The Best Restaurants and Bars in Reno, Nevada

Eater

22-05-2025

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Between the mountainous scenery, street art, and Truckee River that runs through the center of town, Reno has charm to spare. But does it have a dining scene? Northern Nevada's largest city is picking up some serious momentum as a true culinary destination, from the gritty casino center of downtown to up-and-coming neighborhoods like Midtown and the surrounding suburbs.
The restaurants reflect the identity of Reno itself, which grew from an Old West railroad hub and mining community to a diverse economy that has welcomed tech giants like Tesla, Microsoft, and Apple in recent years. The city is more likely to mine lithium batteries than silver these days, but Reno has something for everyone, from Beijing duck to steaks raised on regional ranches and served with a shot of whiskey. The city continues to evolve as an engaging place to call home, but it's also blossoming as a vacation destination for those seeking small-town ambition and the dazzle of bright lights. If you haven't visited 'Biggest Little City in the World' in a while, there's some catching up to do. Come hungry. Read More
To some, it's a dive. To others, it's home. Casale's Halfway Club has been around since 1937 when it doubled as a roadside food stand and family residence. You can even see old doorway frames from what were once bedrooms throughout the dining room. Named after what was then the halfway point between Reno and Sparks, it evolved into a classic Italian American restaurant with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, heavy use of red tomato sauce, and meatballs made with breadcrumbs. The lasagna is cooked to order in single-serve portions. It's probably the newest thing on the menu — and even that was added about 40 years ago. The ravioli is legendary. Get it split between the meat and cheese versions. The same family has looked after Casale's Halfway Club for generations, most notably under the guidance of late matriarch 'Mama Inez' Casale Stempeck, who's almost a mythological figure in Reno.
Abby's Highway 40 is a downtown Reno dive bar that dates back to 1940 when it was known as Quilici Bar and later, the Rumpus Room. These days, it's named after what used to be the main road through town and is decorated with old signs, vintage photos, and the occasional auto part. The back patio has a fresh new look, renovated with repurposed bricks from a demolished train station. Hang out by the fire pit after 5 p.m. and order xiao long bao soup dumplings, noodles, bao buns, and other forms of Asian street food from the Dumpling Queen, a fast-casual service kitchen inside a 1948 silver airstream trailer. Otherwise, you can stay busy with a game of pool, cocktails, live music, and special events, including open-mic comedy and karaoke. No matter what, don't leave without mastering the Steak Shot. It's easy. Lick steak seasoning off your hand, do a shot of Jameson, and chase it with Worcestershire sauce.
There's a deep legacy of Basque heritage throughout Northern Nevada, although its presence tends to diminish with each passing year. You'd never know it at Louis' Basque Corner, which represents the culture with an authentic spirit and no signs of slowing down. The three-story building originally opened in 1908 as a hotel and became a Basque restaurant in 1967 under the ownership of Louis Erreguible. Not much has changed since then. In a style based on the habits of Basque immigrant field workers, the menu features a main course — usually some type of meat, which can be anything from charbroil-grilled steaks to roasted salmon or something more adventurous like beef tongue braised in vegetables or sautéed sweetbreads in a choice of sauces. The idea is to utilize the whole animal, especially lamb, since there's a long legacy of Basque sheepherding in the Nevada hills. The dish comes with several family-style courses that include bread, salad, baked beans, fries, dessert, and even a glass of house wine. Most add on the signature Picon Punch, a cocktail of brandy, grenadine, and a burnt orange liqueur in a bell-shaped glass. Lunch service is a little more informal. Either way, there's a communal spirit to the restaurant, so don't be surprised to find yourself sharing a table with another party.
