It’s official: Balla Italian Soul, the much-anticipated regional Italian cuisine concept from James Beard Award winner Chef Shawn McClain, will open at the Sahara Las Vegas on September 30, according to coverage in Eater Las Vegas.
Originally called Ballo, Balla will serve a seasonal menu of regional Italian cuisine. What Now reported last year on a Ballo menu that would feature a selection of aperitivos, handmade pasta, Roman pizzas, an array of fresh seasonal vegetable dishes and salads, and rustic fire-roasted meats and fish, as well as a Euro-centric, eclectic wine list, unique cocktails, and playful desserts featuring espresso liqueurs.
“We’re entering this next phase in Las Vegas with renewed gratitude, energy, and purpose,” McClain said in a press release at that time. “We are inspired by Alex Meruelo’s vision for Sahara and are so excited to join the culinary line-up and work hand-in-hand with this amazing property team to bring our vision to life.”
McClain is a culinary veteran, having opened eight restaurants in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Detroit. His adventures in Vegas begin with Sage, a highly successful restaurant that shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Balla will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
