When gearing up for full day of Truckee ‘ings — skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, golfing, shopping — don’t forget to allow time for eating! Truckee restaurants offer choices for every taste and budget. Unlike other towns around Lake Tahoe, Truckee restaurants are spread out, but nothing is that far from accommodations or attractions.
Truckee dining celebrates its locale and Tahoe culture, finding ways to bring them all together. Restaurants can be found in buildings where local history has happened or in high-end resorts and lots where a front row view of Mother Nature is the feature. What’s important to know about Truckee restaurants is that, because of the diversity and quality, your dining experiences will prove to be highlights of your visit. Diners in the historic downtown area can wander from place to place: cocktails here, dinner a few doors away, dessert there, pub and people watching just down the street.
Portions at many restaurants tend to be large, very large, especially at breakfast. That’s just fine with most people — they can share or take home a morning doggie bag to enjoy as a snack for later. And speaking of doggies, many Truckee dining options also invite Fido to dine with you.
Dining in Truckee Restaurants
Mom and Pop places serve everything from meatloaf sandwiches, BLTs with slices of avocado and huevos rancheros. Burgers with fries, gluten-free, vegetarian and meat-loaded pizzas, along with spaghetti and meatballs, are easy to find in Truckee, as is Japanese, with sushi as a main feature.
When you want to dine top shelf, prix fixe or a la carte, Truckee restaurants will never disappoint. Farm to fork options are expertly offered by area chefs with French, Italian and American overtones. And, while these eateries might be hundreds of miles from the California coast, soft shell crabs, lobster and other seafood entrees rank top among diners’ favorite entrees. Ask servers and sommeliers for their California wine recommendations. Some of the best comes from vineyards not far from Truckee.
Before visiting any Truckee restaurant, be sure to check our listings for daily specials and happy hours in case any current offerings catch your eye.
Truckee Restaurants by Category
Red Truck Cafe at the Truckee Airport calls itself a modern eclectic café committed to serving quality, sustainable meals at an affordable price. Red Truck...read more
As the marquee restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, Manzanita is a feast for the palette and the eyes. The California-inspired cuisine is fused with...read more
If you are looking for delicious Indian food, Mehfil Indian Bistro is the place to find it. With a huge menu and dishes that are well portioned, incredibly...read more
Street tacos at The Ritz? Si! Montesa, Cantina Moderna is a slopeside cantina at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. The slow-cooked pork will transport...read more
Moody’s in Downtown Truckee is all about the three Bs – bistro, bar and beats. In fact, that’s the popular establishment’s formal name: Moody’s Bistro, Bar...read more
Mountain Brew is more than a place to get a cup of coffee, whether it's served naked or not, hot or cold. Every batch of beans is hand roasted, and one-...read more
Located across from the Loading Dock and tucked in amongst the bricks of historic downtown, the Old Town Tap features a wood-fired pizza oven and serves...read more
Petra is a wine and gourmet restaurant at Northstar, the perfect place for an afternoon or evening of relaxation with good drinks and good food. The...read more
Northern California and Northern Italy are two distinct places, but they come together perfectly at Pianeta in downtown Truckee. Pianeta’s cuisine is...read more
For visitors renting a place in Tahoe Donner or those hungry after hiking, biking or skiing, Pizza on the Hill in the Northwoods Clubhouse is the perfect...read more
Located off the beaten track in Gray's Crossing, PJ’s Bar & Grill is easily overlooked. But its wooded setting just off the 18th hole of...read more
Red Truck Cafe at the Truckee Airport calls itself a modern eclectic café committed to serving quality, sustainable meals at an affordable price. Red Truck...read more
The food and service at Restaurant Trokay is what one would expect to find in Manhattan or Paris, but the ambiance and ingredients are all about Truckee and...read more
