Pierino’s Ristorante tastes molto buono
Tucked between a Dollar Loan Center and a nail salon, Pierino’s Ristorante Italiano seems an unlikely candidate for some of the most outstanding food in Reno.
The deceiving exterior brings to mind the cliché “you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
However, Pierino’s homemade soups, sauces and breads, along with their exceptional service, bring a slice of Italian culture to Reno.
Contrary to many restaurants, meals are not rushed but savored. During the meal, servers strive for minimal interaction, allowing patrons to enjoy their food uninterrupted. They come to the table only to ensure that wine glasses are full and customers’ needs are met.
Owner Wanida Black said. “You won’t see anything from a frozen package or can. All the soups, sauces and dough are homemade, and we flavor our own sausage.”
Patrons can begin with any number of appetizers, such as cheese sticks, calamari fritti or garlic bread.
The bruschetta Toscana is an exquisite combination of toasted rolls, tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil and Parmesan. Also, the vongole oregano is excellent, with its steamed clams, oregano and garlic in a white wine sauce.
Aside from the appetizers, the homemade soups are a superb introduction to a meal, especially when coupled with a Caesar salad.
For the main course, patrons can enjoy a well-portioned variety of pastas, calzonis and pizzas. The meat calzoni is a delectable combination of blended ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan with pepperoni, salami and Canadian bacon.
Pierino’s is also known for their pizzas. The conglomerate of toppings and homemade dough make pizza an excellent choice, especially for families.
Prior to a recent remodel, pizza was only offered on one side of the building with the restaurant located on the other.
“I combined the pizzeria and restaurant so families could enjoy the whole experience,” Black said.
Also notable is their spicy sausage ravioli with marinara sauce. The simple combination of basil, garlic, oregano, green onions and parsley fools taste buds with an explosion of flavor.
Each recipe comes directly from Italy, which Black believes is partly what makes Pierino’s so successful.
“The restaurant was started by three Italians who brought family recipes from their original locations in Italy,” Black said. “You don’t change what works.”
The restaurant also has a full-service bar and an extensive wine selection. Customers fortunate enough to have the restaurant’s namesake, Pierino, as their server will become privy to the origins and histories of nearly every wine offered.
Aside from Pierino’s knowledge of wines, he also has a passion for music. He can be seen moving about the restaurant, accordion in hand, serenading patrons. Every first Tuesday of each month, Pierino’s hosts the Silver State Accordion Club, a world-class group of accordion players.
“The restaurant is very romantic and a great date place,” Black said. “ We get a lot of proposals with Pierino playing in the background.”
Black believes that customers will continue to come to Pierino’s because of the excellent food and service.
“We don’t try to make things right,” Black said. “We make them better.”
Pierino’s is located at 575 Keystone Ave. next to the Save Mart. The restaurant has valet parking and is open Monday through Saturday 4 p.m. until close.
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