The restaurant is known for its strong sense of community. The award-winning Trees prides himself on treating everyone with respect and hospitality.
USA Today recently released its list of 39 best restaurants, and it includes one located right here in Las Vegas. Esther’s Kitchen, which opened in 2018 and moved to a larger location nearby in 2024, is located in The Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas and owned by Las Vegas native Chef James Trees.
According to the restaurant’s website, the eatery was named after Trees’ great‑aunt Esther, who helped launch his culinary career by writing the check that allowed him to attend the Culinary Institute of America.
The restaurant is known for its strong sense of community. The award-winning Trees (pictured in the main photo receiving the Key to the City from Mayor Carolyn Goodman at Esther’s Kitchen) prides himself on treating everyone with respect and hospitality – from his chefs to his customers – according to Travel Nevada.
Trees also owns Ada’s, Bar Boheme and Petite Boheme in The Arts District, Al Solito Posto in Tivoli Village and the new High Steaks atop The Rio. A review of Esther’s Kitchen in The Reno Gazette Journal, owned by USA Today, notes:
“The Las Vegas Strip is dotted with five-star restaurants surrounded by dress-to-get-noticed tourists awaiting their moment for once-in-a-lifetime dining. But just a few miles north, it’s Las Vegas locals who are circling for a parking spot in the city’s Arts District, hoping to make their reservation time at Esther’s Kitchen.
“The environment is comfortable. The dress code is casual. The servers are over-the-top attentive. The menu is elevated, but without pretension. The sourdough bread will make you rethink how good meals should begin. The dessert wine list will make you wonder how your visit passed so quickly.
“And the rotating menu of seasonal entrees makes every seating – brunch, lunch and dinner – feel like the restaurant’s main event.” – Brett McGinness, Reno Gazette Journal
Esther’s Kitchen is known for its seasonal entrees, where West Coast ingredients blend with Italian tradition. Customers recommend the sourdough bread and spreads, homemade pasta, pizzas, meatballs and desserts such as budino and Basque cheesecake.
Esther’s Kitchen, with a lively and cozy atmosphere, is cited as a top off the Strip dining destination and a must‑visit in Las Vegas.
