Best Dinner in Tahoe

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

Garwoods-Tahoe-Dinner-@garwoodslaketahoe-800x450
Photo: Courtesy of Gar Woods

Gar Woods

Located in Carnelian Bay along the breathtaking curve of the North Lake Tahoe shore, with its stunning views, Gar Woods reflects the nostalgic and classic atmosphere of the wooden boat racing era, popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Favorite appetizers include lobster deviled eggs, beer battered coconut prawns and ahi poke tacos. Deck favorites range from prime rib French dip and teriyaki salmon salad to Korean short rib street tacos. Open Sunday through Thursday 5pm to 9:30pm, and Friday and Saturday 5pm to 10pm. garwoods.com
Best Dinner Tahoe-North Shore-The Soule Domain

The Soule Domain

9983 Cove St., Kings Beach

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-Tahoe-Dinner-@moodysbistrobareats-800x450
Photo: Courtesy of Moody's Bistro Bar & Beats

Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats

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

Best Dinner Tahoe-Truckee-Old Town Tap

Old Town Tap

10164 Donner Pass Rd., Suite 1, Truckee

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-Tahoe-Dinner-@sunnysidetahoe-800x450
Photo: @sunnysidetahoe

Sunnyside Restaurant

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

Best Dinner Tahoe-West Shore-West Shore Café

West Shore Café

5160 West Lake Blvd. Homewood

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-Tahoe-Dinner-@kalanislaketahoe-800x450
Photo: Courtesy of Kalani's

Kalani’s

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

Best Dinner Tahoe-South Shore-Edgewood Restaurant

Edgewood Restaurant

180 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV

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.

Clean Plate Club

Clean Plate Club

The job of delivering the best possible content for our restaurant recommendations can not be left to one person. Click here to meet the team behind the Bay Area Clean Plate Club.
Scroll to Top