News Summary
Michael Mina’s Orla restaurant has opened at the Mandalay Bay resort, offering a culinary journey that blends Egyptian heritage with Mediterranean flavors. The restaurant features a beautifully designed atmosphere and a diverse menu including hummus, seafood, and innovative cocktails. Signature dishes like tomato-ginger glazed salmon and black harissa-grilled lamb chops delight diners, while the artistic decor creates a memorable experience. With a carefully curated drink list and delicious dessert options, Orla aims to enhance Las Vegas’s dining landscape through authentic culinary offerings rooted in tradition.
Las Vegas, NV – Michael Mina’s Orla restaurant, nestled within the Mandalay Bay resort, has recently opened its doors, presenting a unique culinary experience that merges Egyptian heritage with Mediterranean flavors. The restaurant is designed to provide guests with an inviting atmosphere characterized by dark blue hues, cream-colored walls, and artistic displays, making it an attractive dining destination.
Orla’s menu offers an array of Mediterranean dishes that range from the classic to the lesser-known, enabling diners to explore new flavors while enjoying beloved favorites. A top recommendation for starters is the whipped chickpea hummus served with warm pita, which sets the tone for the meal. Additionally, the “Breads, Spreads, Pickles” platter features an assortment of warm breads paired with tzatziki, roasted eggplant dip, turmeric butter, and sweet pickled vegetables, offering a delightful introduction to the meal.
Seafood lovers will find a selection of starters that includes marinated big eye tuna served on a crispy falafel accompanied by whipped tahini and urfa spicy cucumber. For those seeking a lighter option, the hamachi crudo provides a refreshing choice, combining flavors of persimmon, cara cara orange, and chili crunch.
The main course selections boast a variety of options. One highlighted dish is the tomato-ginger glazed salmon, which is served with saffron couscous, dill yogurt, and blistered cherry tomatoes. Another popular item is the Alexandria-style beer-battered fish and chips. Guests can also indulge in roasted lemon chicken, paired with lemon potatoes, Fresno chilies, feta, and mint, which has been recognized as a standout dish.
Meat enthusiasts will appreciate the black harissa-grilled lamb chops alongside a spice-rubbed New York strip. For a communal dining experience, family-style kebab platters featuring filet mignon, kofta, and chicken dolmas are available for sharing among diners. Additionally, the salt-baked sea bream, presented tableside with summer squash and oregano vinaigrette, adds a unique flair to the meal.
Complementing the culinary offerings is a well-curated drink menu. The restaurant features an award-winning wine list crafted by lead sommelier Jeff Chow, boasting an impressive selection of 800 bottles, with 40 options available by the glass. Signature cocktails such as the Rio Spritz, which mixes Aperol, elderflower, passion fruit, prosecco, and soda, offer innovative pairings that enhance the dining experience. Other creative cocktails include the Arabian Nights Negroni, which incorporates flavors inspired by the menu.
Dessert options provide a sweet conclusion to the meal, featuring rice pudding topped with Ceylon cinnamon crisp and lemon olive oil semolina cake. The design of Orla aims to create a comfortable atmosphere suitable for sharing dishes among diners, further enriching the overall experience.
Orla’s aesthetic is complemented by custom mosaic pieces and an octopus chandelier, evoking an oceanic theme that aligns with its culinary inspiration. The restaurant not only honors Chef Mina’s Egyptian roots but also aims to provide guests with a culturally infused dining experience that is rooted in family recipes and traditional flavors.
In summary, Orla at Mandalay Bay combines a stunning dining atmosphere with a diverse menu that showcases the richness of Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisines. With its commitment to delicious food and innovative drinks, the restaurant stands out as an exciting addition to Las Vegas’s culinary scene.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Magazine: Mina Orla Vegas Mediterranean Dining
- Los Angeles Times: Michael Mina’s Orla – Santa Monica
- Eater LA: Orla Restaurant – Seafood and Mediterranean
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mediterranean cuisine
- Michelin Guide: Michael Mina – My Egypt Book Launch
