Savor the Sierra

Gone are the days when ski towns were home to only burger and pizza joints. It’s a new era. Lake Tahoe has become a culinary hotspot, and from American classics to inspired cuisine, South Lake Tahoe restaurants run the gamut.

So satisfy your craving or wet your whistle, here is an overview of South Lake Tahoe restaurants:

Reserve a table at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen restaurant in Harveys Casino and treat yourself to some famous flavors; the celebrity chef’s signature dishes of Beef Wellington, Pan Seared Scallops, and Sticky Toffee Pudding are featured on the menu at this brand new Lake Tahoe restaurant. Make your reservation well in advance! The guestlist for this illustrious restaurant is often stacked.

Indulge in the finest fare at Ciera Steak and Chophouse located in MontBleu Casino at Stateline. This high end restaurant offers delectable steaks and seafood, and has a selection of over 300 international wines to pair with your meal. A South Lake staple since 1947, the Sage Room in Harveys Casino is also perfect for an elegant evening. Enjoy steaks, seafood, and classic cuisine. Save room for desert and impress your date with a flaming banana foster or cherry jubilee prepared tableside.

Swap salutations at the Lucky Beaver in downtown Stateline. Renowned for their juicy burgers, curly fries, and lively atmosphere, this 24hr restaurant will satisfy your tastebuds whenever your stomach starts growling.

Watch the sunset over Lake Tahoe while savoring a five-star meal. South Lake Tahoe is home to several restaurants with views of the lake and each offers superb fare. Reserve a table at Jimmy’s Restaurant at the Landing and sample exquisite California cuisine prepared by top-notch chefs. With an outside patio and lakeside location, the views are just as stunning as the plates. 

Perfect for celebrations, Riva Grill at Ski Run Marina offers waterfront patio seating and an expansive menu and dining room. With classic dishes such as lobster bisque and seared scallops, you’ll have an unforgettable dining experience. Craving hearty, mountain fare with your lakeview? Head over to the Beacon Bar and Grill at Camp Richardson for mouth-watering fish n’ chips and burgers. Make sure to sample a Rum Runner, the Beacon’s famous beverage. However, you might have to hail a boat taxi home – these cocktails pack a punch!

Come together for a sushi dinner in South Lake Tahoe. With a number of Japanese restaurants, the hard part is choosing which one suits your style. Kalani’s in the Heavenly Village offers Hawaiin-fusion sushi and entrees prepared with only the finest ingredients. Off-The-Hook Sushi and the Naked Fish vie for locals’ top choice, and while the competition has yet to be decided, both restaurants offer a fantastic happy hour menu. 

When you’re craving a quieter corner, head to one of these secret-stash-spots in South Lake Tahoe: 

Primo’s Italian Bistro, family-owned since 1962, is renowned for their housemade pasta dishes and Italian wines. With limited seating and a cozy atmosphere, Primo’s is a hidden gem that few travelers experience. Make sure to reserve your table in advance! This charming Italian eatery fills up fast.

After a long day in the backcountry, nothing is better than a greasy burger and a frosty beer. Luckily, Lake Tahoe restaurants offer options aplenty to fill your stomach after a full day of adventure. 

Lounge at AleworX and enjoy locally-crafted beer from their self-pour rotating handles. With two locations on the south shore, AleworX has dining patios with firepits and is dog-friendly. Serving artisanal pizzas, healthy appetizers, and nightly, live music, AleworX is a go-to for locals and visitors alike. 

Emerald Bay Bar and Grill has some of the best pub fare in town and is a local watering-hole with bluegrass bands serving up tunes hot on Friday nights. Here, you’ll befriend ski-bums while savoring a charred burger, crispy chicken wings, or their famous $2.00 tacos. Evenings at Emerald Bay Bar and Grill often end with salutes and riveting tales from the ski slopes. 

Located at the Y on the outskirts of South Lake Tahoe, Verde Mexican Rotisserie is celebrated for their mouth-watering Mexican cuisine with a California twist. When you catch a whiff of their rotisserie chicken and tri-tip, you’ll understand why. Additionally, Verde serves out-of-this-world vegetarian fare; the Verde Burrito with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans is a must-try!