Take a Bite
Find the best restaurants in Lake Tahoe to cater to your taste buds. From family-friendly to fine dining experiences, it’s easy to find a delicious meal to appease your appetite. Whether you're looking for Asian, Mediterranean, Italian or classic American fare, South Lake Tahoe restaurants explode with flavor. So grab a seat, raise a glass and dig in.
Find the best restaurants in Lake Tahoe to cater to your taste buds. From family-friendly to fine dining, it’s easy to find a delicious meal to appease your appetite. Whether you're looking for Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, or classic American fare, South Lake Tahoe restaurants explode with flavor. So grab a seat, raise a glass, and dig in.
Food & Drink at Lake Tahoe
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, we’ve got you covered. Lake Tahoe is a world-class destination and Lake Tahoe restaurants offer world-class fare. Expect to find international cuisines, a fresh spin on culinary classics and plenty of locally-brewed beer and artisanal cocktails to keep you saturated. So whether you’re craving a rustic, outdoor cafe or a late night noshing spot, you’ll find Lake Tahoe restaurants to satisfy your appetite.
Explore South Lake Tahoe Restaurants
The Foodie’s Guide to Can’t-Miss Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe restaurants offer plenty of exciting options for any foodie. Savor the finest steaks and chops paired with a glass of vino, or hole up in a laid back ski lodge with a heaping plate of gooey nachos. Whatever your flavor, you’ll find the best restaurants in South Lake Tahoe.
South Lake Tahoe Restaurants
From slopeside cocktails to rustic mountain pubs, South Lake Tahoe has a happening bar scene. Whether you want to relax after an epic powder day during après happy hour or revel till the morning light, you’ll find the best bars and nightlife on Lake Tahoe’s south shore.
Gone are the days when ski towns were home to only burger and pizza joints. It’s a new era. Lake Tahoe has become a culinary hotspot, and from American classics to inspired cuisine, South Lake Tahoe restaurants run the gamut.
So satisfy your craving or wet your whistle, here is an overview of South Lake Tahoe restaurants:
Reserve a table at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen restaurant in Caesars Republic (formerly Harveys) and treat yourself to some famous flavors; the celebrity chef’s signature dishes of Beef Wellington, Pan Seared Scallops and Sticky Toffee Pudding are featured on the menu at this brand new Lake Tahoe restaurant. Make your reservation well in advance! The guest list for this illustrious restaurant is often stacked.
Indulge in the finest fare at Ciera Steak and Chophouse located in Bally’s Resort at Stateline. This high-end restaurant offers delectable steaks and seafood, and has a selection of over 300 international wines to pair with your meal. A South Lake staple since 1947, the Sage Room in Caesars Republic is also perfect for an elegant evening. Enjoy steaks, seafood and classic cuisine. Save room for dessert and impress your date with a flaming banana foster or cherry jubilee prepared tableside.
Swap salutations at the Lucky Beaver in downtown Stateline. Renowned for their juicy burgers, curly fries and lively atmosphere, this 24-hour restaurant will satisfy your tastebuds whenever your stomach starts growling.
Ready to make some tipsy putts? With interactive games, drinks and great food, Tipsy Putt is the perfect place to bring a first date, reconnect with the buddies, hang with the family or host a party.
Watch the sunset over Lake Tahoe while savoring a five-star meal. South Lake Tahoe is home to several restaurants with views of the lake and each offers superb fare. Reserve a table at Jimmy’s Restaurant at the Landing and sample exquisite California cuisine prepared by top-notch chefs. With an outside patio and lakeside location, the views are just as stunning as the plates.
Perfect for celebrations, Riva Grill at Ski Run Marina offers waterfront patio seating and an expansive menu and dining room with floor to ceiling windows. With classic dishes such as lobster bisque and seared scallops, you’ll have an unforgettable dining experience. Craving hearty, mountain fare with your lakeview? Head over to the Grove Restaurant at Camp Richardson for mouth-watering fish n’ chips and burgers and fries. Make sure to sample a Rum Runner, the Beacon’s famous beverage. However, you might have to hail a boat taxi home – these cocktails pack a punch!
Come together for a sushi dinner in South Lake Tahoe. With numerous Japanese restaurants, the challenge is choosing the one that suits your style. Kalani’s in the Heavenly Village offers Hawaiian-fusion sushi and entrees prepared with only the finest ingredients. Off-The-Hook Sushi and the Naked Fish vie for locals’ top choice, and while the competition has yet to be decided, both restaurants offer a fantastic happy hour menu.
