Reno’s food scene is a hidden treasure, packed with bold flavors and creative spots that deliver an unforgettable experience for food lovers. From modern steakhouses and a Brazilian churrascaria to a pirate-themed Italian dining room, Reno has something for every craving. Picture yourself piling up rolls at an all-you-can-eat sushi spot, digging into Detroit-style pizza featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” or sampling halal kebabs at a family-run Afghan market. Known for its fresh, local ingredients and innovative chefs, Reno blends classic Nevada charm with adventurous culinary vibes.
These 23 unique dining experiences highlight the best of The Biggest Little City in 2027, making it a must-visit destination for foodies. Get ready to eat your way through Reno’s boldest and tastiest restaurants!
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23 Most Unique Restaurants in Reno at a Glance
If you’re trying to narrow things down, this quick breakdown highlights 10 of the best spots across Reno, from Midtown hangouts to Downtown favorites and Rancharrah standouts, grouped by what they’re known for and where to find them.
| Restaurant | Best For | What Makes It Unique | Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. R Town Pizza | Pizza lovers and families | Detroit-style square pies with crispy cheese edges, featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2026 | South Reno |
| 2. Arario Midtown | Date nights and shared plates | Korean fusion upstairs in Midtown, with signature kimchee fries and Yelp Top 100 recognition | Midtown |
| 3. Liberty Food & Wine Exchange | Pasta lovers and wine fans | Scratch-made pasta and wood-fired pizza, now celebrating 10 years downtown | Riverwalk District |
| 4. Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse | Big appetites and celebrations | Gaucho chefs carve 17 rotisserie-grilled meats tableside | Midtown |
| 5. Brothers Barbecue | BBQ fans and quick lunches | Texas-style brisket smoked daily over apple and mesquite wood, named Nevada’s best BBQ | Midtown |
| 6. Centro Bar & Kitchen | Foodies and cocktail lovers | Globally inspired small plates, with tax included in menu prices | Midtown |
| 7. Perenn at Rancharrah | Weekend brunch and pastries | Flagship bakery where every croissant and loaf for Perenn’s Reno shops is baked | Rancharrah |
| 8. Hinoki Sushi | Budget sushi nights and groups | All-you-can-eat sushi with creative rolls in Reno, the AYCE sushi capital of the US | South Reno |
| 9. Bundox Bocce | Group outings and families | Seven indoor and two outdoor bocce courts, plus pizza and a full bar | Riverwalk District |
| 10. Gambi’s | Themed dinners and late-night bites | Pirate-themed Italian dining room with candlelit tables and a menu served until midnight | Sparks |
It’s a solid starting point, but there’s plenty more to explore, so keep scrolling for the full guide covering all 23 standout eateries.
1. Arario Midtown
- 📍 Location: 777 S Center Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Korean fusion and classic Korean
- 🔥 Standout Features: Upstairs dining room, home-style Korean entrees with side dishes, creative cocktails, large gluten-free selection
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, groups who like to share plates, adventurous eaters
Arario Midtown is my top pick for Korean fusion food in Reno. You’ll find it upstairs at 777 S Center Street, above Piñon Bottle Co. and easy to miss from the sidewalk. Chef Hani Cho trained in Korean imperial cuisine and opened Arario in 2017, and her menu mixes classic Korean plates with fusion dishes like bulgogi pasta and a Seoul-style cheesesteak.
Order the Kimchee Fries ($15) first. They’re loaded with beef bulgogi, kimchi, cheese sauce, teriyaki, and spicy mayo, and they’re easy to share. For a traditional meal, I go with the Beef Short Rib Galbi, which comes with seasonal side dishes and rice.
Yelp named Arario No. 26 on its list of the top 100 places to eat in the US in 2024, and weekend tables fill up fast. I book on OpenTable a few days ahead for Friday and Saturday dinners. Gluten-free diners have plenty of choices, since the menu marks a long list of dishes GF.
As of fall 2026, Arario is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except Sundays, when it opens at 3 p.m., and Tuesdays, when it’s closed. The restaurant has paused parking validation for now, according to its website, and I recommend a nearby paid lot or street parking. Death & Taxes, a cocktail bar right across the street, is an easy stop after dinner.
