12 Best Restaurants in Reno for Every Taste and Occasion

July 20, 2025
10 mins read
seared steak filet at the best restraunts in reno

From Szechuan gems and Basque boarding houses to steakhouse legends and wood-fired bistros, these are the 12 best restaurants in Reno—fully vetted and locally praised.


The Real Reno Dining Guide: Where Locals Actually Eat

boiled lobster tail with lemon best restaurants in reno nevada

Reno’s food scene might not flash neon like the Strip, but what it lacks in spectacle, it makes up for in substance. This is a town of quietly excellent kitchens, fiercely loyal locals, and chef-run gems tucked into historic houses, casino resorts, and Midtown lofts. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Reno native looking to rediscover your city, this guide cuts through the fluff to spotlight the 12 best restaurants in Reno right now—based entirely on verified public data, not hype.

We’ve included high-touch steakhouses like Atlantis, flavor-forward counter spots like Kwok’s, and morning essentials like Perenn Bakery. Sources include Yelp, TripAdvisor, Forbes Travel Guide, and direct restaurant websites, so you’ll get a clear, curated snapshot of what to expect—at every price point and mood.

Planning a Nevada road trip? Browse our editor picks for Spring Valley’s hottest spots or check out 13 essential Henderson restaurants.


Liberty Food & Wine Exchange

Address: 100 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 336-1091
Yelp Rating: 4.4 ★ (≈ 817 reviews)
Hours: Mon–Thu 4–9 pm; Fri 11:30 am–9 pm; Sat–Sun 10 am–9 pm
Service Type: Full-service artisan eatery + bar/market
Atmosphere: Modern, wood-fired open kitchen
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://www.libertyfoodandwine.com
Menu: Site › Menu + Online Ordering

Liberty Food & Wine Exchange combines market-style hospitality with a downtown bistro feel. Housed in a high-ceilinged space with wood-fired ovens and butcher-block counters, it delivers rustic Italian-leaning plates grounded in local sourcing. According to Yelp and The Riverwalk District, it’s one of the few places in Reno where you can sip house rosé while watching chefs hand-roll pasta or pull charcuterie from their own cure room.

Diners frequently recommend the Black Spaghetti with Calabrian chili, the spicy-sweet “Bee Sting” pizza, and the Kale Salad topped with soft egg and preserved lemon. Other popular picks include Wood-Fired Meatballs, a rotating Pork Platter, and the House Charcuterie Board, which blends prosciutto, cured duck, and pickled vegetables.

Located steps from the Truckee River, Liberty offers an indoor market, full bar, and brunch on weekends. It’s a crowd-pleaser for families, business dinners, and date nights alike, and earns its spot on any serious list of the best restaurants in Reno.


Atlantis Steakhouse (Atlantis Casino Resort Spa)

Address: 3800 S Virginia St, Reno NV 89502
Phone: (775) 824-4430
Yelp Rating: 4.3 ★ (≈ 699 reviews)
Hours: Wed–Sat 5–10 pm; Sun–Tue closed
Service Type: Forbes-four-star fine-dining steakhouse
Atmosphere: Plush, classic, jacket-preferred
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://atlantiscasino.com/dining/fine-dining/atlantis-steakhouse
Menu: Site › PDF “Dinner Menu”

Inside Reno’s Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Atlantis Steakhouse offers old-school fine dining with all the expected trimmings—and then some. Awarded four stars by the Forbes Travel Guide, it’s a local favorite for anniversaries and expense-account splurges.

The kitchen delivers classics like the 28-Day Dry-Aged Rib-eye, Tableside Steak Diane, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail. Yelp reviewers also rave about the Oysters Rockefeller, buttery Chateaubriand, and theatrical Bananas Foster, flambéed tableside. Service is suited up in full formality, and reservations can book weeks in advance.

The wine list is deep, the lighting is low, and the red booths evoke a kind of timeless luxury. For those craving a steakhouse experience worthy of its casino surroundings, Atlantis hits all the right notes.


Beaujolais Bistro

Address: 753 Riverside Dr, Reno NV 89503
Phone: (775) 323-2227
Yelp Rating: 4.1 ★ (≈ 384 reviews)
Hours: Tue–Sat 5–8:30 pm; Sun–Mon closed
Service Type: Reservations-only French bistro
Atmosphere: Intimate, river-view patio
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://beaujolaisbistro.com
Menu: Site › Dinner / Wine Lists

One of Reno’s most quietly romantic dining rooms, Beaujolais Bistro brings classic French cooking to a turn-of-the-century house overlooking the river. It’s small, reservations-only, and known for delivering traditional bistro fare with grace and consistency.

Dishes like Escargots in Garlic Butter, Duck Confit, Foie Gras Torchon, and Steak Frites are prominently mentioned across Yelp and Tripadvisor, with rotating specials that lean heavily on seasonal meats and sauces.

