You’re Craving Breakfast but Your Friends Want Italian

We’ve all been there—your friends are set on Italian for lunch or dinner, but your heart is still dreaming of breakfast. Maybe you skipped your morning coffee, maybe you’re craving something warm and comforting, or maybe you just love breakfast food at any hour.

At La Cucina Italian Eatery in Reno, we believe food should fit your mood. And while we don’t have a traditional “breakfast menu,” our kitchen is full of dishes that will satisfy that breakfast craving while still fitting right in with your table’s Italian feast.

Toast, Elevated
Instead of eggs and toast, start your meal with Bruschetta—fresh La Cucina bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. Or go even cozier with Johnny’s Garlic Bread, warm and buttery, perfect for that “morning bread basket” feeling.

Fresh, Bright, and Fruit-Forward
If you’re someone who loves a fruit plate or yogurt parfait for breakfast, our salads will make you feel right at home. The Cashell Salad brings apples, dried cherries, bacon, gorgonzola, and pecans together in one perfect bite, while the Degni Salad offers a refreshing mix of spinach, strawberries, feta, and balsamic. Both hit that sweet-savory balance we crave in the morning.

Sandwiches That Could Be Breakfast
Sometimes all you want is a breakfast sandwich—and we’ve got you covered. The Grilled Cheese Panini melts together three cheeses with tomato and basil, oozy and satisfying. Or try the Italian Ham & Cheese Panini, layered with Tuscan Pecorino and thinly sliced ham, a close cousin to the ham-and-cheese you’d grab at a café in Rome. And if you can’t decide? The Mezzo e Mezzo lets you pair half a sandwich with a cup of soup—perfect for a lighter, brunch-style choice.

A Pizza That Feels Like Morning
Picture this: a Margherita Pizza, simple and light, with tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Or the Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza, like a breakfast flatbread topped with savory prosciutto and fresh greens. Even the Vegetale Pizza works beautifully, loaded with colorful veggies for a garden-fresh bite.

Cozy Comforts
For those who like something rich and hearty to start the day, Mac & Cheese is a natural choice. And the Rigatoni Isabella, with cream, parmesan, peas, and prosciutto, is a warm, indulgent nod to Italian carbonara.

Something Sweet to Finish
Of course, no breakfast-inspired meal is complete without something sweet. Try the silky Panna Cotta with fresh berries, or a classic Cannoli, filled with ricotta and mascarpone cream. If you’re really in the mood for a coffee-and-dessert moment, the Affogato is a perfect Italian breakfast hack: a scoop of vanilla gelato drowned in hot espresso.

Coffee, the Italian Way
And speaking of espresso—our bar is ready to brighten your day with cappuccinos, lattes, or a classic shot of espresso. It’s the Italian way to begin (or continue) the day.

At La Cucina, dining out doesn’t have to mean giving up your cravings. Whether you’re here for dinner with friends or just treating yourself, you can always find something that feels like breakfast on our menu. After all, breakfast isn’t just a time of day—it’s a state of mind.