Why Reno Is a Hidden Gem for Food Lovers
Best Food in Reno, Nevada, is no longer just a casino town—it’s rapidly becoming a culinary hotspot in the USA, drawing foodies from all over the globe, including the UK. Here’s why:
- Cultural Diversity: A rich blend of Basque, Mexican, Asian, and American influences.
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: Many chefs focus on farm-to-table dining.
- Vibrant Neighborhoods: Areas like Midtown Reno and Downtown offer everything from street food to upscale dining.
1. Signature Nevada-Style Basque Dining
Top Spot: Louis’ Basque Corner
Why You’ll Love It:
- Shared tables for a communal dining experience.
- Traditional Basque dishes like oxtail stew and lamb shank.
- Family-style servings and house-made cider.
Must-Try Dishes:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Lamb Stew | Slow-cooked and seasoned to perfection |
| Chorizo | Bold, spicy sausage with rustic bread |
| Paella | Seafood-rich rice dish served on weekends |
2. Farm-to-Table Freshness at Liberty & Vine
Recommended Restaurants:
Liberty Food & Wine Exchange
- Wood-fired pizzas and house-cured meats.
- Open kitchen with local meats and vegetables.
Perenn Bakery
- Pastries, sandwiches, and specialty coffees.
- Must-try: Cardamom rolls and fig-brie croissants.
What Makes It Special:
- Seasonal menus change monthly.
- Ingredients sourced from Northern Nevada farms.
3. Craft Breweries and Gastropubs
Top Picks:
| Brewery | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Great Basin Brewing Co. | Nevada’s oldest brewery, famous for its Icky IPA |
| Brasserie Saint James | Award-winning craft beer, rustic French cuisine |
Food Pairings:
- IPAs with spicy wings or burgers.
- Lagers with pretzels and beer cheese.
4. Tacos and Latin Fusion Eats
Places to Visit:
Estella Tacos y Mezcal
- Lobster tacos
- Mezcal cocktails
Dumpling Queen (Food Truck)
- Dan Dan noodles
- Shanghai soup dumplings
Highlights:
- Trendy ambience with authentic flavors.
- Perfect for casual dining and night outs.
5. Gourmet Pizza and Artisan Bakeries
Artisan Pizza: Cosmo’s Snack Bar
- Thin crust, confit tomato, creative toppings.
- Served with negronis and craft beer.
Best Bakery: Perenn Bakery
- Cardamom buns
- Kouign-amann
- Cinnamon rolls
6. Fine Dining with a View
Top Fine Dining Restaurants:
| Restaurant | View | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Boomtown Steakhouse | Casino-side elegance | Steaks & seafood |
| Edgewood Restaurant | Lakeside, Lake Tahoe | Gourmet fine dining |
| Charlie Palmer Steak | Modern and upscale | Prime beef cuts |
Perfect For:
- Anniversaries
- Date nights
- Special events
7. Global Eats: Asian, Mediterranean & More
Diverse Dining Destinations:
- Kwok’s Bistro – Best Chinese (General Tso’s chicken highly rated)
- Arario – Korean fusion, known for bibimbap and kimchi fries
- Royal India – Authentic curries and naan breads
- Von Bismarck – German comfort food with a twist
- Claio Rotisserie – Mediterranean-style slow cooking
Local Specialties and Hidden Gems
Don’t Miss These:
| Restaurant | Specialty |
|---|---|
| Casale’s Halfway Club | Homemade ravioli, Italian-American classics |
| PJ’s & Company | Breakfast favorites and all-American comfort food |
| Pangolin Café | Turkish coffee, house-made ice cream |
Tip: These places are local legends. No frills—just amazing food.
Tips for UK Travellers Visiting Reno
Dining Etiquette:
- Tipping: 15-20% is standard in the USA.
- Currency: Prices are in USD. Credit cards widely accepted.
- Portion Sizes: Typically larger than in the UK—sharing is common.
Dietary Needs:
Many restaurants offer:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Just ask when ordering!
Best Time to Explore Reno’s Food Scene
Seasonal Highlights:
- Spring/Fall: Ideal for patio dining and food festivals.
- Summer: Enjoy Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Sparks.
- Winter: Cozy up in gastropubs and steakhouses.
Budget-Friendly Eats vs. Fine Dining
Budget-Friendly Spots:
- Casale’s Halfway Club
- Kwok’s
- Dumpling Queen (food truck)
Fine Dining Options:
- Edgewood
- Charlie Palmer Steak
- Boomtown Steakhouse
Pro Tip: Even fine dining is more affordable than major metros like NYC or London.
How to Choose Based on Your Food Preferences
Quick Guide:
| Preference | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Vegan/Vegetarian | Laughing Planet, Perenn Bakery |
| Gluten-Free | Liberty Food & Wine Exchange |
| Asian Cuisine | Kwok’s, Arario |
| Romantic Dining | Edgewood, Charlie Palmer |
| Comfort Food | PJ’s, Casale’s |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Reno famous for in terms of food?
Reno is known for its Basque cuisine, bakery scene (especially Perenn), and beer pairings with comfort food.
2. What’s the best bakery in Reno?
Perenn Bakery is often voted #1 for pastries and unique creations.
3. Can I find good vegetarian or vegan food?
Yes—Liberty, Perenn, and Laughing Planet all cater to special diets.
4. Are there food festivals in Reno?
Yes, don’t miss the Nugget Rib Cook-Off and Street Eats Reno during spring and summer.
5. Is Reno’s food expensive?
You’ll find both budget-friendly and high-end options. Most restaurants offer great value.
6. What should I eat if I only have one night in Reno?
Try:
- Lunch at Perenn
- Dinner at Louis’ Basque Corner
- Dessert or Drinks at Cosmo’s or Estella
7. Where do locals eat in Reno?
Locals love:
- Kwok’s (Chinese)
- Casale’s (Italian)
- Brasserie Saint James (Beer + food)
- PJ’s & Company (Breakfast)
Conclusion
From traditional Basque stews to gourmet pizza, tacos, pastries, and fine dining with stunning views, Reno’s culinary scene is buzzing with variety and flavor. Whether you’re on a food-focused road trip or planning a casual visit, experiencing the best food in Reno is a must.
