Rated as one of the best casino buffets in town, The Buffet at the Eldorado features hundreds of delicious items for breakfast, lunch and dinner including a huge salad bar, prepared salads, American, Italian, Mexican and Chinese cuisine and the popular pizza bar with homemade pizzas. The Eldorado has its own bakery, butcher shop, pasta shop and even a gelato factory. In fact, you might not want to save dessert for last. Their massive dessert section features cakes, pies, petit four, bread pudding with sauces and a large gelato area with real Italian gelato in flavors like blackberry and espresso.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: The Buffet at the Eldorado is a large buffet that is perfect for families.
Christina's expert tip: The Buffet features various special pricing. Try the Sunday Brunch for only $17.99 for adults and $9.99 for children.
Miguel's has been a central part of downtown Reno for decades. The fresh, classic Mexican dishes are delicious with just a right amount of heat and spice and the decor is warm and inspired by central Mexico. The margaritas are great and they offer both lunch and dinner specials. Try the delectable Flauta Encantada ($10.95) piled with guacamole or the rich Chile Verde ($10.75) in tomatillo sauce. Miguel's also has a great selection of fresh seafood and shellfish including the Siete Mares ($15.95) with shrimp, fish, clams, scallop and baby octopus. The friendly bar serves beer, wine, cocktails and Miguel's massive margaritas.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Miguel's has various options for groups and the staff will push together tables if necessary.
Christina's expert tip: Miguels has some of the spiciest and most addicting salsa in Reno.
When you initially walk into this funky restaurant in downtown Reno, you would not initially guess that it serves some of the best Vietnamese and Pho in the city and happens to be a top locals choice for lunch and late night munchies. Start off with an appetizer of fresh, crispy Spring Rolls with a peanut dipping sauce, move onto a large combo bowl of Beef Pho with noodles, beef, tripe brisket, meat balls and a side of bean sprouts, chili oil, limes and fresh Thai basil leaves. Top it off with some green tea ice cream or some Thai iced tea.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: The Golden Flower is casual, so tables can be pushed together for large groups.
Christina's expert tip: Golden Flower has its own parking, but it can get full. If you are staying downtown, you can walk to this place right by the Circus Circus hotel and casino.
What really makes Reno's The Stone House stand out is their beautiful outdoor dining space and historical stone building, but this place is still for casual dining. The family run restaurant features fresh ingredients and every soup and sauce is made from scratch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served every day as well as a fun happy hour with $5.50 small plates and cocktails. Menu items include the Stone House Crab Cakes with saffron lemon sauce ($14.99), the Spinach and Apple Salad ($10.25) or the odd, but delicious PB&J Bacon Burger ($13.75) with peanut butter, ligonberry jelly, smoked apple wood bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onions.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: The Stone House has tons of seating both inside and outside in their beautiful garden.
Christina's expert tip: Want breakfast for lunch? Breakfast at The Stone House is served until 4:00 every day.
An elegant and classic Thai decor will welcome you to this local favorite. This family run restaurant in Midtown serves authentic and delicious Thai food. They have the classics like Pad Thai and some excellent red, yell and green curry dishes. Their appetizers ilke Coconut Prawns, Shrimp Rangoons and Spring Rolls are excellent. Their Thai Salad with the peanut dressing is delicious with a hint of honey and spice. Their popular entrees include their soups like Mixed Vegetable Coconut Soup and Tom Kha soup. Their noodles include Spicy Basil and Wide Noodles with Chili Sauce. You can also get a variety of stir fry veggies and meat with your choice of sauce. Save some room for dessert and get the Sticky Rice and Mango or Green Tea Ice Cream.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Bangkok Cuisine takes reservations for larger groups in their party room.
Christina's expert tip: The Bangkok Cuisine in Midtown is the original. There is another restaurant south of town and a Bangkok Express in West Reno.
This Italian restaurant in downtown Reno (near the movie theater) is an affordable eatery that serves wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, light Italian breakfasts and grab-and-go lunches. The menu is changed daily and includes items like Shrimp and Polenta with eggs and Pancake French Toast for breakfast and brunch. Margherita Pizza, Pappardelle with Wild Boar Bolognese and Pecorino, and Muffaleta with House Salumi is served for lunch along with various salads and soups. Dinner features items like Braised Pork Shank with Cannelini Beans and Roasted Onions, Tombo Tuna with Green Beans and Balsamic Caramel and the Camp Burger with Tomato Chutney, Aioli, Rucola and Focaccia.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Campo's long wooden farmer tables can seat dozens of people.
Christina's expert tip: Campo gets really full on weekend nights so be sure to make reservations.
Louis' Basque Corner in downtown Reno has served its signature family style dinners to Reno locals and visitors since 1967. The new owners have kept the classic Basque meals and cocktails and have freshened up the building and the popular and friendly bar area. Louis' serves lunch and dinner in a family style atmosphere with shared plates of salad, French fries, beans and bread along with various entrees like burgers, steak and their delectable sweetbreads (go ahead, try them!). The bar serves the restaurant's Picon Punch with a curl of orange peel and even small appetizer plates can be ordered at the bar.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Louis' Basque Corner serves its dinners family style at long tables.
Christina's expert tip: On Friday and Saturday nights, Louis is packed with locals. Come and wait for a table and make some new friends.
Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar at the Harrah's Hotel & Casino is still "The Best Tasting Show in Town". The Teppanyaki shows and food and their excellent all-you-can-eat sushi bar and tempura bar are located in a beautiful, Japanese inspired garden. The skilled chefs create sizzling steak, lobster, shrimp, scallops, chicken and vegetable dishes right at your table. Or you can sit at the sushi bar and enjoy more than 20 varieties of Nigiri Sushi and 40 Maki Sushi rolls, including several cooked and vegetarian options. The tempura, mussels and miso soup are also included in the price. Lunches run about $16 and dinners about $35 per person.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Ichiban caters to large groups at their Teppanyaki tables. You can also share with strangers and make a new friend.
Christina's expert tip: Ichiban offers Early Bird dining from Sunday to Friday and entree choices for $13.
Toucan Charlie's, located in the Atlantis Casino Resort & Spa, is one of the freshest and most dynamic buffets in the city. Recently renovated, this contemporary restaurant serves an amazing array of dishes for every type. The buffet features eight different live stations including Southwest, Vietnamese Pho, teppanyaki, a carving station and even specialty salads. Speaking of salads, the huge salad bar is teeming with vegetables, toppings and dressings. You can also choose from a variety of hot foods including steak, seafood, chicken, rice and a charcuterie bar with olives, salami and cheese. For dessert the sweets range from gelato and cakes to bright pink and blue cotton candy.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Toucan Charlie's has large tables and booths as well as a wide range of dishes for every member of your group.
Christina's expert tip: There's a lot here! Do a quick tour of the buffet before you decide on what to put on your plate.