2. Perenn at Rancharrah
- 📍 Location: 7750 Rancharrah Parkway, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Bakery cafe, breakfast and lunch
- 🔥 Standout Features: Pastries baked on-site, Turkish eggs, outdoor seating, Perenn Grocery in the same village
- 🎯 Perfect For: Weekend brunch, coffee dates, pastry lovers
Perenn at Rancharrah is my favorite bakery cafe in Reno for breakfast or a long weekend brunch. Local husband-and-wife bakers Aubrey and Tyler O’Laskey run it as their flagship, and every croissant and loaf for their Reno shops is baked here. The bright dining room sits in the Village at Rancharrah, built on the former estate of casino founder Bill Harrah.
Grab a vanilla crème brûlée kouign amann from the pastry case before you sit down. For a full meal, I order the Turkish Eggs or the Crispy Brunch Potatoes topped with bacon jam. The croissant breakfast sandwich with caramelized onion, avocado, and chipotle sauce is my go-to for a quick bite.
Perenn at Rancharrah is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as of fall 2026, and it doesn’t serve dinner. Weekend mornings bring a line, and I aim to arrive by 8 a.m. for the best pastry selection and an open table. Outdoor seating goes fast on warm days, and you can order ahead online for pickup.
Perenn earned an invitation to the 2026 Reno Food & Drink Week, which now only features top-performing local spots. Before you leave, browse Perenn Grocery in the same village for bread and pantry goods to take home. Perenn also runs a cafe inside the Nevada Museum of Art, a handy stop if you’re exploring downtown.
3. Bundox Bocce
- 📍 Location: 1 South Lake Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person, plus $30 per court
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American pub fare and brick-style pizza
- 🔥 Standout Features: 7 indoor and 2 outdoor bocce courts, pool tables, arcade games, dog-friendly patio, full bar
- 🎯 Perfect For: Group outings, families, casual dates, dog owners
Bundox Bocce is my go-to in Reno when I want dinner and a game in the same place. The 22,000-square-foot venue inside the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel has seven indoor bocce courts and two outdoor courts, along with pool tables, ping pong, and classic arcade games. You don’t need a reservation, and a court costs $30 for 50 minutes, with room for two teams of up to six players each.
The kitchen bakes brick-style pizzas with a brown butter Parmesan crust, and I like to split a Loaded Meat pie ($20) with friends between rounds. For a bigger appetite, I order the Bocce Double Stack Burger with house burger sauce and fries. Gluten-free crust is available for $3 extra.
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👉 Send me cheap 2026 flightsHappy hour is daily from 4 to 6 p.m., with $4 well drinks, $5 drafts, and $3 off appetizers and pizza. Wednesdays bring $1 wings with a six-wing minimum. On Sundays, families play bocce free all day, which makes it my top family pick downtown.
As of fall 2026, Bundox is open 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday, noon to midnight on Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. I always check the website before heading over, since the venue closes some nights for private events. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, which also hosts free live music nights in the warmer months.
4. Pignic Pub & Patio
- 📍 Location: 235 Flint Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Gastropub fare and bring-your-own barbecue
- 🔥 Standout Features: Community grill on the deck, 28 draft beers, live music, dog-friendly patio
- 🎯 Perfect For: Group hangouts, craft beer fans, dog owners, late nights
Pignic Pub & Patio is one of Reno’s quirkiest bars, set inside a 1916 Craftsman house on Flint Street near the Riverwalk District. The big draw is the community grill on the back deck, where you can bring your own steaks, burgers, or veggies and cook them yourself. I love it for summer birthdays and group hangouts, since everyone can grill while someone grabs a round at the bar.
If you’d rather let the kitchen cook, start with the Pignic Totchos, tater tots smothered in green chile beer cheese sauce. For a full meal, I order the Pigshack Classic smash burger or the smoked Tri Tip Sandwich with horseradish aioli. Pair your food with one of 28 draft beers or a seasonal cocktail.
As of fall 2026, Pignic opens at 3 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends, and it stays open until 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The kitchen closes earlier, usually by 9 or 10 p.m., and weekend brunch is on pause for now. Weekday happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. brings discounted drafts and half-price wine bottles with a charcuterie board.
Live bands play on many weekends, and the crowd spills out onto the patio on warm nights. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and Pignic is a favorite with local dog owners. You can book a table online, and I recommend it for groups of six or more on a Friday night.
