Cathédrale Makes A Splashy Debut At Aria Resort & Casino In Las Vegas

You have to pull out all the spots to make an unforgettable, bold-faced debut in a city as bustling and competitive as Las Vegas—and that’s exactly what Cathédrale by Tao Group Hospitality did with its grand opening party at Aria Resort & Casino last weekend.

In attendance were recognizable faces including host Mark Wahlberg, Anderson .Paak—who deejayed the festivities—Wiz Khalifa, Karruche Tran, and Shaun White. Throughout the night, attendees tucked into a lavish tasting of Cathédrale’s signature dishes by Culinary Officer Ralph Scamardella and Executive Chef Jason Hall—imagine Lobster Arrabbiata spiked with Calabrian chili and VSOP cognac and Filet Mignon ‘Banquiere’ accompanied by mushroom duxelles and bordelaise—and libations crafted with Wahlberg’s tequila brand Flecha Azul in a dramatically dark and sultry setting spearheaded by Rockwell Group.

Though guests can expect some similarities to Cathédrale’s flagship location in New York City, there will be some original creations and surprises, too. Ahead, Tao Group Hospitality’s CMO Pavan Pardasani and VP of Culinary Development Jason Hall reveal what to expect at Las Vegas’ buzziest new restaurant.

Katie Chang: Why did you decide to open a second Cathedrale location in Vegas?

Pardasani: Since opening in 2019, Cathedrale NYC has been incredibly successful and a favorite amongst guests. The ingredient-driven cuisine and stunning interiors were a perfect fit for the Vegas market, and we were excited to expand our relationship with Aria.

The competition for restaurants in Vegas is stiff. What will set Cathedrale apart?

Pardasani: There is really no other restaurant like Cathedrale in Vegas. The Mediterranean cuisine will really stand out to guests who are looking for dinner to be the focal point of their evening. The striking interiors are grand and exciting, and exactly what visitors are looking for when going out in Las Vegas.

Talk us through the design. How does it look and feel?

Pardasani: Our long-time partner Rockwell Group really outdid themselves. Guests arrive through gorgeous blue velour cascading drapery, which reveals a dramatically lit tunnel with flickering candles and carved artwork. The ceiling is truly the centerpiece of the restaurant—it features a theatrical and monumental sculptural metal beaded chain canopy reminiscent of a cathedral designed by Willowlamp.

How about the food menu? Will it be identical to the New York location, or will there be any original creations?

Hall: The menu will be similar to the original location, but will have new items with Vegas flair. You cannot miss The Omelette filled with crème fraiche and chives, and topped with fingerling potato chips and Kaluga caviar, or the Salt Baked Mediterranean Sea Bass with arugula, steamed potatoes, and Sorrento lemon prepared tableside.

Let’s talk about drinks. What do you recommend for first-time guests?

Hall: The drink menu features many inventive takes on classic cocktails, but my personal recommendation is The Quaternary with Ketel One vodka, Plymouth gin, Dolin dry vermouth, Castelvetrano olives, and Kaluga caviar that’s served in an ice block.

Cathédrale is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.