For years, Johnny’s Ristorante has been proud to serve Northern Nevada families, couples, visitors, and longtime friends with classic Italian meals, warm hospitality, and memorable evenings around the table.

Now, nominations are open for the Best of Sierra Nevada awards, and we would be honored to have your support.

If you have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, business dinners, or simple weeknight meals with us over the years, we would truly appreciate your nomination in the following categories:

Best Italian Restaurant
From handmade pasta dishes and hearty classics to fresh seafood, steaks, desserts, and wine, Johnny’s has become a longtime Reno favorite for authentic Italian dining.

Best Fine Dining
Johnny’s has always aimed to create more than just a meal. We strive to create an experience — attentive service, welcoming atmosphere, and food worth slowing down to enjoy.

Why These Awards Matter
Local restaurants are built by community support. Awards like Best of Sierra Nevada help shine a spotlight on independently owned businesses that continue serving Northern Nevada year after year.

And the good news is:
It only takes one nomination for a business to be included on the ballot.

How to Nominate Johnny’s
Please visit the Best of Sierra Nevada nomination page and nominate:
• Johnny’s Ristorante for Best Italian Restaurant
• Johnny’s Ristorante for Best Fine Dining

​We truly appreciate every customer, every recommendation, and every family who continues to make Johnny’s part of their traditions.

​Key Dates:
Nominations Close: Friday, May 15
Voting Opens: Monday, June 1
Voting Closes: Friday, June 19
Results Published: Thursday, October 1

Thank you for your support, Reno!

Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano has been named a Top 3 Finalist in the 2026 Best of Reno Community’s Choice Awards!

And not just in one category!
✨ Best Fine Dining
🍝 Best Italian Food
❤️ Best Romantic Restaurant

💛 This One Belongs to You
These awards are especially meaningful because they come directly from the Reno community—the people who dine with us, celebrate with us, and continue to support us year after year.

Whether you’ve joined us for a quiet date night, a family dinner, or a special celebration, you are the reason we’re here.

Being recognized in all three categories tells us that what we’re creating—great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and memorable experiences—is truly resonating.

🍷 What Makes Johnny’s Special
At Johnny’s, we’ve always believed that dining out should feel like more than just a meal.
It’s about:

• Taking your time
• Sharing stories over a glass of wine
• Enjoying authentic Italian dishes made with care
• And creating moments you’ll want to come back to

To be recognized for fine dining, Italian cuisine, and romance all at once… that’s something we don’t take lightly.

🙏 Thank You, Reno
We want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted for us and continues to support Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano.

Your support means everything—not just during awards season, but every single day.

🥂 We’re excited to celebrate alongside other amazing local businesses at the upcoming awards ceremony—and no matter the outcome, we already feel like winners thanks to this incredible community.

If you haven’t visited us yet (or it’s been a while), we’d love to welcome you in and show you what Johnny’s is all about.

From our family to yours—thank you, Reno.
We couldn’t have done this without you.

Reno has no shortage of great places to eat—but when it comes to classic Italian cuisine, consistency, hospitality, and long-standing community love matter just as much as what’s on the plate. That’s why Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano has been recognized as a Top 5 Italian Restaurant in Reno, Nevada for 2025, based on Google all-time reviews as of July 2025.

This recognition reflects years of diners choosing Johnny’s not just for a special occasion, but for weeknight dinners, family celebrations, and those “we know exactly where to go” moments.
A Reputation Built One Plate at a TimeWhat makes this award meaningful is that it isn’t based on a single viral moment or a short-term trend. It’s rooted in long-term customer feedback—the collective voice of locals and visitors who have returned again and again.

Across hundreds of reviews, guests consistently highlight:

• Warm, welcoming service
• Generous portions of classic Italian favorites
• A comfortable, timeless dining atmosphere
• A feeling of being treated like family, not a transaction

That kind of reputation can’t be manufactured. It’s earned through showing up every day and doing things right.

Why Johnny’s Continues to Stand Out in RenoItalian food is deeply personal. Everyone has a memory tied to it—family dinners, celebrations, or a favorite dish that tastes like home. Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano understands that, and it shows in both the menu and the experience.