5. Silk Road International Market
- 📍 Location: 1300 E Plumb Lane, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Afghan, Persian, and Turkish
- 🔥 Standout Features: Halal kebabs, fresh Afghan bread, imported groceries, takeout and delivery
- 🎯 Perfect For: Kebab lovers, halal diners, budget travelers, adventurous eaters
Silk Road International Market serves my favorite kebabs in Reno from a small food counter inside a family-run grocery. You’ll find it on East Plumb Lane in the Costco shopping center, a short drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The menu covers Afghan, Persian, and Turkish dishes, all made with halal meat.
Order the house kebab, a blend of 85% beef and 15% lamb served over rice with cucumber salad, fresh bread, and a green dipping sauce. I also love the Qabuli Palaw, Afghanistan’s national rice dish with carrots and raisins. Start with bolani, a crispy stuffed flatbread, and add a piece of fresh-baked Afghan naan on the side.
Seating is limited to a few tables at the back of the market, and I usually take my food to go on busy evenings. Before you leave, browse the aisles for imported spices, dried fruit, nuts, and Afghan sweets that are hard to find anywhere else in Reno. As of fall 2026, you can also order delivery through Uber Eats if you’re staying downtown.
If you’ve never tried Afghan food, ask the owners for a recommendation. They’re happy to walk first-timers through both the menu and the shelves. I like to grab a bag of raisins or mixed nuts for the scenic drive up to Lake Tahoe.
6. Two Chicks
- 📍 Location: 752 S Virginia Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American breakfast and brunch
- 🔥 Standout Features: Mix-and-match Benedicts, full bar with Bloody Marys and mimosas, second location in South Reno
- 🎯 Perfect For: Weekend brunch, families, breakfast lovers
Two Chicks is my top pick for breakfast in Midtown Reno, and its bright yellow-and-red dining room at 752 S Virginia Street is always buzzing. Best friends Haley Wood and Jessie Watnes opened it in 2014 after running GourMelt, one of Reno’s first food trucks. The restaurant has picked up Reno News & Review’s Best Breakfast title more than once.
I like to build my own Benedict, since the menu lets you mix and match different styles on one plate. The farmhouse omelet is another favorite, and the half griddle combo comes with a pineapple upside-down pancake. Pair your meal with a Bloody Mary or a mimosa made with fresh-squeezed juice from the full bar.
As of fall 2026, Two Chicks is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weekend mornings bring long waits, and I add my name to the waitlist the moment I arrive. Street parking in Midtown fills up fast, and I usually walk over from a nearby hotel or paid lot.
Two Chicks also has a South Reno location at 5851 S Virginia Street. I prefer the original Midtown spot for its energy, but the south location is handy if you’re staying near the Atlantis or South Meadows. Gluten-free diners will find plenty of options, and the staff are used to handling dietary requests.
7. Biggest Little Steakhouse
- 📍 Location: 1401 S Virginia Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Casual American steakhouse
- 🔥 Standout Features: Daily happy hour with 30% off steaks and sides, weekend brunch, craft cocktails, patio seating
- 🎯 Perfect For: Steak lovers on a budget, date nights, weekend brunch
Biggest Little Steakhouse is my pick for a great steak in Reno without casino steakhouse prices. The team behind Inclined Burgers opened it in Midtown at 1401 S Virginia Street, and the room feels casual and lively. Every steak is hand-cut and finished with a house herb butter made with chives, parsley, and garlic.
I usually order the 8-ounce Filet Mignon ($41), which is cooked sous vide before it hits the grill. The 14-ounce Rib-Eye ($39) is a better choice if you like more marbling. Sides are ordered separately, and the Potato Au Gratin and Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are two of my favorites.
My favorite deal in Reno is the daily happy hour from noon to 5 p.m., when all steaks and sides are 30% off. Weekend brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and I go for the Filet Benedict. Reviewers often rave about the warm chocolate chip cookies served at the end of the meal.
As of fall 2026, the Midtown location is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday, with 9 a.m. openings on weekends. You can book a table online, and the patio is a nice spot on warm evenings. If you’re heading up to Lake Tahoe, the team also runs a second Biggest Little Steakhouse at Northstar Resort in Truckee.
