151 Hospitality, a restaurant group co-founded and led by seasoned Phoenix restaurateurs Rick Phillips and Peter Hearn, will open Camello, the flagship of their three dining concepts, on February 2 at The Esplanade (2425 E. Camelback Road) in Phoenix’s coveted Biltmore neighborhood.

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A new chapter in the Camelback Corridor’s dining renaissance

Riding high on the success of the whimsical Little Pickle and the cool martini vibes of The Mercer, 151 Hospitality is ready to unveil Camello, a luxurious and theatrical high-energy Mexican restaurant named after its panoramic views of Camelback Mountain.

“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,” say Phillips and Hearn.

Chef Julio Mata brings modern Mexican flavors rooted in tradition

Spanning 6,000 square feet and accommodating 150 guests, Camello will feature elevated Mexican cuisine led by Executive Chef Julio Mata. Chef Mata got his start at the fabled Barrio Café and later led the opening of all Barrio Queen locations. Hailing from Guaymas, Mexico, Chef Mata describes his cooking style as deeply rooted in his upbringing, thoughtfully modernized for today’s diners.

A menu designed for sharing, spectacle and celebration

Camello’s thoughtfully composed menu features classic Mexican dishes presented as inventive, colorful shared plates. Highlights include a rotating selection of tlayudas, or Mexican pizzas made with Oaxacan crispy tortillas, a tableside ceviche cart, a variety of aguachiles, enchiladas featuring three vibrant moles, tuna tiradito and camarones roca. Larger, center-of-the-table offerings include a 48-ounce carne asada tomahawk ribeye, whole red snapper and pollo a la parrilla.

Frozen cocktails and a refined agave-forward bar program

The cocktail program is designed to be just as colorful and playful as the space itself. Rather than an overblown agave list, Camello focuses on a carefully curated selection of spirits and fan favorites, placing its creative energy into elevated frozen cocktails crafted with a true mixology approach, far beyond the typical poolside slushy.

A design-forward space made for dining, dancing and late nights

Camello’s eye-dazzling mix of colors and materials draws inspiration from legendary influences, including Mexican architect Luis Barragán’s lyrical interiors, a showstopping deconstructed disco ball back bar as an ode to Studio 54 and zebra-striped booth seating inspired by the famed 1930s club El Morocco.

A cocktail lounge sets the stage for dancing as curated Latin playlists and the sounds of The Fania All Stars take over. The main dining room is designed for large parties with flexible seating, while the indoor-outdoor bar opens onto an al fresco patio adorned with pink umbrellas, sofas and firepits. Even the bathrooms deliver visual drama, featuring cougar-print wallpaper, Dalí-esque epoxy floors and art prints from iconic 1980s illustrator Patrick Nagel.

From power lunches to late-night lounge energy

Beginning February 2, Camello will open for dinner service, followed by the launch of lunch and dinner service on February 9. Once fully underway, Camello will be open for lunch, dinner, brunch and late-night cocktails from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the week and until 1 a.m. on weekends.

Daytime guests can expect a relaxed, affordable lunch menu of tacos, bowls, salads and chips and salsa designed for busy professionals, before the space transitions into a more formal, elevated dining experience and late-night lounge atmosphere. Whether stopping in for a casual lunch, a playful dinner, cocktails and dancing or weekend brunch pool vibes on the patio, Camello is poised to become a go-to destination in Phoenix’s dining and nightlife scene.

To learn more, visit camellobiltmore.com