At Casa Playa, Executive Chef Sarah Thompson brings you the fresh coastal cuisine of Mexico’s Baja California. She strives to elevate the best of Mexico’s cuisine using premium ingredients to ensure a sophisticated and unforgettable fine dining experience. Thanks to a delectable collection of shared plates, the menu is perfect for romantic nights out, celebrations, and groups. In addition, the trendy and classy atmosphere further heightens the experience from start to finish.
Below you’ll find a comprehensive exploration of the menu, ambiance, dress code, and more so you know exactly what to expect when you visit.
Looking to make a reservation for an upcoming visit to Casa Playa Restaurant in the Encore? Casa Playa uses the Sevenrooms restaurant reservation platform. Make your reservation today!
Coastal Cuisine of Mexico’s Baja California
The menu at Casa Playa reflects Executive Chef Sarah Thompson’s love for the ingredients and flavors of Mexican cuisine. From sustainably sourced seafood platters to premium steaks to a rotating selection of tequilas and mezcals, you’re sure to be amazed. The following sections give a complete review of the menu and everything Casa Playa offers.
The Menu at Casa Playa Restaurant
Casa Playa Restaurant Menu – Encore Las Vegas
Crudo
The raw fish and seafood dishes on Casa Playa’s crudo section of the menu are an excellent way to start your meal. You can’t go wrong, from West Coast Oysters with prickly pear mandarin mignonette to Mexican Blue Shrimp Ceviche with cucumber and watermelon radish. Other selections include ingredients like yellowfin tuna, ossetra caviar, carrot sea buckthorn aguachile, and lobster, all of which are fresh, bright, and perfect for sharing. The crudo selections cost between $28 and $34.
Seafood Platter
Perfect for groups, the Seafood Platter at Casa Playa is a signature menu item. Served with west coast oysters, Hokkaido scallops, king crab legs, lobster tail, and shrimp cocktail, this towering display is a feast for your mouth and eyes. You can choose between the Signature for $115 or the Premium for $198. There’s also an option to add Golden Ossetra Caviar for an upcharge.
Appetizers
After enjoying fresh seafood, the appetizers at Casa Playa are perfect for your second course. They included familiar Mexican dishes like Housemade Guacamole, Queso Fundido, and the Quesadilla Machete with your choice of meat. You’ll also find a unique Gem Lettuce Salad, a roasted tomato soup with Mexican blue shrimp, octopus mole, and more, ranging between $18 and $36.
Mains
The main course selections at Casa Playa incorporate fresh vegetable and citrus flavors with spicy accents and premium seafood and meats. Delicious sauces, artisan cheeses, and elegant presentations also enhance Executive Chef Sarah Thompson’s excellently curated offerings.
While each dish in this portion of the menu is exemplary in its own way, the Dungeness Crab Esquites and Dorado in Banana Leaf are fan favorites. They include elevated and familiar flavors to bring you mouth-watering cuisine unlike any other. Sticking with the coastal theme, Mexican Blue Shrimp & Green Rice and Sizzling Shrimp a la Diabla are also stand-out features on the main course menu. Just beware, the latter is a bit spicy.
If you are in the mood for something meatier, both the American Wagyu Short Rib Suadero and the 14 oz New York Strip served with carne asada adobo and chimichurri will not disappoint. Additional offerings include Chicken Tinga Enchiladas, Chicken with Mole de Casa, Branzino Zarandeado, and Chile Roasted Eggplant, all of which make a solid choice.
Expect to pay between $33 and $72 for the main dish options at Casa Playa.
For the Table
Casa Playa also offers main course dishes ideal for sharing amongst friends and family. Each selection is served with housemade tortillas and salsas and costs between $105 and $225.
A specialty of the house, the Casa Playa Surf & Turf, is served with lobster, wagyu carne asada, jumbo shrimp, pork belly al pastor, short rib suadero, and serrano. It gives you and your group a well-rounded tour of the menu. And best of all, you don’t have to decide on one thing. The Pork Belly al Pastor is so good that it is also available by itself.
