Aroma Latin American Cocina

Guatemalan-born chef Steve Kestler recently moved this out-of-the-box Latin fusion restaurant from Henderson to the outskirts of Chinatown. The original spot was a cult favorite, beloved by serious foodies, top local chefs (James Trees is a big fan), and The James Beard Foundation, which named Kestler a finalist for its Best Chef Southwest award. And yet, the place never drew the crowds it deserved.

The new location is less than a mile from The Strip, just off of Spring Mountain Road, making it convenient for both tourists and locals. It’s small, maybe 10 tables in total, but nicely decorated and quite charming.

The menu is divided into four regions of Latin America, offering dishes from throughout the continent. You’ll find Mexican tacos, Guatemalan pepian negro, Peruvian ceviche, Colombian patacones and miniature Cuban sandwiches. Appetizers and small plates are more plentiful than full entrees, encouraging exploration. And the staff is helpful enough to make that exploration fun.

The vibe here is casual. But the plating of each dish is exquisite, reflecting the chef’s time in the kitchens of places like Bazaar Meat and Bouchon. The result is a restaurant that’s exciting and elevated, but never intimidating.