Rather than chasing trends, Johnny’s focuses on:

• Consistency – the dish you love today tastes just as good next time
• Hospitality – attentive without being rushed
• Quality – from ingredients to execution

That steady approach is exactly why customers keep leaving positive reviews year after year.

Recognized by the Community
The Top 5 BusinessRate 2025 designation places Johnny’s among the most trusted Italian restaurants in Reno—based on real customer experiences, not paid placements.

For locals, it’s a confirmation of what they already know.
For visitors, it’s a reliable recommendation in a city full of options.

Visit a Reno Favorite
Whether you’re celebrating something big or simply craving a great Italian meal, Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano continues to be a go-to choice in Reno’s dining scene.

Congratulations to the entire Johnny’s team on this well-deserved recognition—and thank you for continuing to serve the Reno community with excellence.
​
Recognition based on Google all-time reviews, July 2025.

The results are in — and the people of Reno have spoken! Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano has earned the Gold Award for Best Italian Restaurant in the 2025 Best of Sierra Nevada awards.

Founded by Johnny and Mary Cassinari in 1966, Johnny’s has long been a cornerstone of Reno’s dining scene. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm glow of a true Italian classic — where every detail, from the soft lighting to the aromas of garlic and herbs, transports you straight to the heart of Italy.

Johnny’s is best known for its signature dishes like Parmesan Crusted Petrale Sole and Osso Buco, but the secret to its enduring success lies in the tradition of hand-selected, fresh ingredients and a commitment to excellence that spans generations. Whether it’s a family dinner, date night, or celebration, Johnny’s Ristorante delivers timeless flavor with a touch of old-world charm.

🥈🥉 Honoring All of Reno’s Italian FavoritesThis year’s culinary competition was stronger than ever, and we’re proud to celebrate the full lineup of winners:

• Silver: Casale’s Halfway Club — A Reno landmark serving authentic homestyle Italian favorites in a family-friendly setting.
• Bronze: Zozo’s Ristorante — Known for its seafood specialties and romantic ambiance, Zozo’s also claimed Bronze for Best Date Night Spot in 2025.

Together, these local gems showcase why the Sierra Nevada dining scene is second to none — full of flavor, passion, and family tradition.

🌄 About the Best of Sierra NevadaThe Best of Sierra Nevada Awards honor the businesses and individuals who make our region an extraordinary place to live, work, and play. With over 108,000 votes cast in 2025, this year’s contest highlighted 682 businesses across Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Carson City — a 93% increase in community participation.

From breathtaking landscapes to world-class dining, it’s clear: the Sierra Nevada region knows how to celebrate the best life has to offer.

🍷 Visit Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano
📍 4245 W 4th St, Reno, NV
📞 775-747-4511

​Raise a glass to tradition, taste, and timeless Italian excellence — congratulations to Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano, Reno’s 2025 Best Italian Restaurant!

The results are in for the 2025 Best of Reno Community’s Choice Awards, and once again Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano is honored to be recognized among Northern Nevada’s most beloved businesses.

This year, Johnny’s proudly took home the title of Best Italian Restaurant, while also being named a Finalist in the Fine Dining category. To be recognized by the Reno community in not just one but two categories is a true honor, and it reflects the continued love and loyalty of our guests who make Johnny’s part of their lives.

For decades, Johnny’s has been more than just a place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine—it’s been the setting for family milestones, anniversaries, date nights, and celebrations of all kinds. Winning Best Italian confirms that our recipes, service, and traditions continue to resonate. And being a top finalist for Fine Dining? That’s a beautiful reminder of the many memories created here over candlelight and shared plates of pasta.

Owner Louis Cassinari and the Johnny’s team extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted. “We are humbled and grateful for this recognition,” Louis said. “The Reno community has supported us for generations, and it’s our mission to keep giving you the very best—whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth anniversary.”

With your continued support, maybe next year we’ll take home Most Romantic as well! Until then, we’ll keep doing what we do best: welcoming you with warmth, tradition, and food made from the heart.

