News Summary
Las Vegas will welcome a new dining experience in late 2025 with the opening of ‘Maroon,’ an Afro-Caribbean steakhouse by Chef Kwame Onwuachi at the Sahara Las Vegas. This marks a significant addition to the Las Vegas culinary scene, showcasing dishes influenced by West African and Jamaican traditions. Onwuachi aims to redefine steakhouse cuisine through cultural storytelling and innovative cooking techniques. ‘Maroon’ will not only honor its namesake, the Maroons of Jamaica, but also contribute to a more inclusive restaurant landscape on the Strip.
Las Vegas is set to welcome a new culinary destination in late 2025 when Chef Kwame Onwuachi opens his Afro-Caribbean steakhouse, Maroon, at the Sahara Las Vegas. This marks the first steakhouse on the Las Vegas Strip that draws inspiration from Afro-Caribbean heritage, positioning itself within an evolving dining scene that emphasizes cultural significance and diversity.
Maroon will take the place of current occupant, Chef José Andrés’s Bazaar Meat, which is relocating to the Venetian Resort this year. Onwuachi, a James Beard Award winner and Top Chef champion, aims to redefine the classic American steakhouse experience by infusing traditional Jamaican culinary techniques, including jerk methods of cooking, into the menu.
The restaurant will feature a variety of offerings that showcase live-fire cooking, jerk rubs, dry-aged cuts of meat, and sauces infused with the heat of scotch bonnet peppers. Alongside grilled seafood, guests can expect vibrant side dishes that reflect influences from West African, Jamaican, and Creole traditions. Onwuachi’s vision for the menu centers around the celebration of diasporic flavors and cultural storytelling, integral to the essence of Maroon.
A Tribute to Heritage
The name Maroon pays homage to the Maroons of Jamaica—enslaved Africans who escaped bondage and established self-sufficient communities in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains. This historical context underlines the restaurant’s mission: to honor a rich legacy through food. Onwuachi has indicated that every dish served at Maroon will carry cultural significance, allowing diners to experience the deeper meanings behind the flavors.
A Focus on Inclusion
Maroon will also be notable as a Black-owned restaurant on the Strip, contributing to a more inclusive culinary landscape in Las Vegas. This restaurant is part of a growing trend, as the dining scene on the Strip embraces more culturally significant and diverse offerings. Recent notable openings include Chef Jeremy Ford’s Stubborn Seed, further highlighting the vibrant north end of the Strip.
Impacts on the Culinary Community
Onwuachi’s culinary journey reflects not only a commitment to innovative dining but also to social initiatives. His brand supports clean water initiatives in Nigeria through a sparkling water line, integrating social responsibility into his culinary endeavors. Maroon is expected to drive greater engagement and cultural enrichment in the Las Vegas dining experience, merging food with narratives of heritage and identity.
Onwuachi’s previous accolades enhance the anticipation surrounding Maroon. He was recently listed as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025, and his restaurant Tatiana in New York City has earned recognition as “One to Watch” by the World’s 50 Best in 2023. Such acknowledgments exemplify his impact within the culinary world, which adds an additional layer of expectation for his latest venture.
The Evolution of Sahara Las Vegas
The Sahara Hotel is also undergoing a transformation aimed at positioning itself as a destination for luxury dining. Maroon is anticipated to be a signature addition to this evolution, with plans that reflect thoughtful luxury experiences in dining. The opening is anticipated to excite food enthusiasts and contribute to the booming Las Vegas restaurant scene.
In conclusion, Maroon is poised to become a landmark location on the Las Vegas Strip, blending the rich culinary heritage of Afro-Caribbean culture with the elegance of a modern steakhouse. Its unique menu and cultural storytelling are expected to attract both local residents and tourists alike, establishing a new narrative in the city’s dining landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Eater: Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s New Steakhouse
- Travel + Leisure: Chef Kwame Onwuachi Opens Maroon
- Cincinnati.com: Oak Steakhouse Review
- Food & Wine: Sweetgreen-Cote Collaboration
- The Infatuation: Best French Restaurants NYC
- Wikipedia: Culinary Heritage
- Google Search: Kwame Onwuachi
- Google Scholar: Kwame Onwuachi
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Afro-Caribbean Cuisine
- Google News: Maroon Restaurant Las Vegas
