It’s a known fact that Las Vegas houses dozens of Italian restaurants at varying price points and styles. However, this reality isn’t exclusive to the four-mile Strip stretch. Just off the main drag, one local outpost is cooking up recipes that reflect true Italian heritage, which means a commitment to authenticity and flavor in every dish.
Monzú Italian Oven & Bar
Monzú Italian Oven + Bar reigns as a city favorite, combining the rustic coziness of a down-home Italian restaurant with touches of Vegas glitz and glam. White tablecloths dot the dining room, while the restaurant name shines from the back wall with Strip-worthy letters.
Founder and owner Giovanni “Gio” Mauro helms Monzú as its creative — and hilarious — head chef. While his original career aspiratoins included music and opera singing, he worked in kitchens since his teenage years and shifted gears to working in the restaurant industry two decades ago. His opinions on food stretches across continents and generations, to maintain a timeless philosophy.
“To me, food is the ultimate expression of the respect you have for another human being,” he says. “I don’t think there’s any way for an institution to capture the grandeur, the full scope of what happens in food. It has to be done generationally, and that way you have a lot of diversity.”
His other venture includes Old School Pizzeria, a social joint with three locations in Vegas Valley that celebrates authenticity through its signature pizza crust recipe.
Dishes That Dazzle
To support this multilayered traditionalism, Mauro and his staff tend to a 300-year-old sourdough starter. Part of Monzú’s lore lives in this sourdough starter, which exists as a blend of two strains, one with a distinct nuttiness and the other boasting the fruity notes of apricots Mauro sourced from Quail Hollow Farms in Overton, NV. In the 20 years that Mauro has been feeding it, the centuries-old mix has adapted to the city’s biome to take on a distinct, delicious flavor.
“It’s really a Vegas strand at this point,” says Mauro, “and plus, yeast always takes on [its] environment. So after 20 years, it’s a Vegas sourdough.”
That starter fuels a robust list of Italian dishes, both classic and contemporary. From the bread appetizer to pizzas and even homemade breading, there are plenty of opportunities to taste history at Monzú.
Cool Classics and Cocktail Creations
Forget lasagna and regular pepperoni pizza. Mauro keeps tabs on trends in Italy and frames his menu around recipes making the rounds across the pond. For adventurous diners, this means that some unconventional combinations grace the menu. One such combination is the ‘Nduja pizza, a flavorful mix of mozzarella, gorgonzola, a spreadable salami known as ‘nduja, walnuts and honey. The result? A pizza that balances creamy textures with spicy notes and a slight crunch.
To the earlier point, Monzú doesn’t even offer standard lasagna. Instead, dive into a savory crepe-style dish, layered with cheese and sauce in an entirely different way. Mauro describes the menu as balanced, where everyone can find their next favorite dish.
Of course, Monzú caters to classic seekers. Fans of tried-and-true Italian cuisine will find the standard antipasti, salad, secondi and dessert offerings in sequential order, perfect for enjoying over several hours in authentic fashion.
Not to be missed, the Monzú bar program provides an international take on cocktails. Nods to Aperol spritzes and negronis are prevalent on the menu and feature spirits that extend far beyond Italy. The beverage program accompanies a 100% Italian wine list.
For a recommended pairing, go for a traditional Manhattan with lombatello, a hardwood-grilled hangar steak from Creekstone Farms served with a mixed herb salsa verde and potatoes.
Upcoming Delights
As a Sicilian chef and lover of food, Chef Mauro vows to follow what remains popular in his heritage, no matter what.
“I’m just enamored with old traditions,” he says. “Italy is such a diverse country with so many micro-culinary pockets, and I love to explore that.”
As spring arrives in full force, lamb with mint pesto and fennel potatoes and various greens are on the menu as seasonal favorites. To keep up with the ever-evolving roster of offerings, check back for new and rotating dishes.
Visit Monzú on Friday and Saturday nights for live music. The restaurant is open daily for dinner starting at 4 p.m. on Flamingo Rd. For reservations, menu items and droolworthy photography, visit monzulv.com
*photos by Bronson Loftin*
