Lake Tahoe Restaurants

On weekends and in high season, expect a long wait at the more popular restaurants. And expect to pay resort prices almost everywhere. During the "shoulder seasons" (from April to May and September to November), some places may close temporarily or limit their hours, so call ahead. Also, check local papers for deals and discounts during this time, especially two-for-one coupons. Many casinos use their restaurants to attract gamblers. Marquees often tout "$8.99 prime rib dinners" or "$2.99 breakfast specials." Some of these meals are downright lousy and they are usually available only in the coffee shops and buffets, but at those prices, it's hard to complain. The finer restaurants in casinos deliver pricier food, as well as reasonable service and a bit of atmosphere. Unless otherwise noted, even the most expensive area restaurants welcome customers in casual clothes.

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  • 1. Christy Hill

    $$$$

    Huge windows reveal stellar lake views at this intimate Euro–Cal restaurant serving seafood, beef, and vegetarian entrées—Moroccan-spiced lamb loin is a signature dish—along with small plates like Jamaican jerk hamachi poke. The gem-laden wine list and exceptional desserts earn accolades; the service is low-key professional.

    115 Grove St., Tahoe City, California, 96145, USA
    530-583–8551

    Known For

    • Tasting menu a good deal
    • Romantic choice
    • Dinner on the deck in fine weather

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 2. Evan's American Gourmet Cafe

    $$$$

    Its excellent service, world-class cuisine, and superb wine list make this intimate restaurant the top choice for high-end dining in South Lake. Inside a converted cabin, Evan's serves creative American cuisine that might include pan-seared day boat scallops and meat dishes such as rack of lamb marinated with rosemary and garlic and served with raspberry demi-glace.

    536 Emerald Bay Rd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-542–1990

    Known For

    • Intimate atmosphere
    • World-class cuisine
    • Dessert menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 3. Maggie's Restaurant and Bar

    $$$$

    The ultramodern architecture of the Desolation Hotel's third-floor restaurant raises expectations even before you take a sip or bite, but the specialty cocktails, sophisticated California-inspired cuisine, and from-the-heart hospitality more than live up to them. Appetizers like grilled tuna crudo are all about the freshness, though as with recent veal chop and Dijon-crusted salmon entrées, the deftness of the saucing heightens the satisfaction.

    933 Poplar St., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-725–0101

    Known For

    • Osso buco chilaquiles and short ribs eggs Benedict at daily brunch
    • Soups and salads
    • Patio seating with heaters and fireplaces

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 4. Trokay

    $$$$

    The high, exposed and rough-hewn ceiling, stone walls, heavy wood shelving, and orblike contemporary metal chandeliers of special-occasion Trokay split the difference between Western high-country style and industrial chic. The four-course prix-fixe menu and 10-course tasting option also diverge from the expected in dishes that might include sea-urchin bisque, dry-aged duck with kumquat and anise, and diver scallops with bacon dashi (fish broth).

    10046 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, California, 96161, USA
    530-582–1040

    Known For

    • Chic setting
    • Superior wine list
    • Artful presentation

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.–Thurs. No lunch
  • 5. Cafe Fiore

    $$$$

    Inside a rough-hewn former ski cabin with an intimate six-table dining room (book two weeks ahead in winter, when two outdoor areas are closed), this restaurant serves rustic Italian cuisine that you can pair with wines from the owner's formidable list. Thin eggplant crepes stuffed with smoked salmon are among the top appetizers, with fettuccine Calabrese, swordfish, and filet mignon prepared two ways frequently on the menu.

    1169 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-541–2908

    Known For

    • Loyal in-town following
    • Entrée price includes soup or salad
    • Silky white-chocolate ice cream with seasonal berries for dessert

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
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  • 6. Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant

    $$$$

    The view's the thing at this lakeside stalwart, where you can watch the sun shimmer on the water through the dining room's plateglass windows or from the outdoor deck. Price wise, Gar Woods is a better bet for lunch, when fish tacos and crab and prime-rib French dip sandwiches are on the menu, than dinner, at which grilled steak and fish are the mainstays.

    5000 N. Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay, California, 96140, USA
    530-546–3366

    Known For

    • Lake views
    • Signature Wet Woody cocktail, original-recipe Trader Vic's mai tais
    • Dessert menu
  • 7. Kalani's at Lake Tahoe

    $$$$

    The white-tablecloth dining room at Heavenly's sleekest (and priciest) restaurant is decked out with carved bamboo, a burnt-orange color palette, and a modern-glass sculpture, all of which complement Pacific Rim–influenced dishes like fillet of beef with miso-garlic butter and the signature Chilean sea bass with Thai-basil mashed potatoes and ponzu butter sauce. Sushi selections with inventive rolls and sashimi combos, plus less expensive vegetarian dishes, add depth to the menu.

    1001 Heavenly Village Way, Suite 26, South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-544–6100

    Known For

    • Fresh-off-the-plane Hawaiian seafood
    • Thoughtful wine selections
    • Upscale setting
  • 8. Moody's Bistro, Bar & Beats

    $$$$

    Head here for contemporary-Cal cuisine in a sexy dining room with pumpkin-color walls, burgundy velvet banquettes, and art-deco fixtures. The earthy, sure-handed cooking showcases organically grown ingredients: look for ahi poke, snazzy pizzas bubbling-hot from a brick oven, braised lamb shanks, pan-roasted wild game, fresh seafood, and organic beef.

    10007 Bridge St., Truckee, California, 96161, USA
    530-587–8688

    Known For

    • Lighter fare for lunch
    • Summer alfresco dining
    • Live music in bar some nights
  • 9. PlumpJack Cafe

    $$$$

    The menu at this white-tablecloth restaurant, whose wide windows reveal Palisades Tahoe in all its glory, changes seasonally, but look for rib-eye or New York steak, cioppino or pan-seared fish, or a filling vegetarian dish. The Wagyu Angus burger is a favorite with regulars.

    1920 Palisades Tahoe Rd., Olympic Valley, California, 96146, USA
    530-583–1578

    Known For

    • Specialty cocktails
    • Apps and desserts
    • Varied, reasonably priced wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 10. Wolfdale's

    $$$$

    Consistent, inspired cuisine served in an elegantly simple dining room or an outdoor deck makes Wolfdale's one of the top restaurants on the lake, albeit among the most expensive. Entrées that might include a Thai seafood stew or Tuscan risotto merge Asian and European cooking in imaginative ways.

    640 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, California, 96145, USA
    530-583–5700

    Known For

    • Multiple martinis
    • Lake-view setting
    • Most items gluten-free

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. (except some Mon. holidays). No lunch

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