Thanks to chef Lorena Garcia’s expansive menu of regional Latin cuisines, Chica has been one of the most consistently interesting eateries on the Strip, offering flavors and dishes you simply can’t get anywhere else. And thanks to a massive summer remodel, it’s essentially a brand-new restaurant in 2022, an even stronger version of itself.
Chica reopened just before the new year arrived with fresh energy from murals by Miami graffiti artist Daniel Osorno, an even bigger front bar and lounge space that stays open in the afternoons between lunch and dinner hours, and an open-flame Josper grill that adds excitement to the overall atmosphere and the new menu. Everything is more sophisticated and fun.
It’s hard to choose which new dishes to try, since so many of them splash familiar flavors and presentations across unique ingredients and combinations. The wood oven-roasted Peruvian octopus ($25) is a can’t-miss-bite, smoky and tender with blistered chilies, crispy quinoa and Brazilian-style pico de gallo. Three new signature dishes are perfect for sharing with your date, especially baby back ribs “al pastor” ($38), a meaty masterpiece. And if your’re there with a group, go all out with Chica’s parillada experience ($190), a parade of different wood-fired meats and memorable sauces and sides.
CHICA Venetian, 702-805-8472. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
