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.

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:​​

More than 7,500 people voted—and the results are in!

Thanks to our wonderful customers and the readers of Reno News & Review, we've been voted once again as the Best Italian Restaurant in Reno!

Johnny's also came in as the First Runner-Up in the Best Fine Dining in Reno category!

Click the button below for the full list of ​Best of Northern Nevada 2024: Readers’ Picks.

We are thrilled to announce that Johnny's Ristorante has been voted the Best Italian Restaurant in Reno for 2024! This incredible honor is a testament to the support and love from our amazing customers and the wonderful citizens of Reno. Since 1966, Johnny's has been dedicated to bringing authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and a charming dining experience to our community.

Our family-owned establishment, now in its second generation, prides itself on signature dishes like Parmesan Crusted Petrale Sole and Osso Buco, made with fresh, hand-selected ingredients. With an extensive wine selection and exceptional desserts, we strive to provide a memorable dining experience for every guest.
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Thank you, Reno, for making Johnny's Ristorante your top choice for Italian dining for another year. We look forward to serving you for many more years to come!

​Owner and second-generation proprietor, Louis Cassinari, continues to polish the gem cut by his parents and honors their legacy with enduring hospitality and continued dedication to the highest standards.


"Took my one and only love to Johnny's for a birthday celebration. The atmosphere is very welcoming and we loved the photos in the entryway of famous past visitors, very nostalgic. We were seated within 5 minutes and immediately greeted by our server, Diana. Service by Diana and the entire wait staff was exceptional throughout the evening. My date had the veal parmigiana and I had the sole. Both of our meals were cooked perfectly and we enjoyed the sides of angel hair pasta and roasted vegetables. It was a very romantic evening for us and we look forward to wining and dining here in the very near future."