Johnny's Ristorante Italiano

I have to back track just a little bit to the balloon races. When we were making our plans we decided that after the balloon ride we would find a nice place for brunch sit down eat and talk about our adventure.


About three quarters through the morning while on our ride, Melissa said she was not too sure about brunch as we were tired and dirty but dinner sounded better. I could not have agreed more. We both felt just like going to our own homes, shower, and get a few hours rest and meet again after that for dinner. She is new to Reno and does not know too many spots as yet, so she let me choose. Being that we both live close to Johnny's and it is right at the top of my go to places for dinner, it sounded like a good idea.

Johnny's Ristorante Italiano

4245 West 4th. Street

Reno, NV 89523

775 747 4511

Johnny's has been in Reno for years. It opened in the 60's and was located down town. It is the Italian Ristorante that all the performers from the casinos went to in the day and it still has that atmosphere.  When you walk in be sure to check out the photographs on the wall. Sometime in the 70's it moved to it's present location on 4th street. It is about 3 miles from downtown a very easy drive or cab ride. I always call for reservations. 

You just know the food will be good when you walk in and they have a great wine list. I will start with the bar area. You can sit here for dinner or as  I do sometimes just stop in for a quick something to eat. When I say the bar area, it is not like sitting at a loud run down bar but rather like a smaller dining room. They have two large dinning rooms. Both very nice, the one in front is by the windows. Every time I have been there which is many times the staff has been just great. 

The food is outstanding from the pastas to the veal. The salads always chilled and fresh. I have friends from the Bay Area who are here several times a year and although we visit many of the restaurants in Reno, Johnny's always it at least twice to three times a year. Although I have had many of the entrees, if you ask Karen the young lady from the Bay Area she will tell you I always have the linguine and clams with white sauce, almost always but if we ever have dinner there don't bet that you know what I will order.

Dinner here for two a couple of drinks and desert and tip will set you back a little over $100.00 bucks but as I said before if the food is great and service as good, this is not a bad price.

Next week we will talk about the air races

and at least one new place to dine and an update on what to look forward to this Fall and Winter in the Reno area.


Thank you for the comments on the posts and the wonderful e-mails, they make staying up late writing this worthwhile.


Till next time.