By Kirk Kern
When people think of Valentine’s Day dining, they usually gravitate toward Italian food because of its Roman roots.
Fortunately of Skye Canyon residents, if they want that Italian Valentine’s Day experience, they don’t have to go far.
Sicilian Guys Trattoria has been open for more than a year now and is going through it’s second Valentine’s Day experience.
Owner Ignazio Tessa said last year, they didn’t offer a specific Valentine’s Day offering, but this year one is in the works.
“We haven’t put up the menu yet,” he said, but added it will be a four-course meal with appetizer, pasta, entree and dessert … along with champagne.
“Of course, you can also order off the regular menu,” he said.
Tessa and his family, along with partner Greg Price, took a chance on the space formerly occupied by a Bob’s Big Boy about a year and a half ago and opened in August of 2024. He was familiar with the area having already established the Omelette Cafe in 2020 in the same shopping center. They also have an Omelette Cafe and Sicilian Guys Pizzeria in Sun City Summerlin.
Sicilian Guys Trattoria offers the flavors of Sicily with a menu that includes pastas, pizza, chicken parmigiana, New Zealand lamb chops, chicken piccata and more. They also have an extensive wine selection and even have regular wine tasting events. The next one is Feb. 23 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Customers can also join a wine club and get regular savings every time they come in.
Sicilian Guys has been a big hit with Skye Canyon residents.
“I like it because it’s a great spot to eat with wonderful food,” said Nicole Torsiello Holtzman. “It’s also a family owned restaurant and I like to support small businesses. They have live music also. I’ve never had a bad meal there and the lasagna is my favorite. The staff is great too.”
Other Valentine’s Day dining options in and around Skye Canyon include:
Casa de Juliette
7585 Norman Rockwell Lane
This fine dining Mexican cuisine establishment is the product of longtime culinary and hospitality veterans Nathan Grates Anthony Jamison and Chase Gordon.
Case de Juliet has a special Valentine’s menu that includes:
• Amuse Bouche: Miyagi Oyster,Jicama Orange Mignonette, Wasabi Tobiko.
• Apps: two Barbacoa Empanadas and Shrimp Aguachile.
• Entree: Choice of Filet Mignon in Mezcal-Chipotle Cream or
Gulf Red Snapper Veracruzana
• Desserts: Chocolate Tres Leches and Fresas con Crema
Cost is $69 per person. A la Carte menu is also available.
“It is the only fine dining experience in the northwest located outside of a resort casino,” said Skye Canyon resident Lance Sherman. “Managing Partner Anthony Jamison worked for over a decade at top strip restaurants like Eiffel Tower and Michael Mina’s and brings that 5 Star food & service to Centennial Hills. Great decor and fabulous Mexican food.”
Mezzo Bistro and Wine Bar
4275 N. Rancho Drive
Mezzo Bistro has been called a “hidden gem” in northwest Las Vegas, serving authentic Italian and seafood cuisine. They can even take requests off the menu. Mezzo also offers 40 wines by the glass daily.
Skye Canyon resident Amy Miller recommends Mezzo Bistro and Wine Bar as a great place for an intimate Valentine’s Day dining experience
“We’ve been going there since we moved here- love that it’s independently owned and the owner is from NY state so it feels like home for us,” she said. “The ambiance is great and their specials are fantastic.
“Our favorites are the Chicken Riggies (A Utica NY classic), their meatballs and antipasto. They usually have some seafood on the menu which is always great!”
Ginza Izakaya
9570 W. Skye Canyon Park Drive, Suite 100
Ginza has been open for almost a year now and can offer an Asian flare for your Valentine’s Day dining. They aren’t offering a specific menu for Valentine’s Day, but does have a regular happy hour Monday through Thursday from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. with half off draft beer or large house sake. Customers sitting at the bar will also get complimentary salted Edamame or Garlic Edamame.
“I think the ambience and traditional Japanese feel allows you to escape the desert for a few minutes but close to home,” said Skye Canyon resident Billy Alt. “We like to order the Ginza Omakase course. It’s a two-person, six-course menu. It’s a must try! Come hungry.”