There’s a kind of magic that happens when a restaurant reflects the story of its chef—when the flavors, the space, and the atmosphere all feel personal. Esther’s Kitchen is exactly that.
It’s a place where every bite and every detail speaks to a deeper narrative shaped by experience, intention, and heart. This is a local spot with heart, soul, and flavors that tell a deeply personal story.
The Legacy of Aunt Esther
Esther’s Kitchen is more than just a name—it’s a tribute. Chef James Trees named the restaurant after his great-aunt Esther, a no-nonsense woman with a generous spirit and a knack for supporting the people she loved.
It was Esther who helped send James off to the Culinary Institute of America. And when she passed in 2016, she left him the nest egg that would become this restaurant.
“Everyone has—or should have—an Esther,” says Trees. The restaurant is designed to reflect that sentiment: a place where you feel welcomed, cared for, and fed like family.
The Man Behind the Magic
Chef James Trees is no stranger to high-stakes kitchens.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, his career began in high school with an internship at The Mirage, eventually leading him to the CIA in Hyde Park.
He trained under culinary legends—Michael Mina, Eric Ripert, Bradley Ogden, Gordon Ramsay—and earned stripes in top-tier kitchens from Los Angeles to London.
His resume includes a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, TV shows such as Hell’s Kitchen, and sustainability honors in Southern California.
But Esther’s Kitchen is where Trees’ journey comes full circle. It’s a homecoming and a love letter to Italian comfort food shaped by skill and heart.
A Bar, A Cocktail, A Moment
Esther’s Kitchen was bustling on our visit, even with a reservation.
We happily passed the short wait at the bar, which turned out to be a highlight on its own.
I ordered the Ram Jam—a mint-infused Old Forester bourbon with blackberry and lemon.
I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but it turned out to be the perfect sipper. Refreshing, deep, and a little playful.
My wife went with her usual: a bold red wine and we enjoyed a brief moment catching up on the week as the kitchen’s delicious aromas floated by.
Although you can order the full menu from the bar, I’ve never been one to dine from a barstool.
As soon as our table was ready, we transitioned into the warm, casual dining room that felt more like someone’s artful home than a commercial restaurant.
From there, the real journey began.
The Bread That Changed Everything
We started with the sourdough bread, served with cultured butter.
That’s when things shifted from great to unforgettable. The crust was perfectly blistered, the inside fluffy and tangy. It was one of those food moments that made you pause and smile.
From that moment on, every dish exceeded our expectations. The sourdough isn’t just a side—it’s a statement. At Esther’s, even the bread is crafted with intention.
The Main Event: Pizza and Pasta, Perfected
For entrées, we chose two house favorites.
First up: the Diavola Pizza, pulled from the wood-fired oven in full view of the dining room.
Topped with soppressata, Iberico chorizo, Calabrian chilis, fresh mozzarella, and ricotta, it hit all the right notes—spicy, savory, creamy, crispy. It was one of the best pizzas we’ve had in Las Vegas.
Then came the Radiatore al Limone with Chicken—a standout pasta dish with black garlic, lemon cream, chives, and breadcrumbs.
The pasta’s shape trapped the sauce in every ridge, delivering citrusy brightness with every bite. It was comfort food but refined. Earthy and luxurious all at once.
The Menu Evolves, But the Heart Stays the Same
Esther’s Kitchen offers different experiences throughout the day—from sunlit lunches to romantic dinners.
Their brunch menu (weekends only) is equally inventive, with seasonal items that keep even locals coming back.
The staff is knowledgeable and genuinely kind, enhancing the sense that you’re not just dining—you’re being hosted.
Chef Trees continues to innovate while staying true to his mission: to serve elegant Italian cuisine in a setting that feels like home.
It’s rare to find that combination of quality and warmth, and once you do, you don’t forget it.
A Local Favorite with National Recognition
While Esther’s Kitchen might have started as a local secret, its reputation has expanded well beyond Main Street.
Most recently, it was featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil, bringing national attention to a restaurant that Las Vegas locals have cherished for years.
That increased attention means one thing: plan ahead. Reservations are highly recommended, as wait times can be lengthy during peak hours. But trust us, it’s worth it.
The Last Bite, the Last Word
If you’re planning a trip to Esther’s Kitchen, clear a little extra room in your schedule.
You’ll want to linger. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at the bar or savoring handmade pasta in the dining room, every moment feels like it matters.
We walked out of there full, happy and already plotting our return.
This isn’t just another Italian restaurant—it’s a piece of someone’s story, served with a side of sourdough and a whole lot of soul.
We’ll be back. Probably next weekend…
Address:
1131 S Main St
Las Vegas, NV
89104
Hours:
Monday – Friday:
11 AM – 3 PM
5 PM – 11 PM
Saturday – Sunday:
10 AM – 3 PM
5 PM – 11 PM
Phone:
(702) 570-7864
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