Trends come and go, but Kwok's Bistro remains a reliable Reno staple for consistently excellent Chinese food with a strong Cantonese influence. The business operates in a minimalist, stand-alone structure just west of the big downtown casinos. Chef and owner Kwok Chen, an entrepreneur who worked his way up the industry ladder from busing tables in casinos, presents traditional recipes in approachable packages with bright pops of garlic, ginger, and onions alongside wok-fired meat and seafood. Chen's attention to detail is best represented by his Beijing duck, which takes days to prepare and is dry-hung in a traditional rub for a crunchy exterior. Order the whole thing for dinner with a side of moo shu wraps or a quarter-size serving on rice for lunch. Newcomers can't go wrong with the familiarity of kung pao chicken or black pepper beef, but the heavy heat of the sliced, stir-fried lamb will awaken the senses of anyone who appreciates bold flavors.a
Liberty Food & Wine Exchange
Mark Estee, probably the closest thing Reno has to its own celebrity chef, originally opened Liberty Food & Wine Exchange as a butchery, market, and sandwich shop before it evolved into a full-fledged restaurant. Meats are still carved up in-house — in the basement to be specific — and sourced locally from a Minden ranch. The menu also takes pride in using produce from nearby farms and a wood-fired oven that's equally adaptable for pizzas, seafood, and vegetables. Yet for all the attention to detail, Liberty doesn't take itself too seriously. Black-and-white photos of '80s celebrities decorate the main dining room and the loose, casual atmosphere suits the location, just steps away from the scenic Riverwalk in downtown Reno.
This charming restaurant offers compelling French cuisine, but could get by on atmosphere alone. Beaujolais Bistro occupies part of a vintage brick building in a tree-lined corner of the Powning District near the Truckee River. When the weather's right, it's not uncommon to bring tables out to the front yard for what feels like a dinner party under the stars. On the other hand, large groups may prefer the privacy of a table in the moody, ambient wine cellar. Chef and owner Bill Gilbert taps into his French-Canadian heritage for inspired versions of familiar favorites like escargot and French onion soup, but also plays around with intriguing specials like the occasional Cassoulet or braised lamb with Moroccan spices. The wine selection is one of the best in Reno, with a dedicated list of Burgundy varieties at various price points — although a few Napa Valley bottles are on standby.
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Don't be confused about Süp. The restaurant is pronounced 'soup,' the specialty of the house. The idea was hatched by a couple who used to prepare soup for friends at parties and decided to share their recipes with the rest of Reno, too. Everything is made from scratch — including the base stocks — with a menu that rotates daily. Clam chowder is a favorite on Fridays. A hearty chili is a hit on Saturdays. Typically, you have six choices at a time, including at least one vegan option. The restaurant is a cozy, single-story bungalow that used to be a Virginia Street dental office, but now draws regulars (and their dogs) to enjoy the fresh air and food on an outdoor deck. Beyond the signature soups, the menu also includes a robust lineup of sandwiches made with locally baked bread and salads drenched in house-made dressings.
Arario's second-floor perch is a great spot in Midtown to enjoy Reno's most ambitious take on Korean cuisine, divided between traditional favorites and inventive forms of fusion. The portions are large and most plates follow a banchan presentation of pickled vegetables on the side. Arario uses organic ingredients and grass-fed beef with thin strips of grilled bulgogi featured in quite a few dishes, including a fun variation on a cheesesteak. You'll also want to try the spicy kimchi fries and the Porky Pops (crispy pork ribs slathered in a sweet-and-savory garlic sauce). Arario even has its own Korean spin on a classic Loco Moco with a half-pound burger over vegetables, rice, and black bean gravy. The dining room has plenty of space for large parties, but the best seats are on the outdoor terrace when the weather's nice. The sake and soju selection pairs well with any of the dishes, along with some fun cocktails, including a Negroni made with Japanese gin.
