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THE ROMANZA RISTORANTE ITALIANO AT THE PEPPERMILL
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Reno, NV
Romance is in the air in Reno and Lake Tahoe
by Sherril Steele-Carlin
Romance is in the air in Reno and Lake Tahoe, and if you're looking for the perfect romantic getaway, there are many to choose from. Upscale, intimate, and just plain decadent, some of these restaurants are over the top romantic hideaways that locals and visitors will both appreciate. So, put a little sparkle in your romantic evening and check out these "love"ly restaurants soon!
THE ROMANZA RISTORANTE ITALIANO AT THE PEPPERMILL
2707 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502
(775) 689-7474
The Romanza is another Italian restaurant, but the ambiance makes it entirely special. First, there's the ever-changing domed ceiling slowly changing from day to night and back again that adds to the feeling of intimacy and romance in this restaurant. Then, there are the high-backed booths that make you feel as if you're sitting on a balcony looking out over a Tuscan landscape. Each booth includes a sound system with adjustable volume, so you can create just the right romantic mood. And then, there's the food. The restaurant has won several national awards, including the Wine Spectator award every year since it's been open. You simply must try the Mushroom Ravioli and Grilled Salmon Cartucci, they are some of the best anywhere, not just in Reno. Chef Massimo Riggio hails from Milan, Italy, and honed his skills at the Eldorado's elegant La Strada, so he brings old world charm to upscale Italian cuisine. It's superb!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25-45
Open all Holidays
ROXY'S AT THE ELDORADO
345 North Virginia Street, Reno NV 89501
(775) 786-5700
The Eldorado has been known for its food for years, and it's always been a locals' favorite. One of the best restaurants in the Eldorado, and in any Reno casino, is Roxy's, located on the second floor overlooking the Fountain of Fortune. You can start off your romantic dinner with one of 102 different martinis in the Roxy bar, and then make your way to the dining room. Roxy's is arranged like a small, intimate French café, so just about any table can offer you privacy and intimacy. Great starters include the Catalan Shrimp and Lump Crab Cake Tower. The menu is mainly steaks, chops, and seafood. The prime rib is always excellent, and the Korean Steak is a nice Asian twist I've not seen elsewhere. Try combining dinner at Roxy's with the current show at the Eldorado. They offer packages that include dining and show tickets, and it's a great way to end the evening on a romantic note.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $40 - $50
Open all Holidays
EVAN'S AMERICAN GOURMET CAFE
536 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 542-1990
Evan's is another South Lake Tahoe intimate café tucked into a historic Tahoe cabin. With only eleven tables, you'll find the quiet intimacy you crave for your romantic dinner. Evan's has also been voted the best restaurant in Lake Tahoe by several different publications, including Fodor's and Frommer's Guides, which means the food is just as wonderful as the ambiance. The menu covers everything from gourmet pizza to rack of lamb and venison. Chef David Lofgren has cooked in some top-notch San Francisco restaurants, and his wife, Sarah, is the pastry chef. For your romantic dinner try the Venison Loin Schnitzel (surprisingly delicious!), or the Confit Leg of Duck. Don't miss dessert; the Double Chocolate Pecan Tart is worth the drive to the lake in itself!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
LUCIANO'S
6135 Lakeside Drive, Reno, NV 89509
(775) 828-0400
The Luciano's on Lakeside 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. We've celebrated an anniversary there, and later in the evening (after a show), you can almost have the place to yourselves. Tables along the wall are candlelit and far enough away from most neighbors that you can enjoy a special meal with ease. My favorite choices 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. If they offer the lamb chops on special, snap them up, they're tender, cooked perfectly, and just the right romantic touch for a special evening.
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
CAFÉ FIORE
1169 Ski Run Boulevard, No. 5, South Lake Tahoe, CA., 96151
(530) 541-2908
This adorable and quaint Italian café only seats seven groups at once, so dining can't get more intimate or romantic. In the summer, you can eat outside, but in the winter, snuggling in the cozy dining room is the order of the day. One of the more imaginative dishes is a starter of Eggplant Crepes, I've never seen these on a menu before, and they make eggplant delicate, if you can believe that. They also offer several delicious seafood dishes, and another favorite, Fettuccine al la Calabrese, which is tossed with garlic, artichoke hearts, broccoli, olives, pine nuts and fresh tomatoes in a wonderfully light white wine sauce, it's heaven on the tongue! The café also offers an extensive wine list, and has won two Wine Spectator awards. At the end of the meal, you must leave room for the white chocolate ice cream. I'm not usually a fan of white chocolate, but this is simply the best!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25-35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed until Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
HARRAH'S STEAK HOUSE
219 North Center Street, Reno, NV 89501
775-788-2929
This old-school steak house offers impeccable service, a 60s men's club atmosphere, and some of the best steak house fare in town. Tucked into one of the plush, high-backed booths diners can experience the ultimate romance of impeccable service in candlelit atmosphere. The Steak House can be extremely romantic, the big booths seem just right for snuggling during a leisurely dinner. 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, including tableside flambéing and salads. It's worth the price of admission at least once or twice.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $55
Open for all holidays.
ENOTECA AT THE SIENA
130 West Street, Reno, NV 89501
(775) 321-5831
Actually, the Enoteca is the eclectic wine cellar in the Siena Spa and Casino. However, they have two utterly romantic private rooms off the bar/wine cellar that are private, romantic, and intimate. You can reserve these rooms for private parties, and the food will be handled by Lexie's, the upstairs dining room. If you want the ultimate romantic dining room in Reno, then try this alternative, you'll have a very special evening! Your best bets for dinner include the pasta dishes, which the chef handles quite well, especially the Lobster Ravioli. For dessert, go for the Chocolate Soufflé, it's a decadent way to end your romantic evening, topped off with a glass of champagne from the Enoteca bar.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $45
Open all Holidays.
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, and that's what makes it romantic. That, and the fact that it houses only a few tables, gives you a good chance to get cozy with your special someone for a romantic evening. 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, or head over to the Chocolate Bar (below) to end your perfectly romantic evening. 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 CHOCOLATE BAR
475 South Arlington Avenue, Reno, NV 89501
(775) 337-1122
This elegant, trendy, and hip bar falls last on my list because it's not really a restaurant, but more of a bar and dessert emporium. You guessed it; they serve everything chocolate here, from fondue to martinis, coffees, and delectable desserts. While it's not the most romantic restaurant in Reno, it certainly has the potential to wow your sweetie at the end of a perfect night out. Your best bets are the chocolate martinis, truffles, or the Mayan hot chocolate. Not into chocolate drinks? They serve wine and other liquors, too, along with all those homemade desserts.
Estimated cost per person for dinner (dessert) = $10 - $15
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Tentative, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
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