Esther’s Kitchen

Esther's Kitchen is one of the best-known restaurants in the Arts District and one of the most popular tables in Downtown Las Vegas. Chef James Trees opened it in his hometown and named it after his great-aunt, who inspired his love of cooking, and he describes the food as seasonal Italian soul food, inspired by the produce of the West Coast and the traditions of Italy.

The menu is built around bread, pasta and pizza. Sourdough is the foundation of several starters, such as bread topped with burrata, chives, basil and sea salt, or a richer version with chicken liver and foie gras, saba and strawberry. Pastas range from a simple spaghetti with melted tomatoes, basil and garlic to tagliatelle with red wine-braised short rib and a parmesan espuma. Pizzas include a classic Margherita with local mozzarella and a carbonara pie with guanciale, egg yolk, pecorino and black pepper. To finish, the butterscotch budino with whiskey caramel and honeycomb and the mocha affogato are both good choices.

Lunch is served Monday to Friday, brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner seven days a week. Brunch brings dishes such as blueberry sourdough pancakes and an omelette with Boursin and mushroom duxelles, and it is one of the busiest services of the week. The restaurant has moved to a larger space since it opened, but it still fills up, so book ahead online or by phone, especially for dinner and weekend brunch.

Esther's suits couples, groups of friends and anyone looking for a relaxed meal at mid-range prices away from the Strip. Sharing works well here: ordering a bread, a couple of pastas and a pizza for the table is a good way to try the range. Vegetarians will find plenty of options among the breads, pastas and pizzas.

If you cannot get a dinner table, weekday lunch is often an easier way in.

The restaurant is on Main Street in the 18b Arts District, a short taxi or ride-share from the Strip and close to Fremont Street. James Trees' group also runs several other restaurants and bars in the city, including Ada's and Bar Boheme. After dinner, the galleries, breweries and cocktail bars of the Arts District are within walking distance.