Dining in Lake Tahoe
No matter what type of cuisine you’re searching for in Lake Tahoe, you’ll probably find it. The dining in the region surrounding the lake is very eclectic, offering everything from good old American steak and potatoes to lots of ethnic foods that appeal to a wide variety of visitors. Furthermore, if you prefer to dine on-the-go, there are lots of options for doing that, ranging from popular fast food franchises to mom-and-pop establishments that make great food you can carry out. But if it’s formal, upscale dining you seek, you’ll find that in Lake Tahoe as well, including some eateries that have earned five stars from prominent food review publications.
So, how do you know where to eat? Travelers to a place with which they are unfamiliar should always follow one rule when searching for a particular kind of place to dine – ask the locals! The residents of Lake Tahoe are the people most likely to help you find that little hole-in-the-wall, off-the-beaten track establishment that you might otherwise miss. And while it might be convenient to eat at your hotel’s restaurant on any given day – and there are plenty of fine hotel restaurants in Tahoe – true foodies love finding those special places that provide unforgettable meals.
Here’s a list of just a few eateries serving a variety of fare. There’s sure to be one that piques your interest:
- Pfeifer House – Established in 1939, this is one of the oldest AND best restaurants in North Lake Tahoe (Tahoe City). The owner is Franz Fassbender, who has won numerous awards for his expertise, including the culinary Gold Medal. You’ll find lots of Fassbender’s native German dishes on the menu (like schnitzel) as well as other European delights. Don’t miss the homemade Bavarian Apple Strudel!
- Bacchi’s Inn – Also established in the 1930s, this Italian restaurant is a gem! Located in Lake Forest, it has a menu that is simply huge, featuring almost 50 different entrees. All come with soup, salad, antipasti and a side of ravioli, spaghetti or tortellini, making this restaurant delicious and a great value.
- Soule Domain – Dine in a log cabin in Kings Beach (North Lake Tahoe) for a great intimate experience. Voted “best date restaurant” for several years running, Soule Domain is romantic and the food is delicious and creative. Entrees, described as classic American, are a little pricy but worth every penny. Some outdoor dining is available as well during the warmer months.
- Beacon Bar and Grill – Looking for a lake view? This has one of the best! Located at historic Camp Richardson Resort in South Lake Tahoe, the scenery here is extraordinary and the food has earned numerous kudos as well. Expect to find a good variety of steaks and seafood and be sure to try their specialty – chowder. Plenty of affordable selections for the kids as well.
- Bullwhacker’s Pub – If you’re in search of a casual dining experience and a good beer, check out this offering at the Resort at Squaw Creek. Salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and burgers are part of the menu, but most people visit this place for the huge selection of microbrews.
- Thai NAkorn Restaurant – Traditional Thai food is
the name of the game here, and there are nearly 60 dishes from which to
choose on this restaurant’s menu. Located in Truckee, the NAkorn also
offers some interesting Asian wines along with a good selection of
California vintages.
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