If you crave the flavors that the Mediterranean region is known for, head to Orla at Mandalay Bay, where chef and owner Michael Mina (yes, that Michael Mina) has created a space that captures the feel of a picturesque Greek restaurant. It’s awash in muted blues and browns, accenting the wood and tile interiors (there’s even a tree inside). It definitely doesn’t feel like Las Vegas.

Your menu has plenty of fabulous cocktails, like the Tour of Greece, with Kástra Elión vodka, fino (sherry), dry vermouth and citrus essence; or the Turkish espresso martini, with Cincoro reposado tequila, cardamom, spices, Caffé Borghetti espresso liqueur and fresh espresso.

You’ll notice a lot of crossover of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors on the menu, and that reflects the Egyptian-born chef’s roots and experiences. “Much of the food I ate was Greek, or was crossover, somewhere between Greek and Egyptian,” he said.

On the menu, dishes are noted as being Greek or Egyptian, and it’s easy to see that there isn’t a huge defining line. Pita and spreads include whipped chickpea hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush and muhammara, a red pepper dip with walnuts. Starters range from spanakopita and saganaki to lamb kofta “pops” and marinated big eye tuna (pictured), dusted with urfa (a Turkish chili) and served with falafel. 

For the mains on the table, grilled lamb chops, salt-baked sea bream or the Cairo fried chicken breast, accented with Mina’s special spice blend, will surely satisfy. But filet mignon and N.Y. strip come with stuffed cabbage rolls and red pepper sauce. The Athens Mixed Grill for Two gives you a range of options for one price, with kofta, wagyu short ribs, lamb chops and U-2 tiger prawns along with halloumi and chickpea and orzo koshary. Now, that’s the way to indulge! The Orla Shared Experience is a prix fixe menu with many of these dishes included, so that’s another way to try many popular dishes. Tip: That menu includes The Lemon dessert, and you should order it even if you don’t do the prix fixe.

Mandalay Bay, 702.632.9400. mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com

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