elegant setting, JW Marriott Las Vegas reinforces its commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences for both hotel guests and local residents.
For restaurateurs and hospitality professionals, ai Pazzi offers a masterclass in concept development, menu design, and creating a distinctive dining experience that balances tradition with innovation. In today's competitive restaurant landscape, Viviani's approach to building complementary concepts (with ai Pazzi Pizza and Pearls Oyster Bar on the horizon) demonstrates strategic thinking that maximizes both creative potential and business opportunities.
For more information on ai Pazzi, updated hours, and current menus, visit theresortatsummerlin.com.
To learn more about the latest trends shaping the food and beverage industry in 2025, check out our articles on summer menu trends and flavor mashups reshaping restaurant menus.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