Ignore the modest nature of the name. Built from the shell of an old funeral home, Cosmo's Snack Bar is one of the most relevant restaurants in Reno and the best reason to visit the fast-rising Wells Avenue district. Wood-fired pizzas headline the menu, made with a sourdough poolish dough for a pie that's Neapolitan-esque, but with a thinner, more consistent outer crust. The Rojo Tone is the house favorite — a sweet-and-spicy combination of honey, pepperoni, and pickled jalapeño that isn't afraid to slather on the red sauce — but a simpler, traditional Margherita does the job nearly as well. Either way, pizzas come stacked on the table atop a Bianco's tomato can for extra industry cred. Pace yourself. The wood-fired vegetables are the restaurant's secret weapon, whether it's the spicy harissa-coated carrots or the whole-roasted head of cauliflower with pistachios and tahini. Everything is ordered at the check-out counter or online. The small, almost sterile bar that flanks the kitchen is where singles are directed to sit and to-go customers wait for orders, often with a draft Negroni to kill time. The flavors for the house-made, soft-serve ice cream change monthly, and there's always one vegan option.
LuLou's has been a Reno favorite for more than 25 years, although you'd never know it due to a stylish, contemporary dining room that's decorated with local artwork and comes alive with the energy of an open kitchen. The restaurant keeps a low profile with a minimal online presence — even the servers are low-tech, writing orders by hand. But LuLou's helped kick off the Midtown dining boom, operating on word of mouth and a trusted reputation that earned chef and owner Troy Cannan a James Beard Award nomination in 2022. The menu changes frequently, based on an appetite for experimentation and the seasonality of ingredients. Don't be surprised to see creative mashups like an escargot-style presentation with lobster in place of snails or a creamy asparagus soup with a skewer of sweetbreads on the side. There's almost always some form of foie gras and ceviche on the menu, but a big part of LuLou's success is drawing regulars for repeat visits to see what's new.
PJ & Company serves comfort-food favorites that wouldn't look out of place in a classic American diner. But the atmosphere leans more toward a Route 99 saloon with mismatched dining rooms, neon signage, and racing memorabilia. There's a heavy emphasis on breakfast, which runs until 11:30 a.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant is known for its eggs Benedict variations and a Hollandaise-style cream cheese sherry sauce that tops most of them — whether the menu mentions it or not. Coffee is served in tall mugs that don't require frequent refills. Look for the 'not-so-hidden' specials on a blue breakfast menu and a red lunch-and-dinner menu. A separate Tex-Mex menu is your best bet after 5 p.m., featuring flavorful takes on ribs, fajitas, and beef-filled house chili.
La Condesa doesn't just exceed expectations — it sidesteps them entirely with its unique take on Mexican fusion. The ribeye taco is a best seller and fresh seafood is well represented, from tiger prawns on a sweet-corn arepa to macaroni and cheese topped with crab meat and salsa verde. Some items are simply good snack food — like chicken wings or a steakburger layered with pork belly. There's even an Italian influence in the Kobe beef ravioli and gnocchi mingling with chorizo and cilantro. La Condesa reflects the evolution of Wells Avenue, built from an old car repair shop with repurposed roll-up garage doors facing a patio courtyard. The hand-painted murals are more traditional for a Mexican restaurant, dominating the attention alongside posters of celebrity mug shots and a video screen playing current pop hits. The cocktails favor colorful ingredients while astutely balancing flavors without excessive sugary syrups. The guava margarita is a great example, allowing the natural taste of the fruit to shine without interference.
Love bread? We all do! So get familiar with Beloved's Bakery, a business that makes regular appearances at various farmers markets, but also operates its own cafe south of Midtown. If you have trouble finding the place, look for a crowd outside the front door, patiently following posted instructions that limit the line inside to six people at a time. The sourdough is a signature staple, but you'll appreciate olive loaf, rye, focaccia, Japanese milk bread, and even a traditional pretzel just as much. Come early for organic eggs — especially the crab Benedict or shakshuka in roasted tomatoes, peppers, and local mushrooms — and later in the day for mouth-watering sirloin burgers. The coffee is prepared with a rotating selection of beans from local roasters.
