Every trip is never complete without a food trip, and your trip to Lake Tahoe shouldn’t be any exception. In fact, Lake Tahoe offers a variety of food choices inspired by both local and international cuisines. It is an entirely different trip in itself, and it is an adventure worth doing when in Lake Tahoe.

The Tahoe food scene is so vast that we have decided to divide it into two major parts: North Shore and South Shore. Let’s start off with Lake Tahoe’s North Shore and the incredible top five food places in the area that I personally recommend. They’re guaranteed to satisfy your food cravings and let you keep coming back for more. Then don’t miss the Top 5 In South Shore.

This dining destination has been a premier spot for decades. Gar Woods Grill & Pier is located on the lake at Carnelian Bay, a location that’s mesmerizing and calming in itself. The best part of this food experience? You get to marvel at the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. 

Personally, I love lunch at Gar Woods. The energy is upbeat and the view can’t be beat. Plus, it has its own boat dock. You can just dock and eat. They also have a boat valet to help you tie up to a buoy and give you a ride to the restaurant when the dock is full. How great is that? For those of us “normal” people you can drive up and park too.

It is probably one of the most popular places around the lake and definitely on the North Shore not only because of its premium location but also because of its great menu — so great that you’d wish you’d have all day to try out most, if not all, of the items. Their menu highlights  California cuisine, steaks and fresh Pacific seafood, and California’s exceptional wines. 

This means that it is highly recommended that you make reservations as the place gets really busy. Doesn’t matter if you are alone, with a food buddy, or with a group of up to 160, Gar Woods can accommodate you.  

Lone Eagle Grille offers inspired High-Sierra cuisine, changing seasonally to reflect local, in-season ingredients and the tastes of the current season. But there is so much more than the delicious food and delectable wines that this place has to offer, and every single guest should definitely get the chance to experience it.

This is always the spot where we meet friends. Most recently, we were staying at the Resort at Squaw Creek for a weekend getaway. Some friends were staying at the villas here at the Hyatt, so we joined them for cocktails on the beach at sunset and then s’mores after the sun went down. It’s the perfect spot to share stories and enjoy what makes Tahoe such a perfect place to relax.

Located at Incline Village at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe, Lone Eagle Grill is considered one of the most sought-after restaurants in the entire Lake Tahoe area. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, this is the place to be. Plus, it offers a great place to enjoy cocktails and s’mores; they even offer s’more-making kits that you can roast in their lakeside fire pits!

If you want a memorable evening in Tahoe, this is the place for you — winter or summer. Don’t miss reading about staying here too.

An old-school steakhouse facing the lake in Tahoe Vista, this is your go-to place if you are hungry for some aged meats and prime rib paired with a glass of wine or cocktail. This vintage lodgelike venue originated from Chicago and is well-known for its Midwestern, dry-aged, corn-fed beef. 

From filet mignon to king crab legs, Iowa pork chops, and rotisserie chicken combo, Old Range Steakhouse never disappoints. It is indeed a classic, traditional steakhouse that offers both great food and an excellent view of the lake from every angle. 

They also have a private cabin dining room that is available for larger parties. If you’re planning on having one anytime soon, then you know the place to call and book.

Now if you’re looking for some home-cooked Hawaiian or Southern California meals, Jakes’ on the Lake is the best option you could ever have. This is a family-owned restaurant that has been around for over 40 years in Tahoe City. I remember countless family dinners here as a kid. We would drive about an hour around the east shore of the lake from our home in Zephyr Cove for special sunset dinners watching the Lake from the deck of this Kings Beach icon.

Jakes on the Lake offers iconic lakefront “Mountain Aloha” dining with food made from the most responsibly sourced ingredients to the table. Everything is guaranteed to be cooked with love and from made-from-scratch recipes. 

It’s time you get to experience this too and taste the freshest seafood, the highest-quality meats, and all the local & sustainable produce. 

Situated in Tahoe City, Sunnyside is known for legendary brunch as well as its beautiful party deck that can accommodate your guests from lunch until dinner. 

I have fond memories of being woken up early to drive around the lake for brunch at Sunnyside. It was about an hour and half from our home directly across the lake in Zephyr Cove. I still remember sleeping on the floor in the backseat of our car – this was back when you could actually do that with your kids. I know, I know I even drank from a garden hose back then and totally survived. The memory of waking up from my little spot with the lake on our right as we arrived at Sunnyside is still etched in my mind.

This restaurant has been a landmark since the 1950s, so it is worth trying to get a table out on the deck, especially since the view looking towards the east shore is epic.

You can also stay at Sunnyside so you can enjoy more of the wonders it has to offer. Read About It.