Reno's Population Booms as Culinary Scene Thrives

Once known mainly as a casino town, Reno is booming with its population approaching 300,000 as word spreads about what an amazing place it is to live. The city's culinary offerings have blossomed as well, providing plenty of delectable dining options to explore. The hip and happening Midtown neighborhood has emerged as a particular hot spot for phenomenal restaurants. Here are some of my favorites in this vibrant area serving up some of the best eats Reno has to offer.

Best Thai Food in Reno: Thai Cuisine in Midtown

Our new friends Luke and Liz at Project to Payment recently moved to Reno and wanted to check out some restaurants. Midtown is young and hip so for our first dinner date we went to Bangkok Cuisine on Mt. Rose St. Tony and I have eaten there many times before but with new guests, we tried a more diverse variety than we had previously.

The Pad Thai was delicious. This is a constant in most Thai places. What wowed us was the Coconut soup. Our guests gave us the side eye when we ordered it but were impressed when they tasted it. It is tangy and sweet. If you have not tried it, you must. 

We ordered some other chicken/shrimp dishes and all were divine. My favorite of the evening was the shrimp Rangoon. I’ve had Rangoon at other places and they are often burnt and powdery on the ends. Bangkok Cuisine is the best I’ve ever tasted. They are dense and light and not crumbly. When we were down to the last one, it became like a Western standoff to see who was gonna reach for it. I think I was the quickest draw and I have no regrets. 

The drinks were great too. There is not a large variety of cocktails per se, but Liz enjoyed the Moscow Mule and I had the Thai Sling. So very yummy! There are several beers to choose from and wine as well.

Best Casual Lunch in Reno: Michael's Deli in Midtown

My favorite casual lunch hangout is Michael’s Deli. This is farther north on Virginia St., directly across from the Wild Orchid. I suggest you look over the menu before you go. They offer a lot! So many sandwiches and salads. You could eat something different every week for years. And the portions are perfect and the prices are right.  My favorite sandwiches are the Tuscan Turkey Pesto and the gyro. The soups change daily. I’ve never had a soup I didn’t enjoy. Even when it doesn’t sound like something I’d like, it inevitably is delicious. This is strictly breakfast and lunch so no alcohol is offered. 

Best Italian Restaurant in Reno: La Familia in Downtown

La Familia is the best upscale Italian in town. There are other more casual places with great fare, but for an elegant evening out, La Familia is the place. Reservations are recommended. This place is not a secret! Let’s begin with the bar. They have an extensive wine assortment plus a banging cocktail menu. I think it’s the best chicken piccata ever but their red sauces and white sauces are amazing. Not to mention the staff is wonderful. Attentive and only as chatty as you’d like. They are endearing and make you want to come back. There are other wonderful Italian places. In this article, I’m keeping to Midtown with a stretch into Downtown. I will speak of other Italian places in the future. 

Best Dessert in Reno: Dorinda's Chocolates

If only for a little decadent bite, go to Dorindas Chocolates. They are on Riverside next to the Hub Coffee. I went to a wine pairing here last year and still think about it. They have a very large, hand-crafted variety of chocolates. They are beautiful candies but also taste amazing. I have had some lovely expensive chocolates in the past that didn’t taste good. Dorinda is having none of that. The displays are not deceiving.  Dorinda’s is divine!

Best Coffee in Reno: The Hub Coffee Roasters

Why not take those chocolates and head 10 feet over to The Hub? This is really good coffee. The Hub is kind of famous for its coffee and its location. It’s a perfect place to sit outside and chat and watch people come and go. Dogs are allowed outside so if you like friendly fur, come and make some new fluffy friends.  

Both the Hub and Dorinda’s are located right across the street from the Truckee River. You can hear it rumbling, or trickling depending on the time of year, from the picnic tables. It has a very cool, dark interior with low music playing in the background. The Hub is a place to meet a first date, have a casual business meeting, or just chill out and people-watch. I am meeting my friend Jamie there on Friday. We are going to catch up after many years apart. 

Midtown has so much to offer. There are so many choices of restaurants. This is a very small view of a select few, but ones that I patronize and highly recommend. Because I am a local realtor, I tend to dine out quite often, either meeting new clients for coffee or celebrating closings with happy buyers or sellers.  

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Reno? Let’s get coffee!

The spring real estate market in Reno is already heating up, so now is the perfect time to buy or sell a home. Take advantage of my local expertise and call me today to schedule a free consultation over coffee at one of Midtown's fantastic cafes like The Hub. Let's discuss your real estate goals and how I can help you navigate this hot market for the best possible outcome. Don't miss out on your dream home or maximizing your sale - contact me now to get started!