Il Toro E La Capra: Where Italian Romance Meets Mexican Heat

For years, I’ve driven past Il Toro E La Capra and thought, “We really should try that place.” Something about the elegant standalone building at Decatur and Sunset always caught my eye.

This past Friday, we finally gave it a shot—and I’m still thinking about that meal. If you love Mexican food but also crave the richness of Italian cuisine, this spot may just change how you define “fusion.”

Blending Cultures with Heart

Created by restaurateur Javier Barajas, Il Toro E La Capra is deeply personal.

The name itself is a tribute to his youngest children—Javier III, “El Toro” (The Bull), and Jimena, “La Cabra” (The Goat). But there’s much more to the story than just a clever name.

Barajas, the founder of the beloved Lindo Michoacan family of restaurants, has long dreamed of combining the warmth and soul of Mexican cuisine with the elegance of Italian tradition.

Barajas immigrated to Las Vegas from Michoacan, Mexico, in the 1970s and quickly found work in some of the city’s most iconic restaurants—places frequented by Italian-American mobsters like Tony “The Ant” Spilotro and the infamous Hole in the Wall Gang.

That experience sparked a fascination with Italian food, and Barajas eventually traveled to Italy to master traditional cooking techniques.

Il Toro E La Capra is the culmination of that journey—a place where cultural roots and culinary dreams merge in every dish.

Atmosphere that Tells a Story

Walking through the doors of Il Toro E La Capra is like stepping into a vintage postcard from Old Vegas, with a splash of rustic Italian charm.

The interior features hand-painted murals, antique furniture, and curated Italian decor pieces that lend a personal, almost museum-like feel.

There’s history in every corner, from the family portraits to the old signage and silverware that look plucked from a countryside villa in Tuscany.

Live music plays softly in the background—often a guitarist strumming romantic classics—and the staff genuinely greets you with a warmth that feels more like a family gathering than a business transaction.

It’s not just ambiance—it’s identity.

From Chips to Carpaccio

We were welcomed with a complimentary pairing of crispy tortilla chips and house-made salsa, served alongside fresh-baked Italian bread and herbed olive oil.

That first bite told us everything we needed to know—this restaurant wasn’t afraid to take risks.

The salsa had a serious kick (enough to bring tears to my spice-loving eyes), but the bread and oil were classic and calming. The yin and yang of fire and flavor.

Unexpected Pairings, Unforgettable Flavors

Our starter was a classic Italian dish, but one that felt completely at home in this Mexican-Italian love affair.

Beef Carpaccio

Delicate, thin slices of raw beef laid out like petals on a plate, finished with olive oil, lemon, capers, and shaved parmesan.

It was light, fresh, and expertly balanced—the kind of dish that makes you stop talking mid-conversation just to savor it properly.

Lobster Ravioli & Mole Poblano

For the entrees, we followed the server’s enthusiastic recommendation and went with the Lobster Ravioli and Mole Poblano.

The ravioli was decadent—stuffed with chunks of real lobster meat and bathed in a creamy tomato sauce with hints of saffron and garlic. It was rich without being heavy, and every bite was indulgent.

On the other side of the spectrum, the mole was deep, earthy, and complex—just as it should be.

It came with tender chicken and a side of Mexican-style rice, grounding the dish in familiar comfort while offering the elegance of presentation you’d expect from an Italian fine dining experience.

A Toast to the Unexpected

While most Mexican restaurants center their drink menus around tequila or mezcal, Il Toro E La Capra has something rare: an extensive, well-curated wine list.

And we’re not talking about your average grocery store picks. You’ll find bold Italian reds, delicate whites, and even a few sparkling options perfect for celebrating a special night out.

My wife chose a glass of Malbec to go with her Mole Poblano; it was an excellent pairing—and proof that the wine program here is no afterthought.

The Verdict: Flavor Meets Legacy

Il Toro E La Capra isn’t trying to fit into a mold—it’s creating a new one.

It’s a love letter to two cuisines and the people who shaped them.

The food is bold, unexpected, and unapologetically unique. The ambiance is rich with history and warmth. And the service? From start to finish, it made us feel like honored guests.

We left full—not just from the food, but from the experience. It was one of those rare dinners where every element, from décor to dessert, came together in harmony.

We’ve already recommended it to friends, and it’s going on our list of date-night staples.

If you’re craving something different, something authentic, and something rooted in family tradition, Il Toro E La Capra deserves a visit.