Oceano

Oceano, in the casino area of Reno, Nevada's Peppermill Resort Spa Casino at 2707 South Virginia Street, is one of the best seafood restaurants I have ever been to!

If you are in awe of the lights and sounds emanating from the casino, Oceano will truly take your breath away! Walking through the casino, heading to the far back, you can't miss Oceano. The outside of the restaurant is layered in bright light and electric blue lighting that sticks out in the already brilliant casino.

Large aquariums with saltwater fish welcome you upon entering Oceano, in addition to the radiant blue and green lighting that continues throughout the restaurant, creating an impressive undersea setting. The hanging ceiling lights are florescent orange jellyfish strategically placed about a foot apart overhead. The seating is surprisingly not out of the norm for a restaurant, but if you are lucky enough to be seated at a booth, look behind you. Large fake lobsters and other marine life make you feel like you are wading at the bottom of the ocean.

Oceano has an extensive menu that will satisfy any taste buds or moods. Seafood is the theme, and an all you can eat sushi menu is available, although you can still order a salad or sandwich if you choose. Menu prices start as low as $4 for some of the Nigiri Sushi and can go as high as $60 for Maine Lobster or two pounds of Alaskan King Crab Legs.

I spent eight days at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and am proud to say I ate at the Oceano twice and purchased the same item both times because it was amazing. I ordered shrimp from the fryer's portion of the menu. For $16, you receive a very generous portion of lightly breaded shrimp, French fries and Cole slaw. Living in the eastern part of the United States, everyone seems to flock to the beaches for their fill of fresh and flavorful seafood, but after eating the shrimp at Oceano's, the beach served shrimp selections can't compare. The shrimp was of medium size and the breading was just enough to add an array of zesty flavors instead of eating the breading and looking for the shrimp in most cases when you visit a restaurant and order fried shrimp. Their cole slaw was unique, as it was not watery, and actually had substance to it. The French fries, on the other hand, weren't different or snazzy in any way.

If you are not interested in shrimp, there are plenty of other raw, fried and grilled options, such as oysters, crab, prawns, lobster, scallops, calamari, tuna, soups, stews, roasts, swordfish, mahi-mahi, sea bass, halibut, and clams to choose from - at a reasonable price and all with sizeable portions!

I highly recommend that the next time you are visiting the Reno area, stop by the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino for a taste of the ocean at Oceano's. It is well worth it and more!