8. Mari Chuy’s Tequileria – Rancharrah
- 📍 Location: 7500 Rancharrah Parkway, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $45 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mexican botanas and tacos
- 🔥 Standout Features: More than 100 tequilas made from 100% blue agave, house-made corn tortillas, clothesline tacos, patio seating
- 🎯 Perfect For: Tequila fans, happy hour with friends, groups sharing small plates
Mari Chuy’s Tequileria is where I go in Reno to taste great tequila alongside fresh Mexican small plates. It’s tucked behind the office buildings in the Village at Rancharrah in South Reno, a short walk from Perenn. The restaurant calls itself Reno’s only tequileria, and the bar pours more than 100 artisan tequilas made from 100% blue agave.
Start with the Guacamole de la Casa ($12), topped with jalapeño bacon, plus the Salsa Trio for the table. The al pastor tacos are my go-to, with adobo-marinated pork on corn tortillas pressed in-house. For something fun, order the Clothesline Mushroom Tacos, which arrive hanging from a mini clothesline.
Margarita flavors rotate between fruity options and a classic salted-rim version. If you want to go deeper, ask about private tequila tastings or the Tequila Society. Regulars can even rent a tequila locker to keep their own bottle behind the bar.
As of fall 2026, Mari Chuy’s is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The patio is a great place to linger on warm evenings. Gluten-free choices are available, and the kitchen will try to accommodate food allergies.
9. Gambi’s
- 📍 Location: 55 E Nugget Avenue, Sparks
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian American, steaks, and seafood
- 🔥 Standout Features: Pirate-themed dining room, house-made sauces and desserts, late-night menu until midnight, live music some nights
- 🎯 Perfect For: Themed date nights, families, birthdays, late-night bites
Gambi’s is my favorite themed restaurant near Reno, with a dining room inspired by the Italian pirate Vincenzo Gambi. Expect a skull chandelier, glowing lanterns, and candlelit tables inside the Best Western Plus Sparks-Reno Hotel at 55 E Nugget Avenue. The family-owned restaurant moved here from Reno’s Somersett neighborhood, and it’s about a 10-minute drive from downtown Reno.
The kitchen makes its sauces and desserts in-house, and I always start with the Captain’s Mushrooms ($17), stuffed with spicy sausage and cream cheese. For dinner, the Lobster Ravioli in brown butter sage sauce with prawns is my top pick. The Chicken Alfredo Quesadilla is a fun Italian twist on a bar classic, and it’s also on the late-night menu.
Save room for the house-made tiramisu or the crème brûlée. Pair dinner with one of the pirate-themed Lido Bay wines, like the Mercenary Cabernet Sauvignon, or a Pirate’s Whiskey Sour. Some nights bring live piano music and trivia, and the private room called The Bones is a great spot for birthday groups.
As of fall 2026, Gambi’s is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, with lunch from 11 a.m., dinner from 4 p.m., and an after-hours menu from 10 p.m. I book through OpenTable for weekend dinners, since the dining room fills up with hotel guests and locals. If you’re staying at the hotel, you can order from the Gambi’s menu to your room.
10. The Brewer’s Cabinet
- 📍 Location: 475 S Arlington Avenue, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Brewpub fare
- 🔥 Standout Features: House-brewed beers, reclaimed-wood taproom, dog-friendly patio, working fireplace
- 🎯 Perfect For: Craft beer fans, casual dinners, game days, groups
The Brewer’s Cabinet is one of my favorite breweries in Reno, and it’s been pouring in the Riverwalk District since 2012. The rustic taproom at 475 S Arlington Avenue is built with wood salvaged from the Angora Fire near South Lake Tahoe and from old regional barns. A big garage door opens onto the patio, which welcomes dogs and fills up on warm afternoons.
Start with the Dirty Wookie, the brown ale that put this brewery on the map. Hop fans should order Apparition, the brewery’s double IPA. The brewery also makes Wolf Pack Ale with the University of Nevada, Reno, an easy-drinking pick for game days.
For food, I like the Average Joe Burger on a pretzel bun with a side of beer-battered fried pickles. The Brisket Banh Mi, made with miso-smoked brisket and gochujang sauce, is a fun change from standard pub food. Gluten-free options are available, and a large event room can host groups and parties.
The taproom gets lively on game days, and a working fireplace keeps it cozy in winter. For more space, head to the production brewery at 8565 White Fir Street in northwest Reno, which hosts Thursday trivia and has games for kids. Hours change with the seasons, and I always check the website before heading over.
