Guide · 22 Jun 2026

Where locals actually eat in Reno (not the casino buffets)

The independent Reno restaurants locals point newcomers to — from a James Beard-nominated Chinese kitchen to a family soup-and-sandwich institution.

By Heather

Ask a Reno local where to eat and they will not send you to a casino buffet. They'll send you to one of these independent kitchens. Here are the spots that come up again and again.

Kwok's Bistro A James Beard-nominated Chinese restaurant. The local move is to go with a group and let the kitchen keep sending food until you tap out.

Old Granite Street Eatery — Downtown A long-running downtown favourite, known for its brunch (the salted caramel French toast has a following) and a serious cocktail list.

Liberty Food & Wine Exchange — Downtown Chef Mark Estee's farm-to-table restaurant, market and bar — shareable plates and house-cured meats.

Süp — Midtown A family-owned soup-and-sandwich shop that's drawn a lunchtime line for years.

Thali — Riverwalk Organic vegetarian North Indian — Reno's Indian food punches well above its weight, and this is where it starts.

Stone House Café — Old Southwest A historic river-rock house with garden patios, voted Best Brunch in the 2025 Reno News & Review readers' poll.

Noble Pie Parlor — Downtown The downtown East-Coast-style pizza institution.

Every spot above is independent and has a page on Arch City. Browse the full directory at archcity.co/venues.

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