Desserts such as the Chocolate Pots de Crème and House-Made Pâté Plate get high marks as well, especially when paired with something from the focused, French-forward wine list. The patio view is ideal in warm months, though indoor seating is equally atmospheric with soft lighting and vintage Parisian prints.


Bistro Napa (Atlantis Casino Resort Spa)

Address: 3800 S Virginia St, Reno NV 89502
Phone: (775) 335-4539
Yelp Rating: Not available (TripAdvisor: 4.5/5)
Hours: Nightly 5–9 pm; Social Hour 4–6 pm
Service Type: California cuisine & raw bar; Wine Spectator award-winner
Atmosphere: Bright mezzanine dining room, open kitchen
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://atlantiscasino.com/dining/fine-dining/atlantis-bistro-napa

Tucked into the mezzanine of the Atlantis, Bistro Napa blends relaxed luxury with a serious food and wine program. Though less flashy than its steakhouse sibling, it pulls a loyal following of wine lovers, seafood fans, and social-hour devotees.

Guests consistently recommend the Tuna Tartare Tower, Lamb Kebabs, and Calamari, particularly during the daily Social Hour, which runs from 4–6 p.m. The Prime Rib is another top choice, and the whimsical Cotton-Candy Finale is frequently tagged in social posts.

Bistro Napa holds a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and the pairings lean West Coast-heavy, with a focus on California and Oregon vintages. Thanks to large windows and a crisp interior palette, the space feels fresh and inviting—ideal for date nights, business dinners, or a casual splurge.


Kwok’s Bistro

Address: 275 West St, Reno NV 89501
Phone: (775) 507-7270
Yelp Rating: 4.7 ★ (≈ 849 reviews)
Hours: Tue–Sun 4–8 pm; Mon closed
Service Type: Fine-casual Szechuan & Cantonese small bistro
Atmosphere: Tiny, family-run; reservations highly advised
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://kwoksbistro.com
Menu: Site › Menu

Kwok’s Bistro is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gem tucked just off West Street. Despite its size—just 28 seats inside—it has become a regional favorite thanks to deeply flavorful Cantonese and Szechuan dishes served with pride and consistency.

According to Yelp reviews and the restaurant’s website, standout dishes include the Pork Belly Sliders, Five-Spice Wings, BBQ Pork, and house-favorite Roasted Duck. The Spicy Pork Tenderloin and warming Duck Noodle Soup also draw raves, especially from repeat diners who come weekly.

Kwok’s is family-owned, and the service reflects that—gracious and efficient without feeling hurried. Given its tiny footprint, reservations are essential. Most guests describe the atmosphere as unfussy but sincere, with a kitchen that punches well above its size.


Stone House Café

Address: 1907 S Arlington Ave, Reno NV 89509
Phone: (775) 284-3895
Yelp Rating: Not available (profile active but no aggregate rating)
Hours: Wed–Sun 8 am–8 pm; Mon–Tue closed
Service Type: All-day American-Californian café & bar
Atmosphere: Historic house with garden patio seating
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://stonehousecafereno.com
Menu: Site › Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner PDFs

Located inside a restored historic home, Stone House Café blends a homey, green-patio vibe with an expansive menu of American comfort food and California flavors. Its tree-shaded outdoor seating and spacious interior make it a go-to for brunch crowds and weekend groups.

Popular dishes include the Pulled-Pork Benedict, Crab-&-Shrimp Scramble, and Steak Salad, as well as sweet classics like French Toast and a BLTA Bloody Mary that doubles as a meal. Multiple local roundups like Wanderlog recommend it for both casual meals and destination brunches.

The café opens early and serves through dinner on most days. While walk-ins are typical, peak weekend hours do get crowded. It’s an essential Midtown stop, especially if you’re looking to escape the casino bustle in favor of garden-side eggs and mimosas.


Great Full Gardens (Midtown)

Address: 555 S Virginia St #107, Reno NV 89501
Phone: (775) 324-2013
Yelp Rating: Not available
Hours: Mon–Thu 8 am–8:30 pm; Fri–Sat 8 am–9 pm; Sun 8 am–2 pm
Service Type: Health-forward American; vegan & gluten-free options
Atmosphere: Bright, casual Midtown café
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://greatfullgardens.com

Great Full Gardens in Midtown is where Reno’s health-conscious locals gather for clean comfort food in a relaxed, sunny setting. It’s an ideal stop for plant-based diners and anyone seeking gluten-free, allergy-friendly fare without sacrificing flavor.

Customer favorites—called out across Yelp and the restaurant’s own site—include the Juli’s Brown-Rice Sauté, Vegan Chili, and Wild Cod Tacos. Also popular: the BLTA Tempeh Sandwich and refreshing Berry Smoothie Bowl, a frequent hit for brunch.

