Aromi Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar : A Valentine’s Night Déjà Vu in Summerlin

Some nights in Las Vegas feel like they’re built for big production — flashy entrances, loud dining rooms, and a “show” with your dinner. But this one was different. We were craving something more local, more intimate, and honestly… more real.

That’s how we ended up at Aromi Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, tucked into the same Summerlin plaza as Ohlala French Bistro — and sitting in a space that hit us with instant déjà vu. Halfway through walking in, I realized I remembered the room… the layout… even the table.

Then Esther said it: “Yes, we did sit here. But it was when Nittaya’s was here.” Same spot, new chapter — and on Valentine’s Day, it felt like the perfect time to see what Aromi has turned it into.

Where Italian Craft Meets Local Charm

Walking into Aromi on Valentine’s Day felt like stepping into a dining room that already knew how to hold a romantic night.

The restaurant was full of couples, soft music floated through the room, and you could hear wine glasses clinking in that quiet, celebratory way that only happens on special occasions.

We landed the corner table next to the bar — and if you’re anything like me and prefer a little breathing room, that corner is gold.

The atmosphere stayed warm and lively, but we had just enough space to enjoy the night without feeling crowded.

The Backstory Behind the Menu

Aromi isn’t trying to overwhelm you with trendy décor or a wall of Instagram bait. It’s simple, clean, and focused — which makes it easier to pay attention to what matters: the food, the wine, and the energy in the room.

From their own story, Aromi is driven by Executive Chef and Founder German Castellanos, whose journey runs from Honduras to Los Angeles kitchens and eventually Las Vegas — including time connected to Valentino alumni roots. The through-line is clear: years of craft, a deep love for Italian cuisine, and a chef who built his career the hard way — by showing up early, learning fast, and earning every next step.

And while you can read the full career timeline on their website, you can also feel it without reading a word. The menu has confidence. It doesn’t scream. It just delivers.

Starting the Night the Aromi Way

We opened with exactly what the name suggests: a toast to the “Wine Bar” part of the sign. A glass of Pinot Noir for Esther, and an IPA for me — because balance is a love language too.

Right behind the drinks came the house bread with olive oil and garlic, and I’ll say this: you can learn a lot about a restaurant from the bread.

Aromi’s bread immediately reminded me of Ai Pazzi’s style — that specific texture and flavor that feels like it’s coming from someone who knows Italian kitchens from the inside out, not from a copy-and-paste recipe book.

First Round: Appetizers

Classic, Clean, and Exactly What We Wanted

Valentine’s menus can sometimes get overly fancy just for the sake of sounding romantic, but our first round felt grounded in tradition — with just enough “special night” energy to make it feel like a treat.

Carpaccio

We started with the classic: carpaccio — thinly sliced raw beef tenderloin with arugula, shaved Parmigiano, capers, and lemon dressing.

It was bright, salty, clean, and balanced — the kind of appetizer that resets your palate and tells you right away whether a kitchen is paying attention.

Lobster Bisque

And because I spotted one of my personal favorites on their Valentine’s special menu, we added the lobster bisque. Delicious — rich and comforting in a way that feels perfect for February.

It’s the kind of bowl that slows down the pace of the meal in the best way, like the restaurant is gently telling you: stay a while.

As the plates landed, the staff checked in without hovering. Everything felt easy. And what stood out most was the overall mood — people looked genuinely happy.

Maybe it was the holiday, maybe it’s just Aromi’s usual energy… but either way, it worked.

The Bar Energy (Even If You’re Not Sitting At It)

Since the dining room keeps the décor simple, my attention naturally drifted to the bar — and that’s where the room really came alive.

It wasn’t loud or chaotic, just lively. The kind of bar where conversation flows, glasses keep moving, and the vibe feels social even when you’re tucked into your own table.

If you’re planning a date night and want options, Aromi is one of those spots where you could do a full dinner… or you could show up for a drink, split an appetizer, and let the night go wherever it goes.

The Main Event: Entrées Worth Coming Back For

We went classic and comfort-forward — because that’s what we wanted on Valentine’s Day. Not tiny portions, not trendy experiments.

Just the kind of Italian food that makes you look at the person across from you and say, “This was the right choice.”

Classic Lasagna

The lasagna was everything you hope it will be: classic homemade layered pasta with béchamel, meat sauce, and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying — the kind of dish that makes you pause after the first bite because it’s exactly what you wanted it to be.

Spaghetti Carbonara

And then there was my new favorite: spaghetti carbonara with imported pancetta, egg yolk, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

This is one of those dishes that seems simple until it isn’t — because when carbonara is done right, it’s not “heavy,” it’s silky. Not greasy — just flavorful.

Aromi’s version hit that sweet spot where every forkful tastes like it was built with intention.

Why Aromi Belongs on Your Local Date Night List

The food was delicious, the drinks were on point, and the atmosphere delivered exactly what you want on a romantic night: warm lighting, good energy, and a dining room that feels celebratory without turning into a circus.

But the bigger takeaway is how quickly this part of town keeps growing. You can drive past these plazas a hundred times and never really notice what’s inside — until one night you do, and suddenly you realize the neighborhood is stacked with gems.

Aromi sits next door to Ohlala French Bistro, a few doors down from Nanny’s Cafe, and not far from where Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen is nearby in the area — and if you cross the street, you’re in range of more local favorites like Baan Bann and Omelet House. It’s one of those pockets of Las Vegas where the best plan is simply: look around the corner.

A Local Reminder Worth Keeping

If you’re looking for a romantic dinner without the big fuss — no loud shows, no Strip chaos, no tourist stampede — put Aromi on your list. Reserve ahead when it’s a holiday, ask for a corner table if you can, and let the night stay simple.

Because sometimes the best Vegas dinner stories aren’t the ones with neon and spectacle.

They’re the ones where you rediscover a place you forgot… and realize it’s better than you remembered.