Thank you, Reno, for trusting Johnny’s to be part of your dining experience.

It’s official: Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano has once again been voted Best Italian Restaurant in the Best of Northern Nevada 2025 contest!

Each year, Northern Nevada takes a victory lap in celebration of the people, places, and businesses that make our region unique. This year’s contest drew 111,060 votes across 224 categories, honoring everyone from chefs and doctors to artists and DJs. To be chosen as the community’s top pick is no small feat—and Johnny’s couldn’t be more proud.

For decades, Johnny’s has been a Reno institution, built on the foundation of authentic recipes, warm hospitality, and a family legacy that stretches back generations. Winning Best Italian Restaurant again is a testament not only to the food on the table, but also to the staff, the service, and the loyal guests who continue to make Johnny’s part of their lives.

Owner Louis and the entire Johnny’s team extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who cast their vote. “This recognition belongs as much to our community as it does to our restaurant,” Louis shared. “Northern Nevada has embraced Johnny’s for decades, and it’s our honor to keep serving the flavors and traditions that families have celebrated with us for years.”

Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a romantic evening, or a simple night out, Johnny’s strives for perfection in every dish and every experience. Being named Best Italian Restaurant is more than an award—it’s a reminder of the deep roots Johnny’s has in Reno, and the bright future ahead.

Thank you, Northern Nevada, for once again recognizing Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano. Here’s to many more meals, memories, and moments shared around the table.

Don’t forget, you can still write us in for the Best of Northern Nevada Awards through June 6!
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Let’s make June another winning month for Johnny’s. Thank you, as always, for your support.

We’re also now officially in the voting window for the 2025 Best of Sierra Nevada Awards, and Johnny’s Ristorante is honored to be nominated once again!

After recently being named Best Italian Food in the Best of Reno 2025 Awards, we’re hoping to keep the momentum going with your help. From now through June 20 at 5:00 PM Pacific, you can cast your vote and help us bring home another win!

This nomination continues a tradition of community recognition that includes multiple wins for Italian Food, Fine Dining, and All Around Restaurant—categories we’re passionate about because they reflect the full experience of dining at Johnny’s.
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Every dish we serve is rooted in tradition. Every guest we greet is treated like family. It’s this consistency, care, and quality that we hope shines through in your experience—and your vote.

At Johnny’s Ristorante, we’ve always believed that great food and heartfelt hospitality speak for themselves, but we’re deeply honored every time our community confirms it.

We’re proud to share that Johnny’s Ristorante has been named Best Italian Food in the 2025 Best of Reno Awards by the Reno Gazette-Journal! This marks another milestone in a long-standing tradition of excellence, with previous Best of Reno honors in 2018 and every year from 2021 to 2024, including categories such as Best Fine Dining and Best All Around Restaurant.

From day one in 1966, Johnny’s has been more than a restaurant; it’s been a place where tradition is honored, recipes are made from scratch, and every guest is treated like family. Whether you’ve come for a romantic evening, a family celebration, or your favorite plate of pasta, we’re so grateful to be part of your story.

​We’re excited to be nominated in the 2025 Best of Sierra Nevada Awards, and we would be honored to have your vote!

• Voting Opens: June 2 at 11:55 AM PT
• Voting Closes: June 20 at 5:00 PM PT

​​Your support in past years has helped us stand out, and we hope to continue the tradition this year. Every vote is a nod to the heart and care we pour into each dish.

Johnny’s has also earned Best of Northern Nevada titles from Reno News & Review in 2019, 2023, and 2024, and we’d love to keep that momentum going.

The open-ballot primary is happening now through Friday, June 6, and we need your help!

​​You can nominate Johnny’s for your favorite dining categories, including Italian Food, Fine Dining, and All Around Restaurant. Final voting begins June 16, and winners will be announced on August 29.

We’re heading into another award season, and we’re thrilled to share that Johnny’s Ristorante is once again in the running for several community honors.

