Marbella Tapas and Bar, Las Vegas

A glance upward at the mural on the ceiling at Marbella Tapas, Bar and Lounge and one might temporarily feel transported to another era. On it, swirling red fabrics drape the bodies of deities who float against a blue cloud-filled sky. Modern metal-and-glass chandeliers and a line of candle-mimicking sconces softly light the painting and the rest of the room. This blend of old and new is also indicative of Marbella’s cuisine, which blends classic Spanish fare and innovative international dishes. To start, diners can pass around shareable potato tapas, chicken quesadillas, serrano ham, and mac ‘n’ cheese made with manchego. With palates properly introduced to the menu, larger entrees—such as paella, kebabs, and tilapia topped with pineapple-mango relish—can take center stage.

Marbella’s chefs choose to incorporate as many locally sourced ingredients as possible in their cooking, even when it comes to the fruit in their signature cocktails and sangrias. At night, revelers see a shift in the restaurant’s atmosphere as the eatery morphs into a dance party, just like all restaurants in Europe after sundown.