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. 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.
  • 2. 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
  • 3. Sprouts Natural Foods Cafe

    $

    If it's in between normal mealtimes and you're hungry for something healthful, head to this order-at-the-counter café for salads, overstuffed wraps, hot sandwiches, homemade vegan soups, all-day breakfasts, and the best smoothies in town. Dine at wooden tables in the cheery contemporary indoor space or out front on the patio, or just order food to go.

    3123 Harrison Ave., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-541–6969

    Known For

    • Fresh, healthy cuisine
    • Vegan and vegetarian friendly
    • Congenial staff
  • 4. The Libation Lodge by South Lake Brewing Company

    $

    A floor-to-ceiling mural of Lake Tahoe scenes spans the longest wall of the South Shore's largest brewery's downtown outpost. The influences on homegrown beers, from light lagers to dark ales, come from as near as California and Mexico and as far away as New Zealand, the model as well for Pacific Rim flourishes that find their way into burgers, sliders, sandwiches, and a few apps and salads.

    4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-578–0087

    Known For

    • Beer flights
    • Local business
    • Outdoor patio
  • 5. Artemis Lakefront Cafe

    $$

    A festive marina restaurant with a heated outdoor patio, Artemis reveals its Greek influences in breakfast dishes like baklava French toast and gyros and eggs. All day, though, the menus encompass more familiar options (eggs Benedict in the morning, burgers and grilled mahimahi later on).

    900 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-542–3332

    Known For

    • Heated outdoor patio
    • Outgoing staff
    • Marina location
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. 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
  • 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. My Thai Cuisine

    $

    Fantastic flavors and gracious owners have earned this humble roadside restaurant with river-stone columns, pine-paneled walls and ceilings, and Thai statues and ornamentation the loyalty of Tahoe residents and regular visitors. The aromatic dishes include crab pad Thai, basil lamb, sizzling shrimp, and numerous curries.

    2108 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-544–3232

    Known For

    • Many vegetarian options
    • Lunch specials a good deal
    • Lively atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 9. Red Hut Café

    $

    A vintage-1959 Tahoe diner, all chrome and red plastic, the Red Hut is a tiny place with a wildly popular breakfast menu featuring huge omelets; banana, pecan, and coconut waffles (cornbread, too); and other tasty vittles. A second South Lake branch has a soda fountain and is the only one that serves dinner, and there's a third location in Stateline.

    2723 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-541–9024

    Known For

    • Huge omelets
    • Variety of waffles
    • Old-school feel

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 10. Scusa! Italian Ristorante

    $$

    This longtime favorite turns out big plates of veal scaloppine, chicken piccata, and garlicky linguine with clams—straightforward Italian American food (and lots of it), served in an intimate dining room warmed by a crackling fire on many nights. There's an outdoor patio that's open in warm weather.

    2543 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-542–0100

    Known For

    • Classic Italian American recipes
    • Fritto misto, grilled radicchio, and fresh-baked mozzarella appetizers
    • Sticky-bun bread pudding for dessert

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch

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