10 Must-Try Reno Restaurants | Best Restaurants in Reno Nevada (2023)

Reno’s dining scene has been quietly building momentum for years. Long a cultural destination as the nexus of Northern Nevada’s Basque-loving society, it remains a popular tourist stop, thanks to its unique architecture, splashy hotels, and proximity to Lake Tahoe.

But only recently has the foodie scene gained recognition as a worthwhile attraction for those visiting and those who call the area home.

If you’re heading to Reno for business or pleasure, there are several outstanding restaurants worth trying out. Depending on your lifestyle and dietary habits, many great Reno restaurants are sure to appeal to your palate.

“What are the best restaurants in Reno?” If you’ve asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. After all, Reno has a lot to offer its residents, and it may surprise you what people are willing to drive from out of town to try out.

Below is a list of the best dining “gems” that I had the pleasure to visit around the Reno area.

While in Reno don’t miss out on activities that will help immerse yourself with the city (hurry while they’re hot!):

• Reno: Brewery District Tour
• Reno: Midtown Mural Motorized Tour
• Downtown Reno: Self-Guided Audio Tour
• Reno: Downtown Pedicab Motorized Tour

Visiting other destinations in Nevada? Check out our other delicious guides:

• 5 Best Must-Try Restaurants In Summerlin, Nevada

The 10 Must-Try Reno Restaurants

Atlantis Steakhouse

3800 S. Virginia St., Reno // +17758244430

Located in Reno, Nevada, Atlantis Steakhouse is an incredibly unique restaurant. It has even gained a reputation as an underwater restaurant. While the restaurant is not underwater, its layout creates the illusion that you are dining underwater. The Atlantis Steakhouse also attracts visitors from around the world.

We decided to eat here after a long walk, and let me tell you, I’m so pleased we did. Although they recommend making a reservation, we were able to get in as walk-ins.

The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. Undoubtedly, our server was one of the best I’ve ever enjoyed serving. He was pretty informed about the food and provided us with numerous options. In addition, he kept checking in on us to ensure we had all we needed.

We ordered the Steak Diane, which is made at the table. Chef Mark, who prepared it for us, was delighted to meet us. Watching him cook was unquestionably the highlight of our evening. We enjoyed chatting with him while he cooked.

The food was really fantastic. Following the lunch, they provide you with a complimentary coffee cake together with your bill. Let me tell you, and those were also incredible.

The Atlantis Steakhouse is a little pricey, but the excellent service and food make it worthwhile. I would absolutely suggest Atlantis Steakhouse to anyone visiting Reno!

SouthCreek Pizza Co.

45 Foothill Rd., Reno // +17756221620

Based in south Reno, SouthCreek Pizza Co. specializes in flavorful, wood-fired pizza. The Madan family owns the business.

It hosts some of the best pizzas made with locally and internationally procured ingredients, including flour sourced from Naples.

Each pizza, including the fragrant Spinaci with spinach, fresh mozzarella, gruyere, ricotta SarVecchio, garlic, black pepper, and sea salt, is handcrafted and cooked in a brick oven from Naples by Stephano Ferrara.

Dine at a table, at the bar that oversees the open kitchen, or on the outdoor patio, whatever your mood is. There are also salads and sandwiches to choose from, but one does not come here for a salad, right?

The Twisted Fork

1191 Steamboat Pkwy, Reno, NV 89521, United States // +17758536033

Twisted Fork in South Reno reinvents fresh farm cuisine. The restaurant’s atmosphere is French, yet the food has a European and American flair.

I had lunch on their patio with a friend. Beautiful outdoor dining area with a beautiful view of the mountains. The terrace was pleasant even though the restaurant was busy. The server was extremely attentive and courteous!

They had a cool and trendy ambiance without being stuffy, great homemade preserves, jams, chutneys, pickled vegetables, sparkling bathrooms, and extremely nice cuisine.

We both chose the Baked Gruyere Eggs, which came with sizzling hot bacon, smoky home-baked beans – possibly with a little cumin – and excellent home fries spice.

There was also a delicious apple preserve, French dauphinoise potatoes, thick sourdough toast, and grilled tomato on the table.

The people next to us were eating French banana toast, which looked delicious and could easily have served two people. The amounts were generous, and I’m sure many regulars know how to share them. This is the place to go if you’re searching for something other than bacon and eggs.

Peg’s Glorified Ham N Eggs

720 S. Meadows Pkwy, Reno // +17758517200

Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs is a home-style diner with seven locations and one of the best Reno restaurants. The founder and namesake, Peg Perino, served as a cook for the University of Nevada at Reno and was nominated by chefs to cook at their restaurants, creating a network of fans with her homemade sauces and spices.

Her son and daughter-in-law took the gig and created the first Peg’s restaurant, which opened in 1999 with six employees and a menu handed down from generations past.

The small chain has since expanded, featuring hearty American breakfasts plus comfort food for lunch all week long.

If you’re looking for an all-American eatery to fill your breakfast, lunch, and dinner needs, look no further than Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs. This local staple offers some of the best food in Reno, as noted by its recent “Best Breakfast” award from Thumbtack.

Their menu features egg dishes, including eight eggs benedicts, pancakes, sandwiches, plus other tasty items.

Among the highlights are Chef George’s chorizo benedict with English muffins and poached eggs, served with spicy chipotle hollandaise, and the Sierra omelet with spicy chicken, jalapenos, cheddar, and avocado.

Old Granite Street Eatery

243 S’ Sierra St., Reno // +17756223222

What a gem! Tucked in a pocket of downtown Reno, the Old Granite Street Eatery is a great choice for a night out. This casual dining restaurant serves up a delicious menu that will have your taste buds watering in no time. The atmosphere is inviting and friendly, making it perfect for a group outing or romantic dinner.

