Camello brings elevated Mexican cuisine to Phoenix’s Esplanade

🌮 High-end Mexican restaurant and lounge Camello opens today at the The Esplanade on the southeast corner of Camelback and 24th Street in Phoenix’s Biltmore neighborhood.

The 6,000-square-foot venue is the latest concept from 151 Hospitality, the team behind the Jewish deli Little Pickle and martini lounge The Mercer, both of which opened last year at The Esplanade.

Camello’s kitchen is under the direction of executive chef Julio Mata, a native of Guaymas, Mexico, who started at the legendary Barrio Café before opening all the Barrio Queen locations.

Menu highlights include tlayudas (a sort of Mexican pizzas made with Oaxacan crispy tortillas), a tableside ceviche cart, a variety of aguachiles, enchiladas featuring three colorful moles (negro, rojo, and verde), and a 48-ounce carne asada tomahawk ribeye for sharing.

Camello is open only for dinner this week. Lunch service begins next Monday.