Restaurants in Lake Tahoe
When San Francisco’s chefs need a change of scenery, they often bring their knives to Tahoe. There are gourmet kitchens wherever you turn, so you won't be hurting for quality choices. But more important than the food is the view, so beg or bribe for a table overlooking the lake.
- Pizza
Base Camp Pizza
At the base of the gondola in the middle of bustling Heavenly Village stands this reliable, family-friendly pizza joint slinging creative specialty pies—Thai Chicken Curry, Smoky BBQ Chicken, Pear and Gorgonzola—alongside classic crowd pleasers like pepperoni and four cheese. Salads…$South Shore/South Lake Tahoe - New American
Blue Angel Cafe
Just a small jump the Heavenly slopes, this casual eatery features a globally-inspired menu for lunch and dinner in a warm, light-filled setting with a stone fireplace, simple wooden tables, and a small lawn patio. Entrees range from lighter fare like Baja fish tacos and turkey brie…$South Shore/South Lake Tahoe - Burgers
Burger Me
Doesn’t every little town need a top-notch burger joint? In downtown Truckee that place is Burger Me, a casual, kid-friendly spot fixing up high-quality patties made from sustainably-raised beef and bison. Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on the Food Network recently named…$North Shore/Truckee - Italian
Cafe Fiore
Cafe Fiore is an intimate, seven-table cabin with a quaint, romantic vibe offering upscale Italian fare complemented by a phenomenal wine list, mostly offerings from California and Italy. Standout dishes include eggplant crepes stuffed with smoked salmon; filet mignon medallions with…$$$South Shore/South Lake Tahoe - California-French
Christy Hill Restaurant
This Tahoe City mainstay showcases elegant California-French dishes with a panorama of the placid, shimmering lake as a backdrop, and is the perfect setting for a sunset meal. The seasonal menu may include starters such as hamachi tartare or an artisanal cheese plate, then move on to…$$$North Shore/Tahoe City - New American
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar
Originally a ski lodge built in 1928, this Truckee favorite serves up New American plates in a charming, throwback space featuring antique sleds on the ceiling, twinkling lights, and an outdoor deck overlooking the town. Look for the marinated Wagyu flank steak with Béarnaise sauce,…$$$North Shore/Truckee - New American
Evan’s Gourmet American Cafe
This quaint converted cabin is the top South Shore destination for date nighters and special occasioners seeking acclaimed New American fine dining in a cozy, charming atmosphere. Despite a changeover of head chef, the kitchen's high quality remains consistent. The scallop quenelles…$$$South Shore/South Lake Tahoe - American
Fire Sign Cafe
A North Tahoe fixture since 1978, this humble diner still packs hungry crowds looking to kickstart the day with hearty, made-from-scratch breakfast dishes. Huevos rancheros and a signature smoked salmon omelet top the huge menu, which also includes a variety of eggs Benedict,…$North Shore/Tahoe City - Eclectic
Freshies
This easy-to-overlook spot tucked into an unassuming mini-mall offers mostly organic, Hawaiian-inspired fare in a casual setting. Fish tacos and the Caribbean-spiced tri fries (yams, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes) are lunchtime favorites, while the dinner menu offers standouts such…$$South Shore/South Lake Tahoe - New American
Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats
Located in the historic Truckee Hotel, which was built in 1873, this stylish bar and eatery boasts an old-school supper club vibe with upscale American bistro fare, comfy booths, and live music on weekend nights. The diverse menu offers small plates (truffle deviled eggs, corn dogs…$$North Shore/Truckee - Sushi
Off the Hook Sushi
Just because you're up in a little mountain town doesn't mean you can't score fresh, big city-quality seafood. Off the Hook is a fun, non-traditional Japanese joint that packs in the locals for creative sushi, sashimi, and a wide variety of specialty rolls, including the artfully…$$South Shore/South Lake Tahoe - New American
PlumpJack Cafe
Chef Wyatt Dufresne's impressive New American eatery may be a foodie hot spot, but it's also versatile enough to accommodate families and après-ski diners. A small, sleek dining room with large windows plays host to seasonally-inspired, locally sourced dishes such as pine-braised…$$$North Shore/Olympic Valley - American, Vegetarian
Sprouts Cafe
Physically drained by all of Tahoe's outdoor action? Replenish the system at this friendly, family-run local institution that doles out tasty, healthy eats (made from organic ingredients whenever possible) such as tempeh burgers and tuna burritos on sprouted whole-wheat tortillas,…$South Shore/South Lake Tahoe - American/Breakfast
Squeeze In
This upbeat breakfast and lunch cafe, a local institution since 1974, is famous for its wide array of creative—and creatively titled—omelets, over 60 in all, including Your Mom, Hangover Helper, and the Hot Sweaty Busboy. Other breakfast standards (pancakes, burritos, eggs Benedict)…$North Shore/Truckee - New American
Stella
This laid-back yet upscale eatery at the Cedar House Sport Hotel isn't going to blow you away with splashy decor or a trendy lounge scene—nope, this place leaves it all on the plate. Chef Jacob Burton's adventurous New American cuisine blends classical technique and European…$$$North Shore/Truckee