Over the years, we’ve been proud to receive accolades such as Best Italian Food, Best Fine Dining, and Best All Around Restaurant, with consistent recognition from the Best of Reno and Best of Northern Nevada awards.

As always, this recognition is only possible because of you—our loyal guests and supporters who make Johnny’s a Reno favorite, year after year.

Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for ways you can vote in the 2025 Best of Sierra Nevada and nominate us for Best of Northern Nevada through Reno News & Review. We’ll share all the details soon!

Thank you, Reno, for nearly 60 years of support. We’re here — and winning! — because of you.

Since 1966, Johnny's Ristorante Italiano has been a cornerstone of the Reno dining scene, offering authentic Italian cuisine that has delighted both locals and visitors alike. This family-owned establishment combines traditional recipes with fine dining, creating an unforgettable experience for all who walk through its doors.​

A Legacy of Excellence
Founded by Johnny and Mary Cassinari, Johnny's Ristorante Italiano has built a reputation for excellence over the decades. Their commitment to using the freshest, hand-selected ingredients has resulted in a menu that showcases the best of Italian cuisine. Signature dishes like the Parmesan Crusted Petrale Sole and Osso Buco have become favorites among patrons, reflecting the restaurant's dedication to quality and tradition.


An Award-Winning Experience
The accolades received by Johnny's Ristorante Italiano speak volumes about its standing in the community. The restaurant has been honored with multiple awards, including:​

• Best Italian Food in the Best of Reno 2024​
• Best Italian Restaurant in the Best of Northern Nevada 2024​

These recognitions are a testament to the restaurant's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences. ​

A Menu That Celebrates Italian Tradition
The menu at Johnny's Ristorante Italiano is a celebration of Italian culinary traditions, offering a diverse selection of dishes that cater to various palates.​

​Antipasti
Start your meal with delightful appetizers such as the Antipasto Platter for Two, featuring Parma Prosciutto, sopressata, Provolone Picante, grilled artichoke, Soleggiati Tomatoes, mixed Italian Olives, and Taralli Crackers. Another popular choice is the Calamari Fritti, crispy calamari served with a spicy tomato-caper dipping sauce. ​

Insalata
For a refreshing option, the Insalata di Cesare offers a classic Caesar salad experience, while the Insalata Comella combines mixed greens with dried cherries, candied pecans, and gorgonzola, dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette. ​

Paste
Pasta enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of options, including:​

• Capellini al Giardino: Angel hair pasta with fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, Italian olives, garlic, and basil.​
• Penne Maria: Baked penne with grilled chicken, prosciutto, peas, cream, Grana Padano cheese, tomato sauce, and mozzarella.​
• Spaghetti alla Bolognese: House-made spaghetti with classic meat sauce and meatballs.​

Each pasta dish is crafted with attention to detail, ensuring an authentic taste of Italy. ​

Carne e Pesce
For those seeking hearty entrées, the menu offers selections like the 12 oz Certified Angus Beef N.Y. Steak aged 28 days, marinated in olive oil and herbs, served with creamy polenta. Seafood lovers can indulge in the Grana Padano crusted fillet of Petrale Sole with lemon-cream sauce and angel hair pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil. ​

A Curated Wine Selection
Complementing the exquisite menu is an extensive wine list featuring exceptional domestic and foreign vineyards.Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, the knowledgeable staff at Johnny's can recommend the perfect pairing to enhance your dining experience. 

Romantic Dining in Reno
The ambiance at Johnny's Ristorante Italiano is perfect for a romantic evening. The warm, inviting atmosphere, coupled with attentive service, creates an ideal setting for couples seeking a memorable dining experience. It's no surprise that the restaurant has been recognized as the Most Romantic Restaurant in the Best of Reno 2022. ​

Inclusive Dining Options
Understanding the diverse dietary needs of its patrons, Johnny's Ristorante Italiano offers gluten-free pasta options.These dishes are prepared with the same dedication to flavor and quality, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the rich tastes of Italian cuisine without compromise. ​

Customer Testimonials
The loyalty of Johnny's patrons is reflected in ​glowing reviews and repeat visits. One satisfied customer shared their experience:​​