With a mission-driven ethos centered around community and nutrition, Great Full Gardens is more than just a neighborhood café—it’s a trusted staple. Patrons praise the accommodating service, ample portions, and welcoming vibe, especially on sunny mornings when the sidewalk patio comes alive.


Louis’ Basque Corner

Address: 301 E 4th St, Reno NV 89501
Phone: (775) 323-7203
Yelp Rating: 4.0 ★ (≈ 553 reviews)
Hours: Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm; Dinner daily 5–9 pm
Service Type: Family-style Basque boardinghouse meals
Atmosphere: Historic tavern; communal tables; classic Picon Punch bar
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://louisbasquecorner.com
Menu: Site › Dinner

No list of the best restaurants in Reno is complete without Louis’ Basque Corner. Since 1967, this Old World-style tavern has served hearty communal suppers rooted in Basque-American tradition. It’s one of the last of its kind—and still packing the long tables nightly.

The Oxtail Stew, Shrimp & Tongue Basquaise, and Lamb Chops are most commonly praised on review sites, along with the signature Chorizo Soup and housemade Flan for dessert. A full bar pours strong drinks, but the star of the show is the Picon Punch, Reno’s unofficial cocktail.

The atmosphere is convivial and a little rowdy, especially during dinner hours. Shared meals are the norm, and most patrons welcome the experience. For travelers, it’s a cultural immersion as much as a culinary one—authentic, boisterous, and proudly rooted in Reno history.


Wild River Grille

Address: 17 S Virginia St #180, Reno NV 89501
Phone: (775) 284-7455
Yelp Rating: 4.2 ★ (≈ 1.9k reviews)
Hours: Daily 11 am–9 pm (dinner begins at 4 pm)
Service Type: Riverfront American grill & cocktail bar
Atmosphere: Outdoor riverside patio; live music on select nights
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://www.wildrivergrille.com
Menu: Site › Lunch / Dinner PDFs

Reno’s Truckee Riverwalk is home to Wild River Grille, a mainstay known for its expansive patio, seasonal menu, and consistent live entertainment. It’s particularly beloved in warmer months, when the riverfront becomes one of the city’s best dining perches.

The Blackened Salmon, Elk Chop, and Stuffed Mushrooms frequently top diners’ lists, with the Bison Burger earning special attention for its smoky richness. Desserts vary seasonally, but the Cheesecake tends to be a mainstay.

Wild River Grille excels in delivering polished but unfussy dining, with service that’s warm and responsive. The space is large—nearly 180 seats between indoor and patio—but fills up around dinner, especially on live-music nights. It’s an excellent pick for out-of-towners looking to enjoy both the culinary and natural charms of downtown Reno.


Arario Midtown

Address: 777 S Center St #200, Reno NV 89501
Phone: (775) 870-8202
Yelp Rating: 4.4 ★ (≈ 1.2k reviews)
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun 3–9 pm; Tue closed
Service Type: Korean-fusion small plates & cocktail bar
Atmosphere: Trendy loft; colorful murals; K-pop soundscape
Yelp: View Profile
Website & Menu: https://www.arariomidtown.com

Arario Midtown blends inventive Korean-fusion cuisine with a high-energy aesthetic—think craft cocktails, shareable plates, and a backdrop of K-pop beats echoing through a mural-filled loft. The menu spans bold classics and modern twists, earning steady local buzz.

Among the most frequently praised dishes: Tteok-Bokki Carbonara, K-BBQ Tacos, and Honey-Butter Wings. Other standouts include the Spicy Pork Bap and Bulgogi Fries, with portions well-suited for sharing.

Whether you’re seated indoors or by a window overlooking Midtown, the experience is curated for diners seeking a social vibe paired with bold flavors. Arario is a top recommendation for groups and casual nights out—especially if cocktails are on the agenda.


The Twisted Fork

Address: 1191 Steamboat Pkwy #1400, Reno NV 89521
Phone: (775) 853-6033
Yelp Rating: 4.0 ★ (≈ 1.3k reviews)
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 am–9 pm; Fri 11 am–10 pm; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun 9 am–3 pm
Service Type: Modern American with Latin-inspired dishes
Atmosphere: Comfort-casual; bar seating; lively brunch crowd
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://www.twistedforkreno.com
Menu: Site › Food / Dinner

Located in south Reno, The Twisted Fork is a neighborhood favorite for creative comfort food with global twists. Its approachable vibe and broad menu appeal to families, date nights, and weekend brunchers alike.

Dishes consistently called out by reviewers include the Porcini Ravioli, Pastor Pork Tacos, and Cauliflower Ceviche, while the Burrata Salad and brunch-only Pork-Belly Eggs Benedict add to the restaurant’s range. The bar program, anchored by cocktails like the King Jorge, draws in a loyal weekend crowd.

