Reno's food scene has grown well beyond the cheap casino buffet stereotype. The Midtown district along South Virginia Street, a few blocks south of the casino core, is the heart of the more interesting independent restaurants. The riverfront and the older parts of downtown have a mix of upscale steakhouses, casino hotel restaurants, and long-running classics.
Süp, a small Midtown soup-and-sandwich shop, has a loyal following for its lunchtime menu. Two Chicks does brunch and modern American comfort food in the same district. Old Granite Street Eatery sits in a brick warehouse downtown and serves modern American with a strong cocktail list. Beaujolais Bistro, just across the river, is the most traditional French restaurant in town and a reliable special-occasion choice.
For casino dining beyond the buffet, the Eldorado properties on The Row run a serious Italian (La Strada), a steakhouse (Roxy), and a respectable wine bar. For Mexican, look at Taqueria El Rey Azteca on East 4th Street; for ramen and sushi, Robata Grill & Sushi in Midtown.