If you’re looking for relief from the triple-digit temps, head to Summerlin for a little bit of Italian coastal coolness at Limoncello, a rising neighborhood favorite for dishes that are as refreshing as they are authentic.
From the moment you walk into the expansive space—more than 8,000 square feet with seating for 325, wallpapered with scenes from Italy—you know you’re about to embark on an evening of culinary favorites and maybe some palate-pushing ones, too.
Earlier this year, chef Carla Pellegrino, a Top Chef favorite and a fixture in Las Vegas’ culinary scene with her restaurants Bacio and Bratalian, joined Limoncello as executive chef and partner. Pellegrino has revived some of her favorite creations, including a lobster, crab meat, shrimp and calamari Insalata di Mare with brunoise citronette ($26), an ocean-fresh concoction perfect for a summer day.
Bianca pizza
Another Pellegrino dish you shouldn’t miss is the Spaghetti Neri al Frutti di Mare ($34)—fresh squid ink pasta with scallops, shrimp, calamari, mussels and clams in a white wine tomato sauce. The dish is robust, slightly spicy and altogether unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a milder (but no less memorable) dish, the Chilean sea bass (market price), prepared in a lemon caper butter sauce and accompanied with spinach, carrots, asparagus and potatoes, is a solid choice.
Since you’re in a lemon-forward establishment, start with the Limonata ($14) for an aperitivo. The concoction—limoncello, Ramazoti Rosato, house-made lemonade, mint and hibiscus-lime tincture—is sure to beat the heat and settle you in. Or try the Limondrop ($14), with Absolut Citron, limoncello, lemon and black lemon bitters. If you prefer your pre-dinner drink a little stronger, check out the Paper Plane ($14) with Wild Turkey bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and lemon.
All your favorite classic dishes are here, says owner Giuseppe Bavarese, whose personal touch is very much present throughout. You can see him most days of the week in the restaurant, greeting guests and regulars as they walk through the door. He designed the space, which opened in late 2019, to his specifications and is adding an indoor/outdoor patio.
Despite the pandemic, Limoncello found its footing among locals with its prime steak and fresh seafood offerings flown in daily. Many developed an affection for dishes like the fettuccine Bolognese ($26), with meat ragu and Grana Padano cheese, and the gnocchi Norma ($26), house-made potato dumplings sauteed with eggplant and grape tomatoes, topped with fresh mozzarella.
Along with fresh seafood, Limoncello specializes in prime cuts of meat, including center-cut filet mignon ($59), a wet-aged ribeye ($79) and a 44-ounce wet-aged tomahawk steak ($129). Pellegrino also added her signature pork chop with traditional Neapolitan hot and sweet cherry peppers over mashed potatoes ($39), along with lamb chops ($55), prepared lightly breaded and accompanied by caramelized onions, prosciutto mashed potatoes and French beans with mint sauce.
Finish your meal with a traditional tiramisu ($14) or an exotic bomba ($14) of mango, passion fruit and raspberry sorbet covered with white chocolate. Or, end as brightly as you began, with a limoncello digestif ($9). This is the place for it.
LIMONCELLO FRESH ITALIAN KITCHEN 8245 W. Sahara Ave., 702-888-1144, limoncellolv.com. Sunday-Thursday, 4:30-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 4:30-10 p.m.
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