An Italian restaurant specializing in fresh, organic pasta has launched a second outlet inside Reno's Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum. Pasta Fresca Downtown offers build-your-own pasta options alongside sandwiches, salads, and a kids' menu. The venue aims to blend culinary appeal with the museum's educational environment.
Reno's downtown science museum, the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum—commonly known as The Discovery—has welcomed a new dining addition. Pasta Fresca, an Italian eatery renowned for its house-made pastas and sauces using organic ingredients like Italian flour, opened its second location within the museum on February 27, 2026.
The original Pasta Fresca site debuted on Lakeside Drive in 2020 and has built a following for sourcing local ingredients whenever feasible. Owner Paolo Nicoletta brings the same commitment to quality to this downtown spot at 490 S. Center St. The restaurant operates seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Diners can customize pasta dishes with various noodle styles, sauces, and proteins, creating numerous combinations. Specialties include lasagna, ravioli, and spaghetti. The menu also features sandwiches, salads, paninis, desserts, and a selection of beer and wine. For families, a kids' menu provides three pasta choices with options like marinara or butter sauces.
Busy visitors can grab premade sandwiches, fresh pasta, or ready-to-cook pasta to go. As noted in The Discovery's announcement, “You can build your own pasta dish from a variety of noodle styles, sauces and protein options, with plenty of combinations to choose from.”
Museum members presenting proof of membership receive an 8% discount. More information is available on the Pasta Fresca website.