Elemi Restaurant Contemporary Fine Dining

When you step into Elemi Restaurant, you're greeted by more than just a well-set table—you're entering a space where local ingredients meet global inspiration. The urban setting draws you in, but it's the seasonal menus and artful presentation that keep you guessing what might be next. If you think you've experienced fine dining before, this just might challenge your expectations in ways you didn't anticipate.

Location and Hours

Located at 13500 Eastlake Blvd in Horizon City, ELEMI operates Tuesday through Friday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and on Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The restaurant remains closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Guests should be aware that their entire party must be present before placing an order to be seated, as the establishment does not accept reservations.

ELEMI is noteworthy for its culinary offerings, attributed to chef Emiliano Marentes, a James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef. The restaurant distinguishes itself by grinding nixtamal daily, which is a key component in authentic Mexican cuisine.

For inquiries, guests can reach out by phone, although reviews indicate that visiting in person may be advantageous for a better experience. Validated parking is available for patrons.

The menu features specialties such as Con Leche Mexica and Paso y El Leche, which might appeal to those interested in traditional Mexican dishes. Photography of the food is encouraged, enhancing the dining experience for some visitors.

Atmosphere and Design

Elemi Restaurant features an intimate dining area with eight tables, designed to provide a cozy and personal dining experience.

The distinctive bar is constructed from beetle kill pine, which combines rustic elements with modern design. A notable portrait of Emiliano Zapata reflects the restaurant’s Mexican heritage and acknowledges local Paso traditions.

The decor and lighting have been selected to foster a festive yet relaxed environment, making it suitable for both casual gatherings and more formal celebrations. The presence of "ORDER TO BE SEATED" signs adds an element of character, while references to grinding nixtamal and Leche Mexica serve to highlight the chef’s cultural inspirations and commitment to authentic culinary techniques.

This design approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reinforces the restaurant’s thematic focus on its cultural roots.

Culinary Philosophy

Elemi Restaurant adopts a culinary philosophy that integrates traditional Mexican techniques with contemporary practices. Under the guidance of chef Emiliano Marentes, a James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef, diners experience a nuanced interpretation of Mexican cuisine.

Central to Elemi's approach is the process of nixtamalization, which involves grinding locally sourced Maíz Criollo. This technique not only respects cultural heritage but also enhances the flavors and textures of the ingredients used.

The seasonal menus are thoughtfully curated, reflecting Marentes' roots and showcasing dishes such as Con Leche and Leche Mexica. This focus on authenticity and innovation is intended to provide a holistic dining experience that extends beyond simply enjoying a meal.

The concept of ordering to be seated indicates a structured dining environment, emphasizing the importance of each visit as a means of engaging with the culinary landscape. Overall, Elemi Restaurant represents a meaningful exploration of Mexican gastronomy, combining respect for tradition with modern interpretation.

The Masa Program

Elemi distinguishes itself from other fine dining establishments by implementing a masa program that emphasizes the daily grinding of nixtamal to produce fresh masa. This process is integral to the restaurant's approach to creating hand-pressed tortillas, which are made to order using Maíz Criollo sourced from near El Paso.

This choice of corn is significant, as it contributes both flavor and authenticity to the tortillas, reflecting traditional Mexican culinary practices.

Chef Emiliano Marentes, who has been recognized as a James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef, oversees this program. The quality of the masa and the tortillas produced has garnered positive reviews in various restaurant critiques and social media platforms, indicating a successful execution of this traditional technique.

The focus on native ingredients and methods not only enhances the dining experience but also serves to honor the cultural heritage associated with tortilla-making.

When making a reservation, patrons may consider ordering options such as Con Leche or Leche Mexica, which showcase the restaurant's commitment to integrating authentic flavors and culinary techniques into their offerings.

Signature Menu Offerings

Elemi features a carefully curated menu that effectively combines traditional and modern culinary techniques through its signature dishes. Notable items include the Campechano Taco and Conejito Pibil, both of which are crafted by chef Emiliano Marentes, a James Beard Semifinalist. The menu is designed to provide a balanced representation of native Mexican flavors.

The dishes are not only significant for their taste but also for their visual presentation, as highlighted in various restaurant reviews that focus on items like Esquites and Papitas Fundidas. For diners with dietary restrictions, vegan options such as Pepinos are available, alongside specials that reflect the local Paso region.