11. Kauboi Izakaya
- 📍 Location: 1286 S Virginia Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $45 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese izakaya with American West twists
- 🔥 Standout Features: Charcoal-grilled skewers, open kitchen, shareable small plates, cocktails
- 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, group dinners, Midtown nights out
Kauboi Izakaya opened in 2016 as Reno’s first izakaya, and its name translates roughly to “cowboy tavern.” Chef Troy Cannan and his wife, Coleen, run it on South Virginia Street in Midtown, right next door to their pasta spot, Willie’s Pasta Shop. The menu blends Japanese tavern food with American West flavors, and the team likes to joke that it’s zero percent authentic.
Order several small plates to share, since the menu is split into fresh, fried, grilled, and ramen sections. I always get the Tokyo Fried Chicken with spicy mayo and the Hamachi Sashimi with Asian pear and ponzu gel. The charcoal-grilled skewers are a must, and the rice tots with dragon sauce are an easy add for the table.
The Cannans closed their longtime fine-dining restaurant, Lulou’s, in January 2026 to focus on Kauboi and Willie’s. For fans of Lulou’s, Kauboi is now the place to taste Chef Cannan’s cooking. Willie’s next door is a great backup if you’re craving handmade pasta instead.
Kauboi is a dinner spot, and I book a table ahead for weekend nights. The open kitchen and music keep the energy high, and I love it for group dinners with friends. Midtown’s bars are a short walk away for a nightcap after your meal.
12. Hinoki Sushi
- 📍 Location: 5270 Longley Lane, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: All-you-can-eat sushi
- 🔥 Standout Features: Long AYCE menu, creative specialty rolls, strong vegetarian roll selection, easy parking
- 🎯 Perfect For: Big appetites, groups, vegetarians, budget-friendly sushi nights
Reno has around 50 all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants, and Hinoki Sushi is the one I recommend first. It sits in a strip mall at 5270 Longley Lane in south Reno, with easy parking and a casual dining room. Owner Khai Duc Du also runs Hinoki O, a chef’s-choice omakase counter at Rancharrah, for nights when you want a splurge.
You order by marking a long paper menu, and the kitchen sends plates out in rounds until you’re full. Order a few rolls at a time, since uneaten food comes with a waste charge. I start with edamame and tempura vegetables before moving on to the rolls.
The Godzilla roll is a house favorite, and I also love the Mountain, topped with salmon, yellowtail, tuna, and shrimp. Chef Oscar Robles created the Odd Future, which pairs salmon and tempura jalapeños with cilantro, avocado, and three sauces. Vegetarians eat better here than at other AYCE spots, and the Fuji Mountain roll with apple, mango, and sweet potato is my pick.
As of fall 2026, Hinoki Sushi is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Lunch is the best value, and a weekday lunch also helps you skip the dinner crowd. Rising fish costs have the owner considering changes to the all-you-can-eat format, and I’d call ahead to confirm before you go.
13. Liberty Food & Wine Exchange
- 📍 Location: 100 N Sierra Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Wood-fired Italian American
- 🔥 Standout Features: Scratch-made pasta and bread, wood-fired pizzas, cheese and salumi boards, weekday happy hour
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, pasta lovers, wine and charcuterie fans, weekend brunch
Liberty Food & Wine Exchange celebrated 10 years in downtown Reno in June 2026, and it’s still my top pick for pasta in the city. Chef and owner Mark Estee runs it at 100 N Sierra Street in the Riverwalk District, and he just renewed the downtown lease. Everything from the pasta to the bread and pretzels is made from scratch in Liberty’s own production kitchen and bakery.
Start with the Liberty Fondue ($16), Gruyère and white wine served with a brioche pretzel twist and apples. My go-to pasta is the Pappardelle Bolognese, made with beef, pork, and red wine. Pizza fans should try the Duck Yeah, a wood-fired pie topped with duck confit, garlic cream, and chili crisp.
If you’re sharing with a group, the Grand Tasting ($38) brings every cheese and salumi on the menu to the table. Meat lovers can go big with the Pork Platter ($30), which includes pork belly, smoked ribs, Basque chorizo, and porchetta. Liberty was one of 26 spots invited to the 2026 Reno Food & Drink Week, a list chosen for consistent quality.
As of fall 2026, Liberty opens at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. on weekends, and it closes at 9 p.m. daily. Weekday happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. is the best time to try a few small plates on a budget. I book through Resy for Friday and Saturday dinners, especially when there’s a show at the nearby Pioneer Center.
