Best Italian Restaurants in Reno According to Locals
By Ask Reno
If you ask Reno folks where to get a solid plate of pasta, the answers come fast. Here are the Italian spots that keep coming up in recent r/Reno threads.
Zozo's Ristorante (South Reno)
Zozo's is one of those places locals bring up when they want "nice dinner" Italian without going full stiff-and-formal. One r/Reno user put it simply: "Zozo's is great for a date night."
Why locals like it: polished but not fussy, consistent, and a good place to take someone from out of town.
Pasta Fresca (Off Lakeside)
Owned by Italians who make fresh pasta in-house. A recent r/Reno favorite: "Little place off Lakeside. Owned by Italians and they do a great job making fresh pasta."
Good to know: Small spot, big flavor. Go for the handmade pasta.
La Strada
The classic date-night Italian in Reno. "The quintessential old-school Italian experience" — consistently recommended for decades.
Marcelino's
For an upscale experience — special occasion Italian that locals save for anniversaries and celebrations.
Bottom Line
Reno's Italian scene is deeper than you'd expect. Pasta Fresca for authentic fresh pasta, La Strada for the classic date night, Zozo's for polished-casual, and Marcelino's when you want to go all out. Skip the casino Italian — locals know better.