Best Italian Restaurants in The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino

Pizza is excellent - they offer many interesting combinations!

We had a fantastic non-traditional Thanksgiving meal at Carmine’s, and we loved it! From the food, to the service, to the extra attention we received from Jessica, our server, the runners, and the manager, “T”, we absolutely loved it. We had the mixed salad (enough for 8, seriously), Eggplant Parmesan (our favorite thing!), a side of meatballs, and rotini with Giardiniera sauce. For dessert, we shared the Chocolate Bread Pudding with a side of vanilla ice cream. Oh…my…gosh. This was phenomenal! Jessica was attentive without being overbearing, our water was kept full (always appreciated), dishes were cleared quickly, the noise level was good, the holiday decorations were beautiful, and we even got to meet the GM. What a great experience!

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 second time eating here and once again the food was outstanding. Steak cooked to perfection and the service was awesome. Paul was a delight and so friendly.

Simply lovely experience from beginning to end. I ordered the four course Anniversary menu plus the wine pairing and every bite was outstanding. The crab arrancini was delicious, but the crab wasn't pronounced. The lemon spaghetti was divine. This has been one of Giada's signature dishes and it shows. Bronzino was also exceptional with the roasted fennel and tomato's playing nicely with a perfectly cooked fish. Tiramisu was equally great! The service was impeccable from beginning to end. With great attention to detail, appropriate suggestions, and a good sense of humor. Watch out for the pepper grinder! It is a weapon. Value and atmosphere also quite good for what you expect in Vegas. The location is amazing -- it can be a little loud with the honking of street traffic (exacerbated by Formula One tear down).