La Strega Las Vegas brings Chef Gina Marinelli’s modern take on Italian cooking to Summerlin, pairing house-made pasta, pizza, seafood, and seasonal dishes with a stylish neighborhood setting.
Led by Chef/Partner Gina Marinelli, La Strega takes inspiration from different regions of Italy while combining traditional ideas with a modern, seasonal approach.
We visited for dinner and found a restaurant that worked particularly well for a Summerlin date night: energetic enough to feel like a night out, but with quieter parts of the dining room when conversation matters.
The dishes below reflect our April 2025 dinner at La Strega. The restaurant changes parts of its menu seasonally, so preparations and available dishes may differ when you visit.
Inside La Strega in Summerlin
La Strega’s dining room gave us two noticeably different experiences. The section near the open kitchen and bar felt lively and energetic, while the dining area farther away offered a more intimate atmosphere.
We arrived on a Tuesday evening and found the restaurant comfortably bustling. By the time our main course arrived, much of the room had filled in.
If you prefer a quieter dinner, ask whether seating farther from the open kitchen is available. We found that side of the restaurant better suited to a relaxed conversation.
For another polished Italian option nearby, our visit to North Italia in Summerlin offers a different take on modern Italian dining.
What We Ate at La Strega
Focaccia to Start
We started our meal with the Tomato and Oregano Focaccia served during our visit, adding the Whipped Mascarpone Butter.
The warm bread and creamy mascarpone made an easy opening to dinner and set the tone for the meal that followed.
La Strega Insalata and Spanish Octopus
Our starters included the La Strega Insalata, which at the time paired apple cider vinaigrette with smoky bleu cheese, figs, and candied walnuts.
Our standout was the Grilled Spanish Octopus. The preparation we tried included lima beans, lemon, and tapenade, bringing together smoky char and bright Mediterranean flavors.
La Strega still serves Spanish Octopus, though the preparation can change as the menu evolves.
House-Made Pasta at La Strega
During our visit, we couldn’t resist two of the pasta dishes that immediately caught our attention.
First, the Rigatoni Bolognese—rich with wild boar, ‘nduja, a spicy spreadable pork salumi, and nutty Grana Padano.
The combination was deeply savory without losing the pasta’s character. For a completely different Las Vegas Italian experience, Bootlegger Italian Bistro leans more heavily into classic old-school Italian cooking.
We also ordered the Spicy Troffie Alla Vodka. During our visit, the dish paired the pasta with creamy vodka sauce, whipped ricotta, basil, and chives.
La Strega still lists Rigatoni Bolognese and Spicy Trofie alla Vodka among its house-made pasta offerings, though seasonal ingredients and preparations can change.
If your idea of Italian night is more casual pizza-and-pasta comfort food, Marsigliano’s Pizzeria offers a different neighborhood experience on West Sahara.
Chef Gina Marinelli’s Italian Influence
Chef Gina Marinelli’s path to La Strega includes formal culinary training, years in notable Las Vegas kitchens, and extensive travel through Italy.
After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, Marinelli moved to Las Vegas and worked alongside chefs including Michael Mina and Scott Conant.
She later traveled through areas including Bologna, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast, experiences that helped shape the regional approach behind La Strega.
That influence is still visible throughout the restaurant’s menu, which moves between house-made pasta, pizza, seafood, seasonal vegetables, and Italian classics rather than concentrating on only one region or style.
La Strega for a Summerlin Date Night
La Strega works particularly well when you want dinner to feel like part of the evening, not simply somewhere to eat.
If you enjoy the energy of an open kitchen and active bar, the livelier side of the dining room puts you closer to the action. If the goal is wine, pasta, and conversation, ask whether seating farther from the kitchen is available.
For more ideas before or after dinner, our Las Vegas experiences and attractions section can help turn dinner into a complete night out.
La Strega also occupies a different lane from some of the other Italian restaurants we’ve visited around Las Vegas. Roma Restaurant & Deli, for example, delivers a more casual Italian-American experience, while La Strega focuses on a polished room and Chef Marinelli’s regionally inspired cooking.
Our dinner gave us a memorable introduction to La Strega through focaccia, Spanish octopus, Rigatoni Bolognese, and Spicy Trofie Alla Vodka. The individual dishes may evolve with the seasons, but the combination of house-made pasta, Italian influences, and an energetic Summerlin dining room remains central to the restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does La Strega take reservations?
Yes. La Strega accepts reservations, and the restaurant’s official website provides online table booking. Availability varies by date, time and party size.
What are La Strega’s dinner hours?
La Strega is currently open daily from 5 PM to 9 PM. Holiday hours and special events can affect regular service, so checking the restaurant’s current schedule before visiting is recommended.
Does La Strega make its pasta in-house?
Yes. La Strega’s current dinner menu has a dedicated house-made pasta section with dishes including Rigatoni Bolognese, Cacio e Pepe, raviolini, pappardelle, Spicy Troffie Alla Vodka and Maine Lobster Spaghetti. The selection changes seasonally.
Does La Strega offer vegetarian dishes?
Yes. Vegetarian choices on the current menu include dishes such as Margherita pizza, Pomodoro pasta, Cacio e Pepe and seasonal vegetable preparations. Guests with dietary restrictions or allergies should confirm ingredients and cross-contact concerns directly with the restaurant.
Does La Strega offer takeout?
Yes. La Strega currently lists takeout as available Sunday through Thursday. Availability and menu selections can vary, so check the restaurant’s current ordering options before placing an order.
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