Esther’s Kitchen, Authentic Italian Dining

Menu | Hours | Reviews

Esther’s Kitchen, Downtown Las Vegas

Esther’s Kitchen is a charming Italian restaurant that has quickly become a beloved dining destination in the heart of Las Vegas’ vibrant Arts District. The restaurant’s warm and inviting ambience creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for intimate dinners, casual gatherings with friends and family, or even a romantic evening out. The interior features a rustic, yet modern design, with exposed brick walls, wooden accents, and soft lighting that creates a comfortable and relaxed setting.

At the helm of Esther’s Kitchen is Chef James Trees, a Las Vegas native who brings his passion, expertise, and creative vision to the kitchen. Chef Trees’ culinary journey began at a young age, and his dedication to his craft has led him to work in some of the most prestigious kitchens across the United States and Europe. His experiences have shaped his approach to cooking, which focuses on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that showcase the best of Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

The restaurant’s dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients is evident in every dish on the menu. From the housemade sourdough bread, which is baked daily and served with a variety of delectable spreads, to the handcrafted pasta, each item is prepared with care and attention to detail. The menu features an array of mouthwatering dishes that cater to various tastes and preferences. Some standout items include the burrata, served with chives, basil, and sea salt, providing a creamy and indulgent start to your meal. The beef and pork meatballs, accompanied by basil ricotta, are tender and flavorful, making them a favorite among diners.

For pasta lovers, Esther’s Kitchen offers a selection of handcrafted pasta dishes that are sure to impress. The radiatore pasta, served with trippa alla romana, mint, celery, and parmesan, is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The ramp agnolotti, filled with lobster, pickled ramps, pine nuts, and shaved radish, is another standout dish that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to creativity and innovation.

Beyond pasta, Esther’s Kitchen also offers a range of enticing entrees. The wood grilled Mary’s chicken, served with roasted tomato salad, pickled mushrooms, and sherry jus, is a tender and juicy option that highlights the kitchen’s skill in preparing meats. For a truly indulgent experience, the truffle ricotta gnudi, featuring soft ricotta dumplings with roasted mushroom fonduta, brown butter, and chives, is a must-try.

To complement the delectable food, Esther’s Kitchen boasts an impressive selection of wines and cocktails. The wine list features a diverse range of Italian and international varietals, carefully curated to pair perfectly with the flavors of the dishes. The cocktail menu showcases a mix of classic and creative concoctions, crafted by skilled bartenders using high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients.

What sets Esther’s Kitchen apart is not only the exceptional food and drink but also the heartfelt story behind the restaurant. The establishment is named after Chef Trees’ great-aunt Esther, who supported his culinary journey and inspired him to pursue his dreams. Esther’s unwavering love and encouragement played a significant role in Chef Trees’ decision to open his own restaurant, and her spirit is felt in every aspect of the dining experience. The warm and caring atmosphere at Esther’s Kitchen is a reflection of Esther’s legacy, making every guest feel as though they are dining at the home of a beloved family member.

With its exceptional food, attentive service, and inviting ambience, Esther’s Kitchen has earned its place as one of the best Italian restaurants in Las Vegas. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor seeking an authentic and memorable dining experience, Esther’s Kitchen is sure to impress. The restaurant’s commitment to quality, creativity, and hospitality shines through in every aspect of the dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers in the vibrant Arts District and beyond.

What Esther’s Kitchen is known for:

1. Serving handcrafted Italian dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
2. Being named after Chef James Trees’ great-aunt Esther, who supported his culinary journey.
3. Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes guests feel like they are dining at a beloved family member’s home.

Popular Dishes at Esther’s Kitchen:

1. Beef and Pork Meatballs: Tender meatballs served with basil ricotta and charred sourdough.
2. Radiatore: Pasta dish with trippa alla romana, mint, celery, and parmesan.
3. Ramp Agnolotti: Delicate pasta filled with lobster, pickled ramps, pine nuts, and shaved radish.
4. Wood Grilled Mary’s Chicken: Juicy chicken served with roasted tomato salad, pickled mushrooms, and sherry jus.
5. Truffle Ricotta Gnudi: Soft ricotta dumplings with roasted mushroom fonduta, brown butter, and chives.

Reviews

Liam R. from Seattle, WA: “Esther’s Kitchen is a true gem in Las Vegas. The homemade sourdough bread and the fegatini spread were absolutely divine. The attentive service and cozy ambience made for a memorable dining experience.”

Olivia M. from Chicago, IL: “I had the pleasure of trying the mafalda pasta with amatriciana sauce, and it was hands down the best pasta dish I’ve ever had. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the portion was generous. I can’t wait to return to Esther’s Kitchen on my next visit to Las Vegas.”

Benjamin S. from Miami, FL: “The beef and pork meatballs at Esther’s Kitchen are a must-try. They were tender, juicy, and paired perfectly with the basil ricotta. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, making our dining experience truly enjoyable.”

Hours

Also Mentioned In:

A Taste of Italy: Romantic Italian Dining in Vegas

Romantic Restaurants Off the Strip, Hidden Gems