We Are Las Vegas

Chef Gabriela Camara Opened Cantina Contramar

The Mexico City-inspired restaurant is now serving guests at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Mexican Food

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a copper serving bowl on a volcanic stone plate, representing the restaurant's interior design.
Chef Gabriela Camara has officially opened Cantina Contramar at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, bringing a Mexico City-inspired dining experience to the city. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Local diners now have access to the Mexico City dining style as Chef Gabriela Camara has officially opened Cantina Contramar inside the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The restaurant brings an adapted version of the original concept to the resort corridor.

Why it matters

The opening marks a new addition to the resort restaurant scene as Fontainebleau Development president Brett Mufson aimed to bring the established Mexico City brand to the local market.

The original Contramar restaurant was established in 1998, with the new Las Vegas location arriving nearly three decades later.

The players

Gabriela Camara

The chef and founder who opened the original Contramar and the new location in the Fontainebleau.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The resort property housing the new restaurant.

Brett Mufson

The president of Fontainebleau Development who sought to bring the Mexico City concept to the resort.

Frida Escobedo

The architect responsible for the design of the restaurant's interior space.

Bertha Gonzalez Nieves

The collaborator who worked on the beverage menu and connected the chef with the resort developer.

The details

Designed by architect Frida Escobedo, the interior utilizes volcanic stone, hammered copper, and onyx panels. The beverage menu was developed in collaboration with Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, while the food menu features a selection of steaks and tacos tailored for the American market. The project was facilitated after Gonzalez Nieves connected Camara with Fontainebleau Development leadership.

Timeline

  1. 1998: The original restaurant first opened in Mexico City.

  2. 2019: Netflix released a documentary about the kitchen's operations.

  3. October 2026: The restaurant's arrival is featured in the latest issue of ELLE.

Beyond the Strip

The story follows the path established by the 2019 Netflix documentary A Tale of Two Kitchens, which documented the original restaurant's culture prior to this expansion. This opening marks a significant evolution for the concept as it shifts from a singular cultural touchstone to a feature in the resort corridor.

Residents visiting the Fontainebleau can now access the new restaurant's menu featuring steak and taco options. Check the resort's dining directory for updated hours of operation before planning a visit.

The takeaway

The arrival of this high-profile restaurant offers a new option for those interested in the Mexico City-inspired culinary style. Keep an eye on the resort's official restaurant portal for any future updates regarding seasonal menu additions or special event appearances.

Further reading

For more on the local culinary scene, see the Mexican Food section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by ELLE.

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