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:​​

​We are thrilled to announce that Johnny's Ristorante has been nominated in several categories for the 2024 Best of Sierra Nevada contest! This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional experiences we strive to create for our guests, and we couldn't be prouder to share this moment with you.

Nominations:

• Best All Around Restaurant
• Best Date Night Spot
• Best Fine Dining Restaurant
• Best Italian Restaurant
• Best Reno Restaurant

Why Vote for Johnny's Ristorante?
At Johnny's Ristorante, we believe in offering more than just a meal; we aim to provide an unforgettable dining experience. Here’s why we think Johnny's deserves your vote:
1. Exceptional Cuisine: Our menu is crafted with love, featuring authentic Italian dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. From our hand-made pastas to our succulent seafood and perfectly cooked steaks, every dish is a testament to our commitment to quality and flavor.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a meal out, Johnny's offers the perfect ambiance. Our cozy yet elegant setting is designed to make every visit memorable.
3. Outstanding Service: Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch service, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and valued. We pride ourselves on our friendly, attentive staff who go above and beyond to make your dining experience extraordinary.
4. Community Commitment: Johnny's Ristorante is proud to be a part of the Reno community. We are committed to supporting local initiatives and fostering a sense of togetherness. Your vote helps us continue to contribute positively to our beloved community.

How to Vote
Voting is easy and can be done once a day until June 21st at 5 PM. Here’s how you can cast your vote:

1. Visit the Best of Sierra Nevada voting page.
2. Find all five categories where Johnny's Ristorante is nominated:
   • Best All Around Restaurant
   • Best Date Night Spot
   • Best Fine Dining Restaurant
   • Best Italian Restaurant
   • Best Reno Restaurant
3. Click to vote for Johnny's Ristorante in each category.
4. Share the voting link with friends and family to spread the word!

Show Your Support
Your vote means the world to us. It not only recognizes the hard work and passion we put into every dish but also helps us continue to improve and provide the best dining experience possible. We are deeply grateful for your support and for choosing Johnny's Ristorante as your favorite spot.

Thank you for your continued patronage and for helping us achieve this honor. Let’s bring these awards home together!

Grazie mille!

​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."