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Photo credit: Simon Cecere
A new culinary destination, Reno’s, is set to open its doors in Adelaide’s city centre on Pirie Street, creating waves with its modern Italian fare steeped in rich family heritage. The bistro is the brainchild of local hospitality group Bluprint, led by Emmanuel Borakis, Christos Adamou, and siblings Frankie and Claudia Marafioti. Paying homage to the Marafioti’s father, Reno, it aims to capture the essence of their Calabrian background where food is central to daily life.
Opening on Monday, April 14th, Reno’s will serve a variety of dishes from early morning breakfasts to sophisticated evening meals. The menu has been crafted to reflect a passion for authentic Italian dining, featuring everything from freshly baked bread to specialty cakes, all made in-house.
The venue offers on-the-go options like freshly prepared focaccias varying daily, boasting toppings such as whipped mortadella with provolone, and roast pumpkin with smoked tomato. For lunch, patrons can assemble their meals with a choice of fresh salads and various proteins like pulled chimichurri beef or yoghurt marinated chicken.
Highlighting the dinner menu are regional Italian dishes such as hand-rolled pici in truffled cream and Reno’s favourite, eggplant parmigiana. To complement the food, there is a curated selection of South Australian and Italian wines, alongside classic cocktails including Negroni and Espresso Martini.
Simon Cecere of XY Designs, along with Chris Rowlands and his team at RADS, crafted the bistro’s unique ambiance, inspired by ’70s Milan meets Italian futurism. The design invokes a retro charm with its use of warm browns and deep reds, glossy red tiles, and polished wood, inviting diners into a space that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Adding a personal touch to the dining experience, the bistro incorporates elements significant to the Marafioti family. Staff uniforms are embellished with the year ‘59’, marking Reno’s birth year, while the menu features a photograph of their grandmother, Nonna Orsola. A wild boar icon adorns the space as an ode to the family’s tradition of sausage making.
One of the standout features of Reno’s is its playful set of ‘house rules’ displayed in a neon-lit sign above the bar. These rules add some fun to your dining experience with phrases like “No talking until Reno’s had his espresso.” Surely a mandate we should all live by.
Frankie Marafioti spoke about the essence of Reno’s, saying, “At Reno’s, house rules aren’t just about etiquette—they’re part of the experience, bringing humour and humanity to our space. We look forward to welcoming diners to an inviting atmosphere where they can connect, share, and eagerly return.”
Located in the lobby of the newly redeveloped building at 45 Pirie Street, Reno’s will operate from 7am until 4pm from Monday to Wednesday, and extend its hours until late from Thursday to Friday. This new bistro aims to become a staple on Pirie Street, where patrons can indulge in a heartfelt tribute to Italian culture and family traditions.
