When the primary settlers arrived in Northern Nevada, survival meant self-reliance—rising what you can, making what you wanted, and adapting to a rugged panorama. That do-it-yourself spirit is alive and nicely right this moment. Set between Lake Tahoe and the Black Rock Desert, the world’s meals tradition attracts on its frontier heritage whereas embracing daring, artistic new instructions. A thriving farming neighborhood takes benefit of the huge open areas and temperate local weather, making recent, native produce and meats a cornerstone of Reno’s eating places. And with California’s agricultural bounty and coastal seafood only a few hours away, the Reno foodshed enjoys entry to a few of the finest components within the West.
Whereas it’s smaller and extra subdued than Las Vegas, Reno’s measurement works in its favor—particularly for meals lovers—whether or not you’re driving or exploring on foot by way of neighborhoods like MidTown and the Wells Avenue District. The town’s chef neighborhood wears its “largest little metropolis” standing with satisfaction, channeling that underdog vitality into ambition and innovation. Fairly than being dominated by massive restaurant teams, Reno’s eating scene stays pushed by impartial cooks and entrepreneurs whose institutions mirror the town’s eclectic character. If the West is about forging your personal future, then in Reno, that future is being constructed one chunk at a time. In the event you’re right here for a enterprise journey, Burning Man, or something in between, right here’s the place to get in on the motion.
Within the coronary heart of the Wells Avenue District is a pizza place that’s equal components attraction and high quality. The ethereal, minimalist eating room is full of the daring aromas of a small however extremely curated menu of cocktails, salads, and wood-fired pizzas. The dough recipe was painstakingly formulated and depends on a gradual fermentation, so every chunk is chewy, crisp, and flavorful. The marginally gamey “Lamb On It” pizza options kale, merguez sausage, pickled onions, and housemade chili crisp. Don’t neglect to peek into their wine fridge, the place you possibly can select an ideal pairing just like the fruity, effervescent Folicello lambruscone pet-nat.
No journey to Reno is full with no cease at Louis’, a landmark of Basque cowboy delicacies. Basques started settling in Northern Nevada in the course of the silver and gold rush, herding sheep and cattle and residing off the land. Their hearty, family-style cooking lives on at this historic spot, the place diners share lengthy tables—usually with strangers who rapidly grow to be buddies. The menu options comforting classics like sweetbreads, Basque-style beans, txuleton steaks, and leg of lamb. If the stewed oxtail particular—braised in pink wine and French herbs—makes an look, don’t assume twice. And no matter you do, order the Picon Punch: the official state cocktail and Northern Nevada’s reply to Jeppson’s Malört—daring, bitter, and somewhat bit wild.
When folks see a line outdoors Beloved’s Bread, they don’t ask if it’s definitely worth the wait; their loyal followers already know the reply. What started at native farmers markets has grown right into a brick-and-mortar bakery serving cult-favorite breads and a menu that lives as much as the hype. From tangy sourdough to pillowy Japanese milk bread, the choices are extensive and deeply satisfying. The shakshuka—earthy and wealthy with native oyster mushrooms, natural eggs, crushed tomatoes, and roasted peppers—is served atop their recent grilled bread. With standout sandwiches and seasonal plates, it’s a great spot for breakfast or lunch.
The phrase “all-you-can-eat sushi” would possibly make some cringe, however in Reno, it’s a lifestyle. With almost 50 AYCE spots for a inhabitants of simply 300,000, sushi is woven into the town’s culinary cloth. One standout is that this crowd-pleaser tucked into an unassuming strip mall on the east facet of city. Whereas sashimi and basic rolls ship, it’s the creative, offbeat creations—just like the Burning Man roll, a fiery combo of Cajun-spiced salmon, crab, spicy tuna, avocado, and asparagus—that set Hinoki aside. The house could also be loud and somewhat IKEA-esque, however the crowds are there for a cause: roll after roll of pure, unpretentious pleasure.
