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
Gar Woods
The Soule Domain
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. Open daily from 5:30pm. souledomain.com
Truckee
Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats
10007 Bridge Street, Truckee
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. Open 11am to 9pm daily. moodysbistro.com
Old Town Tap
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. Open Sunday through Thursday 12pm to 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 10pm. oldtowntaptruckee.com
West Shore
Sunnyside Restaurant
1850 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City
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. Open Sunday through Thursday 4pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm to 8:30pm. sunnysidelodge.com
West Shore Café
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. During the summer, open Wednesday through Sunday 11:30am to 9pm, and other months, check the website for the most up-to-date schedule. westshorecafe.com
South Shore
Kalani’s
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe
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. Open Monday through Thursday 5pm to 8:30pm, Friday 5pm to 9pm, Saturday 11am to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 8:30pm. kalanis.com
Edgewood Restaurant
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. Open daily 5pm to 9pm. edgewoodtahoe.com
More Local Favorites Near Tahoe
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.