Terrific affordable breakfasts are available in the four casinos, IHOP and there are eight Starbucks to choose from, but there are some truly unique breakfast restaurants at Lake Tahoe. Bert’s Café and Ernie’s Coffee Shop have been serving up American style breakfasts on the South Shore for ages as have Heidi’s, the three Red Hut Cafés and the Driftwood Café. Those looking for a small, somewhat Bohemian breakfast experience with great coffee will find it at the Keys Café. Restaurants in this category also serve lunch.
Whether you’re looking for something quick in between adventures or to enjoy Tahoe Time with a meal and a patio view, there are plenty of lunch options on the South Shore’s menu. Base Camp Pizza Company has some of the best pizza around and is conveniently located in the heart of the action in Heavenly Village. Verde Mexican Rotisserie at the “Y” is a great choice if you’re craving fresh, unique Mexican food. If you’re looking for a quick bite to fuel up for more fun (while barely moving from your beach chair), Lakeside Beach Patio and Grill or the Sunset Bar & Grille at Zephyr Cove Resort are great lakeside options during warmer months. And in colder times of the year, nothing beats a warm ski lodge lunch like at Heavenly Resort’s Café Blue or Tamarack Lodge. If you’re not on the slopes, Blue Dog Gourmet Pizza or Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger are two other relaxed options (among many others).
From romantic meals with lake views to cozy spots after a day of adventure, dinner in South Lake Tahoe is an experience you won’t forget. What better way to impress on date night than with world-class meals and equally impressive views? The Edge Restaurant & Lounge at Edgewood offers bold flavors, more than 1,000 wines and ceiling-tall windows looking out at the lake. Nestled amongst the trees and atop a hill near Kingsbury Grade, Chart House is known for its legendary seafood and unmatched sunset views. If you’re in the mood for something a little more low-key or family-friendly, Cold Water Brewery & Grill is a locally-owned spot serving California comfort food made from scratch (try the fried chicken sandwich or loaded pretzel) and hand-crafted beers.
Another great option, Toulouse, blends the soul (and flavors) of New Orleans with California cuisine, offering shrimp & grits, gumbo, burgers and more.
Primo’s Italian Bistro, family-owned since 1962, is renowned for their housemade pasta dishes and expansive Italian wine list. With limited seating and a cozy atmosphere, Primo’s is a hidden gem that few travelers experience. Make sure to reserve your table in advance! This charming Italian eatery fills up fast.
After a long day in the backcountry, nothing is better than greasy burgers and fries, and a frosty beer. Luckily, Lake Tahoe restaurants offer options aplenty to fill your stomach after a full day of adventure.
Lounge at AleWorX and enjoy locally-crafted beer from their self-pour rotating handles. With two locations on the south shore, AleWorX has dining patios with firepits and is dog-friendly. Serving artisanal pizzas, healthy appetizers and nightly, live music, AleWorX is a go-to for locals and visitors alike.
Emerald Bay Bar and Grill has some of the best pub fare in town and is a local watering-hole with bluegrass bands serving up tunes hot on Friday nights. Make sure to swing by for happy hour, from 3pm-6pm any day of the week. Here, you’ll befriend ski-bums while savoring a charred burger, crispy chicken wings or their famous $2.00 tacos. Evenings at Emerald Bay Bar and Grill often end with salutes and riveting tales from the ski slopes.
Located at the Y on the outskirts of South Lake Tahoe, Verde Mexican Rotisserie is celebrated for their mouth-watering Mexican food with a California twist. When you catch a whiff of their rotisserie chicken and tri-tip, you’ll understand why. Additionally, Verde serves out-of-this-world vegetarian fare; the Verde Burrito with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans is a must-try!
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe
View All FAQsAre dogs allowed on patios in South Lake Tahoe?
Yes, there are plenty of restaurants in South Lake Tahoe that allow pets on patios. Lake Tahoe AleWorx, Azul Latin Kitchen, The Hangar Taproom and Bottle Shop and Sprouts Natural Food Café are just a few of the establishments that allow four-legged friends.
Which places are good for groups/large parties?
With such an eclectic dining scene, you won’t have a hard time finding restaurant options for group dining in Lake Tahoe. Not only does Taste at The Loft offer delicious tapas and expertly crafted cocktails, but it also has private event space for large groups plus live magic shows. Other options for group dining include Kalani’s at Heavenly Village, Riva Grill on the Lake and The Edge Restaurant & Lounge at Edgewood.
Where can I find happy hour or live music?
If you’re a fan of happy hour and/or live music, there are plenty of options for you on the South Shore. Find happy hour food and drink deals at Chart House, Cold Water Brewery & Grill and Emerald Bay Bar & Grill (to name a few). For live tunes, options include nightly free live music at McP’s Taphouse Grill or Tuesday Night Blues at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. There’s also an Altitude & Awe Events calendar with events all year long.
Feast Your Eyes
Let the Locals Guide You
