A curated celebration of Reno’s f0od-and-drink community
Reno Food & Drink Week 2026 Winners
The 2026 Reno Food & Drink Week honors have been announced, recognizing two distinct levels of excellence across Reno’s food-and-drink community.
The Silver Star was awarded to 10 Torr Distilling and Brewing, recognized for its exceptional beverage program, engaging hospitality, and consistently polished guest experience. Guests noted a balance of technical precision and approachability, supported by a team that brings both knowledge and personality to every interaction.
The Medallion was awarded to The Wheyfarer, recognized for its cohesive culinary vision, thoughtful execution, and deeply personalized service style. Guests consistently described the experience as both elevated and welcoming, with a level of care that extended beyond the plate.
These honors were determined through a rigorous, multi-layered process that began with more than 270 public guest evaluations and concluded with anonymous, real-world judging conducted under standard operating conditions — no advance notice, no special treatment, and no staged experiences.
A Standard Built on Real Experience
Reno Food & Drink Week is a curated celebration designed to recognize establishments that consistently deliver quality, hospitality, and care.
Participation is earned, not purchased. Each year, a limited number of establishments are invited based on real guest experiences and ongoing performance, ensuring the event reflects the true standard of the region’s culinary landscape.
The process begins with public guest evaluations, measuring Food & Drink Quality & Execution, Service & Hospitality, and Perceived Cleanliness. Top-performing establishments advance to The Top 8, followed by anonymous post-event judging under normal operating conditions.
This model ensures that recognition is based on consistency — not a single moment.
Why It Matters
Reno Food & Drink Week drives meaningful impact for participating establishments while strengthening the broader dining community.
It introduces guests to new locations, encourages repeat visits to standout favorites, and creates deeper connections between guests and the people behind each experience.
The result is increased visibility, stronger guest engagement, and recognition that is earned through performance — not promotion.
Subscribers receive both Hungry in Reno and Reno Food & Drink Week emails.
Afterglow Series
Following the awards, the celebration continues through the Afterglow Series — a collection of limited-capacity, curated experiences designed to highlight each honoree in a deeper, more immersive way.
The Silver Star Afterglow is an intimate, concept-driven tasting that showcases what the establishment does best, focusing on the creativity and precision that defined its recognition.
The Medallion Afterglow presents a refined, multi-course experience that reflects the depth, cohesion, and craftsmanship behind the culinary program.
The Champions’ Table brings both honorees together for a one-night-only collaborative experience, offering guests the opportunity to experience two distinct approaches side by side.
Each experience is all-inclusive, featuring curated tastings, tax, gratuity, and a charitable component. Details will be announced soon.
A Year-Round Platform
Reno Food & Drink Week now operates as part of a year-round ecosystem designed to maintain engagement beyond the event window.
The Reno Food & Drink app serves as the central hub, where guests can explore featured establishments, submit evaluations, and earn points through verified visits.
Monthly quests, rotating punch cards, and Loyalty Loops introduce ongoing opportunities to participate — encouraging guests to return, explore, and engage more deeply with the local dining scene.
Guest evaluations submitted throughout the year directly influence future invitations, ensuring the process remains dynamic, transparent, and performance-based.
Looking Ahead
Evaluation for the next cycle is already underway.
Reno Food & Drink Week continues to evolve as a model built on integrity, consistency, and recognition earned over time — elevating Reno’s food-and-drink community through sustained excellence.
What People Have To Say About Reno Food & Drink Week
Reno Food & Drink week is a great opportunity to discover new things and revisit some of our favorite places!
k. daters
I love that this event is about supporting and celebrating the food & beverage options that our little city has.
N. LANDSINGER
Reno Food and Drink Week is our favorite event of the year as we get to showcase a little bit of what makes us shine!
T. Leppek
This is the perfect event to give to our community a unique experience.
N. Gourdon
This is the perfect opportunity to connect with the community and highlight our skills
T. marrin
This event gives us a creative outlet that we can share with the general public.
S. Jones
We love building community through food and supporting local businesses that showcase all of their unique talents in this city!
M. Mahoney
We love the sense of community Reno Food and Drink Week provides. It’s a great opportunity to show case our restaurant to new customers.
A. Lemon
This event allows our cities culinary masters the opportunity to put their skills to the test. This event is such a joy to be apart of, and we are so happy to share the joy of food with our amazing community.
r. gross
