On the Strip: Top of the World

The Stratosphere has been doing some redecorating over the past few months and the classic fine dining room Top of the World (702.380.7777) has been a major recipient of those efforts. The food, cocktail and wine menus have been refreshed, too, under the direction of Golden Entertainment’s Johnny Church and Jason Shullo and new executive chef Pawan Pinisetti.

The popular restaurant incorporates seasonal items and high-grade beef from well-known ranches across the U.S., Australia and Japan, resulting in dishes like a stunning filet mignon carpaccio and an Australian wagyu skirt steak. Top of the World’s tuna tartare, on gaufrette potatoes, is one example of an inventive flavor pairing. Though the menu leans toward meat, you can also find vegetarian options such as zucchini-squash “spaghetti” with marinara.

Many of the dinner items are on the lunch menu, too, and you’ll also find a truffle burger option there. As for new cocktail offerings, try the Clingstone, featuring Cîroc Peach, ginger beer, honey and lemon. –Nina King

Off the Strip: Esther’s Kitchen

The hottest new eatery in downtown Las Vegas this year is Esther’s Kitchen (1130 S. Casino Center Blvd., 702.570.7864), chef James Trees’ homey and impeccable Italian restaurant in the Arts District. Pristine pasta dishes made fresh in-house are the star of this old world-influenced menu. Seasonal faves include the rich beef cheek ravioli in red wine sauce with pecorino cheese and the smoked malfada with pork and porcini ragu. You can’t go wrong with the classics, and nobody does them better: spaghetti pomodoro made with Sun Gold tomatoes, cacio e pepe with Tellicherry peppercorns or rigatoni carbonara flecked with guanciale. –Brock Radke

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When guests at The Book at The Linq aren’t toggling between games in their own private “fan caves” or sampling suds from the self-serve beer wall, they’re feasting on wings and sandwiches from Sticky Chicken (702.370.7736), a food truck firmly planted inside the casino. The most popular bite is the Alligator Bait, a sumptuous fried chicken sandwich layered with fried green tomatoes, zingy remoulade and Cajun-style slaw, a marvel of spicy textures that demands your attention even in this exciting new sports book venue. –BR