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Updated: Oct 23

Emilio’s Contemporary Mexican Kitchen | Las Vegas

[Emilio's | Southwest Vegas | Off-Strip | Open Daily | Yes & Well Field Note]





TL;DR

From custom mocktails to housemade tortillas, this is the kind of experience we wish more restaurants delivered. A full-flavor, full-experience meal—without the compromise. Emilio’s Contemporary Mexican Kitchen Las Vegas nails the details: clean ingredients, standout service, and a vibe that makes you want to stay awhile.



What Is This & Why Does It Matter?

Using real ingredients, avoiding the usual shortcuts, and making everything in-house, Emilio’s feels like a polished, approachable treat. This is what we’re talking about when we say dining without compromise—a beautiful space, full-flavored food, ingredients that don’t come with a disclaimer, and fair pricing absent strip markups - Emilio’s hits all the points. 



What Sets It Apart

  • Non-GMO corn.

  • No seed oils.

  • Gluten-free options—including desserts.

  • Everything made in-house: tortillas, chips, salsa, and more.

  • Service was exceptional—from bartender to host to waitstaff. Warm, professional, and engaged.

  • Prices were more than reasonable. The group ordered generously and still paid far less than a typical Strip meal.

  • Menu design is clean and clearly marked with dietary info—vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and contains nuts.





The Vibe

Bright and well-designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of natural light. Pops of green from tabletop plants and built-in planters, warm woven light fixtures, and natural stone walls create a space that feels elevated without being exclusive. The bar area is fully stocked and cleanly styled, with thoughtful presentation and modern touches.




What We Tried



Steak Tacos: Rich, tender, incredibly flavorful, and our current top steak taco pick in Las Vegas. That’s saying a lot!


Fire Roasted Jalapeño Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, grilled jalapeños, parmesan, and toasted garlic crumbs. Fresh, spicy, and perfectly textured.


Mini Chicken Tostadas: Bite-sized tostadas topped with avocado crema and pickled onion—balanced and shareable.


Flautas de Carnitas: Perfectly crispy rolled tacos with carnitas, crema, and fresh cotija.


Tostada Rosa: An unexpected, and welcomed, appearance of roasted beets and vegetables, pickled red onion, and served with a side of house chili oil.


Patacones Montados: Twice-fried plantain discs topped with shredded chicken, avocado, and savory crema—crispy, hearty, and unexpectedly filling.


Churro Bites (Gluten-Free): Served with housemade dulce de leche, Mexican chocolate, and a rich berry compote. Not too sweet and surprisingly light.



We honestly loved everything… and would have tried more if we had the room. That’s not to say the portions are not generous. We have no shame in saying we left with to-go boxes, and even stole some chips.



Nolo Done Right

The drink menu makes room for everyone—with real attention to flavor, flexibility, and thoughtful alternatives. In addition to coffee drinks, Emilio’s offers NOLO options, stocking Clean T “tequila” as a substitute in any traditionally boozy beverage, and one featured mocktail mixing Seedlip, cucumber, mint, soda water, and just a touch of simple syrup—refreshing without being too sweet. 


We’re also happy to say they were extremely accommodating when we requested our own special version of a non alcoholic spicy skinny margarita (get the recipe and the way to ask in our NOLO guide). Truly hospitable, not even annoyed (or not even showing it) a tiny bit. 




Who's Behind This

Emilio’s is part of Refined Restaurant Group, led by Alexandra Lourdes—and the team behind Café Lola, 3 Little Chicks, Saint Honoré, and Sorellina. While their other spots span indulgent treats and Italian fare, Emilio’s is the group’s most wellness-aligned venture to date.



Know Before You Go

  • Located in the Southwest part of Vegas. Ideal for locals, car renters, or those near Durango or Summerlin.

  • Open daily for lunch and dinner.

  • Part of a Vegas-based restaurant group not health-focused across all brands—but Emilio’s is absolutely doing it right.




Bottom Line:

Looking for a Mexican spot that respects your taste buds, your body, and your budget? Emilio’s is worth the detour.



Wherever wellness is headed, we’re already there. Join Yes & Well as a member for the best of what’s next.



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