14. Great Full Gardens – Midtown
- 📍 Location: 555 S Virginia Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Healthy American with vegan, gluten-free, and paleo options
- 🔥 Standout Features: Vegan Reuben, organic soups made daily, Liège waffles, superfood lattes
- 🎯 Perfect For: Vegans, gluten-free diners, healthy breakfasts, groups with mixed diets
Great Full Gardens is my go-to in Reno when I want food that’s healthy and filling at the same time. Gino “The Soup Man” Scala and his wife, Juli, opened the Midtown original at 555 S Virginia Street in 2013. The menu clearly labels vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and keto dishes, which makes it easy to feed a group with different diets.
Order the Vegan Reuben, made with smoked tempeh, house-fermented sauerkraut, and vegan cheese on Truckee Sourdough rye. Every soup on the menu is vegan and made fresh daily, and a bowl of the Organic Totally Tomato pairs well with any sandwich. For breakfast, I love the Liège waffles, made with pearl sugar imported from Belgium.
The superfood latte list is fun to explore, and the Turmeric Latte with local Al Bees honey is my favorite. Great Full Gardens earned a spot in the invitation-only 2026 Reno Food & Drink Week. You can take home quarts of soup, and Gino also ships his organic soups nationwide.
As of fall 2026, the Midtown location is open 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Weekend brunch gets busy, and I aim to arrive before 10 a.m. There are also locations in South Meadows, at Legends in Sparks, and on Longley Lane in south Reno.
15. Bricks Restaurant & Bar
- 📍 Location: 1695 S Virginia Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $100 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Contemporary American steak and seafood
- 🔥 Standout Features: Exposed brick dining room, extensive wine list, four dining areas including a patio, elk chops
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, anniversaries, wine lovers, private dinners
Bricks Restaurant & Wine Bar is where I go in Reno for a white-tablecloth dinner that still feels warm and relaxed. It sits at 1695 S Virginia Street in Midtown, with exposed brick walls and a garage-style door at the entrance. Owner Lewis Pierrott, who also runs Josef’s Vienna Bakery, keeps the focus on steak and seafood, paired with one of the largest wine lists in Northern Nevada.
Start with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes ($24) or the Creamy Five Onion Soup, which regulars rave about. For a main, I order the Elk Chops ($62) with a mushroom Cabernet demi-glace, a dish you rarely see on Reno menus. The Alaskan Halibut in yellow curry and coconut broth is my seafood pick.
Save room for the Baked Alaska, made with coffee amaretto ice cream on an almond macaroon crust under toasted meringue. Pair it with a glass from the wine list or a cocktail made with local Eureka Gold bourbon. If you want something lighter, the Key Lime Pie is a reviewer favorite.
As of fall 2026, Bricks serves dinner only, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Book ahead online, and ask for the light-filled Wine Room or the more secluded Vario Room. A new patio adds outdoor seating in the warmer months, and every dining room can be booked for private events.
16. R Town Pizza
- 📍 Location: 180 W Peckham Lane, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Detroit-style pizza
- 🔥 Standout Features: Square pies with crispy cheese edges, turkey wings, separate gluten-free prep area, pinball machines
- 🎯 Perfect For: Pizza lovers, families, gluten-free and vegan diners, casual group dinners
R Town Pizza makes the best pizza I’ve had in Reno, and every pie is Detroit-style. Owner Marvin Kinney opened it in 2022 in the Reno Town Mall at 180 W Peckham Lane, and it landed on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in January 2026. Yelp also ranked it No. 44 on its list of the top 100 places to eat in the US for 2025.
Detroit-style pies are square, with a thick and airy crust, crispy caramelized cheese around the edges, and sauce ladled on top. Start with the Three One Three, a double pepperoni pie, then try the Alex Murphy, a spicy meat pizza named after RoboCop. I always add hot honey and order a turkey wing with black buffalo sauce for the table.
Gluten-free diners can eat here with confidence, since R Town makes gluten-free pies in a separate space. Vegan options cover most of the pizzas and sides, and the full bar pours craft beer and cocktails. Pinball machines like Godzilla and JAWS keep kids and adults busy while the pies bake.
As of fall 2026, R Town is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and it’s closed on Mondays. Popular pies can sell out by evening, and I recommend going early on weekends. If you’re craving New York-style slices, Kinney opened a second shop, Dough.Cheese.Sauce, on Center Street in Midtown in March 2026.
