Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

What to Eat in Lake Tahoe

Whichever side of the state line you're on, you'll have a variety of dining options at your fingertips. Of course, if you're vacationing at a resort, it's easy to stay put and enjoy the hotel's restaurants without having to set foot off the property, but it's definitely worth getting out and exploring. Without a doubt, dining lakeside is quite popular, and happily, there are a range of options from high-end to casual, to suit all budgets.

Jason's Beachside Grille, which sits on Kings Beach in North Lake Tahoe, is a fun, casual spot on the water. Recent visitors raved about the large potions, reasonable prices and friendly staff. In the summer, there's outdoor seating and live music on the weekends. If it's fine dining you're after, head to Le Bistro in Incline Village. Offering a romantic setting with an ever-changing mutli-course prix fixe menu featuring classic French dishes like escargot and coq au vin. The chef sources local, seasonal and organic produce and meats.

Before heading out for a day of skiing or other outdoor adventures, a hearty breakfast is essential. In South Lake Tahoe, a local favorite is the Getaway Cafe, which serves what it calls "alpine comfort cuisine." Almost everything is homemade and the restaurant is known for its large Mexican breakfast specialties, with dishes like chilaquiles, which are composed of fresh corn tortillas that are fried, topped with sour cream, avocado and red onion and served with refried beans and two eggs. The sweet n' sour French toast is another popular dish. Another mainstay to fuel up for the day is the Driftwood Café. Eggs benedict and potato pancakes are signature dishes.

The area also has its share of food, wine and beer festivals, including the Tahoe Brewfest in June, the Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest in August and the Lake Tahoe Food & Wine Festival in September. Craft beer lovers might also want to check out the North Tahoe Lake Ale Trail. The tourism board has a helpful online map, which features more than a dozen spots to quench your thirst and sample local beer and food. There's also a Tahoe South Beer Trail, with another handy map. Any of the recommended spots offer a great way to unwind after a day hitting the slopes.

Find the Best Restaurants in Lake Tahoe

#1
The Basil
#1 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (285)
$ - $$ | Asian, Thai
311 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-4203
Read More »
#2
Adele's Restaurant & Lounge
#2 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (419)
$$ | American, Deli
1112 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-1200
Read More »
#3
Ole Ole Restaurant & Cantina
#3 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (398)
$ - $$ | Mexican, Southwestern, Spanish
2171 US Highway 50 East Gold Dust West, Carson City, NV 89701
Read More »
#4
Cracker Box Restaurant
#4 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (228)
$ | American, Diner, Deli
402 E William St, Carson City, NV 89701-4030
Read More »
#5
The Grille
#5 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (303)
$ - $$ | American
2171 E William St Carson City, NV 89701, Carson City, NV 89701-2723
Read More »

#6
Paul Schat's Bakery
#6 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (140)
$ - $$ | American, Cafe
1212 S Stewart St, Carson City, NV 89701-5234
Read More »
#7
Red's Old 395 Grill
#7 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (644)
$ - $$ | American, Southwestern, Bar, Barbecue
1055 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-5209
Read More »
#8
The Fox Brewpub
#8 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (258)
$ - $$ | American, Bar, Pub
310 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-4754
Read More »
#9
San Marcos Grill
#9 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (132)
$ - $$ | Mexican, Southwestern, Latin, Spanish
260 E Winnie Ln, Carson City, NV 89706-2251
Read More »
#10
LA Bakery
#10 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (88)
$ - $$ | Mediterranean, European, American, Cafe
1280 N Curry St, Carson City, NV 89703-3849
Read More »

#11
Glen Eagles Restaurant
#11 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (164)
$$ | American, Steakhouse
3700 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89706-1933
Read More »
#12
Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint
#12 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (111)
$ - $$ | American, Bar, International, Pub
1500 Old Hot Springs Rd, Carson City, NV 89706-0602
Read More »
#13
El Charro Avitia
#13 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (111)
$ - $$ | Mexican
4389 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-6617
Read More »
#14
Z Bistro
#14 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (52)
$ - $$ | French
725 Basque Way, Carson City, NV 89706-7987
Read More »
#15
Garibaldi's Ristorante Italiano
#15 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (113)
$ - $$ | Italian
307 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-4203
Read More »

#16
Villa Basque Cafe
#16 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (68)
$ - $$ | Mexican, Spanish, Cafe, Deli
730 Basque Way, Carson City, NV 89706-7936
Read More »
#17
Duke's Steakhouse
#17 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (77)
$$ | Steakhouse
3800 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-5554
Read More »
#18
The Union
#18 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (36)
$ - $$ | American, Bar, Pub
302 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-4202
Read More »
#19
Pho Country
#19 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (54)
$ | Asian, Vietnamese, Soups, Chinese
2495 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89706-1624
Read More »
#20
Black Bear Diner
#20 of 209 Places to Eat in Carson City
TripAdvisor (75)
$ - $$ | American, Diner
900 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-5206
Read More »