Perenn began as a modest Midtown bakery and expanded its scope with a larger space and menu at Rancharrah, a suburban outdoor plaza with a farmhouse aesthetic. Pastries and baked goods are specialties of the house. (How could they not be when the wifi password is 'glutenlover'?) Try the griddled banana bread with perfectly crispy edges, buttery and layered croissants, and chewy miso peanut butter cookies. Perenn balances out the menu with savory dishes like a grilled-barely-above-rare salmon filet and the popular Turkish eggs: sunny side up with a dollop of yogurt, chickpeas, and chili oil with house-baked bread on the side. Bring your appetite — and patience. Everyone orders at the same counter and the line gets long, allowing patrons to browse the pastry collection, cakes, and a few retail items while waiting to place an order. Perenn also runs a small, separate grocery market in a neighboring space that's far less chaotic, but shares the same dedication to uniquely artisan food products.
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To some, it's a dive. To others, it's home. Casale's Halfway Club has been around since 1937 when it doubled as a roadside food stand and family residence. You can even see old doorway frames from what were once bedrooms throughout the dining room. Named after what was then the halfway point between Reno and Sparks, it evolved into a classic Italian American restaurant with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, heavy use of red tomato sauce, and meatballs made with breadcrumbs. The lasagna is cooked to order in single-serve portions. It's probably the newest thing on the menu — and even that was added about 40 years ago. The ravioli is legendary. Get it split between the meat and cheese versions. The same family has looked after Casale's Halfway Club for generations, most notably under the guidance of late matriarch 'Mama Inez' Casale Stempeck, who's almost a mythological figure in Reno. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
Abby's Highway 40 is a downtown Reno dive bar that dates back to 1940 when it was known as Quilici Bar and later, the Rumpus Room. These days, it's named after what used to be the main road through town and is decorated with old signs, vintage photos, and the occasional auto part. The back patio has a fresh new look, renovated with repurposed bricks from a demolished train station. Hang out by the fire pit after 5 p.m. and order xiao long bao soup dumplings, noodles, bao buns, and other forms of Asian street food from the Dumpling Queen, a fast-casual service kitchen inside a 1948 silver airstream trailer. Otherwise, you can stay busy with a game of pool, cocktails, live music, and special events, including open-mic comedy and karaoke. No matter what, don't leave without mastering the Steak Shot. It's easy. Lick steak seasoning off your hand, do a shot of Jameson, and chase it with Worcestershire sauce. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
There's a deep legacy of Basque heritage throughout Northern Nevada, although its presence tends to diminish with each passing year. You'd never know it at Louis' Basque Corner, which represents the culture with an authentic spirit and no signs of slowing down. The three-story building originally opened in 1908 as a hotel and became a Basque restaurant in 1967 under the ownership of Louis Erreguible. Not much has changed since then. In a style based on the habits of Basque immigrant field workers, the menu features a main course — usually some type of meat, which can be anything from charbroil-grilled steaks to roasted salmon or something more adventurous like beef tongue braised in vegetables or sautéed sweetbreads in a choice of sauces. The idea is to utilize the whole animal, especially lamb, since there's a long legacy of Basque sheepherding in the Nevada hills. The dish comes with several family-style courses that include bread, salad, baked beans, fries, dessert, and even a glass of house wine. Most add on the signature Picon Punch, a cocktail of brandy, grenadine, and a burnt orange liqueur in a bell-shaped glass. Lunch service is a little more informal. Either way, there's a communal spirit to the restaurant, so don't be surprised to find yourself sharing a table with another party. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
Trends come and go, but Kwok's Bistro remains a reliable Reno staple for consistently excellent Chinese food with a strong Cantonese influence. The business operates in a minimalist, stand-alone structure just west of the big downtown casinos. Chef and owner Kwok Chen, an entrepreneur who worked his way up the industry ladder from busing tables in casinos, presents traditional recipes in approachable packages with bright pops of garlic, ginger, and onions alongside wok-fired meat and seafood. Chen's attention to detail is best represented by his Beijing duck, which takes days to prepare and is dry-hung in a traditional rub for a crunchy exterior. Order the whole thing for dinner with a side of moo shu wraps or a quarter-size serving on rice for lunch. Newcomers can't go wrong with the familiarity of kung pao chicken or black pepper beef, but the heavy heat of the sliced, stir-fried lamb will awaken the senses of anyone who appreciates bold flavors.a Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
