Eat Like a Local: Summer 2024
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Reno’s dynamic food scene offers restaurants for every taste. This treasure trove of hidden gems is waiting to be discovered. Come indulge in some of the city’s diverse flavors.
Papa What You Cooking
In the heart of Reno's historic downtown post office, nestled within The Basement, lies a culinary gem that's making waves in the food scene. Despite being a first-time restaurateur, chef and owner William Lyons has brought his passion for soulful cooking to life at Papa What You Cooking. Since its grand opening in August 2023, this soul food haven has been serving delectable New Orleans-inspired comfort food and desserts that keep patrons coming back for more.
From classic shrimp and grits to hearty red beans and rice, Papa What You Cooking offers a diverse menu that showcases Lyons' culinary expertise. But it's not just about the staples – Lyons is constantly innovating, introducing new specials regularly to keep diners on their toes.
Among the crowd favorites are the soul-warming red beans and rice, the iconic po boy, and the latest sensation: fried chicken sandwiches. Lyons' creations have been flying off the shelves, drawing in locals and visitors alike who crave authentic Southern flavors.
But Papa What You Cooking is more than just a restaurant – it's a labor of love for Lyons, who brings decades of baking expertise and a deep-seated passion for New Orleans cuisine to the table. From rich homemade cakes and pies to Louisiana-inspired soul food, every dish on the menu reflects Lyons' dedication to his craft.
For Lyons, the journey to Papa What You Cooking is a culmination of a lifetime of culinary memories, from helping his mother bake sweet potato pie to perfecting the art of German chocolate cake. Now, patrons can indulge in slices of nostalgia with every bite, whether it's a slice of lemon or pecan pie, a slice of pound cake with 7UP-based frosting, or a slice of Southern caramel cake.
Beyond desserts, Papa What You Cooking offers an array of Southern soul food classics, from indulgent fried bologna sandwiches to comforting shrimp and grits. And let's not forget about the famed po boy—a must-try for anyone craving the taste of New Orleans.
Whether you're a local looking for the comforts of home or a traveler seeking authentic Southern flavors, Papa What You Cooking invites you to savor soulful delights.
Papa What You Cooking is located at 50 S. Virginia Street in Reno, and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
R Town Pizza 
In March 2022, R Town burst onto the culinary scene of Reno, introducing locals to the lesser-known yet utterly irresistible Detroit-style pizza. This unique pizza variation, celebrated for its square shape, crispy cheese edges, and bold toppings, swiftly established itself as a beloved fixture in Reno's vibrant food landscape.
Originating from Sicilian roots, Detroit-style pizza emerged as a culinary phenomenon in the 20th century, captivating palates with its thick, airy crust, crispy edges, and mouthwatering toppings concealed beneath a rich tomato sauce. Its arrival in Reno brought a fresh twist to the city's pizza scene, delighting diners with its distinct texture and flavor profile.
At R Town, innovation takes center stage as chef Marvin Kinney and his team continuously push culinary boundaries. From crafting special pies for occasions like Valentine’s Day, Fat Tuesday, and Cinco de Mayo to infusing each creation with a unique sense of place and passion, R Town delivers an unforgettable dining experience that marries Reno's spirit with Detroit's culinary heritage.
Indulge in R Town's signature pies such as the flavorful Robo Cop, featuring a tantalizing blend of soppressata, fennel sausage, bacon, capicola, and red sauce stripes, or the mouthwatering Smokey Joe, boasting BBQ chicken, bacon, yeehaw aioli, roast corn, black beans, pickled red onions, and cilantro. But the culinary adventure doesn't end there – R Town Pizza offers an array of delights, including grinders (sandwiches); Jojo potatoes, loaded baked potato wedges; Pterosaur Wings, a full knuckle confit turkey wing served with your choice of sauce and a side of yeehaw aioli; and fundido cheese dip.
Every bite at R Town tells a story – a story of dedication, creativity, and a deep love for exceptional food.
R Town Pizza is located at 180 W. Peckham Lane Suite 1100 in Reno, and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
La Condesa Eatery 
La Condesa Eatery beckons diners on a captivating journey through the vibrant tapestry of Mexican heritage woven seamlessly with global flavors. Helmed by chef and owner Sergio Romero, this culinary gem stands as a testament to the art of fusion cuisine, where tradition meets innovation in a dance of flavors and textures.
Since its debut in 2022, La Condesa has emerged as a beacon of gastronomic excellence, captivating discerning palates with its eclectic menu and inviting ambiance. Romero, drawing inspiration from his Mexican roots and a love for international cuisine, has curated a menu that celebrates the diversity of flavors while retaining the essence of authenticity. The restaurant also ranked in the Top 50 of Yelp's annual list of the 100 best eateries in the U.S.
The menu at La Condesa combines a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a dash of innovation. From Asian-inspired delicacies to Italian classics with a Mexican twist, the menu reflects the diverse influences that have shaped Chef Romero's culinary journey.
Diners are presented with an assorted selection of dishes that showcase a fusion of culinary influences. From the enticing Spanish Octopus appetizer, featuring succulent charcoal-grilled octopus paired with guajillo salsa, heirloom potatoes, chorizo, and drizzled with aromatic black garlic oil, to the indulgent Kobe Beef Ravioli adorned with a velvety white truffle crema, crispy potatoes, and herb salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, every dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. For those craving a vegetarian delight, the Exotic Mushrooms al Pastor offers a tantalizing combination of charred onions, caramelized pineapple, and vibrant avocado salsa verde, topped with shaved pecorino and fresh cilantro, all served on handmade corn tortillas.
La Condesa's inventive cocktail selection combines seasonal ingredients with classic techniques. Signature cocktails include the Tamarindo Rush with Espadin mezcal, tamarind, key lime, smoked jalapeño, and applewood smoked salt, or the Don’t Tell Me What to Do, made with blue agave tequila, caramelized pineapple, cardamom, key lime, and Fresno pepper.
Whether indulging in a leisurely brunch on the patio or savoring a multicourse dinner with friends, a meal at La Condesa is an experience to cherish.
La Condesa Eatery is located at 1642 S. Wells Avenue in Reno, and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.