Palate Pleasers

From Barbecue to Sushi to Italian, Tahoe’s South Shore Delivers

Whether you find yourself in Tahoe during the winter, summer, or a fabulous season in between, South Lake’s bustling restaurant scene offers something for all. From casual to elegant settings and serving a variety of cuisines, Tahoe’s South Shore is becoming a food destination in its own right. Here are a few favorite places to get you started on your lakeside culinary exploration.

A waterfront classic

If you’re looking for one of Lake Tahoe’s most cherished lakefront-dining locales, look no further than Riva Grill. Hailing back to the sleek wooden Riva boats of Northern Italy (that can also be spotted on the lake), this classic lunch and dinner restaurant embodies the elegance and nostalgia of the classic watercraft. Whether savoring the filet mignon or shrimp & lobster bisque at dinner or taking part in Fish Taco Friday, you’ll enjoy the restaurant’s friendly service and stunning lake views. On weekends, breakfast makes an appearance. Eat outside if you can—its lakefront deck received recognition from Tahoe Quarterly as the “Best Outdoor Patio.”

Amoré in the Air

Whether it’s authentic, home-cooked Italian dishes, or the ambiance of a cabin in the woods you’re after, you don’t have to choose at Cafe Fiore. Tucked alongside a forested ski run, this restaurant’s food and setting both feel intimate and heartfelt. Menu items like Linguini alla Toscana and Veal Saltimbocca, which is wrapped around prosciutto and mozzarella with mushrooms and finished with a Marsala wine sauce, make for a fine-dining experience at what is undoubtedly the most romantic table in Tahoe. The outdoor deck is especially coveted during the summer months. Be sure to phone ahead for reservations.

Fresh Fish & Fun

For a lighter evening of fun with friends, it doesn’t get any fresher than Off the Hook Sushi, Lake Tahoe’s premier sushi spot. Specialty rolls like the Flying Tiger, which incorporates macadamia nuts, cucumber, and Thai chili sauce with tempura shrimp, and The Joker, a simple stunner with salmon, yellowtail, and avocado, will delight your taste buds. They also offer an excellent happy hour, with small plates and drink specials daily, 4:30–6 p.m.

Scrumptious & Slow-Cooked

After a day of adventures, there may be nothing more comforting than the fall-off-the-bone smoked meats and sides at Ten Crows BBQ. They smoke their meats for up to 14 hours over a mixture of hickory and fruit woods, creating an undeniable dose of flavor. Choose from classics like tri-tip and pulled pork, or taste their smoked salmon, veggie dip, or even Wagyu beef burger—all served with sides that’ll fill you up yet leave you craving more.

Lakeside Elegance

From après-ski cocktails to the finest seasonal fare, Edgewood Tahoe is the place to be for elegant lakefront dining. Combining the warmth of the woods with modern design, floor-to-ceiling windows present some of the best views on the lake. Choose from the Bistro, a mountain-chic casual gathering spot; Edgewood Restaurant, with nightly dinner service that never fails to impress; or Brooks’ Bar and Deck, named one of the best golf pubs in the world by Golf Digest. The food and service are excellent at all three, but reservations just before sunset promise a particularly spectacular view.