Nudo Italiano to Open in Southern Highlands, Bringing
Authentic Italian Dining to Las Vegas Neighborhood
A new neighborhood gem is set to open in the picturesque Southern Highlands community in late May. Located at 4390 W Cactus Ave, Nudo Italiano, the latest restaurant from local restaurateurs Jenna Morton and Michael Morton, will offer a warm, inviting setting for guests to gather and connect over lovingly prepared Italian cuisine.
Nestled just 10 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Nudo Italiano is a family-owned restaurant inspired by the Italian tradition of communal dining. The space features a cozy dining room, lively bar, and vibrant patio, all designed to evoke the feeling of a warm embrace.
“This restaurant is deeply personal for us,” said Jenna Morton. “We wanted to create a place that feels like home—where families, friends, and neighbors can come together to share great food, celebrate milestones, and build memories. There’s nothing more Italian than that.”
At the helm of the kitchen is Morton Group Culinary Director William DeMarco, whose menu honors Italian culinary traditions, crafting each dish to let its ingredients shine. The menu features handmade pastas, house-baked breads, and Neapolitan-style pizzas, fired in a traditional wood-burning oven with preparation guided by the principles set by UNESCO for Neapolitan pizza-making, honoring the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Italy.
“Nudo is a place where simplicity meets soul; it’s about letting the food speak for itself,” said Michael Morton. “Southern Highlands has been waiting for something like this, and we’re proud to bring it to life.”
Signature dishes include the Diavola Pizza, made with tomato, ciliegine mozzarella, sopressata piccante and Calabrian chili; Pappardelle al Ragu, featuring veal ragu, sheep’s milk ricotta and fresh mint; Calamari with lemon aioli, arrabbiata sauce and sweety drop peppers; and Branzino, a pan-roasted Mediterranean sea bass served with eggplant purée and roasted cherry tomatoes.
With a curated soundtrack, the scent of basil and wood-fired dough in the air, and thoughtful design elements throughout, Nudo Italiano is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience meant to be savored and shared.
Nudo will be open daily starting at 4 p.m. Reservations will soon be available on OpenTable and on the website. Group reservations are available by calling (702) 848-NUDO (6836). For more information and opening updates, follow @NudoLV or visit www.nudolv.com.
About Nudo Italiano
Nudo Italiano is a family-owned neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Southern Highlands at 4390 W Cactus Ave in Las Vegas. Created by veteran restaurateurs Jenna and Michael Morton, with Chef William DeMarco at the helm, Nudo Italiano blends elevated Italian cuisine with a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed to bring people together. With a focus on simple, soulful dishes crafted from the highest-quality ingredients, Nudo celebrates the tradition of communal dining and the beauty of gathering over a shared meal. Learn more at www.nudolv.com.
About Morton Group
Morton Group was founded by famed restaurateurs Jenna Morton and Michael Morton in December 2010 with the opening of La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas. The stylish restaurant showcases contemporary American cuisine with an expansive menu of craft wines, as well as a popular, butler-style Sunday brunch. CRUSH, which opened in December 2013 at MGM Grand Las Vegas, presents American classics from steaks and seafood to woodfired pizzas and pasta paired with playful handcrafted cocktails and a diverse wine list. Greek Sneek, also at MGM Grand, celebrates the spirit of Mykonos with fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Michael and his brother, David Morton, debuted ONE Steakhouse, an upscale steakhouse serving a thoughtfully curated menu of steakhouse favorites, at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in January 2021. More information is available at www.Morton-Group.com.