17. Moon Rabbit Cafe
- 📍 Location: 225 W Taylor Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: Pay what you can, with $5 covering your meal
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Rotating chef-prepared community dinners
- 🔥 Standout Features: Pay-what-you-can model, family-style seating, rotating guest chefs, vegetarian and gluten-free options
- 🎯 Perfect For: Community-minded diners, budget travelers, solo travelers, volunteers
Moon Rabbit Cafe is Nevada’s only pay-what-you-can restaurant, and it’s one of my favorite ways to meet locals in Reno. The Reno Buddhist Center launched it in 2015, and you’ll find the entrance at 225 W Taylor Street, on the corner of Plumas and Taylor near Midtown. The name comes from a Buddhist folk tale about a selfless rabbit whose image appears on the moon.
Pay $5 to cover your own meal, $10 or more to feed someone else, or whatever you can manage if money is tight. Guests who can’t pay can volunteer instead and share the crew dinner. You can pay with cash, PayPal, or Venmo at the dinner.
Rotating guest chefs plan a themed menu for each event, and many dishes are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. One past dinner featured hand-rolled lasagna, cauliflower croquettes, and chocolate mousse. Everyone eats family-style at long tables, and I always enjoy chatting with the strangers seated next to me.
Moon Rabbit dinners are now occasional, and organizers had only one on the calendar for 2026 as of spring. Check the Reno Buddhist Center’s website or Facebook page before planning a visit around it. I arrive early when a dinner is scheduled, since crowds have topped 200 guests at a single event.
18. Centro Bar & Kitchen
- 📍 Location: 236 California Avenue, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Globally inspired small plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: Shareable plates, craft cocktails, tax included in menu prices, lively bar
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, small groups, adventurous eaters, cocktail lovers
Centro Bar & Kitchen is my favorite small-plates restaurant in Reno, with a menu that pulls flavors from Japan, Korea, the Middle East, and beyond. It sits at 236 California Avenue, a short walk from both Midtown and the Riverwalk District. Centro earned an invitation to the 2026 Reno Food & Drink Week, a list limited to top-performing local spots.
I order three or four plates for two people and share everything. Al’s Filthy Potatoes ($19), with white cheese sauce, bratwurst, bacon, and pickled jalapeño, is the dish I crave between visits. The Centro Karaage Chicken ($17) and the Miso Pork Belly ($20) are two more favorites.
Save room for the Ancho Chili Chocolate Mousse with strawberry mezcal sauce. Sales tax is already included in the menu prices, which makes the final bill easy to predict. Groups of six or more get an automatic 20% gratuity, and checks can only be split three ways.
As of fall 2026, Centro opens at 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, and at noon Wednesday through Friday. It closes at 10 p.m. early in the week and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and it’s closed on Sundays. The bar fills up in the evenings, and I book a table online for weekend dinners.
19. Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse
- 📍 Location: 425 S Virginia Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $48.50 weekend lunch, $67.50 dinner per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Brazilian churrascaria
- 🔥 Standout Features: 17 rotisserie-grilled meats carved tableside, fresh market table, caipirinhas, private group dining
- 🎯 Perfect For: Meat lovers, birthdays and celebrations, big appetites, groups
Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse is Northern Nevada’s only Brazilian steakhouse, and I save it for nights when I’m hungry. Gaucho chefs carve 17 cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and chicken tableside, all rotisserie-grilled over an open flame. You’ll find it at 425 S Virginia Street, between downtown and Midtown.
Use the card at your table to signal the gauchos when you want more meat or need a break. Start with the picanha, the house’s signature top sirloin cap, then try the bacon-wrapped filet. Leave room for the fresh market table, which includes Brazilian cheese bread, fried bananas, and fried polenta.
The full rodízio dinner costs $67.50 per person, with tax, gratuity, drinks, and dessert extra. Weekend lunch is my favorite value at $48.50 for unlimited meat and the market table, and kids ages 4 to 6 eat for $3 to $5. A market table-only option ($46.50 at dinner) works well for vegetarians in your group.
As of fall 2026, Churrasco serves dinner nightly from 5 p.m., or 4:30 p.m. on weekends, with lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Book through OpenTable for parties of four or fewer, and call after 3 p.m. for larger groups. Readers voted it Best Reno Restaurant in the 2025 Best of Sierra Nevada awards, and I always pair dinner with a classic Brazilian caipirinha.
