5 Nevada Restaurants That Missed USA TODAY's Best List

While Esther's Kitchen in Las Vegas was recognized, there are many other standout eateries across the state.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The USA TODAY Network has unveiled its Restaurants of the Year for 2026, and among them is Esther's Kitchen in Las Vegas' Arts District. However, there are many other noteworthy restaurants across Nevada that were not included on the list. This article highlights five additional Nevada restaurants that the author believes should have been recognized, including a vegan dim sum spot in Las Vegas, a longtime family-run Lebanese restaurant, a popular Chinese bistro in Reno, a historic Basque restaurant in Elko, and a beloved brewery and restaurant in Tonopah.

Why it matters

While Las Vegas is known for its world-class dining scene, great flavors can be found in every corner of Nevada. This article shines a light on some of the state's hidden gems that deserve more recognition, showcasing the diverse culinary landscape beyond just the Las Vegas Strip.

The details

The five restaurants highlighted in the article are: Chef Kenny's Vegan Dim Sum in Las Vegas, which offers 100% vegan Cantonese fare; Khoury's Mediterranean Restaurant, a family-run Lebanese spot in Las Vegas that's been a local favorite for two decades; Kwok's Bistro, a tiny but popular Chinese restaurant in downtown Reno with a long waitlist; The Star Hotel & Bar in Elko, a historic Basque restaurant reflecting the region's sheepherding heritage; and Tonopah Brewing Co., a decade-old brewpub and restaurant in the central Nevada town of Tonopah.

  • The USA TODAY Network unveiled its Restaurants of the Year for 2026 in February 2026.

The players

Esther's Kitchen

A restaurant located in the Arts District of Las Vegas that was recognized as one of the USA TODAY Network's Restaurants of the Year for 2026.

Chef Kenny Chye

The hands-on proprietor of Chef Kenny's Vegan Dim Sum in Las Vegas.

Kwok Chen

The longtime Reno restaurateur who owns and operates Kwok's Bistro in downtown Reno.

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What they’re saying

“While Las Vegas hosts an abundance of world-class restaurants, great flavors can be found in every city and town in Nevada.”

— Brett McGinness, Author (thenevadannews.com)

The takeaway

This article highlights the diverse and vibrant culinary scene across Nevada, beyond just the well-known dining options in Las Vegas. It showcases a range of standout restaurants, from vegan dim sum to historic Basque fare, that deserve more recognition and attention.