Other specialties for the table include Whole Snapper Tempura, a 36 oz Tomahawk Steak, Bone-In Beef Barbacoa, and Roasted Carnitas, which serves three to four people.
Sides
Casa Playa also offers a collection of side dishes that make the perfect accompaniment to shared dishes for the table. They allow you to add some greens and other Mexican standards to any meal, shared or not. Ranging from $12 to $14, the sides include Frijoles de Olla, Cucumber Salad, Grilled Asparagus, Blistered Shishitos, and Green Rice.
Dulce and Digestifs
Casa Playa has an array of traditional and inspired Mexican desserts that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. A house favorite, La Flama Blanca, is a flaming rum dessert made with caramelized banana ice cream, dulce de leche, and pecans. Another specialty, the Casa Playa Marigold, is made with milk chocolate mousse, peanut marzipan ganache, and rich caramel sauce.
Other creations include Churros for the Table, a Choco-Taco, Tres Leches, a Buttermilk Tart, Carolina’s Flan, Passion Fruit Meringue, Horchata Pudding, and ice cream and sorbet made in-house. They also offer several digestifs and port wines ideal for after-dinner enjoyment.
Beverages
The bar menu at Casa Playa further accentuates the Mexican flavors and ingredients found in the cuisine. With an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals selected by agave expert Noah Arenstein and unique specialty cocktails created by mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini, you’re sure to savor every drop.
Innovative margaritas served by the glass or pitcher, tequila-centric specialty cocktails, and flights of tequila and mezcal make the perfect complement to your meal. In addition to Mexican spirits and elevated cocktails, Casa Playa also has a sizable wine list, Mexican beers, and non-alcoholic options.
Reservations at Casa Playa Restaurant
Casa Playa Restaurant in the Encore uses the Sevenrooms restaurant reservation platform, making it easy for diners to find availability, make a reservation, receive confirmation, and edit or cancel a reservation if plans change.
You can log into Sevenrooms using a Facebook or Google account or just make a reservation as a guest.
A Refined and Relaxed Atmosphere
Inside Casa Playa, you’re greeted by light and airy decor with an upscale coastal vibe. The space is filled with natural wood furnishings, plush seating, and tropical greenery to create a relaxed atmosphere ideal for a chic dining experience.
The decor features vibrant red accents, including flower garlands hanging from the ceiling and beautiful paper lanterns that add an inviting glow. Additionally, regional art and photography adorn the walls, amplifying the overall Baja California ambiance.
Things To Know About Casa Playa in the Encore Hotel
Location: Casa Playa is located off the Encore Casino floor between the Poker Room and the High Limit Bar. It is also adjacent to the Encore Beach Club, making it a convenient and attractive destination.
Hours of Operation:
- Sun, Wed, and Thurs – 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Fri and Sat – 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Closed Mon and Tues
- Hours subject to change
Dress Code: The dress code at Casa Playa is casual chic. In addition, no kids under 5 are permitted.
Price: Couples can expect to pay between $175 and $275 for dinner at Casa Playa, including appetizers, desserts, and alcoholic beverages.
Wynn Rewards Dining Perks: The Wynn and Encore Las Vegas has a player’s rewards program that offers all kinds of benefits including those for dining if you’re a member. Membership is free. You can find more information here at Wynn Rewards.
Casa Playa in Summary
Unlike other Mexican restaurants, Casa Playa puts a refined spin on traditional Mexican flavors and cuisine. With sustainably sourced seafood from the Pacific coastline of Mexico’s Baja California, wagyu beef, delicious shared plates, a curated list of mezcals and tequilas, and more, the elevated fare found at Casa Playa is a true reflection of the best Las Vegas offers. In addition, its chic, classy decor is the perfect setting for date nights, celebrations, and groups. I hope this in-depth review was helpful, and thanks for checking us out here at the Las Vegas Report!
If you’re looking for more dining options at this amazing resort, check out our complete guide to restaurants in the Wynn and Encore.
Here’s our list of the best Mexican cuisine restaurants in Las Vegas.
