Tahoe City Restaurants

Tahoe City restaurants offer a great variety of fare enhanced by dazzling scenery. On the lakefront, West Lake Boulevard, along the Truckee River or by Fanny Bridge, Italian, Chinese and Mexican and additional restaurants serve food made from generations of family recipes. Others are among the most renowned of Tahoe City restaurants for the many years they have served residents and visitors.

Fire up your day’s activities with Tahoe City dining, like omelets or Eggs Benedict atop regular or gluten-free English muffins. Also sweeten your Lake Tahoe mornings with fresh baked black currant scones and pecan cranberry breakfast bars. By midday, many Tahoe City restaurants stoke your energy with burgers made of Kobe beef, buffalo and elk or lighter fare such as salmon salad with an orange vinaigrette dressing. Raise your glasses and toast Lake Tahoe’s spectacular sunsets with drinks and appetizers. Wolf down truffle fries or enjoy fresh chips and salsa with a large margarita. 

Indulge in it all and make plans to repeat the next day. Be sure to check ahead as several West Shore and Tahoe City dining options close or have reduced hours during the winter.

West Shore & Tahoe City Restaurants

Driving along Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, restaurants can be found every few miles. Some Tahoe City dining options have incredible views of lake and mountains to accompany every meal whether you dine inside or al fresco. Others enrich their West Shore restaurants’ menus with locations under towering trees and near ski runs. There are no fast food or chain establishments, so stopping in allows the enjoyment of fare prepared by local owners of West Shore restaurants.

Breakfast is best found in the general stores’ delis of Homewood and Tahoma where familiar dishes and more gourmet offerings are served early. Burgers and sandwiches are easy to find, as are European specialties like veal cutlets in cream sauce with fresh-made spätzle or creamy asparagus soup. Fresh produce from across the western Sierra Nevada and the regional Central Valley shine in seasonal entrees served in elegant surroundings.

Tahoe City Restaurants by Category and Location

Bridgetender Tavern & Grill

West Shore Restaurant
65 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA
(530) 583-3342

Bridgetender Tavern & Grill is a favorite of many diners in the Lake Tahoe area. Lovingly known as The BT, Bridgetender has been a main player on the burger scene around the shores of Lake Tahoe since 1977. One of the favorite items on the menu is the turkey burger with waffle fries. Another favorite is the super-tasty elk burger. The BT is also known...read more

Bridgetender Tavern & Grill is a favorite of many diners in the Lake Tahoe area....read more

CB's Bistro

5075 North Lake Boulevard, Carnelian Bay, CA
(530) 546-4738

CB's Bistro is most definitely a favorite among locals and for good reason. Located right across the street from some of the best public swimming around Lake Tahoe, this friendly, family-centric dining establishment has sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, soups, salads and tasty Italian food plus a welcoming atmosphere. The pizzas are well-sized, and the calzones are huge. In addition, they have a kids' menu. There is a...read more

CB's Bistro is most definitely a favorite among locals and for good reason. Located right...read more

Moe's Original Bar B Que

Tahoe City Restaurant
700 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA
(530) 807-1023

If you are craving Southern cooking and comfort food, Moe's Original Bar B Que in Tahoe City is your best bet. They serve all the tasty dishes like Southern fried catfish, St. Louis-style ribs, cornbread and baked beans. Located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, the restaurant has great views of the water and surrounding mountains and is situated next to the bike path that...read more

If you are craving Southern cooking and comfort food, Moe's Original Bar B Que in...read more

Pete 'n Peters

Tahoe City Restaurant
395 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA
(530) 583-2400

Pete 'n Peters is one of the more consistently happening bars in Tahoe City. Located a step or two off of the beaten path, Pete 'n Peters' slightly hidden location does not at all take away from its popularity. A true sports bar at heart, it is adorned with its fair share of giant TVs as well as pool tables, dart boards and shuffleboards. It's...read more

Pete 'n Peters is one of the more consistently happening bars in Tahoe City. Located...read more

River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant

2285 River Road, Tahoe City, CA
(530) 583-4264

Offering hearty gourmet dining and bar specials in a nostalgic atmosphere, River Ranch is a landmark destination for visitors and a locals' favorite year-round. Nestled on the banks of the Truckee River, River Ranch is poised to catch people tubing down the mellow rapids during the heat of the summer and to capture the après-ski crowd funneling down from the ski resorts during the cold...read more

Offering hearty gourmet dining and bar specials in a nostalgic atmosphere, River Ranch is a...read more

Rosie's Cafe

Tahoe City Restaurant
571 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA
(530) 583-8504

Rosie's Cafe, a longtime player on the Tahoe City restaurant scene, has fed patrons since 1964. It not only offers basic American fare like hamburgers, salads and steaks, but also delicious breakfast and pizza. As a place that pays homage to the history of the area with local antiques, memorabilia and photos of long ago, the atmosphere is entertaining, homey and welcoming. The adjoining bar...read more

Rosie's Cafe, a longtime player on the Tahoe City restaurant scene, has fed patrons since...read more

Tahoe Tap Haus

Tahoe City Restaurant
475 North Lake Boulevard, Cobblestone Center, Tahoe City, CA
(530) 584-2886

A favorite among north shore locals, this tap house in the Cobblestone Shopping Center provides an exceptional opportunity to enjoy tasty brews, juicy burgers and some of the best views of the lake that Tahoe City has to offer. Serving lunch and dinner, Tahoe Tap Haus has an atmosphere that is open, inviting and welcoming, like walking into your best friend's home. They have a large selection...read more

A favorite among north shore locals, this tap house in the Cobblestone Shopping Center provides...read more

Za's Lakefront

Tahoe City Restaurant
120 Grove Street, Tahoe City, CA
(530) 583-9292
Za's is an excellent choice for lakefront outdoor dining in Tahoe City. The views will blow you away at this eclectic American-Italian restaurant that's also known for its great prices and casual setting. Wait until you see their new outdoor bar that's right over the lake! Known as the Lakefront SideBar, it features tasty bites and liquid delights such as their famous SideBar Slush. Za’s lunch and...read more
Za's is an excellent choice for lakefront outdoor dining in Tahoe City. The views will...read more