|
|
|
|
4th Street Bistro
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Reno, NV
The Top Ten List of Great Restaurants – Reno and Lake Tahoe
by Sherril Steele-Carlin
Photo by:© Tana Butler www.tanabutler.com
With all the fantastic restaurants located in Reno and Lake Tahoe, how do you narrow them down to the ten best? No crap shoot here! Scattered among the coffee shops, buffets, and casino fare, you can find sparkling gems. For me, their star quality depends on a blend of food, service, and ambiance, combining to create the perfect dining experience. These restaurants stand out in all three areas and that makes them tops in my book any day!
4th STREET BISTRO
3065 W 4th Street, Reno, NV 89523
(775) 323-3200
Chef Natalie and co-owner Carol have a hit on their hands because they insist on local, organic ingredients, Niman Ranch hormone-free beef, and consistently put out some of the best food in Reno. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu here, but Chef Natalie's seafood is especially well-prepared, if it's on the menu, the Mahi Mahi with polenta is just as close to heaven as you can get in a restaurant. The Red Walnut salad topping makes my mouth water every time I walk in the door. Say yes to dessert with the sinfully rich Scharffen Berger Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache Torte with a Pecan Crust
& Caramel Sauce, paired with a Canadian ice wine, and you'll see why 4th Street is my top pick.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
CAFÉ BELLA SERA
121 Vesta Street, Reno, NV 89502-2913
(775) 322-2300
A new entry into Reno's dining scene, Café Bella Sera brings in fresh foods from the East Coast and beyond every day to recreate a New York dining experience. The portions are large, and the prices, well, reflect the imported ingredients, but it's some of the best Italian food in the area. Dino's meatballs (the most tender and luscious meatballs I've ever tasted), will serve two to four easily, and entrees are massive, expect lots of leftovers. Pair that with a good wine list, a lounge, bar with entertainment, cigars in the bar, and excellent service. That makes Café Bella Sera is an excellent choice for that special night out.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
BRICKS RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR
1695 South Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502
(775) 786-2277
Newly renovated, Bricks has been a Reno standard in fine dining since Chef Steve Budija keeps classics on the menu, like his grilled New York strip topped with onions and blue cheese, then adds something like his gazpacho with shrimp to kick things up a notch. My personal favorite is the Baked Mushroom Cap appetizer. Stuffed with escargot and blue cheese, these are the only escargot I've ever relished! Just thinking about it makes me want to head over to Bricks for an early evening glass of wine and an appetizer!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed 20th thru 23rd 2006, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
LUCIANO'S
719 South Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501
(775) 322-7373
6135 Lakeside Drive, Reno, NV 89509
(775) 828-0400
Yum, Luciano's has been an Italian pacesetter in Reno for years. The Lakeside location is newer and more intimate than the downtown location, so it's my choice for a romantic as well as delicious Italian meal. Owner and Chef Luciano Pilisi grew up in Italy so he knows his way around a pasta pot. My favorite choices at either location include the fried calamari appetizer (the only calamari I'll eat in town), and fantastic ravioli that simply melts in your mouth. The Antipasto tray is my husband's favorite.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
SWISS LAKEWOOD RESTAURANT
5055 West Lake Boulevard, Homewood, CA 96141
(530) 525-5211
Featured on the Food Network "Best of Lake Tahoe" show, this Continental restaurant offers some fabulous food, service, and the scenery of Lake Tahoe is worth the drive. Skiers love the wintertime après ski fondues, but my absolute favorites are the crab cakes with lemon-mustard caper sauce, and the crispy, delectable weinerschnitzel. If I don't get them at least once a year, I simply go on a hunger strike! If you have a larger party, ask for the cozy table in the wine room that houses the restaurant's extensive wine list. If the roads are closed due to snow, the Swiss Lakewood is inaccessible, so call ahead for road closures and reservations.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
BEAUJOLAIS BISTRO
130 West Street, Reno, NV 89501
(775) 323-2227
The Beaujolais Bistro offers a true taste of the French countryside right in the middle of downtown Reno. This charming little bistro offers some American fare, but traditional French, from coq au vin, cassoulet, and duck breast. Some surprises like Moroccan Lamb Shanks pop up from time to time, too. Chef Bill Gilbert serves Niman Ranch hormone-free beef, along with a large menu of appetizers, entrees, and delicious desserts. End your meal with a traditional cheese plate. Paired with the mushroom tart with vegetables, you'll find lighter dining options that leave room for an extra glass of French Chardonnay.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
THE GRILL AT QUAIL CORNERS
6520 South McCarran Boulevard, Reno, NV 89509
(775) 827-6262
Don't let this office park location fool you. The Grill is trendy and casual at the same time, and serves up quite a nice blend of sandwiches, pizza, and lighter fare combined with a more upscale dinner menu for the after work crowd. The place can get noisy, so early or late is best for conversation, but the food is great any time. Friends swear by the sesame seared ahi salad, while I recommend
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
CIAO PIZZARIA AND WINE BAR
7111 South Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89511
(775) 851-9463
Another Reno newcomer, Ciao is fast becoming a hip hot spot because of its fusion cuisine and trendy wine club. What other Reno Italian place offers a master sommelier like Mary Sugruevin Young? Young recommended mostly Italian vintages with a few other top wines thrown in for variety. The fusion, wood-fired pizzas combine eclectic ingredients. The tomato, mozzarella, basil, and pecorino pizza is perfection on a plate. Match that with the trendy atmosphere, fine food, and entertainment they offer, and it's no wonder Ciao is becoming one of the most popular nightspots in South Reno.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open for Brunch, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
HARRAH'S STEAK HOUSE
219 North Center Street, Reno, NV 89501
775-788-2929
Most locals bypass casino restaurants for locally-owned and free-standing eateries, but Harrah's Steak House is a huge exception. This old-school steak house offers impeccable service, a 60s men's club atmosphere, and some of the best steak house fare in town. For starters you have to try the creamy five onion soup, it's to die for, and they hand out the recipe if you ask nicely. Dinner offers more than steak and potatoes, there's a nice selection of seafood and salads for lighter fare. They offer an extensive wine list, and service that can't be beat.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $55
Open for all holidays.
RAPSCALLION SEAFOOD HOUSE AND BAR
1555 South Wells Avenue, Reno, NV 89509
(775) 323-1211
Ask a local where to find the best seafood, and "Raps" is sure to be the answer. This pub-like seafood house has been serving up fresh seafood for 30 years, so they have it down to a science by now. The menu changes daily, but one constant you must try are the Cajun Coconut Prawns. Along with over 20 seafood items, Certified Angus beef shows up on the menu, too. Raps is a romantic spot for a special dinner, and has a great Sunday brunch, too.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $40
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
|
|
|
|
|
|