Blockbuster Mexican Restaurant Elio Opens at Encore Las Vegas on Thursday

Elio, the new Mexican restaurant opening at Encore Las Vegas from Enrique Olvera, Daniela Soto-Innes, and Santiago Perez of ATM Group, now plans to open on Thursday at the resort. The hospitality company that already has Cosme and Atla in New York City and Pujol in Mexico City originally planned to debut on March 19, but those plans were put on hold when Gov. Steve Sisolak closed all nonessential businesses, including casinos and restaurants, on March 17.

The restaurant takes over the former Andrea’s space next to Encore Beach Club with a menu of Mexican fare that combines regional dishes and seasonal ingredients. The menu focuses on small plates and appetizers, seafood and produce, and shareable entrees. The bar and lounge in turn features agave-based spirits.

Some of the menu items include tuna tataki rubbed in adobo with nopales, scallion, and a smoked soy; whole red snapper served with herbs, citrus, corn tortillas, and salsa crudo; herb guacamole with homemade tostadas; and a green mole made with pepitas, nuts, and herbs served with Tokyo turnips a la plancha and hoja santa tortillas.

Olvera says the restaurant pays homage to the golden age of Mexican cinema. “We are very pleased to team up with Wynn to bring our iconic hospitality to Las Vegas, a vibrant and exciting city that knows how to have fun,” Olvera says in a press statement. “Inspired by the ’40s and ’50s, a golden age for the Mexican cinema, we seek to offer guests exceptional service as well as genuine and personal cuisine that is focused on authentic Mexican flavors. Expect a festive atmosphere where design and interior details lead you to feel the elegance and simplicity of the Nevada landscape.”

So far, the decor promises modern and minimal architectural lines along with rich textures and art.

The restaurant will also feature a $70 three-course summer preview menu with dishes such as striped bass with ginger mojo and cucumber; carrots al pastor with piña butter, lamb barbacoa with shishito peppers, and salsas; and for dessert tres leches with white chocolate and lime. Sparkling rose, white or red wine pairings, and mezcal flights are available as well.

Elio will be open Thursday and Sunday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. in the dining room and 5:30 to 11 p.m. in lounge, as well as Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 11 p.m. in the dining room and 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the lounge. Beginning in July, the restaurant will serve brunch in the lounge every Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

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