Lake Tahoe Restaurants

On weekends and in high season, expect a long wait at the more popular restaurants. And expect to pay resort prices almost everywhere. During the "shoulder seasons" (from April to May and September to November), some places may close temporarily or limit their hours, so call ahead. Also, check local papers for deals and discounts during this time, especially two-for-one coupons. Many casinos use their restaurants to attract gamblers. Marquees often tout "$8.99 prime rib dinners" or "$2.99 breakfast specials." Some of these meals are downright lousy and they are usually available only in the coffee shops and buffets, but at those prices, it's hard to complain. The finer restaurants in casinos deliver pricier food, as well as reasonable service and a bit of atmosphere. Unless otherwise noted, even the most expensive area restaurants welcome customers in casual clothes.

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  • 1. Fire Sign Cafe

    $

    There's often a wait for breakfast and lunch at this great little diner with pine paneling, hardwood floors, and an exposed-beam ceiling, but it's worth it. The pastries are made from scratch, the salmon is smoked in-house, the salsa is hand cut, and there's real maple syrup for the many types of pancakes and waffles.

    1785 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, California, 96145, USA
    530-583–0871

    Known For

    • Breakfast and lunch classics
    • Fruit cobbler
    • Casual atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 2. Full Belly Deli

    $

    Truckee residents and visitors jam this strip-mall restaurant for diverse breakfast fare like the biscuits-and-gravy burrito and hot lunch sandwiches that include Cubans, cheesesteaks, the Southwest chicken pepper jack on focaccia, and the formidable Dirka Dirka (corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, jalapeño cole slaw). Salads, subs, and wraps are also on the menu, and there's a good beverage selection, from aloe water to Red Bull.

    10825 Pioneer Trail, Truckee, California, 96161, USA
    530-550–9516

    Known For

    • Outdoor dining in good weather
    • Pasta, macaroni, and potato salad sides
    • Order online to save time

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
  • 3. Sprouts Natural Foods Cafe

    $

    If it's in between normal mealtimes and you're hungry for something healthful, head to this order-at-the-counter café for salads, overstuffed wraps, hot sandwiches, homemade vegan soups, all-day breakfasts, and the best smoothies in town. Dine at wooden tables in the cheery contemporary indoor space or out front on the patio, or just order food to go.

    3123 Harrison Ave., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-541–6969

    Known For

    • Fresh, healthy cuisine
    • Vegan and vegetarian friendly
    • Congenial staff
  • 4. Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet

    $

    Pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and robust regular and espresso coffees are the morning specialties of this bakery whose lineup expands at lunch to include hefty salads (spinach, tuna, Chinese chicken, and a Caesar among them), chicken potpies, and dense, flavorful sandwiches served on a half dozen breads baked that day. Stand in line to order, then choose seating indoors or on a shaded patio fronting the building.

    625 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, California, 96145, USA
    530-583–1377

    Known For

    • Grab-and-go items
    • Cakes, cookies, and pies
    • Sweet and savory scones

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 5. Artemis Lakefront Cafe

    $$

    A festive marina restaurant with a heated outdoor patio, Artemis reveals its Greek influences in breakfast dishes like baklava French toast and gyros and eggs. All day, though, the menus encompass more familiar options (eggs Benedict in the morning, burgers and grilled mahimahi later on).

    900 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-542–3332

    Known For

    • Heated outdoor patio
    • Outgoing staff
    • Marina location
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  • 6. Fireside Pizza Company

    $$

    Adults might opt for the signature pear-and-Gorgonzola pizza at this modern Italian restaurant, but most kids clamor for the house favorite—sausage and pepperoni with a four-cheese blend. Salads and pasta dishes round out the menu.

    1985 Palisades Tahoe Rd., Olympic Valley, California, 96146, USA
    530-829–0982

    Known For

    • Inventive pizzas
    • Reasonably inexpensive dining option in a pricey area
    • Family-friendly
  • 7. Jason's Beachside Grille

    $$

    If the kids want burgers, but you want bourbon, Jason's has a full bar along with nachos, wings, and fried calamari starters; French onion soup and clam chowder; a dozen-plus sandwiches and burgers; and steak, chicken, seafood, and baby back ribs entrées. The whole place is wood, from floor to ceiling, lending it an ultrarustic feel.

    8338 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, California, 96143, USA
    530-546–3315

    Known For

    • House Bloody Mary and other specialty cocktails
    • Summer dining on deck overlooking the lake
    • Tables by fireplace in winter

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 8. Lanza's

    $$

    When you're craving spaghetti and meatballs, this wood-paneled roadside spot with a cordial staff and loyal clientele is the place to go. Other good old-fashioned Italian American classics—served to tables with red-and-white-checked cloths—include lasagna, ravioli, chicken and veal piccata, eggplant Parmesan, and Sicilian-style pizzas. 

    7739 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, California, 96143, USA
    530-546–2434

    Known For

    • Generous portions
    • Create your own pasta-and-sauce combination
    • Spumoni for dessert

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations not accepted
  • 9. Red Hut Café

    $

    A vintage-1959 Tahoe diner, all chrome and red plastic, the Red Hut is a tiny place with a wildly popular breakfast menu featuring huge omelets; banana, pecan, and coconut waffles (cornbread, too); and other tasty vittles. A second South Lake branch has a soda fountain and is the only one that serves dinner, and there's a third location in Stateline.

    2723 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-541–9024

    Known For

    • Huge omelets
    • Variety of waffles
    • Old-school feel

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 10. Squeeze In

    $

    Adherents flock to this downtown spot for breakfast to sample dozens of omelets, several variations on eggs Benedict, banana-walnut pancakes, and French toast oozing with cream cheese. At lunch, they savor homemade soups and sandwiches.

    10060 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, California, 96161, USA
    530-587–9814

    Known For

    • Cheeseburger omelet
    • Homemade soups
    • Gluten-free options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner

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