There’s nothing like a good meal to close out a good day. Whether you’ve finished a day of chasing powder, boating on the lake or getting out on the trails, these classic restaurants are sure to satiate. From dinner with a view to a great happy hour and fine dining to kid-friendly places, we’ve done the work for you. Here’s where to find the best dinners in the Tahoe area — with top picks from each section of shore as well as Truckee.
Feature Photo: Kalani’s
North Shore
120 Country Club Drive #29, Incline Village
775.831.0800
A small fine dining restaurant dedicated to classic French cooking with a Pan-Asian flair, the menu focuses on local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. With entrees like organic Sonoma Chicken “Coq au Vin” Pinot Noir and wild mushrooms to appetizers like gnocchi with morel and white truffle, Le Bistro also offers prix fixe menus and serves fresh baked breads and desserts. Tucked away, and up the street from the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, locals consider this a hidden gem.
There’s a reason this Kings Beach restaurant consistently wins accolades for being one of Tahoe’s most romantic and best fine dining establishments: Sit near the roaring fireplace inside the charming 1930s-era log cabin on a chilly winter night enjoying pan-roasted duck breast with orange, raspberry and Gran Marnier and a glass of Bordeaux and you’ll soon understand why. Chef and owner Charlie Soule opened the restaurant in 1985, and his brother serves as manager and head waiter. The lobster wontons and fettucine with shiitake mushrooms are among the standout starters, and for dessert, don’t miss the bread pudding (flavors change monthly) or the Queen of Sheba, a flourless chocolate-almond torte with a whipped cream filling and chocolate amaretto glaze.
Truckee
10007 Bridge Street, Truckee
530.587.8688
The quintessential Truckee experience, Moody’s is a warm and inviting destination for fresh, seasonal farm-to-table eats and craft cocktails. Located within the historic Truckee Hotel, diners relish the ahi poke, braised lamb shanks and Neapolitan pizzas. Its fine dining is complemented with live jazz, Americana soul, and rhythm and blues bands reminiscent of the 1950s supper clubs.
You really can’t go wrong with any of the Neapolitan-style pizzas at Old Town Tap, located in historic downtown Truckee, from the classic margarita to the pork belly, bacon, guanciale and padron pepper pie topped off with chili flakes, mozzarella, parmesan cheese and honey. Don’t overlook the excellent starters though, like the burrata with Moroccan chermoula, toasted pistachios, smoked sea salt and flatbread, or the brussels sprouts and bacon salad with farro and goat cheese. Everything tastes even better with an expertly crafted seasonal cocktail, craft beer from a local brewer or glass of wine from one of 12 taps.
West Shore
1770 W Lake Blvd., Tahoe City
530.584.2985
A new spot with a lively bar scene serving “modern Mexican classics” like street-style squash or spicy red pozole appetizers and burrito bowls with protein choices including garlic ribeye, spicy chicken Tinga, pork carnitas or roasted seasonal veggies. The lounge drink specials include concoctions like Ranch Water, a Lalo premium blanco tequila and Topo Chico mineral water served over ice, or try the Devil’s Tongue, Gran Centenario Plata, prickly pear, fresh lime, jalapeno bitters, and a splash of Topo Chico, served tall.
1785 West Lake Blvd. #5, on Fir Avenue, behind West Shore Sports, Tahoe City
530.581.5400
With a menu of “gourmet comfort cuisine” the Spoon checks all the boxes with gluten free and veggie options in addition to handmade beef meatballs and pan roasted fish. The menu changes depending on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Reservations are highly recommended as the cozy restaurant, housed in a classic Tahoe cabin, has only seven tables.
1850 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City
530.583.7200
Since 1906, the iconic Sunnyside Lodge, boasting the largest lakefront deck in Tahoe and sweeping panoramic views, has been home to Sunnyside Restaurant. Perched along the scenic West shore, diners continue to enjoy their famous fried zucchini appetizer, a Sunnyside tradition since 1965. The fresh fish tacos and sesame salmon rice bowl are “off the hook” and their well-rounded kids menu makes this an ideal family destination.
Whether you arrive by boat or by car, you’ll be treated to gorgeous lake views when you dine at West Shore Café either inside or out on the expensive deck and dock in warm weather. The apps here get high marks, including the seasonal preparations of crab cakes, ahi tuna poke and calamari, while popular entrée choices include the Juniper crusted elk loin and braised beef short rib. A kids’ menu offering favorites like mac and cheese and pepperoni pizza makes it a no-brainer to take the whole family here. Hours vary seasonally.
South Shore
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe
530.544.6100
A premier dining destination in South Lake Tahoe, Kalani’s opened in 2004 to provide an island experience in the midst of the mountainous landscape. Its island decor is welcoming whether coming in from the winter cold or enhancing your summer vibe. A blend of Hawaiian regional fare with Asian and European techniques make for their scintillating fish, beef, chicken and pork entrees. If you’re in the mood for sushi, their raw bar is unparalleled in the Tahoe area featuring unique sushi combinations while their Puka Lounge’s happy hour is not to be missed with specialty appetizers and exotic cocktails.
With towering windows looking out onto Lake Tahoe, the view plays a starring role at this restaurant inside the Edgewood Tahoe resort, but diners also have a thing for the bronzed sea scallops appetizer, perfectly cooked filet mignon and extensive wine list. Finish things off with an order of ristretto, a delectable concoction made with espresso, coffee mouse, salted caramel nougatine and praline crunch. Pre- or post-dinner, enjoy a cocktail on the lakeside patio by the extra-large firepit.
Wolf by Vanderpump in Harveys Lake Tahoe, the newest addition to Lake Tahoe nightlife, is a luxurious indulgence for the senses. Start with the rich, rustic glamour décor with so many details you could visit multiple times and never quite see them all to the extensive cocktail menu with new drinks designed just for Tahoe, and finish with some really good food. Vanderpump restaurant fans will be happy to find the signature Famous Goat Cheese Balls on the menu with a hot honey spread that is special to this location. The Lobster Ceviche Crisps are another must-try starter. The mains range from Colossal Shrimp Tacos to Wagyu Ragu or their signature Double Smash Burger that includes two 4-ounce wagyu patties, dill pickles, crispy tobacco onions, aioli and double melted cheeses. Open seven days a week, reservations are recommended.
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
