Reno travel: The Biggest Little City’s best restaurants, according to a Reno-based food writer

Reno’s reputation as a foodie destination is on the rise. Once known as a mini-Sin City escape, the neon-lit “Biggest Little City” has suddenly become a culinary player, racking up gastronomic awards and diner shout-outs. There’s certainly plenty to savor, whether you’re here for Reno’s classics — the lavish casino buffets and western-themed steakhouses — or all-you-can-eat sushi, riverfront dining or delicious food-centric events.

Casino appeal

Reno’s glitzy resorts offer more than slots. They’re home to some star-studded eateries, too. Over at The ROW, which includes hotels, casinos and restaurants, Gordon Ramsay has extended his Caesar’s Entertainment contract with two new eateries. Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips opened in May in a London pub-meets-fast-casual setting, while his fine-dining Ramsay Kitchen began welcoming guests in July.

At Reno’s The ROW, Gordon Ramsay has opened two new eateries, including Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips in May 2024. (The ROW/Caesar’s Entertainment) 

Charlie Palmer has long been a staple at the Grand Sierra Resort, where his eponymous steakhouse offers a half-priced happy hour menu (4-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday) boasting prawn cocktails, wedge salads and lobster bisque. If you’re here for a steak or seafood dinner, don’t miss the Glazed Thick Slab Bacon appetizer ($24) with grilled peach and a pickled mustard seed gastrique.

Chef Charlie Palmer’s eponymous steakhouses in Napa and Reno, Nevada, offer high-end seafood and steak dishes. (Charlie Palmer) 

Food and wine lovers will also want to check out the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, where the Atlantis Steakhouse and Bistro Napa have been on a Wine Enthusiast awards streak for the last two decades. Bistro Napa’s “social hour” — 4 to 6 p.m. daily — offers half-priced drinks and dishes, including $11 roasted bone marrow, $10 prime rib sliders and discounted oysters. And the more casual Asian-fusion Red Bloom, which opened in 2020 on the main casino floor, offers flavorful chow mein ($16), tender pork belly adobo ($22) and bao buns ($12).

Small surprises

Small business owners are at the heart of the Reno food scene, though, where newcomer Wings Korean Chicken arrived in neighboring Sparks in May. It’s a strip mall stop with a hip-hop attitude, and the second location for this casual Nevada-based spot that serves Korean chicken wings, Korean corn dogs and bibimbap. If you’ve never had a Korean corn dog ($4-$5) before, this is your chance to bite into a panko-crusted, cheese or sausage-filled “dog.”

If Asian fare is your fave, you should also check-out Ijji Noodle House, Ijji 4 Korean Bar-B-Que, Arario and Kwok’s Bistro, whose chef and owner, Kwok Chen, was a James Beard semi-finalist in 2022.

Lili’s Restaurant & Bar, which serves breakfast and lunch, offers a specialty island menu, as well as diner fare. Think chow fun noodles ($7.50) and deep-fried Crack Chicken ($15.75), Spam musubi ($4.25) and Maui-style hot dogs ($15.75).