Lake Tahoe Restaurants

Top 10 North Lake Tahoe Restaurants You Have to Try

If you're in the North Lake Tahoe area this year, you may be wondering where the best restaurants are. Check out this guide to the best North Lake Tahoe restaurants you should try this year.

Are you ready to chow down in North Lake Tahoe? You might want to hold off before choosing the nearest lakeside restaurant.

Lake Tahoe attracts roughly three million tourists every year - thanks in large part to its foodie culture. You'll have no trouble finding a decent lakeside meal with picture perfect views.

But let's be real: you're not looking for decent. You want the sort of meal that leaves you salivating for more and ready to hit send on that five-star Yelp review.

Forget about the tourist traps and take it from a local. Check out this guide to the best North Lake Tahoe restaurants. Read on to learn about the epic culinary creations, dynamite views, and unforgettable meals only a short drive away.

1. Edgewood Restaurant

Lake Tahoe is perhaps most famous for its legendary views. There's no shortage of Lake Tahoe restaurants with scenic overlooks. No restaurant view, however, quite stacks up to the one at Edgewood Restaurant.

Edgewood is a renowned restaurant located at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. The unforgettable views of the golf course and lake make this one of the premier dining destinations in all of Lake Tahoe - and even the country. In fact, Edgewood Restaurant recently appeared on OpenTable's list of the "100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America."

You'll enjoy breathtaking views of the water, mountains, and forest that will stick with you long past your meal. Set in a lodge, this upscale restaurant has a cozy feel that's perfect for any meal.

Edgewood may have one of Tahoe's best waterfront view restaurants, but it also has some seriously tasty food. This contemporary restaurant serves up a range of delicious meat, seafood, and appetizers.

Edgewood's menu features meat dishes like filet mignon, ribeye, and mint-crusted racks of lamb. Seafood lovers go crazy for their seared sea bass, ahi tuna, and seafood risotto.

The real treat of the menu, however, is the elk tenderloin. This juicy plate comes with brown butter spaetzle, roasted carrots, asparagus, and sun-dried relish.

Looking to unwind? Edgewood has you covered. Their extensive wine list includes an array of whites and reds.

They have a little something for wine lovers of all shapes and sizes. Bottles range from $10-$225 a piece.

A sunset dinner at Edgewood might just be the best dining experience in all of Tahoe. Book your table and enjoy the treat yourself to a fantastic dinner.

2. Chambers Landing Bar

There's one go-to spot after a long day of boating in North Lake Tahoe: Chambers Landing Bar.

This iconic party spot is famous for their boozy creation "Chambers Punch." This frozen fruity beverage packs a mean "punch" thanks to its healthy dose of rum.

During the day, you'll see plenty of boats pulling up to the dock for a midday snack and beverage (or two). At night, however, Chambers Landing Bar transforms into one of the best restaurants in North Lake Tahoe.

Chambers opens for dinner at 5:30 p.m. when it transitions to a more upscale environment and menu. Thanks to its lakefront property, Chambers also offers some of the best views in Lake Tahoe.

Chambers remains the oldest bar in Lake Tahoe thanks to its mix of friendly service and tasty menu items. Their eclectic menu features a range of dishes for lovers of seafood, meat, and classic American fare.

You can load up on appetizers like steam clams with white wine, seared ahi tuna with a wasabi cream sauce, or tempura shrimp with a ginger aioli. Their top entrees include filet mignon, salmon with lemon caper sauce, and a prawn clam pasta linguini.

Of course, you can't miss by ordering the classics. Opt for a pizza or salad if you're looking for something more low key.

Are you looking for a party atmosphere with free-flowing drinks? Are you looking for upscale dining and five-star cuisine? Chambers Landing has you covered no matter your motivation.

3. Sunnyside Restaurant

What makes Sunnyside Restaurant so special?

Let's start with the ambiance. Sunnyside restaurant has some of the best deck seating in Lake Tahoe. Their beachfront property rivals that of any restaurant in the city.

Sunnyside is also the de facto eatery for Sunnyside Lodge. This classic resort has top amenities to go with a variety of events. You'll find a farmer's market and live concerts throughout the summer.

It's also one of the longest standing restaurants in North Lake Tahoe. Their quintessential menu item, fried zucchini, has been a Tahoe specialty since 1965.

Fried zucchini isn't the only item that attracts hungry patrons. Sunnyside also serves crazy good seafood like crispy calamari, lump crab cakes, and ahi poke.

Entrees include sauteed fresh fish, mixed seafood hot pot, and elk strip loin with arugula, goat cheese, and sun-dried cherry compote. Polish it all off with Sunnyside's famous Hula Pie. It's a match made in heaven.

4. The Boathouse on the Pier

No list of Tahoe lakefront restaurants is complete without The Boathouse.

The Boathouse on the Pier has good drinks and even better views. This nautical-themed bar and restaurant is an oasis for anyone seeking happy hour.

This Lake Tahoe hotspot is a prime place to end your day of boating with quality eats. The no-frills establishment serves up delicious seafood in a casual environment.

You can't go wrong with any of their seafood items. The Boathouse serves up mass quantities of New England clam chowder, fish tacos, and fish and chips no matter the time of day.

Looking to take things up a notch? Go for the surf and turf. It's handcrafted with Kobe steak, sweet chili marinated prawns, and a lobster-butter mash.

5. Evan's American Gourmet Cafe

Are you looking for a quiet romantic evening? You might want to consider Evan's American Gourmet Cafe.