Friendly service, generous portions, and a laid-back atmosphere define the experience here. If you’re exploring Reno beyond Midtown, The Twisted Fork makes a solid stop that balances creativity with familiarity.


Perenn Bakery (Midtown Flagship)

Address: 20 Saint Lawrence Ave, Reno NV 89509
Phone: (775) 842-1508
Yelp Rating: 4.6 ★ (≈ 674 reviews)
Hours: Daily 7 am–12 pm (Midtown); Rancharrah 7 am–2:30 pm
Service Type: Counter-service bakery and café
Atmosphere: Light-filled interior, casual bench seating
Yelp: View Profile
Website: https://perennbakery.com
Menu: Site › Locations › Midtown › View Menu

Perenn Bakery is the darling of Reno’s pastry scene. This artisan viennoiserie turns out buttery showstoppers and seasonal breakfast fare from a cheerful Midtown storefront. It’s walk-up only and sells out often—especially on weekends.

Among the bakery’s most in-demand items: the Brown-Butter Cinnamon Roll, Ham & Gruyère Croissant, and Kouign-Amann. Savory fans lean toward the Fig-&-Brie Sandwich or Ricotta-Lemon-Poppy Loaf, while rotating tartines and toasts keep the menu seasonal.

Perenn’s commitment to scratch baking and high-quality ingredients has earned it a place in both locals’ hearts and national pastry rankings. Early birds and weekday visitors avoid the crowds—but any wait here is justified.


Reno Dining FAQ

What are the best restaurants in Reno for a special occasion?
Atlantis Steakhouse and Beaujolais Bistro are two of the most consistently recommended upscale options for anniversaries, date nights, or client dinners.

Where can I find authentic local flavor in Reno?
Louis’ Basque Corner is one of the oldest Basque boardinghouses in the U.S., serving traditional, communal meals. Kwok’s Bistro offers a family-run Cantonese experience rarely found outside larger metros.

What’s the best breakfast spot in Reno?
Perenn Bakery’s Midtown flagship draws pastry lovers from across the city. The Stone House Café is also popular for hearty brunch classics in a garden setting.

Are reservations required at most of these restaurants?
Not all—but for fine-dining venues like Atlantis Steakhouse, Bistro Napa, and Kwok’s Bistro, reservations are strongly advised. Walk-in casual spots like Great Full Gardens or Wild River Grille may have waitlists during peak hours.


Reno’s Dining Scene, Distilled

pizza at pub - where to eat in reno nevada

From polished French bistros to family-style Basque feasts and vibrant Korean fusion, these twelve destinations showcase the best restaurants in Reno for diners craving authenticity and variety. Whether you’re looking to explore the top-rated restaurants in Midtown Reno, seeking out hidden gems near the Riverwalk, or planning a brunch tour anchored by Perenn and Stone House Café, this list offers a curated cross-section for every appetite.

While the city continues to evolve, Reno’s restaurant scene remains rooted in independent spirit, seasonal sourcing, and welcoming service. For visitors and locals alike, it’s a satisfying time to dine out—and these are the names to know.


About the Author

Rena Vaughn is a regional food writer and editorial contributor at Nevada Food Reviews. Her work focuses on West Coast dining, local food economies, and restaurant industry trends. View author profile ›


About Nevada Food Reviews

Nevada Food Reviews is a locally operated publication spotlighting restaurants, cafes, and culinary trends across Las Vegas, Reno, and beyond. Our editorial team is made up of trained food writers, local researchers, and hospitality editors committed to producing evidence-based dining content. All guides follow EEAT standards—meaning they’re built on verified data, expert input, and transparent sourcing. We never accept payment for inclusion.

Explore more:
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Rene Vaughn

Rena Vaughn is a Nevada native, food critic, and nightlife documentarian focused on the grit, glamor, and gut-level truth of the Las Vegas food scene. Raised on casino-floor chaos and 2 a.m. kitchen runs, Rena has an instinct for what’s real—and she built NevadaFoodReviews.com to track it down, bite by bite.

Whether it’s prime rib at a $4.99 buffet, a speakeasy ramen bar downtown, or tacos served out of a truck near Fremont, Rena is always there—in person, with a fork in one hand and a pen in the other. Her reviews are grounded in lived experience, flavored with late-night sarcasm, and aimed at helping locals and food-loving travelers dodge the fake and find the flame.

Her content is rooted in the pillars of online credibility:

She eats, photographs, and documents every dish herself—no ghostwriting, no fabrication

She’s logged years of real-world exploration of Nevada’s food culture

Her readers know her taste, trust her judgment, and follow her across platforms

Her work is visually documented, geotagged, and fully transparent

No fluff, no corporate polish—just the real flavor of Vegas, written by someone who’s walked the Strip, back alleys, and midnight kitchens for over a decade.

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