Gaetano’s Ristorante: Sicily’s Streets Meets Henderson’s Tables

Gaetano’s Ristorante brings fine Italian dining to Henderson with a focus on heritage, detail, and warmth. Each meal is rooted in tradition, shaped by experience, and presented with pride.

The service is attentive, the space is elegant, and the food tells a story from the very first course. It’s a place where every detail is thoughtfully composed!

How One Man’s Dream Became a Henderson Staple

The story starts in Sicily, where Gaetano Palmeri’s love for food took root at just ten years old. Delivering bread and pastries before school wasn’t a chore—it was an early lesson in flavor and dedication.

By fourteen, he was behind the counter. By sixteen, he had left home for Genoa to work in the kitchens along the Italian Riviera. He eventually joined cruise ships, seeing the world and falling in love with a passenger named Rory, who would later become his wife.

In the late ’70s, the two started a life in Los Angeles, where Gaetano worked at a top-tier Italian restaurant. Not long after, he opened his first restaurant in Calabasas. What started as a six-table spot grew into a bustling destination with 180 seats and celebrity regulars.

In 2002, Gaetano brought his vision to Henderson, establishing the area’s first fine dining experience. Now run by his youngest son Nick, Gaetano’s Ristorante continues its quiet legacy of food, family, and heart—one plate at a time!

First Bites That Leave a Lasting Impression

Before you even place your order, Gaetano’s gives you a sign of what’s to come—warm bread with Sicilian olive oil. It’s soft, fragrant, and hard to stop eating. Then come the appetizers, and this is where things start to build.

The Stuffed Homemade Mozzarella Sticks don’t rely on nostalgia alone. They’re filled with creamy cheese and finished with a vibrant pistachio pesto alongside marinara. Each bite hits differently.

The Bruschetta is another go-to: toasted ciabatta with ripe tomato, garlic, basil, parmesan, and olive oil. Simple and crisp.

For something richer, the Scampi Paglia brings jumbo shrimp with a light garlic-wine sauce, balanced by a bed of shoestring potatoes. By now, you’re halfway full—but nowhere near done. The pastas follow, and they arrive ready to steal the show.

Pasta Perfection That Tastes Homemade

Rigatoni alla Vodka is one of the most asked-about dishes here, and for good reason. The sauce is creamy and savory without being too heavy, and the pasta holds the flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need a twist to stand out—it just needs to be done right.

As of this moment, the Rigatoni alla Vodka is the best I’ve ever had in Las Vegas. I’ve been to plenty of Italian restaurants but this one takes the cake without a doubt! And yes, I’ve had Italian food in New York as well!

Fettuccine Alfredo is another favorite, with a cream sauce that doesn’t overdo the richness. Then there’s the Lasagna Bolognese—layers of bolognese and béchamel that hold together like a warm memory.

Each pasta feels both traditional and fresh, giving you exactly what you hoped for without being predictable. And for those who want a little bit of everything, the next option covers it all.

A Three-Course Dinner That Covers Every Craving

Gaetano’s Ristorante offers a three-course dinner, which is perfect for anyone who wants more than just one star on the plate. It starts with a the Caprese salad made with ciliegine mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, capers, and red onion or any other of their starter dishes.

Then comes the main. The Fried Chicken Parmigiana delivers everything you’d want from the name: golden-crisp coating, marinara with depth, and melted mozzarella on top. A side of spaghetti marinara keeps it classic.

And dessert? Always tiramisu. Their house-made version is creamy, chilled, and layered with just the right balance of espresso and cocoa.

This course-driven approach gives you a full picture of what Gaetano’s does best, and it pairs nicely with the bar offerings that round out the evening.

A Dining Room Designed with Class

The atmosphere at Gaetano’s Ristorante reflects its fine dining heritage the moment you walk through the door. The tables are dressed in crisp white linens, each one set with folded serviettes and polished flatware that signal care before the first dish arrives.

Soft lighting casts a warm glow across the room, highlighting framed artwork and black-and-white photos that tell the story of the Palmeri family’s journey.

The décor blends Italian charm with modern refinement—never overwhelming, always intentional. Every element, from the glassware to the seating, supports the kind of experience meant to be lingered over.

It’s the type of space where conversation flows, service moves with quiet precision, and nothing feels out of place. Once you settle in, the attention naturally shifts to what’s being served.

Cocktails, Kickoffs, and an Elegant Bar

The bar at Gaetano’s is its own experience. Tucked just beyond the dining room, it’s lined with TVs for game nights and surrounded by regulars who know exactly what they’re here for. The cocktail menu is no afterthought. Drinks like the Almafi Margarita, Sicilian Old Fashioned, and Calabrian Chocolate Martini show off flavor without flash.

There’s also a deep list of wines, Italian spritzes, and cold beer—Peroni included. Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6 pm, and if you’re in on a Sunday or Monday, you’ll find pizzas at the bar and available for takeout.

It’s a place to unwind, not perform, and the menu fits that tone perfectly. It’s one more reason to stay just a little longer.

Gaetano’s Ristorante Offering A Real Italian Experience

There’s no loud hype machine behind Gaetano’s—just quiet confidence and good food. You don’t need a special occasion to visit, but it might feel like one when you do.

Whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a family night out, or just a solid cocktail and a bite, Gaetano’s Ristorante makes sure you leave satisfied. Come in hungry and curious—leave full and already thinking about your next meal!