The Ultimate Three-Day Foodie Adventure in Reno: Where to Eat and What to Do
If you’re a food lover looking for a fun and exciting getaway, look no further than Reno, Nevada. Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno is home to a thriving food scene that will leave your taste buds begging for more. From farm-to-table restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries, Reno has it all. In this ultimate three-day foodie adventure, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the city, highlighting the best places to eat and things to do. Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort food or more adventurous fare, Reno has something to satisfy every palate. So pack your bags and get ready to indulge in some of the most delicious eats the city has to offer.
Day 1: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Recommendations
You’ve arrived in Reno, and it’s time to start your foodie adventure. Begin your first day with breakfast at The Daily Bagel, where you can indulge in a classic New York-style bagel smothered with cream cheese, lox, and capers. This cozy spot also offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee to get your day started right.
For lunch, head to Campo, located in the heart of downtown Reno. This farm-to-table restaurant offers a fresh and delicious menu that changes with the seasons. Try their famous wood-fired pizzas, or indulge in one of their homemade pastas. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive list of local and international wines.
For dinner, make your way to The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery, a historic building that was once a railway station. Enjoy craft beers and spirits made on-site while noshing on creative pub fare like the Depot Burger or the Beer Can Chicken. End your night with a tour of the brewery and distillery to learn more about the process behind their delicious drinks.
Day 2: Brunch, Snacks, and Dinner Recommendations
Start your second day with brunch at The Stone House Cafe, a charming spot nestled in the heart of Midtown. Try their famous Corned Beef Hash or indulge in their decadent French Toast. Don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee from their sister coffee shop, Old World Coffee Lab.
For a mid-day snack, make your way to the Great Full Gardens Cafe and Eatery, a health-conscious restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Try their famous homemade hummus or their fresh and flavorful salads.
For dinner, head to the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, where you can indulge in a variety of delicious dining options. Try the classic steakhouse fare at Bimini Steakhouse or the fresh seafood at Oceano. End your night at the Fireside Lounge, where you can enjoy a classic cocktail in a cozy and intimate setting.
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Recommendations
On your final day in Reno, start with breakfast at Two Chicks, a trendy spot that serves up delicious breakfast and brunch items like the Crab Benedict or the Sunrise Quesadilla. Don’t forget to grab a mimosa or one of their signature Bloody Marys.
For lunch, make your way to The Cheese Board American Bistro and Wine Bar, where you can indulge in a variety of delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive list of local and international wines.
For your final dinner in Reno, head to the famous Basque restaurant, Louis’ Basque Corner. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up traditional Basque fare for over 50 years. Try their famous family-style dinner, which includes a variety of courses like soup, salad, beans, and a hearty meat dish. Don’t forget to end your meal with a slice of their famous Basque cake.
Unique Food Experiences in Reno
In addition to the delicious restaurants in Reno, there are also a variety of unique food experiences to try. Check out the food truck scene, where you can find everything from gourmet grilled cheese to Korean BBQ. Try a wine tasting at one of the many local wineries in the area, or indulge in a craft beer at one of the local breweries.
Outdoor Activities to Balance Out the Food Indulgence
To balance out all the delicious food you’ll be eating, make sure to take advantage of the outdoor activities in the area. Go for a hike in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains, or take a bike ride along the Truckee River. You can even go kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe, located just a short drive from Reno.
Accommodation Options in Reno
When it comes to accommodation, Reno has a variety of options to choose from. Stay in one of the many hotels located downtown, or opt for a more unique experience at a local bed and breakfast. For a truly luxurious stay, book a room at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, which offers a variety of amenities like a full-service spa and a variety of dining options.
Additional Foodie Recommendations
If you have time, check out one of the local farmers markets in the area, where you can find fresh and delicious produce from local farmers. You can also visit specialty food stores like the Great Basin Community Food Co-op, where you can find a variety of organic and local products.
