Italian Restaurants in Reno & North Lake Tahoe

Dive into Reno’s Italian restaurant scene headfirst. We’ve got spots for every vibe, from elegant fine dining to cozy family-friendly spots. Locals know where to go, and now you do, too. Let the feast begin.

Have a date night coming up? Celebrating a special occasion? Check out these Italian restaurants in Reno, NV for an elevated menu that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano: Seeking a restaurant that serves up generous portions and has great service? Call Johnny’s to make a reservation! It’s perfect for special family dinners. They have over 10 pasta dishes to choose from, one being their daily special lasagna. When it’s time for dessert, they’re all to die for. But their Florentine cup is an especially unique treat.
• Marcolino’s Italia Restaurant: For those looking for the perfect combination of old-world Italian charm with contemporary flair, come to Marcolino’s. Enjoy their handcrafted pastas, wood-fired pizzas and a wine list that’ll have you feeling like you’re dining in the heart of Italy.
• Mario’s Portofino: Family-owned and operated since 1997, Mario’s Portofino is a must-visit for those seeking a high-end meal. Settle into a refined, romantic atmosphere as you sip a glass of wine or a cocktail. Popular dishes here include porcini mushroom risotto, chicken parmigiana, steamed clams and calamari steak.
• La Strada: This award-winning restaurant is a go-to if you want classy, gourmet dining and Italian tradition. From the moment you walk in, the aromas of fresh pasta and perfectly cooked meat greet you. Locals enjoy La Strada’s prosciutto-wrapped prawns, pasta carbonara, pappardelle bolognese and steak fiorentina.
• The Kitchen Table: Country-style cuisine made with seasonal ingredients paired with incredible customer service? You can’t go wrong. Whether you order a main entree of fresh, handmade pasta or several appetizers to share, every bite will be delicious. As a small neighborhood restaurant, don’t forget to make a reservation a day or two before you want to visit!
• Romanza Ristorante Italiano: This Reno classic offers an exceptional dining experience that’s equal parts flavor and luxury. In fact, it feels like you’re eating in the middle of a European museum! Order any of these fan favorites — short rib, seafood risotto or pasta trio — and leave with a to-go box of raspberry truffles and biscotti.

Bring your appetite and your crew to these kid-friendly Italian restaurants. They’re perfect for families, friends, or anyone who loves hearty meals with a relaxed ambiance.

• La Cucina Italian Eatery: Their warm, inviting atmosphere is just right for a family looking to enjoy a nice dinner out. Baked rigatoni pasta, porcini truffle ravioli, chicken marsala — these are just a few of our faves. La Cucina also offers vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as a lovely patio space for diners in spring and summer.
• Liberty Food & Wine Exchange: Located in the center of downtown Reno, Liberty has a full bar and a straightforward menu sure to delight. If anyone in your family is an adventurous eater, try the black spaghetti. Otherwise, we love the bee sting pizza, arrabbiata and old-school gnocchi. Depending on when you go, they also have live music.
• Zozo’s: With a large menu featuring famous comfort food — from creamy fettuccine Alfredo to cheesy calzones — this spot guarantees something for everyone in your group. Bonus: The staff treats you like family. Is there anything else that screams “Italian” more than that?

When it comes to the area’s best-kept secrets, we don’t mess around. These Italian restaurants in Reno that locals swear by for flavor, charm and authenticity.

• Calafuria: From the outside, Calafuria looks like a cozy, brick house. Step inside to a casual, yet refined atmosphere. They serve Italian plates and a variety of cocktails that’ll make your mouth water just reading the menu.
• Casale’s Halfway Club: Step into Casale’s and step back in time. This iconic Reno eatery has been serving up Italian classics since 1937. Known for its cozy, no-frills atmosphere and family recipes, their spaghetti and meatballs will make you feel like you’re eating at Nonna’s kitchen table.
• Cosmo’s Snack Bar: This restaurant specializes in an Italian classic: wood-fired pizza. While they don’t serve pasta, you’ll definitely fill up on their tasty pizzas and appetizers. The broccolini and burrata, as well as the carrots, are crowd favorites. Come let this hidden gem blow your mind.
• DOPO Pizza & Pasta: With a modern twist on classic Italian dishes from pasta to pizza, DOPO brings fresh ingredients and bold flavors to the table. Some of our favorites include the fig & pig pizza, Caprese salad and pappardelle speciale. If you’re gluten-free or vegan, they’ve got options for you! Check out their new location on Pine Street!
• Pasta Fresca: Fresh, handmade pasta — need we say more? Every bite feels like a passport to Italy without leaving Reno. From silky ribbons of fettuccine to pillows of ravioli, this is where you can step into carb heaven. (And, if you want to take them home, they sell pasta at the Riverside Farmers Market on Sundays.)
• Willie’s Pasta Shop: Even though it’s situated on a main street in Reno’s MidTown district, you could easily walk by. Luckily, we’ve got your back. This quirky spot is known for its fresh, handcrafted pastas and sauces. With the open-concept kitchen, you can even see your dish being prepared!

Craving Italian after a day at the lake? We’ve got a couple North Lake Tahoe restaurants you can easily refuel at to keep the adventure going.

• Azzara’s Italian Restaurant: When you eat here, you’re getting flavors and recipes that have been passed down for generations. Azzara’s offers a robust menu full of antipasti, pizza, pasta, classic Italian entrees and seafood dishes. Gluten-free and vegan options available.
• Mofo’s Pizza & Pasta: Think woodsy cabin meets pizza joint. Mofo’s has served up honest cooking in North Lake Tahoe since 1986. (They also have a location in Reno!) Rustic, laid-back, and unapologetically delicious, this spot serves up pizza, pasta, sandwiches and a full salad bar.

An event for the foodies. And the wine lovers. Even for families. The Great Italian Festival at THE ROW is where Reno’s wild side meets Italy’s mouth-watering traditions. Chow down on everything from fresh pasta to mushroom ravioli, sip wine from Tuscany to Sicily, and party your heart out with free live entertainment.

During this weekend, there’s no shortage of excitement. Here are some activities you can expect to see:

• They host a sauce cook-off for those who want to put Nonna’s secret family recipe to the test.
• If you don’t mind getting a little dirty, try grape-stomping.
• Bring your kiddos to the safe play area with a giant slide, games and face painting.

After you’ve stuffed yourself at the best Italian restaurants in Reno, dive straight into all the adventure the area has to offer. From outdoor activities that’ll help you make the most of every season to dancing off the calories at one of our nightclubs, we have every kind of experience to make your next visit to Reno Tahoe an epic one.