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Positioned at the intersection of urban development and desert wilderness, Summerlin has long been defined by its lush golf courses and crimson cliffs. But thanks to new developments such as Downtown Summerlin, the community named after Howard Hughes’ grandmother is seeing a burgeoning population with a growing appetite for dining options. From Sunday brunch to post-hike tacos, there are always new dishes to try in Summerlin. Whether your weekend plans include climbing in Red Rock Canyon or shopping at Downtown Summerlin, here are five restaurants to add to your agenda.
By Krista Diamond
Your sushi taco fix
The sushi burrito trend has officially swept the Las Vegas Valley. Former Nobu executive chef Karu Wedhas’ Tail & Fin offers a fresh take on the popular Japanese-Mexican fusion dish with the introduction of sushi tacos served with your choice of fish and sauce. Build-your-own sushi burritos, poke bowls and salads are also on the menu.
Tail & Fin, 1910 Village Center Circle, #9; 702-790-1810
Your happy hour margarita
Every day is Cinco de Mayo at Casa del Matador. The Downtown Summerlin Mexican restaurant is stocked with more than 120 tequilas, any of which can serve as the perfect addition to a fresh margarita. Menu highlights include goat cheese-stuffed jalapeños wrapped in bacon and house-made pork chorizo tacos. Happy hour is served seven days a week from 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close.
Casa del Matador, 1770 Festival Plaza Drive, #190; 702-228-2766
Your Cajun brunch
For Louisiana visitors missing home or Las Vegas locals looking to try something new, Lola’s — A Louisiana Kitchen offers a distinctly Cajun brunch menu. Louisiana devotees and adventurous diners alike will find something to spice up the mid-day meal. Bronzed catfish with Gouda grits and classic chicken and sausage jambalaya are just two of the favorite dishes. Bottomless mimosas are a must with any dish.
Lola's A Louisiana Kitchen, 1220 N. Town Center Drive; 702-871-5652
Your authentic Thai dinner
Head chef Nittaya Parawong was practically raised in her parents’ restaurant in Thailand. Luckily for Las Vegas, she brought those family recipes to her authentic Thai restaurant in Summerlin. Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen serves Northern Thai specialties such as curry noodles with slow-cooked pork shoulder along with Southern Thai dishes including crispy fried Cornish game hen. Ginger-lemongrass creme brulee makes for a sweet ending to any meal.
Nittaya's Secret Kitchen, 2110 N. Rampart Blvd., #110; 702-360-8885
Your Downtown Summerlin coffee craving
Downtown Summerlin caffeine addicts rejoice! The need for a coffee shop that isn’t the Starbucks inside Macy’s has finally been met. Former Le Rêve performer Holley Steeley’s latest coffee bar opened in the space formerly occupied by Rice Republic in April. The Cuppa Coffee Bar menu features cold brew iced coffee, Mexican spice mochas and flavored lattes that are best served alongside the signature cinnamon roll croissant.
The Cuppa Coffee Bar, 2120 Festival Plaza Drive, #2120; 702-954-6298
• Where To Dine in Downtown Summerlin [ELV]
• All Something for the Weekend [ELV]