151 Hospitality
Audio By Carbonatix
A colorful Mexican restaurant is joining the growing roster of fresh restaurants at The Esplanade in Phoenix’s Biltmore neighborhood.
Camello will open for dinner service on Monday, Feb. 2. The restaurant is backed by 151 Hospitality, the group led by restaurateurs Rick Phillips and Peter Hearn. The duo also opened Little Pickle Jewish Deli and The Mercer in 2025 in The Esplanade, a business and retail complex that’s undergone a major refresh.
“We are seeing the renewed energy of the Camelback Corridor with The Little Pickle, The Mercer, our immediate neighbors at Esplanade and of course the social scene at Global Ambassador and Steak 44, and we wanted to be part of its renaissance,” Phillips and Hearn said in a joint statement.
Camello’s owners have described their new spot as “a luxurious and theatrical high-energy Mexican restaurant” whose name nods to the restaurant’s views of Camelback Mountain.
Executive Chef Julio Mata oversees the kitchen. He’s worked at the revered Barrio Café and opened all of Barrio Queen’s locations, the release said. Camello’s menu is inspired by Mata’s roots in Guaymas, Mexico, with modern twists.
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Camello’s menu features a 48-ounce carne asada tomahawk ribeye. -
Diners can start with a tuna tostada on large crispy wonton. -
Camello’s menu includes a robust selection of raw dishes inlcuding tuna tiradito. -
Camello’s guacamole can be topped with chunks of grilled ribeye. -
Camello, which features bubble gum pink walls, black-and-white striped floors and a mirror-tiled back bar, took cues ranging from Mexican architect Luis Barragán to Studio 54. -
Lunch at Camello includes tacos. -
Sopes from Camello. -
Enchiladas are served with a trio of rojo, Verde and negro moles.
What to expect at Camello
Diners can kick off their meal with a rotating selection of tlayudas, aguachile, ribeye-studded guacamole or Camarones Roca. A cart will deliver ceviche tableside. Larger plates include a trio of enchiladas sauced with mole negro, rojo and verde; a 48-ounce carne asada tomahawk ribeye; or a whole red snapper. Cocktails will include a curated list of craft options and signature frozen drinks.
Camello is the latest swanky restaurant on the Valley scene that embraces upbeat, entertainment-driven elements of nightlife. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant will feature dining space for 150, a patio and a dance floor near the main bar for when the playlist of Latin beats moves you.
The space features bubble gum pink walls, black-and-white striped floors and a mirror-tiled back bar. The design was inspired by a range of influences, from Mexican architect Luis Barragán to Studio 54.
Starting Feb. 9, the restaurant will add lunch. That menu will feature casual options such as tacos, tortas, bowls and salads. Brunch and late-night cocktail hours will follow.
Camello
Opens Feb. 2
2425 E. Camelback Road