With a rustic wood bar, this airy eatery is a favorite among the local crowd, where you can sip a handcrafted libation, beer, or wine before enjoying cuisine made from fresh ingredients sourced locally.

On the weekends, the restaurant offers brunch servings such as the roasted vegetable eggs benedict, which features zucchini and mushrooms atop a spicy hollandaise sauce, along with a variety of other dishes. In addition, they serve seasonal menus throughout the year.

And if you’re in the mood for dessert, order the tempting butterscotch pudding with a chocolate graham cracker and whiskey whipped cream on top.

Great Full Gardens – Midtown District

555 S Virginia St #107, Reno // +17753242013

The casual Little Town restaurant Great Full Gardens was established in 2013. It serves New American cuisine. Among the options available at the restaurant are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, paleo items, and meat dishes.

Great Full Gardens (GFG) has no menu, but their philosophy is serving fresh, local, seasonal ingredients prepared simply with classic techniques.

All the vegetables are grown on the roof of their location, and the menu changes daily based on what they have available.

Their guiding principle is “we want to eat everything we serve.” Vegetarians will be delighted here as there are several excellent options for them.

In addition to the vegan option, you can opt for their hash with organic potatoes, chorizo, broccoli, spinach, and onion, the BLTA sandwich with applewood smoked bacon, roasted tomato aiolis, avocado, lettuce, and tomato on toasted naan is delicious.

Squeeze In

5020 Las Brisas Blvd., Reno // +17757872700

The Young family started the restaurant business when they purchased the Squeeze In — a retro-themed diner located in Truckee, CA — from the previous owner Linda McGee in 2003.

That purchase led to two more locations in Nevada plus two more in California, and today they have fifteen restaurants between Reno and Tahoe. These days, all of the Squeeze In restaurants serve a menu of American favorites.

In addition to its extensive menu, Squeeze In serves gigantic omelets prepared in different ways. There are two incredibly delicious omelet options to choose from: the Tracy omelet, which has mushroom, bacon, jack cheese, and avocado, and the Zweifel omelet, which features peanut butter, apple, bananas, and honey – an excellent option for the adventurous.

In addition to vegan and gluten-free options, this diner caters to the dietary requirements of its clients. Squeeze In allows you to leave your mark on the wall with a written message.

Ichiban Japanese Steak House

Inside Eldorado | THE ROW, 345 N. Virginia St., Reno // +17753235550

Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar has been the best tasting show in town for over eighteen years and is considered one of the best Japanese restaurants in Reno. The chef entertainers create a wonderful atmosphere while preparing a feast fit for a king while you watch.

You can enjoy the finest steak, lobster, shrimp, scallops, chicken, and vegetables prepared right before your eyes by a skilled chef using only the freshest ingredients available. It all adds up to a fantastic dining experience that is sure to have you coming back for more.

Ichiban is an all-you-can-eat experience. You sit at a big, round table with ten other people and soak them up for the entire meal. Then, the chefs will take a ball of rice and light a fire underneath it just before it hits your mouth.

A lot is going on in the restaurant here, including the giant wall that they have to roll around. You can watch Teppanyaki shows if you’re seated nearby and have a fantastic experience.

Beaujolais Bistro

753 Riverside Dr., Reno // +17753232227

For a dependable, delicious, fine-dining experience, Reno restaurants have Beaujolais Bistro. Besides the superb service and delicious food, this historic restaurant is located in downtown Reno, giving it even more charm.

Located in the Arts District of downtown Reno, this popular restaurant serves excellent French food amidst white tablecloths, brick walls, and very intimate tables in a 100-year-old building decorated with French bistro art prints.

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Excellent service and knowledgeable staff make this a wonderful dining experience. Starting with Onion Soup with cave-aged Gruyere or Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame is the usual recommendation. The menu changes each season and includes Leg of Lamb Persillade with Pommes Boulangerre and Haricots Verts.

More than 100 bottles of wine are available at Beaujolais Bistro, including Pinot Noir from the Central Coast, Chateau Monfort from Vouvray, and of course, fine Beaujolais wines from France.

Laughing Planet

650 Tahoe S.t, Reno // +17753602592

The Laughing Planet Cafe is a small restaurant that does big things for the Reno community. It’s just past the University and right next to a Chevron station.

The cafe has about ten booths and any table in the back area and offers delivery and catering. There’s also a map of all their locations around the world on one of the walls.

There are plenty of fresh vegetables on the menu in dishes like the spicy Thai Bowl, Cuban Bowl, and Southwestern Green Chile Burrito.

The restaurant also serves the Amaizin’ Grace Quesadilla, which features corn certified by the Food Alliance, Tillamook jack cheese, mild green chiles, pico de gallo, and cilantro pesto sauce or chimichurri sauce.

Final Words On The 10 Best Reno Restaurants

Reno may not be the largest city in Nevada, but it has a lot to offer. Whether you love history or natural wonders, there’s something for everyone here – particularly if you enjoy food!

With Reno being part of the incredibly diverse San Francisco Bay Area, there’s no shortage of culinary offerings, ranging from rustic Italian to gourmet soups, burgers to flatbreads, and everything in between.

Compact and filled with vibrant energy, the city of Reno has a lot to offer to hipsters, techies, health freaks, and food lovers alike.

From great taprooms to vegetarian-friendly cafes, this blossoming big-little city on the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountains is a hot spot for food and drink aficionados and small business owners. This guide is all you need in order to navigate among the best Reno restaurants!