Looking for a cozy, family-friendly restaurant or an intimate atmosphere to enjoy a romantic meal? You’ll find it in the Lake Tahoe area. From the quaint cafes of Carnelian Bay to the trendy eateries of Truckee, you can find a great place to dine, drink and enjoy the scenery of Lake Tahoe.
Carnelian Bay’s Old Post Office Cafe
Located in the town of Carnelian Bay, California, this unassuming shack is home to some of the yummiest grub around town. With a staff of 19, you’re guaranteed a warm and hospitable welcome, and with the alfresco dining options to boot, you’re bound to find someone just as enthused as you. Of course, this is a small town and you’ll be lucky to find an empty restaurant table, let alone one with a reservation.
There’s no question that the Old Post Office is a pillar of excellence when it comes to customer service, but the place may not have the best food and drink options in town. So, where else do you want to go for dinner or lunch? While the Old Post Office may not be the cheapest, it’s not hard to find a better deal than your standard burger joint, a la carte, or a posh burger and fries combo.
Riva Grill at Ski Run Marina
Located on Ski Run Marina, Riva Grill on the Lake is the latest in the line of lakefront restaurants in South Lake Tahoe. The restaurant has a large deck with sweeping vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. The menu features American fare with a sprinkling of asian and French influence. It also has a nice touch: free valet parking in the summer.
The aforementioned floor to ceiling windows showcasing the lake have a distinctly nautical feel. The restaurant has an impressive list of satisfied customers and it’s easy to see why. The restaurant is also a prime location for small meetings. The aforementioned deck is a great place to host a cocktail or two while enjoying the best view of the lake around. Whether you’re hosting a business meeting, celebrating a birthday, or just taking a breather, Riva Grill on the Lake is a great choice.
Riva Grill on the Lake has the illustrious trinity of great service, great food, and a great view. Despite the posh interior, you’ll be able to find a comfortable and reasonably priced dining experience no matter the time of year. This is especially true if you’re planning a family reunion or a special birthday.
Soule Domain
Located in a quaint log cabin in Kings Beach, the Soule Domain Restaurant is a fine dining establishment with plenty of vegetables and a cozy atmosphere. The Soule Domain serves an innovative menu that changes with the seasons. The menu features a variety of traditional American cuisine as well as dishes influenced by Thai and Southeast Asian cooking.
Located in a turn-of-the-century log cabin, the Soule Domain is a cozy restaurant that offers a fine dining experience. The interior is decorated in Tahoe-themed decor and has a fireplace, subdued lighting, and plenty of vegetables. The Soule Domain is also an ideal place to celebrate a special occasion.
The menu features a variety of local favorites as well as new takes on traditional American cooking. The menu changes with the seasons, but always offers local fresh fish and meats. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan options.
The Soule Domain Restaurant has received many awards for its innovative cuisine. For example, they have been voted the ‘Best Place to Take a Date’ by Tahoe Life for 13 years in a row. The restaurant also hosts quarterly art exhibits.
Soule Domain Restaurants in the Lake Tahoe area are a perfect spot for a romantic date. The romantic dining room is situated inside a cozy mountain cabin, and the restaurant is also decorated with Tahoe-themed decor and nautical art on the walls.
Fire Sign Cafe
Located in a pine forest in the Lake Tahoe area, Fire Sign Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Tahoe City. The cafe is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. Aside from delicious food, the cafe also provides friendly service. During the winter months, the cafe has an outdoor seating area. The interior is similar to that of a home kitchen. There are low wooden beams and old-timey photos on the walls.
Despite its rustic feel, the cafe has a cozy atmosphere. The building has a stone fireplace and a number of windows that stream sunlight.
For breakfast, the menu is extensive. You can choose from a variety of options, including vegetarian options. You can get a traditional eggs benedict or cape cod Benedict. They also serve crepes, including the Fire Sign Crepe, which is filled with jack cheese, green onions, and Hollandaise sauce. Another option is the Nut and Seed Waffle. You can also try chorizo sausage, which is made from black beans and served with homemade salsa.
Fire Sign Cafe Tahoe City is also known for their hearty, made-from-scratch meals. Their Cajun Ortega Burger features jack cheese, green chilies, and avocado. The restaurant also serves eggs benedict, which comes with smoked salmon.
Izabella Ristorante Italiano
Located in South Lake Tahoe, the Izabella Ristorante Italiano has been around for a couple of years now. It is located right next door to the Marriott Lake Tahoe hotel and has a fair amount of foot traffic due to its proximity to the Stateline. For the foodie in the family, the Izabella is the perfect destination, offering up hearty portions of Italian cuisine a la carte or in a more formal setting.
In addition to their signature menu, the Izabella offers up a slew of novelty items, from a plethora of pastas to a couple of nontraditional desserts. For those on a budget, the Izabella is a great place to pick up an Italian dinner for one. The restaurant also offers up a solid kids menu if you are in the mood for a more family-friendly dinner. The Izabella also possesses the grandest of all dining experiences, namely, a private dining room where you can dine with your significant other, friends or colleagues. Aside from the main dining area, there are a couple of nooks and crannies, including a large bar area with a few drinks in the works and a couple of smaller areas if you are looking for a more private dining experience.
Spoon
Located in the town of Tahoe City, Spoon is a family owned restaurant that boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their food is a mix of homemade creations, from their famous house-made meatballs to their signature burger. They also have a nice looking patio where you can enjoy a meal year-round.
As far as food goes, they really don’t disappoint. They have a pretty good house-made soup of the day, a hearty steak and potatoes, and a decent salad. The desserts are pretty impressive, too. They also have a full bar. They’re one of the better places to dine in the Lake Tahoe area.
They aren’t the cheapest, but they aren’t the most expensive either. They have a great deal on drinks and appetizers at the bar, and they also offer some pretty good prices on lunch menu items. They have a few nifty-looking menu items, such as their rosemary pork chop, which is a smattering of bacon braised cabbage, thick cut chops, and a porcini mushroom polenta. They also have a few tasty burgers, including one with a twist. In addition to their main menu, they have a couple of menus devoted to their lunch specials, and a few more devoted to their dinner menu.
Truckee’s Boathouse on the Pier
Located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Boathouse on the Pier is an ideal destination for waterfront dining. With stunning views, an eclectic surf and turf menu, and a laid back, casual vibe, the Boathouse is the perfect place to enjoy a meal.
The Boathouse features local and regional bands. It is also the perfect place to watch the sun set over the lake. The menu offers a variety of seafood dishes, like Ahi Tuna Crudo, Mahi-Mahi tacos, and citrus salmon. If you are looking for a drink, check out their signature cocktails. On Wednesday and Thursday nights, they also host live music.
The Boathouse also has a large patio that overlooks the water, offering the best view of the sun setting over the lake. There are picnic tables for enjoying the beautiful scenery. The Boathouse also offers a variety of cocktails, such as the signature frozen Bridge Bender, and Moscow Mules. Their bartenders are friendly and happy to help you find the perfect drink.
The Incline Public House serves award-winning beers from Alibi Ale Works. Their menu also features beer mustard and beer cheese, as well as Vietnamese-style pulled pork sandwiches. Their patio is comfortable, tree-shaded, and offers views of the Truckee River.