20. Brothers Barbecue
- 📍 Location: 618 S Center Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Texas-style barbecue
- 🔥 Standout Features: Meats smoked daily over apple and mesquite wood, brisket tacos, house BBQ sauces, takeout and catering
- 🎯 Perfect For: BBQ lovers, quick lunches, takeout, families
Brothers Barbecue is my pick for Texas-style barbecue in Reno, and Only In Your State readers named it the best barbecue in Nevada in 2025. The family-owned smokehouse sits in a bright orange-and-white Victorian house at 618 S Center Street in Midtown. Owners Joe and Meagan Orduna have been smoking meats daily over apple and mesquite wood since 2006.
Get there early, because popular meats can sell out before closing. For a first visit, I order the brisket plate with mac and cheese and beans. The smoked brisket tacos and the Memphis Sandwich with pulled pork are two more local favorites.
Grab a bottle of Howlin’ Bold and Spicy, the barbecue sauce Brothers created with University of Nevada athletics. Heat seekers can ask for a side of the habanero sauce, which brings serious spice. Inside seating is limited, and plenty of people take their food to go or order online.
As of fall 2026, Brothers is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and it’s closed Sundays and Mondays. Beer and wine are available if you dine in. The same family also runs Cluckers Fried Chicken, a takeout spot for fried chicken fans.
21. Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Reno (S. McCarran Blvd)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Ethiopian
- 🔥 Standout Features: Classic regional dishes, injera bread, cultural dining (eating by hand), Ethiopian art/decor.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Ethiopian food fans, adventurous eaters, cultural explorers, communal plate lovers, and vegetarian diners.
Embark on a flavorful journey at Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant, Northern Nevada’s sole destination for authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Experience the unique tradition of eating savory stews and dishes scooped up with spongy Injera bread – no utensils required!
Savor richly spiced meat dishes like Gored Gored (cubed raw beef seasoned with mitmita). Ye Beg Tibs (sautéed lamb), or a fantastic variety of flavorful vegetarian options like Mesir Wat (red lentil stew), are also popular.
22. Piezzetta Pizza Kitchen
- 📍 Location: 500 N Sierra Street, Reno
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Build-your-own pizza
- 🔥 Standout Features: Personal pizzas baked in under three minutes, unlimited toppings, garlic butter crust, late hours
- 🎯 Perfect For: Families, quick bites, late-night eats, budget travelers
Piezzetta Pizza Kitchen is my go-to quick bite in downtown Reno when I’m staying on The Row. It sits in the food court at Circus Circus Reno, 500 N Sierra Street, which connects by indoor walkways to the Silver Legacy and Eldorado. The kitchen bakes personal-size pizzas on homemade dough in under three minutes.
You walk down the line and pick your sauce, cheese, and toppings while the crew builds your pie in front of you. Toppings are unlimited, and I load mine with meats and peppers on top of the garlic butter crust. If you’d rather not choose, the chef-designed pizzas make ordering fast.
Seating is cafeteria-style in the food court, which keeps things casual and quick. Pair your pizza with an affordable beer, or take it back to your hotel room. Piezzetta stays open late, and one reviewer called it the best pizza on The Row.
Pair a meal here with the free circus acts on the Circus Circus Carnival Midway, a fun stop for kids after dinner. Locals should know that Piezzetta is excluded from the Caesars Rewards 20% locals dining discount. Hours can shift with the season, and I check the Caesars website before heading over late at night.
23. Estella Tacos Y Mezcal
- 📍 Location: Downtown Reno
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Mexican / Latin American Street Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Elevated tacos, extensive mezcal selection, locally sourced ingredients.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Taco Tuesday enthusiasts, Mezcal lovers, upscale Mexican cuisine, downtown diners, and Latin American street food.
Elevate your taco game at Estella Tacos Y Mezcal! This chic downtown spot transforms familiar Latin American street food into an upscale cantina experience. Think creative fillings, fresh local ingredients, and an atmosphere buzzing with urban energy.
Dive into inspired tacos. The popular Tacos De Mariscos, featuring fresh fish of the day with chipotle crema, is a must-try. Their carnitas tacos or short rib birria tacos are also fantastic. The real star alongside the food is the impressive selection of smoky Mezcals.
- Visit the Estella Tacos Y Mezcal website
- Read reviews of Estella Tacos Y Mezcal
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Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
