Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in University

Wonderful place to dine with family and friends..! 😇 Have often dined here, food, staff and ambiance is do perfect .. The "Good 'ole days " in Sin City..

Golden Steer was an absolute highlight. My mom & I got the longhorn & lobster for 2 combo, which is the absolute best way to go IMO. We chose the table side Caesar salads. Neither my mom nor I are love Caesar salads typically, but this one blew us away. It’s the best we ever had. The steak was perfectly seasoned & the lobster tail was the most decadent amazing lobster I’ve ever had. We got the whipped potatoes & the mushrooms as our sides. The longhorn with the potatoes & the mushrooms & their rich gravy was a luxurious experience. We also ordered the king crab legs, but they were watery & not as sweet as either my mom or I expected, BUT their customer service was top notch & they took care of us. We ended our meal with the table side bananas foster. Golden Steer was an experience I will treasure for a long time.

Esther’s Kitchen in downtown Las Vegas is nothing short of a culinary gem. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that blends that downtown charm with modern elegance. The new location is absolutely stunning—high ceilings, beautiful wall accents, and sleek, loft style touches give the space a cozy yet upscale vibe. It’s the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience. The menu is a true celebration of Italian cuisine, and the chefs' spread is an absolute highlight. The selection of house-made spreads and the amazing sourdough, sets the stage for what’s to come. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared and elegantly plated, showcasing the finest local ingredients with a clear emphasis on authenticity and seasonal flavors. The flavors are bold but balanced, giving you the perfect introduction to the exceptional meal ahead. When it comes to the main courses, Esther’s Kitchen truly shines. The pastas are exceptional—handmade and cooked to perfection. The MARGHERITA PIZZA, for example, is served with a rich, savory sauce that perfectly clings to each slice of pizza. The FAZZOLETTI, another standout, is cooked with precision, its layers perfectly balanced while the meat remains juicy and flavorful. Whether you’re craving something hearty or a lighter fare, the offerings are designed to satisfy all tastes, with seasonal touches that elevate each dish. The wine list is equally impressive, offering a selection of reds, whites, and bubbles that perfectly complement the bold flavors of the menu. The service is warm and attentive, with staff who are knowledgeable about the dishes and wine pairings, making the entire experience well worth while. Thank you Jessy, who was our first interaction here. You set the stage for the rest of our night. And a huge thank you to Nelson for taking care of us for the rest of it.

Our server was JJ (I think) and she was amazing! On top of everything at every turn. The portions are substantial and all very delicious. The entertainment was great as well, very energetic. Don't forget to tip and ring the bell! We went on a Tuesday night so a weekend night must be wild. Thanks to everyone that made the night special.

Great dining experience all around. Great, friendly service. Mark (waiter was excellent!). I had pistachio burrata appetizer. Delicious. Then chicken tortellini soup. Pasta perfectly al dente. And had tuna crudo too. Tuna was very fresh and flavor combo was divine. My wife had a very nice salad and the seafood pasta mommi. OMG! What a dish! The scallops and lobster were so well prepared! The fresh pappardelle was perfectly cooked.. The black truffle butter sauce amazing. We'll be dreaming about coming back for that dish! We finished with the pistachio dessert (also memorable) and a very good tiramisu. One of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. And a great value by Vegas standards! Highly recommend!