Esther's Kitchen is a seasonal italian restaurant in Arts District, Las Vegas.
Esther's Kitchen in Las Vegas is James Trees's seasonal Italian dining room in the Arts District, named USA Today Restaurant of the Year 2026 and the anchor.
Editorially verified May 18, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Signature dishes: House-made pasta, Wood-roasted vegetables, Chocolate budino
Must order: Whatever house-made pasta is on the daily menu; the dough is rolled in the open kitchen.
Tip: Book at least two weeks ahead for a Friday or Saturday; the wine room runs a deeper Italian list than the floor.
Address: 1131 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Lotus of Siam on Sahara is Saipin Chutima's original Northern Thai room, reopened May 2026 at its Commercial Center home five years after a roof collapse.
Signature: Khao soi, Crispy duck on drunken noodles, Nam khao tod
Order: The khao soi: coconut curry, egg noodles, crispy noodle nest on top. Saipin Chutima's signature plate.
Tip: The original Sahara room reopened May 8 2026 with a limited dinner menu Wed to Sun; the Flamingo branch covers the full menu.
Raku in Las Vegas is Mitsuo Endo's Chinatown izakaya since 2008, a binchotan-charcoal robata room that drew chefs from the Strip on their nights off.
Signature: Robata skewers, Agedashi tofu, Foie gras with caramelised onion
Order: The agedashi tofu, made in-house daily, and a run of robata skewers picked at the counter.
Tip: Booking is essential; the room is small and the line cooks slow when the counter fills. After-hours kitchen runs to 03:00.
Sparrow + Wolf in Las Vegas is Brian Howard's Chinatown dining room since 2017, a James Beard Best Chef Southwest 2026 finalist serving cross-continent.
Signature: Charcuterie board, Tofu noodles, Wagyu beef cheek
Order: The Hong Kong-style wagyu beef cheek over noodles; the dish has been on the menu since opening.
Tip: The chef's counter sits four; ask at booking. Brian Howard usually works the line on Friday and Saturday.
Other Mama in Las Vegas is Daniel Krohmer's seafood-driven sushi room since 2015, a Morimoto Philadelphia alum's industry hangout off West Sahara.
Signature: Hamachi crudo, Crispy whole fish, Uni toast
Order: The crispy whole fish with chili-lime sauce; daily catch from the sushi case.
Tip: Happy hour 5 to 6:30pm runs a half-price oyster and crudo list at the bar; it is the cheapest way into the kitchen.
Yui Edomae Sushi in Las Vegas is chef Gen Mizoguchi's Arville Plaza omakase room, seven seats at the bar, fish flown from Toyosu Market daily and tasting.
Signature: Edomae omakase, A5 Kagoshima wagyu, Daily fish from Toyosu
Order: The full omakase at the bar; book the latest seating and skip lunch beforehand.
Tip: Seven counter seats and three booths only; reservations open 30 days out and fill within hours.
Carson Kitchen in Las Vegas is Cory Harwell and the late Kerry Simon's downtown Fremont East dining room since 2014, the last restaurant the Rock 'n' Roll.
Signature: Bacon jam, Devil's eggs, Glazed donut bread pudding
Order: The bacon jam with baked brie and grilled bread; on the menu since opening day.
Tip: The rooftop patio runs an abbreviated menu and reservations are easier than the main room.