Additionally, it is important to note that every tortilla served at Elemi is made using the grind nixtamal process, a method that enhances the flavor and texture of the tortillas.

The restaurant is located on Eastlake Blvd but does not operate during certain hours; it is advisable to confirm its schedule before planning a visit.

Beverage Selection

At ELEMI, the beverage selection is designed to complement the food menu, with a particular emphasis on agave-based spirits that represent a significant aspect of Mexican cocktail culture.

The cocktail offerings are made with fresh, pressed ingredients, effectively aligning with the culinary approach of chef Emiliano Marentes, who incorporates traditional flavors in his dishes.

The beverage menu features local craft beers from Paso, a selection of Mexican wines, and inventive drinks such as Con Leche y Leche Mexica. This diversity in offerings is intended to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Customers can place orders on-site or by phone during designated hours, specifically on Monday and Tuesday evenings at the Eastlake Blvd location.

The selection has received positive reviews for its quality and uniqueness, as evidenced by various photographs and critiques that highlight the bar's innovative strategies.

Overall, the beverage selection at ELEMI underscores the establishment’s commitment to quality and cultural representation through its drink offerings.

Recognition and Awards

ELEMI has established a notable presence within the culinary sector, primarily due to chef Emiliano Marentes, who has achieved James Beard Award semifinalist status multiple times over the past three years.

Hailing from El Paso, Marentes oversees a Mexican kitchen that Texas Monthly recognized for serving the second best taco in Texas in 2024. The restaurant emphasizes both traditional and innovative cooking methods, as evidenced by its use of pressed Con Leche tortillas and the nixtamalization process, which are highlighted in photographs from various events.

Frequent reviews of ELEMI suggest a consistently positive dining experience, regardless of the day of the week. Reservation lines are often busy, indicating a strong demand for the restaurant's offerings.

Nevertheless, patrons can expect a unique experience during their visit, with new elements regularly introduced to the menu.

Reservation Policy and Dining Experience

ELEMI operates on a strict seating policy that requires all members of a group to be present before being seated. This approach is indicative of the restaurant's commitment to providing an intimate dining experience, as it has only eight tables available for guests.

The establishment is open from Tuesday to Saturday, closing its doors on Sundays and Mondays. Dining hours are typically from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with earlier service starting at 3:00 PM on Saturdays.

The culinary direction of ELEMI is led by Chef Emiliano Marentes, who is recognized as a James Beard Semifinalist. This designation highlights the chef's expertise and the quality of the dishes offered, which are noted for incorporating native grind nixtamal and creative Mexican elements.

For those interested in visiting, the restaurant encourages potential patrons to familiarize themselves with customer reviews or contact them directly for more information.

It is located on Eastlake Blvd, and due to its limited seating, prospective visitors may want to consider their arrival time to ensure they can be seated promptly.

Community Engagement and Cultural Impact

ELEMI serves as a significant component of El Paso's culinary and cultural framework, emphasizing heritage through its offerings. Chef Emiliano Marentes, recognized as a James Beard Award semifinalist, leads the kitchen, focusing on authentic Mexican cuisine that adheres to traditional methods and flavors.

The restaurant's closure on Mondays and Tuesdays does not hinder its visibility; instead, the ongoing discussion around ELEMI is maintained through online reviews and shared experiences, allowing patrons to engage with the establishment even when it is temporarily closed.

Customers often highlight menu items such as Con Leche, as well as the use of nixtamal, which is a traditional process for preparing corn. Such elements reflect the restaurant’s commitment to local agriculture and its efforts to preserve and promote El Paso's cultural identity.

By prioritizing locally-sourced ingredients and traditional recipes, ELEMI contributes to the broader conversation about community engagement and the cultural impact of culinary practices in the region.

Located near Eastlake Blvd, ELEMI stands as an example of how food can serve as a vehicle for cultural expression and community connection.

Conclusion

At Elemi Restaurant, you’ll discover more than just a meal—you’ll experience refined dining shaped by thoughtful ingredients, creative menus, and attentive service. Whether you’re unwinding in the elegant dining room or exploring the open kitchen, every detail’s designed for your comfort and enjoyment. With a dedication to sustainability and community, Elemi delivers a memorable taste of modern cuisine. Reserve your table, and let yourself be part of this unique culinary journey.