Paymon's Fresh Kitchen & Lounge (West)

The inspirational story of the Paymon’s owner/founder Paymon Raouf is legendary among longtime residents. He started the restaurant in the early 1980s, opening a small deli by the university with a table and two chairs. Students looking for carryout would order food to go.

From those beginnings, Paymon’s has grown into a favorite spot for Greek, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, adding some dishes from Italy and Persia, as well as vegan and vegetarian choices, to its extensive menu. The restaurant takes a health-conscious approach to cooking, avoiding trans fats, artificial additives and preservatives, and limiting saturated fats. And in the evening, the lounge transform into a nightspot, with hookah and a full bar.

Anthony Curtis (publisher Las Vegas Advisor), Heidi Rinella (longtime Las Vegas Review-Journal restaurant writer), Emily Romero (Social Media Marketing Manager), and James Trees, chef and owner of Esther’s Kitchen recommend it for its various cuisines.