Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Authentic Italian Dining in Reno Since 1966
Since 1966, Johnny's Ristorante Italiano has been a cornerstone of Reno's dining scene, offering authentic Italian cuisine crafted from the freshest, hand-selected ingredients. Founded by Johnny and Mary Cassinari, our family-owned establishment has built a legacy of excellence through signature dishes like Parmesan Crusted Petrale Sole, Linguine with Shrimp & Asparagus, and Osso Buco. Over nearly six decades, we've maintained a commitment to traditional recipes while adapting to modern tastes, earning six Best of Reno and three Best of Northern Nevada awards for Italian dining. Our menu celebrates Italian culinary traditions with antipasti, handmade pastas, premium meats, and seafood, complemented by an extensive wine list featuring domestic and international vineyards.Under the leadership of second-generation proprietor Louis Cassinari, we continue to honor our founders' vision through exceptional service, a warm ambiance, and gluten-free options prepared with the same dedication to quality. Recognized as Reno's most romantic dining destination in 2022, we provide unforgettable experiences for special occasions while maintaining accessibility for all guests through ADA-compliant practices.
Services
Italian Cuisine
Handmade Pastas
Gluten-Free Options
Wine Pairings
Romantic Dining
Award-Winning Service
Seafood Specialties
Dessert Selection
Veal Dishes
Private Dining
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We offer nearly 60 years of authentic Italian culinary expertise
- Our menu features housemade pastas and gluten-free options prepared with equal care
- Award-winning wine list with domestic and international selections
- Recognized as Reno's most romantic dining destination in 2022
- Second-generation family ownership maintaining original quality standards
What people say
Exceptional service
Authentic Italian flavors
Romantic atmosphere
Award-winning quality
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Italian Cuisine
Our Italian cuisine features traditional recipes passed down through generations, using locally sourced ingredients. Dishes like Osso Buco and Linguine with Shrimp & Asparagus showcase authentic flavors prepared with modern techniques. The menu balances classic favorites with seasonal specials while maintaining gluten-free options without compromising quality.
Handmade Pastas
Every pasta dish starts with housemade ingredients, from angel hair to cannelloni. Signature items include Capellini al Giardino with fresh mozzarella and Penne Maria with grilled chicken. Our chefs prepare each order al dente unless requested otherwise, ensuring perfect texture for every sauce and accompaniment.
Wine Pairings
The wine list features exceptional domestic and foreign vineyards, carefully selected to complement Italian flavors. Knowledgeable staff recommends pairings for every dish, from white wines with seafood to robust reds for meat entrees. A dedicated section highlights Italian varietals that honor our culinary heritage.
Romantic Dining
Recognized as Reno's Most Romantic Restaurant in 2022, we create memorable settings for anniversaries and celebrations. The ambiance combines warm lighting with elegant decor, while staff provides attentive service for milestone events. Private seating options enhance intimacy for special occasions.
Seafood Specialties
Seafood offerings feature premium selections like Petrale Sole from the Pacific Northwest and Verlasso Salmon. Dishes combine traditional Italian techniques with contemporary presentation, including Parmesan-crusted preparations and lemon-caper sauces. The menu maintains variety with both classic and innovative seafood interpretations.
People
Louis Cassinari
Owner
Second-generation proprietor Louis Cassinari continues his parents' legacy through unwavering commitment to quality and hospitality. With decades of experience in Italian cuisine, he maintains the restaurant's standards while adapting to modern dining expectations. His leadership has sustained the business's award-winning reputation through multiple decades of service.
Questions
What makes Johnny's Ristorante Italiano unique?
We combine nearly 60 years of Italian culinary tradition with modern techniques, using hand-selected ingredients and maintaining family recipes since 1966.
Do you offer gluten-free options?
Yes, we provide gluten-free pasta preparations upon request without additional charge, prepared with the same quality standards as our regular menu items.
What awards have you received?
We've earned six Best of Reno awards for Italian Food and three Best of Northern Nevada awards for Italian Restaurant since 2018.
Is reservations required?
Reservations are recommended for all dining areas, including lounge seating, especially on weekends due to high demand.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover for all dining and takeout orders.
Can I order wine to go?
Yes, our wine list selections are available for takeout with a $20 corkage fee per 750ml bottle if consumed off-premises.
