Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown

We absolutely love coming to Esther’s, and it never fails us; it is always consistent. The food, the atmosphere, the service is always impeccable. We were surprised, we felt the duck benedict was lacking in flavor, and it was unfortunately underwhelming. They can’t all be winners, I guess! Everything else we had knocked it out of the park, as it always has the numerous times we’ve been here, new location and the old one. (The truffle polenta was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted, just FYI) The service was wonderful, and we realized at the end of the brunch our server was the same who served us Mother’s Day. She was then, and was today, an absolute joy, very attentive, and incredibly helpful. She did not need to bring biscuits out, but we couldn’t argue… they were absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much again for making another celebration at Esther’s a wonderful experience!

Tableside bananas foster is a must-try!!! Incredible. Chris and David made the experience memorable for all the right reasons! Great recommendations and the wait staff was impeccable. There were several times I never noticed my water glass being refilled but magically, there was always water! It seems silly to remark on that but it was appreciated!

We enjoy trying new steakhouses when we come to Vegas. Hands down, this has been our favorite one yet. The food was amazing. We didn’t finish everything we got. Everything was cooked just liked we asked. Our waiter, Nick, was very attentive and friendly. We sat in the glass dining room. The ambience of Vegas lights was a big plus. Highly recommend Oscars Steakhouse.

Joe and his team were wonderful, as usual. Remy always does her best to accommodate our seating area request, which we appreciate. Our go-to entrees are the Ossobuco and spaghetti bolognese. You also can't go wrong with the garbage Caesar salad. We live locally, and Piero’s is one of our favorite restaurants. We also like that it still has that old-school Las Vegas feel, which many restaurants have lost.

Carson’s Kitchen, Las Vegas – A Must-Visit Culinary Gem! We had an incredible lunch experience at Carson’s Kitchen in Las Vegas. There were four of us, and we made a reservation for Friday lunch. While it wasn’t entirely necessary as we were the first ones there, it quickly became clear why reservations are a good idea—the dining room is intimate, and watching the open kitchen in action added a unique charm to the experience. We started with a few appetizers, and they set the tone for an unforgettable meal. The crispy chicken skins were a revelation, melting in your mouth with every bite. The bacon jam Havarti is a must-have—rich, flavorful, and unlike anything else we’ve tried. But the standout surprise? The hotdog burnt ends, which were shockingly delicious and an unexpected favorite. For our entrees, we each ordered something different but found ourselves wishing we had shared, given how generous and flavorful the appetizers were. The chicken thighs were tender and juicy, the pot roast dip was unanimously declared a table favorite, the steelhead trout had perfectly crispy skin that was pure perfection, and the short rib steak was rich and satisfying. Carson’s Kitchen nails the balance between approachable comfort food and elevated dining. The flavors were bold, the portions satisfying, and the atmosphere cozy yet vibrant. If you’re in Las Vegas, make this spot a priority—and definitely consider sharing so you can try as much of the menu as possible! We’ll absolutely be back.