Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in North Lake Tahoe

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in North Lake Tahoe? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Smoke Door - Lake Tahoe Saryo

4.9

4.9 (169)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kings Beach

About the restaurant

Smoke Door Lake Tahoe Saryo is a Japanese-inspired restaurant using primitive wildfire cooking methods highlighting seasonal ingredients from Japan and the Tahoe region.

Our Executive Chef, Tyler Burges, hails from notable restaurants such as Michael Mina, Angler, and the esteemed Saison and is driven by seasonality and innovation.
Nestled in the breathtaking surroundings of Lake Tahoe, it offers an unforgettable dining experience with views of the open kitchen and wood-burning hearth.

Please note, we are unable to accommodate vegans or celiacs within our restaurant. If you have any specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or aversions please contact us via email at info@smokedoorsaryo.com

**We are unable to accommodate any children under the age of 10 within our restaurant.**

Top review

CassidyVIP

Dined on 8 Dec 2024

What a special and unique experience The Smoke Door offers! Food is beautiful, flavors outstanding and the restaurant is lovely! Well worth a visit!!

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Experience

A La Carte Bar Menu

Experience

Christmas Eve 10 Course Menu

Christy Hill

4.8

4.8 (2217)

$50 and over

Californian

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

A memorable dining experience awaits you as you enter the Christy Hill Restaurant in the center of Tahoe City. The restaurant sits on the shoreline of Lake Tahoe on an elevated embankment offering diners a panoramic vista. The intimate setting offers guests a view that is only upstaged by the cuisine, wine and service. Spectacular sunsets that can be seen from every table is just one of the many reasons that Christy Hill was voted "Most Romantic Restaurant" and "North Lake Tahoe's Iconic Restaurants with World-Class Views" by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Executive Chef, Luis Vallin, focuses on sustainability and innovation, supporting local merchants and farmers. The thoughtful and playful menu pays homage to the tradition of Christy Hill while continuing to uplift and propel the cuisine and restaurant into exciting new territory.

Top review

Tim

Dined on 7 Dec 2024

Committed and friendly long term staff, creative menu, delicious food, and wonderful ambiance in a cozy setting with an amazing view of the lake and East Shore mountains.

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Experience

New Years Eve 2025 - Seating One

Experience

New Years Eve 2025 - Seating Two

Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (4718)

$31 to $50

Californian

Carnelian Bay

About the restaurant

For 36 years Gar Woods Grill and Pier has been the premier waterfront dining destination in North Lake Tahoe. Floor-to-ceiling windows, large deck and balconies provide breath-taking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. Gar Woods Grill and Pier is an upscale casual restaurant that accommodates groups of 160 just as easily as groups of two. Our Chef has created a menu highlighting California cuisine, hand cut steaks and fresh Pacific seafood, served in a fun-in-the-sun atmosphere. The wine list is a collection of best-known California vintners featuring more than a dozen wines by the glass. Enjoy the waterfront deck while sipping on Gar Woods world famous Wet Woody®. With nearly four million sold, you will be in good company! Or thaw out with a Warm Woody or a Heavenly Bottom. Lake Tahoe sunsets are our specialty.
Service dogs/bunnies/parrots welcome- with appropriate credentials under the ADA.

Top review

KARIANN

Dined 3 days ago

Our server was super friendly and attentive. We sat outside on the lake and she brought over a heater. Beautiful views and nice ambiance. So glad this place lets you sit outside during the winter (many outdoor patios aren’t utilized during this time). My husband loved his French dip sandwich (Tahoe does this well as he liked it at other restaurants in the area but this was his favorite!) also his favorite drink of our trip was here, the signature Woody. I had the ahi tacos and they were good also! We walked around in the snow and pier after. Lovely and not too crowded during winter. Highly recommend and would be great for sunset if no fog!

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Popular dish

Shrimp & Lobster Bisque

Popular dish

Lobster Deviled Eggs

Bar of America

4.6

4.6 (871)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Truckee

About the restaurant

This comfortable Bar and Restaurant in Historic Downtown Truckee welcomes diners with its warm interior and friendly efficient service. The All American menu has a wide range of classic and modern favorites, from sandwiches to steaks and seafood all distinctively paired with an award winning wine list satisfying a broad taste palate at reasonable prices.