On historic 4th Road, as soon as Freeway 40, is Nevada’s oldest restaurant. It started as a Thirties fruit stand the place Elvira Casale, a Genoa-born immigrant, offered handmade beef ravioli alongside fruits, greens, and pantry gadgets. That very same recipe continues to be served right this moment by her household on this old-school, cash-only establishment. Crimson-and-white checkered tablecloths and partitions lined with pictures give it a time-capsule attraction. Half dive bar, half family-run Italian spot, it’s identified for its pasta in daring, peppery pink sauce—ideally paired with a chilly shot of Jägermeister. Don’t miss the Valentine Particular: a small-ish lasagna with a half-order of ravioli—an ideal intro to what Casale’s does finest. And sure, you possibly can signal the wall.
Regardless of being Reno’s solely James Beard-nominated restaurant, featured on the Meals Community and listed amongst Yelp’s prime 100 Chinese language eating places within the U.S., there’s not a touch of ego at Kwok’s. Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown, the 30-seat Cantonese spot is run by chef Kwok Chen, who opened it to create an intimate, family-run bistro after years of success within the on line casino world. It’s at all times busy, and dishes come out quick—assume sticky-sweet, spicy honey-glazed prawns, crispy roasted duck, and scorching clay pots of fragrant Sichuan eggplant. Informal diners can even discover favorites like calmly spiced rooster and sizzling and bitter soup full of pork, tofu, black mushrooms, and lily flower. Seats fill rapidly, however they do take reservations, so name forward.
West Coasters know the drill: At an excellent taco store, you don’t order one or two—you order six. Small, three-bite tortillas full of seasoned meat, topped with recent cilantro and onions, and dripping with salsa are what make an ideal taco. You’ll discover this sort of bliss in Reno’s historic Wells Avenue District at Ana’s Taco Grill. Most diners sit outdoors beneath umbrellas, sipping brightly coloured margaritas, soaking within the fusion of Mexican culinary types and laid-back West Coast vibes. However tacos aren’t the one draw. The chanclas—a thick masa shell piled with Oaxaca cheese, grilled chorizo, carne asada, al pastor, and grilled onions—are the final word remedy for an extended evening out. Feeling daring? Attempt all ten taco fillings and go for the all-you-can-eat possibility. Simply put together for the inevitable post-taco nap.
After launching one in all Reno’s most bold ideas, Perenn Bakery, house owners Aubrey and Tyler O’Lasky turned their consideration to a comfy rotisserie spot. Brilliant colours and excessive ceilings set the stage for recent flavors and vigorous nights. On the coronary heart of the kitchen is a spinning rotisserie loaded with chickens—whose drippings are used to make crisp, golden schmaltz potatoes. However don’t get too mesmerized by the rotation; the menu attracts inspiration from coastal European residing, with dishes like seared scallops with braised fennel and crispy octopus over English pea pistou and shaved spring greens. And no matter you do, don’t skip dessert—the fennel pollen soft-serve is the right technique to finish the evening.
My favourite bars are run by bartenders—individuals who genuinely love libations, not out-of-town house owners or company teams chasing Instagram likes. Chapel Tavern is what occurs whenever you let seasoned beverage professionals take the reins. The menu bursts with wild, creative drinks just like the Journey to Ixtlan, a bartender’s dream made with oolong-infused sotol, Mexican amaro, raspberries, ancho chiles, and lemon. If that sounds too daring, don’t fear: The bar boasts lots of of spirits and a world-class beer record curated by the identical staff that developed one of many nation’s first solera getting older techniques, put to work of their home boulevardier, The Consigliere.
Reno’s bar scene has a method of constructing even seasoned drinkers say “whoa.” Due to the casinos’ shopping for energy, Nevada has entry to a few of the world’s most sought-after spirits—and on this world of glittering choices, Demise & Taxes stands out. If there’s a cult whiskey you’ve been chasing, they most likely have it. Desire a flawlessly executed Final Phrase? No drawback. This darkish, candlelit bar focuses on elevated cocktails utilizing components most bartenders solely dream of. Their riff on the penicillin includes a proprietary Compass Field scotch mix, Ardbeg Drum, brown butter, saffron, ginger, and lemon. Demise & Taxes might drop into any main metropolis and maintain its personal among the many finest. Ask to see their retail house—it’s tucked behind the bar and should maintain a bottle of classic Ardbeg or one in all their personal barrel picks.