Mark Estee, probably the closest thing Reno has to its own celebrity chef, originally opened Liberty Food & Wine Exchange as a butchery, market, and sandwich shop before it evolved into a full-fledged restaurant. Meats are still carved up in-house — in the basement to be specific — and sourced locally from a Minden ranch. The menu also takes pride in using produce from nearby farms and a wood-fired oven that's equally adaptable for pizzas, seafood, and vegetables. Yet for all the attention to detail, Liberty doesn't take itself too seriously. Black-and-white photos of '80s celebrities decorate the main dining room and the loose, casual atmosphere suits the location, just steps away from the scenic Riverwalk in downtown Reno. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
This charming restaurant offers compelling French cuisine, but could get by on atmosphere alone. Beaujolais Bistro occupies part of a vintage brick building in a tree-lined corner of the Powning District near the Truckee River. When the weather's right, it's not uncommon to bring tables out to the front yard for what feels like a dinner party under the stars. On the other hand, large groups may prefer the privacy of a table in the moody, ambient wine cellar. Chef and owner Bill Gilbert taps into his French-Canadian heritage for inspired versions of familiar favorites like escargot and French onion soup, but also plays around with intriguing specials like the occasional Cassoulet or braised lamb with Moroccan spices. The wine selection is one of the best in Reno, with a dedicated list of Burgundy varieties at various price points — although a few Napa Valley bottles are on standby. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
Don't be confused about Süp. The restaurant is pronounced 'soup,' the specialty of the house. The idea was hatched by a couple who used to prepare soup for friends at parties and decided to share their recipes with the rest of Reno, too. Everything is made from scratch — including the base stocks — with a menu that rotates daily. Clam chowder is a favorite on Fridays. A hearty chili is a hit on Saturdays. Typically, you have six choices at a time, including at least one vegan option. The restaurant is a cozy, single-story bungalow that used to be a Virginia Street dental office, but now draws regulars (and their dogs) to enjoy the fresh air and food on an outdoor deck. Beyond the signature soups, the menu also includes a robust lineup of sandwiches made with locally baked bread and salads drenched in house-made dressings. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
Arario's second-floor perch is a great spot in Midtown to enjoy Reno's most ambitious take on Korean cuisine, divided between traditional favorites and inventive forms of fusion. The portions are large and most plates follow a banchan presentation of pickled vegetables on the side. Arario uses organic ingredients and grass-fed beef with thin strips of grilled bulgogi featured in quite a few dishes, including a fun variation on a cheesesteak. You'll also want to try the spicy kimchi fries and the Porky Pops (crispy pork ribs slathered in a sweet-and-savory garlic sauce). Arario even has its own Korean spin on a classic Loco Moco with a half-pound burger over vegetables, rice, and black bean gravy. The dining room has plenty of space for large parties, but the best seats are on the outdoor terrace when the weather's nice. The sake and soju selection pairs well with any of the dishes, along with some fun cocktails, including a Negroni made with Japanese gin. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
Ignore the modest nature of the name. Built from the shell of an old funeral home, Cosmo's Snack Bar is one of the most relevant restaurants in Reno and the best reason to visit the fast-rising Wells Avenue district. Wood-fired pizzas headline the menu, made with a sourdough poolish dough for a pie that's Neapolitan-esque, but with a thinner, more consistent outer crust. The Rojo Tone is the house favorite — a sweet-and-spicy combination of honey, pepperoni, and pickled jalapeño that isn't afraid to slather on the red sauce — but a simpler, traditional Margherita does the job nearly as well. Either way, pizzas come stacked on the table atop a Bianco's tomato can for extra industry cred. Pace yourself. The wood-fired vegetables are the restaurant's secret weapon, whether it's the spicy harissa-coated carrots or the whole-roasted head of cauliflower with pistachios and tahini. Everything is ordered at the check-out counter or online. The small, almost sterile bar that flanks the kitchen is where singles are directed to sit and to-go customers wait for orders, often with a draft Negroni to kill time. The flavors for the house-made, soft-serve ice cream change monthly, and there's always one vegan option.
