Reno gets underestimated constantly – and I say that as someone who arrived with modest expectations and left genuinely impressed. The city that built its identity on casinos and neon has quietly developed one of the most interesting and diverse dining scenes in the American West, and the creative, independent energy running through its midtown neighborhoods feels more like Portland or Denver than anything the Nevada stereotype would suggest.
The food scene is where Reno announces itself most confidently. Intimate omakase counters serving multi-course Japanese tasting menus with fish flown in from Japan, creative izakayas, German gastropubs, Southern style breakfast spots, specialty coffee roasters along the Truckee River, and craft beer bars operating with the seriousness of wine programs. At first, I was shocked when Sonni moved there. Then, after visiting her a few times – I understood. It is a dining city that has been building something real for years.
Lake Tahoe, an hour into the Sierra Nevada, is the natural extension: alpine luxury at one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in America. North America’s largest alpine lake sits at 6,200 feet, ringed by mountains that hold snow well into spring and framed by a clarity of water and light that makes every photograph look effortless. World-class ski resorts, luxury mountain lodges, craft breweries in Truckee, and a mountain town dining culture that has grown well beyond past expectations round out a destination that earns every mile of the flight.
This guide covers where to eat, where to stay, and the experiences that made Reno and Lake Tahoe one of my most genuinely surprising trips in the American West.
Stay
Martis Valley Lodge Truckee, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Martis Valley Lodge is a mountain-style boutique hotel with convenient access to ski resorts and downtown Truckee ...
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe blends alpine luxury with direct ski access, serene spa experiences, and refined mountain lodging ...
Whitney Peak Hotel Reno, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Whitney Peak Hotel in downtown Reno is a modern hotel featuring a climbing wall, live music venue, and scenic view rooms ...Experiences
Funitel Gondola Ride at Palisades Tahoe Resort Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley is Lake Tahoe’s largest ski resort, with 6,000 acres, a base-to-base gondola and a 1960 Winter Olympics history ...
Nevada Museum of Art The Nevada Museum of Art in Reno presents a compelling blend of art, science, and reflection within a striking, desert-inspired space ...Eat
Beloved’s Bakery and Cafe Beloved's Bakery & Cafe offers organic, handcrafted breads, pastries and more in Reno, Nevada ...
Breakfast at Trailhead Social at Martis Valley Lodge Trailhead Social is Martis Valley Lodge’s on-sight restaurant serving small plates and craft drinks in a relaxed setting ...
Cafe Whitney Café Whitney in Reno offers elevated breakfast classics like chilaquiles and avocado toast in a stylish, modern setting inside the Whitney Peak Hotel ...
Centro Bar & Kitchen Centro Bar & Kitchen in Reno, Nevada features a stylish setting with small plates, craft cocktails, and a lively, social atmosphere ...
FiftyFifty Brewing Co FiftyFifty Brewing Co is a Lake Tahoe area craft brewery and pub serving award-winning beers and casual gastropub fare in a relaxed setting ...
Hinoki Omakase Hinoki Omakase offers an intimate, multi-course Japanese tasting menu - emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients flown in from Japan ...
Hub Coffee Roasters – Riverside Hub Coffee Roasters' Riverside location pairs expertly crafted coffee with a beautiful riverside setting ...
Kauboi Izakaya Kauboi Izakaya is a vibrant Reno izakaya serving creative Japanese small plates and yakitori in a casual, energetic setting ...
Pine State Biscuits – Reno Pine State Biscuits serves Southern-style comfort food with West Coast influence ...
Piñon Bottle Co – Midtown Piñon Bottle Midtown in Reno is a dog-friendly craft beer bar with 36 taps, a wide bottle selection, expert staff, and a relaxed vibe ...
The Glass Die The Glass Die in Reno pairs craft beer with board games in a laid-back, welcoming space perfect for casual fun ...
The Hangar – Taproom & Bottle Shop The Hangar in South Lake Tahoe offers rotating craft beers and a relaxed outdoor space with games, food trucks, and seasonal heated domes ...
The Living Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe The Living Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers flavorful American cuisine in an elegant setting featuring fireplaces and scenic slope views ...
Von Bismarck Von Bismarck in Reno serves Eastern and Northern German fare in a beautiful, industrial-chic space ...Related Reviews
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