Since its opening last year, La Neta Cocina y Lounge has been one of the hottest dining options in bustling Downtown Summerlin. This elevated modern Latin restaurant and lounge offers a unique take on traditional Mexican cuisine, delicious (and Instagrammable) cocktails and a stunning atmosphere in a beautiful, unique space.
The brainchild of renowned Vegas-based hospitality connoisseur Ryan Labbe (Clique, Mas Por Favor), La Neta Cocina y Lounge provides locals with an incredible, enveloping off-Strip dining experience. This gorgeous, 5,336-sq.-ft. space has been designed to impress and, as soon as you walk in, you are struck by the hanging plants from the ceiling, stained-glass murals, abundant chandeliers and a dramatic color palette and lighting. This is definitely unlike any other restaurant in town.
The stunning space is divided between the main dining room (situated underneath all that awesome living greenery) and the lounge area (stunning in its own right). Each room offers its own bar and plenty to admire during your dining experience. More so than most restaurants, La Neta Cocina y Lounge feels particularly alive, and its vibrant atmosphere is a big factor in your experience whether you visit for lunch, drinks or dinner.
Led by Chef Israel Castro (formerly of Javier’s at Aria) and Lanny Chin, the shared-plate concept menu at La Neta does a tremendous job of bridging traditional Mexican dishes with more inventive and bold creations. Portions are generous, presentations are (much like the eye-catching decor) destined to be photographed and some of the names are rather cheeky (there is an entire section on the menu devoted to “BFTs” or “Big F’n Tacos”).
More adventurous standouts on the robust menu include the 24Karne BFT (grilled skirt steak, truffle cheese fondue, crispy onions and fresh shaved truffle in a 24-karat gold shell), the Trash Potato (twice baked potato with lobster, skirt steak, Truff aioli, garlic crema and avocado mousse) and the appropriately named WTF (six pounds of beef short ribs braised in ancho-chili sauce served on a bed of truffle polenta topped with crispy onions).
For those in the mood for something more traditional, La Neta offers all the classics, each prepared to perfection. Taqueria items include tacos made using flour or corn tortillas made in-house or with lettuce cups, and contain options like carne asada, barbacoa, chicken tinga and more. Other classics done right include chicken relleno (stuffed chicken with arroz verde and poblano cream), enchiladas (with choice of cheese and chicken, short rib or mushroom) and cochinita pibil (achiote-braised pork, habanero onions and chicharron crumble).
In addition to a vast selection of tequilas and mescals, La Neta has an ample cocktail program, complete with more cheeky names like the “I’m in Love With the Coco” (Kahlua, Bailey’s, blanco tequila, cinnamon and chocolate bitters). Favorites include the “Whatta Prickly” (reposado tequila, fresh lime, prickly pear, gold flake and ginger beer) and the “El Flaco” (blanco tequila, fresh lime, agave and roasted pineapple). There are also delicious, balanced margaritas on draft, a welcome touch.
To check out La Neta Cocina y Lounge’s full menu or book a reservation, visit lanetacocina.com.
1770 Festival Plaza Dr. Ste. 200
Las Vegas, NV 89135