Tips for Planning Your Reno Foodie Adventure
To make the most of your Reno foodie adventure, be sure to plan ahead. Make reservations at the restaurants you want to visit, and research any unique food experiences you want to try. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations, as they often know the best spots to eat in the area.
Reno, Nevada may be known for its casinos and nightlife, but it’s also home to a thriving food scene that’s not to be missed. From farm-to-table restaurants to unique food experiences, Reno has something to satisfy every palate. So pack your bags and get ready to indulge in some of the most delicious eats the city has to offer.
Raft the Truckee River in Reno
I’m so excited for the possibility of rafting from downtown Reno to a lake. It is such fun to get on the truckee river and get adrenaline going. We used the Wild Sierra guide to guide us and give us equipment. Despite starting out as an amateur kayaker our trip was a lot of fun and I will certainly continue doing it. Those who don’t enjoy sports can rent a private boat. Wear swimwear or fitness wear (no cotton), sneakers or trainers, sunblock and glasses. Nevada suns can be extremely warm. Luckily, we chose to take a waterproof action camera (GoPro HERO 5 black) with us for an insider look at the moment.
Experience a sunset over Lake Tahoe
Quite less adventurous, but absolutely necessary… do not forget a sunset at Lake Tahoe during your vacation! The golden hour was a great experience and the walk was a great way to explore the nearby trails. In addition we explored nearby Chimney Island and BonSai Rock at sunset. You can’t do anything to watch sunset in Tahoe and it can be spectacular on the eastern shore. A helicopter trip would also make a good option. Insider tips: it gets darker faster in Tahoe than usual!
Visit the Casinos
Like Las Vegas, Reno also contains several casinos. In contrast to Las Vegas the hotels are not on an area of strip; they’re scattered in downtown, some farther around town and some are in Sparks. Unlike in Vegas, you won’t go to Reno for the whole trip unless you play some poker. I spent a little time on slots and lost a lot of money before finding electronic BlackJacks. I had an amazing time — and I lost most of the money I had spent. Is gambling addictive to some extent?
Explore Along the Truckee Riverwalk
Although the deserts are dry, the city of Reno is surrounded by an ocean that flows through the Sierra Mountains from Truckee in the city to Reno in the northern part. Within the city of Reno a wonderful riverswalk is constructed with paths and community spaces to enjoy. Mr. and I went on an enjoyable walk through icy alpine water. The Truckee River is a perfect place for river fishing during the summer months.
Nevada State Museum / Carson City Mint Tour
Nevada’s state museums are in Carson City’s old Mint buildings. Yeah there were times when the Silver State arose and now there are places you can learn about Carson City mining history from. With mines around the town of Reno – Tahoe, an exploration of the State Museum of Nevada will help you better understand the region and explore its history. It would be the easiest to spend two or three hours in Carson and Reno Valley. If you’ve been looking for more information about US mints at the state museum, visit the permanent exhibits to see proofs, printings and more.
Sand Harbor State Park
Sand Harbor State Park is a wonderful location for enjoying lake Tahoe especially in Summer and it has swim access! Reno Tahoe vacations require swimming on the lake if the weather permits. Sand Harbor State Parks offer 2 different beaches that can be used for swimming. The city has several rock walls for climbing, jumps, and boardwalks to walk along. Sand Harbor is my stand-up paddleboarding destination during the summer. You also have restaurants and snack bars, the Kokanee Grill, in Sand Harbor State Park. The restaurant is seasonal but a perfect setting to have an easy lunch.
End with Sunset on Lake Tahoe
After an adventurous morning exploring Lake Tahoe’s waters go back to the east shore Lake Tahoe hike. Then take a final quick hike. From your parkway, turn south onto an asphalted trail toward Sunset Cove. This place offers great views of Lake, lots of benches and rocks, and an unobstructed sunset. The turquoise waters around the coastline glisten and the color changes. This is a good ending to a great day. Photos here are from mid-morning at Sunset Cove. Sunsets at Lake Tahoe make for a great day out for anyone visiting Reno or Tahoe. Beautiful!
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