Nestor Rodriguez of Super-Secret The Back Room Shares His Favorite Restaurants

Sin City is home to a lot of restaurants and bars, but there are tons of hidden gems that the majority of Las Vegans aren't unearthing. To help guide us to these potential discoveries, we've enlisted some of our city's food players to share their recommendations for a weekly feature dubbed Dining Confidential. Know a chef who wants to share some top dining spots? The tipline is open.

Nestor Rodriguez began his culinary career as a cook helper at the now-defunct Starboard Tack and worked his way up to lead cook. He’s worked at the Frontier, Stardust, Ricardo’s Restaurant at Tropicana, Portofino’s at Desert Inn, GP’s Steakhouse at Primm Valley Resorts and many more. Now he’s the executive chef of The Back Room, a hidden gourmet steakhouse at the Silver Sevens.

"Las Vegas offers so many delectable dining options, and during my time at Silver Sevens, I have had the unique opportunity work at one of those locations, the Back Room Restaurant," Rodriguez says. "The intimate ambiance and amazing service our restaurant offers are perfect for anyone who wants a classic Las Vegas dining experience. Our menu features amazing dishes ranging from a flavorful, slow roasted prime rib served with its natural juices to a fresh walnut-crusted Chilean sea bass in a delicious Beurre Blanc sauce. Anyone who wishes to have an intimate and vintage gourmet dining experience will not be disappointed when they visit the Back Room Restaurant."

Here, he shares three of his favorite places to dine when he’s not working.

Which restaurants do you turn to when you’re not working?
When I am not working at the Back Room restaurant at Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino, I enjoy dining out at Jaleo, Lindo Michoacán or Farmer Boys.

What dishes are most memorable?
Jaleo at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is definitely one of the most memorable restaurants. You can’t beat the always buzzing and upbeat atmosphere. My family is from Spain and tapas were something I grew up eating, and they have a special place in my heart. Chef Jose Andre has created some delicious dishes that I have enjoyed with my family, carrying on our tapas tradition. The first time I ate there, I ordered the Crocketas de Pollo. The dish was served inside a shoe and I was so confused! The flavor was something I had never experienced before. It was very enjoyable. I also recommend the Pasamonte Manchego, a sweet cheese and tangy sheep’s milk cheese paired with the Pan De Cristal Con Tomate Fresco featuring toasted slices of bread topped with fresh tomato. The flavors go really well together. However, my favorite is the Arooz a Banda con Bogavante, a lobster paella tapas style featuring traditional flavors and mild spices that give it a sublime taste.

Why do you enjoy going there?
At Jaleo, you can choose anything from the menu and you are guaranteed to love it. It’s such an amazing dining experience that it is positively one of my favorite places to visit.

Lindo Michoacán on Desert Inn Road is a true traditional Mexican restaurant for anyone who loves traditional cuisine. From the moment you enter the restaurant, you are treated like you are royalty. To top it off, they have delicious traditional Mexican food that is full of flavor with tender meat and fresh spices.

Farmer Boys on S. Decatur Blvd. is the perfect spot for when you are on the run and need to grab something fast. They have great service, delicious food and huge portions. I’m never disappointed when I order their pastrami sandwich on the garlic ciabatta roll.