Top review

Bibi

Dined on 30 Nov 2024

Excellent service and our dinner and dessert were delicious! Our server was very friendly and attentive. Another great dining experience at Bar of America!

Big Water Grille

4.6

4.6 (1271)

$31 to $50

Californian

Incline Village

About the restaurant

Nestled in the mountains of the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, the Big Water Grille has spectacular panoramic lake views that are among the best around. Our Chefs are impressing diners with his fresh/seasonal menu. Join us for a martini in the lounge, a glass of wine on the deck or a fine dining experience in the dining room. Choose from our craft cocktails or extensive wine list from around the world.

Top review

TadVIP

Dined on 10 Dec 2024

We come here regularly. We request a window table and Jordan as our server, and we are obliged every time. The food has been getting even better, and Jordan is the best server in the Tahoe Basin. Very pleased with our experience.

Spindleshanks

4.6

4.6 (91)

$30 and under

American

Kings Beach

About the restaurant

Spindleshanks American Bistro and Wine Bar represents the best of both old and new Lake Tahoe. Opened in 2000 by partners Steve Marks and Harman Schuchmann, the restaurant has become a Tahoe Vista institution in a short amount of time. By offering regional American cuisine and a variety of wines in a casual atmosphere, the pair created a dining experience that caters to both large families and couples seeking a romantic evening.

Top review

Rosalie

Dined on 12 Dec 2024

This is a solid “old Tahoe” decor and menu. The portions were very generous and the waiter was friendly and efficient. This was a perfect place to relax and enjoy.

Sunnyside

4.5

4.5 (1663)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

We will be hosting a wedding on Sunday, January 14, 2024 and will be accepting walk-ins only at our Mountainside Bar. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you!

Welcome! We are open for lakeside dining. Visit our website for the latest Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge updates!

This iconic lakeside lodge and restaurant is the ideal Tahoe getaway. With a charming lakeside hotel, fantastic food and a panoramic lake view, it is nothing short of a magical mountain experience. It’s everything you hoped Tahoe would be and more, from the mouthwatering cuisine to the largest seasonal lakeside deck in all of Tahoe. With community farmer’s markets, a lakeside bike path and some of the best ski resorts in California, life on the lake never gets boring. There’s always something fun and exciting for the entire family at Sunnyside.

Top review

jenniferVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We had a really nice, casual dinner. The server was by herself in a busy dining room but managed to keep everyone happy, including the party of 12! I had the Beetroot Pinot which was good, hubby had a beer. He started with the Caesar which had plenty of anchovies (special request). The salad was good, if a little small for $15. I had the Tahoe Buddha Bowl with salmon which was outstanding. Hubby had the tacos. They were really good but only two. Enough with a salad. We will absolutely be back!

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4.3

4.3 (559)

$31 to $50

Californian

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

Jake’s On The Lake is the ultimate waterfront dining experience in Lake Tahoe! Soak in spectacular views of the lake and enjoy a flavorsome meal while we treat you to our warm “Mountain Aloha” hospitality. Family owned and operated since 1978 our menu is inspired by Californian and Hawaiian flavors and features the freshest possible, locally-sourced seafood, grass-fed meats, and seasonal produce. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Top review

Kelly

Dined on 26 Oct 2024

We had a wonderful experience! Nina was amazing and we will definitely be back!

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub

4.1

4.1 (1440)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Truckee

About the restaurant

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub is an award-winning neighborhood bistro with plenty of outdoor seating and spectacular views. They offer a hand-picked wine selection and craft cocktail menu as well as serve local and organic meat and produce. Order dinner, drinks and desserts the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Top review

Denise

Dined on 21 Nov 2024

We had the roasted chicken breast and short ribs. Delicious. Our waiter, Michael, was very pleasant and attentive.

Stella at Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe

4.1

4.1 (381)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Truckee

About the restaurant

Fresh. Vibrant. Innovative.
From the moment you walk in, you will sense the warmth and energy of our open kitchen and garden patios. With a conceptual nod to California farming and sustainability, our dishes are soulful, yet simple and locally sourced. We aim for our premium ingredients and creative fusions to leave you relaxed and refreshed.

Please call for large parties, events or buyouts.

Top review

JodiVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Never disappoints. Amazing food in a comfortable setting with prompt and friendly service. Stella’s remains unpretentious while outshining the competition.

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