Evan's is the go-to date night local in Lake Tahoe. This quiet, intimate restaurant checks all the boxes of a romantic fine dining establishment. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy fine wine, a candlelit dinner, and fancy entrees well worth their price.

On the surface, Evan's looks like a normal Lake Tahoe establishment. It's located in a cabin amidst a bevy of pine trees. Once you step inside, however, you'll quickly realize why Evan's is one of the best restaurants in Lake Tahoe.

Evan's menu is chock full of great entrees, including the rosemary and garlic marinated rack of lamb and the roast venison loin chop. Good service, better food, and a romantic atmosphere. What more do you need?

Word to the wise: Evan's gets pretty packed, especially on weekends. Make a reservation to avoid long wait times on your date night.

6. Christy Hill Restaurant

There's no denying that Christy Hill Restaurant has stunning views.

Christy Hill regularly attracts locals and tourists alike with its magnificent lakeside views. But this restaurant offers more than an opportune selfie spot.

Christy Hill does just about everything right. They have timely service, an eclectic menu, and plenty of drinks. You'll find everything from Italian food to seafood and vegetarian item on their wide-ranging menu.

This small and intimate restaurant offers a nice reprieve from the typical tourist spots around Lake Tahoe. You'll probably have to make a reservation to get a spot, but it's well worth the extra hassle.

7. FiftyFifty Brewing

Forget about fine dining. Sometimes, all you want is a juicy burger and a cold beer.

That's exactly what you'll find at FiftyFifty Brewing. This laid-back brewery offers patrons annual and seasonal brews on tap. They proudly serve up incredible beer and delicious eats.

They have something for all beer lovers whether you're a fan of hoppy IPA's or dark stouts. You'll always find at least a dozen fresh brewed beers on their menu.

Speaking of the menu, FiftyFifty Brewing offers more than the typical pub fare you'll find at other breweries. They offer eight unique burgers, including a build your own option with a la carte sides. House favorites include fare like ahi tuna BLT, fish tacos, and bourbon shrimp.

FiftyFifty Brewing also works with local farmers to ensure a fresh eating experience. The staff is also helpful in recommending beer pairings for the novice drinker. Bottoms up!

8. Jake's on the Lake

Jake's tops many lists of best Lake Tahoe restaurants - rightfully so. This lakeside restaurant offers one of the most beautiful waterfront dining experiences in North Lake Tahoe.

Jake's perfectly captures the spirit of Lake Tahoe. It's the kind of place that you can wander into in the middle of the day for a tasty pick me up and a happy hour beverage. It's also a go-to spot for dinner whether you're looking for seafood or local and sustainable ingredients.

Jake's is a family owned and operated restaurant. It's been continuously operating since 1978. That longevity is thanks to picture-perfect views, a Hawaiian-infused menu, and some seriously tasty eats.

Jake's signature dishes include a shrimp and crab melt, panko chicken sandwich, and an udon noodle bowl. The Hawaiian Hamachi Crudo is also a crowd favorite. It's made with avocado mousse, pickled daikon, mango, candied ginger, Thai vinaigrette, and togarashi nori.

Hungry for dessert? You won't want to miss the hula pie.

Jake's also offers a full bar that opens daily at 4:30 p.m. Catch an afternoon cocktail and enjoy the sunset at this fantastic lakeside restaurant.

9. Fire Sign Cafe

Locals know all about Fire Sign Cafe. This longstanding breakfast and lunch spot has been a Tahoe staple since 1978.

Fire Sign Cafe is the perfect place to load up on good eats before a long day on the water. Located near Tahoe City, it's a great launching point for a day of adventure on West Lake Tahoe.

Set in a renovated home, Fire Sign Cafe has attractive breakfast options and large portions. You can enjoy massive pancakes, savory fresh fruit crepes, and salmon eggs benedict at this stellar cafe.

No cafe is complete without good coffee and baked goods. You can wash down the baked special of the day with a hot cup of freshly ground Joe.

It's got the charm of a small town diner with the hustle and bustle of a big city hotspot. Make a trip to Fire Sign Cafe next time you want a farm breakfast.

10. Moe's Original Bar B Que

Barbecue is a quintessential American style of food. There's a reason that the average American eats about 271 pounds of meat per year...and a lot of it has to do with great bbq.

When you think of great barbecue, Lake Tahoe might not be the first place that comes to mind. But you don't have to make a visit to the south to grab some great barbecue in Lake Tahoe. Make a trip to Moe's instead.

Moe's Original Bar B Que brings southern hospitality to Lake Tahoe. Originally founded by a trio of Alabamans, this legendary restaurant dishes up some seriously tasty meats.

Moe's is a longstanding Lake Tahoe fixture thanks to its relatively simple menu. They serve up their fresh smoked meat in a toasted bun with your choice of sides.

Locals go crazy for the pulled pork sandwich "Bama style" - which comes with red and white sauce, coleslaw, and pickles. You can also opt for other favorites like smoked wings or the "St. Louis style" ribs with red sauce and pickles.

Of course, no Tahoe restaurant is complete without seafood items. Moe's also serves up southern fried catfish, blackened salmon, and fried gulf shrimp.

You won't want to get your food to go. You can wash your food down with one of Moe's 12 draft beers. They're also known for their live music and lakefront property.

The Best Lake Tahoe Restaurants

There's no shortage of Lake Tahoe restaurants. But be sure to avoid the tourist traps if you want great food and service.

These top restaurants offer a mix of seafood, quality views, and unique dishes. Use this guide to treat your hunger whether you're looking for fine dining, a no-frills establishment, or something in between.

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