There’s nothing like soaking in a beautiful Tahoe sunset while dining lakeside – whether it’s summer or early fall seated al fresco, or cozied up in the winter months with a glass of wine or hot toddy by the fire. Here are our top three picks for Tahoe’s best lakefront eats.
Christy Hill
Situated just 100 feet above the waters of Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City, Christy Hill is a charming spot, perfect for a romantic outing. If you’re looking for the quintessential lakefront restaurant that offers an intimate ambiance, look no further. Christy Hill’s focus on upscale locally sourced modern American dining has set it apart for years. Enjoy the Seared Foie Gras Pain Perdu with Vanilla Bean Caramelized Apples, Honey Braised Endive, Brandy Huckleberry Gastrique with a notable California wine from vineyards like Robert Mondavi Vineyards, Paradigm and Joseph Phelps.
West Shore Café & Inn
The West Shore Café is a taste of Old Tahoe Charm on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, located in Homewood, south of Tahoe City. The original West Shore Café stood alone as a casual pier pitstop with classic café eats like burgers and salads – a place to see and be seen in the high summer months. Now moreso an upscale summer and winter restaurant and inn, the West Shore Café focuses on fresh California cuisine sourced by local organic farmers, and sustainable practices.
With floor to ceiling windows West Shore Café is a stunning choice for special occasions, large groups; and in the summer a chance to sit on the pier and deck at water’s edge – pull your boat right up and grab a cool drink.
Gar Woods Grill & Pier
Let’s be honest: we selected Gar Woods in Carnelian Bay along the North Shore because a Tahoe vacation – no matter if it’s your first or fiftieth – needs to include the world-famous Wet Woody. The Wet Woody has been on the menu for thirty years, and still a sweet, slushy favorite for locals and tourists alike. “Drive ‘em hard and put them away Wet” is in reference to Carnelian Bay as a popular wooden boat racing spot in the 1930s and 1940s.
A larger restaurant with a cozy fireplace bar (a wintertime fave!) Gar Woods has an upstairs banquet space perfect for events and larger parties, and of course there’s the pier and deck seating that remains ultra-packed in the summer time. Though worth the wait if you’re craving The Stiffest Wet Woody of them all ...