Looking for good local restaurants in Las Vegas can feel like searching for treasure. The city has so much more to offer than just the famous Strip buffets and celebrity chef spots. Good local restaurants in Las Vegas give you a taste of the real city, where residents eat every day. Good local restaurants in Las Vegas serve amazing food without the tourist crowds. Good local restaurants in Las Vegas often become regular spots for people who call this city home. In this guide, we'll dig in to 12 good local restaurants in Las Vegas that deliver fantastic meals and memorable experiences.
1. Esther's Kitchen - Arts District Italian Gem
Esther's Kitchen has become a beloved spot in the Las Vegas Arts District. This seasonal Italian restaurant brings California flair to traditional Italian cooking. The space feels warm and welcoming, with an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work their magic.
- What makes it special:
- House-made pasta that changes with the seasons
- Incredible sourdough bread served with tomato bruschetta
- A lively atmosphere that's perfect for any occasion
Learn more about Esther's Kitchen and their menu.
2. Use Assembo.ai to Create Restaurant Photos
Assembo.ai can help restaurant owners showcase their dishes in the best light. The tool lets you create professional food photos without expensive equipment. Upload your dish images and see them in different settings.
- How it helps:
- Upload food photos and try various backgrounds
- Create consistent branding across your menu items
- Save time and money on professional photography
Discover how Assembo.ai can improve your restaurant marketing.
3. Al Solito Posto - Roman-Inspired Dining
Located in Tivoli Village, Al Solito Posto offers Roman-inspired Italian cuisine with East Coast roots. From chef James Trees (who also runs Esther's Kitchen), this restaurant features handmade pasta and classic red sauce dishes that will transport you to Italy.
- Standout dishes:
- Rigatoni alla vodka with spicy Italian sausage
- Silky pappardelle bolognese
- Italian Rainbow cake with gelato for dessert
Check out Al Solito Posto's seasonal menu.
4. D E Thai Kitchen - Authentic Thai Flavors
This small Thai restaurant near West Charleston Boulevard punches well above its weight. With only 18 seats, D E Thai Kitchen delivers authentic Thai dishes that remind many of Los Angeles's famous Thai Town. The curries are rich and packed with protein and vegetables.
- Must-try items:
- Pad si ew with crispy pork
- Various rich curry options
- Quick service perfect for takeout
Find D E Thai Kitchen locations and menu.
5. The Bagel Café - Vegas's Best Jewish Deli
The Bagel Café might sound like a simple bagel shop, but it's actually one of Las Vegas's best Jewish delis. Located in Summerlin, this spot serves everything from pastrami reubens to matzo ball soup, with 29 different bagel varieties to choose from.
- Why locals love it:
- Huge selection of bagels and schmears
- Classic Jewish deli sandwiches
- Breakfast diner atmosphere
See The Bagel Café's extensive menu.
6. Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant - Unique African Flavors
Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant offers one of the most unique dining experiences in Las Vegas. Families gather around tables while Eritrean music plays, creating an authentic atmosphere. The restaurant allows you to bring your own alcohol, with a liquor store conveniently located next door.
- Exciting dishes:
- Gursha Shekla Tibs - beef cubes sautéed with spices
- Veggie platter with Ethiopian legume curries
- Traditional injera bread for dipping
Explore Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant's offerings.
7. Nittaya's Secret Kitchen - Elevated Thai Dining
Nittaya's Secret Kitchen in Summerlin takes Thai cuisine to the next level. The restaurant features dark, moody decor with cheerful and attentive service. Their wine list goes above and beyond what you might expect from a strip mall restaurant.
- Favorite dishes:
- Nem khao crispy rice salad
- Siamese corn fritters
- Stuffed chicken wings
View Nittaya's Secret Kitchen menu and wine list.
8. Shang Artisan Noodle - Hand-Pulled Noodle Heaven
Shang Artisan Noodle offers a cozy noodle bar where you can watch cooks hand-pull noodles for each order. The chewy strands in crimson beef broth make for an unforgettable meal. The pan-fried pork dumplings burst with juiciness, so eat them carefully.
- Can't-miss items:
- Hand-pulled noodles in beef broth
- Juicy pan-fried pork dumplings
- Shang Fried Rice with minced pork
Learn about Shang Artisan Noodle's locations.
9. Café Breizh - French Pastries in Summerlin
Café Breizh brings authentic Breton and French pastries to Summerlin. This is a regular spot for many locals who appreciate the quality and value. The croissants, eclairs, and specialty breads are tough to resist.
- Breakfast favorites:
- Croque Madame sandwich
- Peanut butter crepes
- Gruyere and bacon sourdough bread
Discover Café Breizh's pastry selection.
10. Gäbi Coffee and Bakery - Chinatown Oasis
Gäbi Coffee and Bakery in Chinatown surprises first-time visitors with its greenhouse kitchen and warehouse-loft chic design. The café mixes post-Chosun era décor with antique western touches, creating a unique atmosphere with various seating options.
- Popular choices:
- Open-face crunchy turkey salad sandwich
- Grilled ham and cheese sandwich
- Galaxy Lemonade and espresso drinks
See Gäbi Coffee and Bakery's unique space.
11. Katsuya Ton Ton - Exceptional Japanese Katsu
Katsuya Ton Ton serves some of the best katsu outside of Japan and Hawaii. The owner has ties to both Japan and Hawaii, having previously worked at a famous katsu-ya in Waikīkī. The portions are huge and the quality is outstanding.
- Recommended dishes:
- Tonkatsu tenderloin set
- Seafood katsu varieties
- Scallop katsu a la carte
Find Katsuya Ton Ton's katsu selections.
12. New Asian BBQ - Chinatown Roast Meats
New Asian BBQ, known as Tân Tùng Ký in Vietnamese, is that tiny Chinatown spot with the outrageous line outside. Families go here for crispy roast pork, huge siumai, and everything needed for a feast. The inside feels like a portal to Hong Kong with round tables and lazy susans.
- What to order:
- Crispy roast pork
- Roast duck
- Various dim sum items
Explore New Asian BBQ's traditional offerings.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas has an incredible food scene beyond the famous Strip. These good local restaurants in Las Vegas offer authentic experiences, amazing flavors, and the chance to eat where the locals do. No matter if you're craving Italian, Thai, French, or something completely unique, Las Vegas has hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Next time you visit, skip the tourist traps and try one of these local favorites for a meal you won't forget.