LuLou's has been a Reno favorite for more than 25 years, although you'd never know it due to a stylish, contemporary dining room that's decorated with local artwork and comes alive with the energy of an open kitchen. The restaurant keeps a low profile with a minimal online presence — even the servers are low-tech, writing orders by hand. But LuLou's helped kick off the Midtown dining boom, operating on word of mouth and a trusted reputation that earned chef and owner Troy Cannan a James Beard Award nomination in 2022. The menu changes frequently, based on an appetite for experimentation and the seasonality of ingredients. Don't be surprised to see creative mashups like an escargot-style presentation with lobster in place of snails or a creamy asparagus soup with a skewer of sweetbreads on the side. There's almost always some form of foie gras and ceviche on the menu, but a big part of LuLou's success is drawing regulars for repeat visits to see what's new. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
PJ & Company serves comfort-food favorites that wouldn't look out of place in a classic American diner. But the atmosphere leans more toward a Route 99 saloon with mismatched dining rooms, neon signage, and racing memorabilia. There's a heavy emphasis on breakfast, which runs until 11:30 a.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant is known for its eggs Benedict variations and a Hollandaise-style cream cheese sherry sauce that tops most of them — whether the menu mentions it or not. Coffee is served in tall mugs that don't require frequent refills. Look for the 'not-so-hidden' specials on a blue breakfast menu and a red lunch-and-dinner menu. A separate Tex-Mex menu is your best bet after 5 p.m., featuring flavorful takes on ribs, fajitas, and beef-filled house chili. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
La Condesa doesn't just exceed expectations — it sidesteps them entirely with its unique take on Mexican fusion. The ribeye taco is a best seller and fresh seafood is well represented, from tiger prawns on a sweet-corn arepa to macaroni and cheese topped with crab meat and salsa verde. Some items are simply good snack food — like chicken wings or a steakburger layered with pork belly. There's even an Italian influence in the Kobe beef ravioli and gnocchi mingling with chorizo and cilantro. La Condesa reflects the evolution of Wells Avenue, built from an old car repair shop with repurposed roll-up garage doors facing a patio courtyard. The hand-painted murals are more traditional for a Mexican restaurant, dominating the attention alongside posters of celebrity mug shots and a video screen playing current pop hits. The cocktails favor colorful ingredients while astutely balancing flavors without excessive sugary syrups. The guava margarita is a great example, allowing the natural taste of the fruit to shine without interference. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
Love bread? We all do! So get familiar with Beloved's Bakery, a business that makes regular appearances at various farmers markets, but also operates its own cafe south of Midtown. If you have trouble finding the place, look for a crowd outside the front door, patiently following posted instructions that limit the line inside to six people at a time. The sourdough is a signature staple, but you'll appreciate olive loaf, rye, focaccia, Japanese milk bread, and even a traditional pretzel just as much. Come early for organic eggs — especially the crab Benedict or shakshuka in roasted tomatoes, peppers, and local mushrooms — and later in the day for mouth-watering sirloin burgers. The coffee is prepared with a rotating selection of beans from local roasters.
Perenn began as a modest Midtown bakery and expanded its scope with a larger space and menu at Rancharrah, a suburban outdoor plaza with a farmhouse aesthetic. Pastries and baked goods are specialties of the house. (How could they not be when the wifi password is 'glutenlover'?) Try the griddled banana bread with perfectly crispy edges, buttery and layered croissants, and chewy miso peanut butter cookies. Perenn balances out the menu with savory dishes like a grilled-barely-above-rare salmon filet and the popular Turkish eggs: sunny side up with a dollop of yogurt, chickpeas, and chili oil with house-baked bread on the side. Bring your appetite — and patience. Everyone orders at the same counter and the line gets long, allowing patrons to browse the pastry collection, cakes, and a few retail items while waiting to place an order. Perenn also runs a small, separate grocery market in a neighboring space that's far less chaotic, but shares the same dedication to uniquely artisan food products. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare