Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in North Lake Tahoe

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in North Lake Tahoe? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Christy Hill

4.9

4.9 (2262)

$50 and over

Californian

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

A memorable dining experience awaits you as you enter the Christy Hill Restaurant in the center of Tahoe City. The restaurant sits on the shoreline of Lake Tahoe on an elevated embankment offering diners a panoramic vista. The intimate setting offers guests a view that is only upstaged by the cuisine, wine and service. Spectacular sunsets that can be seen from every table is just one of the many reasons that Christy Hill was voted "Most Romantic Restaurant" and "North Lake Tahoe's Iconic Restaurants with World-Class Views" by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Executive Chef, Luis Vallin, focuses on sustainability and innovation, supporting local merchants and farmers. The thoughtful and playful menu pays homage to the tradition of Christy Hill while continuing to uplift and propel the cuisine and restaurant into exciting new territory.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding. Far and away the best meal we’ve had in a long time. Christy Hill was recommended to us by a top chef who worked in area restaurants for 13 years — and he was right. Beautiful setting, lovely presentation, and absolutely delicious. Toques off to the Christy Hill chef and staff!

Smoke Door - Lake Tahoe Saryo

4.9

4.9 (194)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kings Beach

About the restaurant

Smoke Door Lake Tahoe Saryo is a Japanese-inspired restaurant using primitive wildfire cooking methods highlighting seasonal ingredients from Japan and the Tahoe region.

Our Executive Chef, Tyler Burges, hails from notable restaurants such as Michael Mina, Angler, and the esteemed Saison and is driven by seasonality and innovation.
Nestled in the breathtaking surroundings of Lake Tahoe, it offers an unforgettable dining experience with views of the open kitchen and wood-burning hearth.

Please note, we are unable to accommodate vegans or celiacs within our restaurant. If you have any specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or aversions please contact us via email at info@smokedoorsaryo.com

**We are unable to accommodate any children under the age of 10 within our restaurant.**

Top review

Kourtney

Dined 3 days ago

Top to bottom one of the best fine dining experiences we’ve had in a while. We opted for the a la carte seating at the bar and it’s debatably the best seat in the house (5 of their total 31 seats). The Toyosu fish of the day to start was divine and a great lead to the rest of the meal. We placed the entire order at the beginning and they coursed it out for us as great pairings of 2 or so items. The explanation that came as each dish (and cocktail) was presented was very informative and curated, and added that extra level of hospitality that goes beyond just “food service.” We were able to chat with the Chef as he worked on what felt like 100 plates without losing focus, and the communication and efficiency between the entire staff was on full display!

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Experience

10 Course Harvest Menu

Experience

6 Course Tasting Menu

Experience

A La Carte Bar Menu

Wolfdale's Cuisine Unique

4.8

4.8 (1422)

$31 to $50

Californian

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

North Lake Tahoe’s premiere restaurant and popular bar is celebrating 41 years of exceptional service. As a family-run business, Wolfdale’s provides lakeview dining with a warm ambiance, and uses 'Cuisine Unique' to describe the fresh and simple aesthetic of each dish. Since opening in 1978, Chef Douglas Dale has developed a fusion style of California and Asian influences that is present throughout the menu. Wolfdale's accommodates gluten-free and vegan guests.

Top review

OreneVIP

Dined on Mar 1, 2025

The menu was inventive with so many good choices. Everyone loved their meals. This is the best restaurant in the Tahoe City area.

The Dining Room @ Village Lodge - Sugar Bowl Resort

4.8

4.8 (28)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Truckee

About the restaurant

Fine dining with a view, enjoy Bay Area-inspired California cuisine in a classic high-alpine Lodge. An oversize wood-burning fireplace greets you, while you take in beautiful photos depicting the history of Donner Summit, on your way to a meal you won't soon forget. Featuring fine dining selections such as Scottish seared salmon, elk tenderloin and vegetarian penne pasta, complete with an extensive wine selection to perfectly complement the experience.

Arriving at The Dining Room:
Your experience begins with a complimentary gondola ride from the free parking at The Village Gondola. Glide effortlessly through the air, taking in breathtaking views as you’re whisked away to the charming Village Lodge. Here, nestled slopeside and just steps from the Mt. Disney Express Lift, The Dining Room awaits—promising a memorable blend of refined dining and alpine allure.

Top review

AshleyVIP

Dined on Feb 20, 2025

Loved taking the gondola to dinner, plus, they have good food and cocktails, and service. Also, they brought the kids’ food first, which is a huge win!

Duke's - Casino Fandango

4.8

4.8 (176)

$31 to $50

American

Carson City

About the restaurant

At Duke's, savor spectacular USDA Prime beef prepared to perfection while enjoying our extensive wine selection. The elegant ambience and extraordinary service is yet another reason Duke's is recognized as one of Northern Nevada's premier restaurants and was voted BEST Steakhouse in Carson City.

Top review

Gregory

Dined 2 days ago

Food was amazing by the best part of our dinner was Ron our amazing server, I will go back just for him!

Crystal Bay Steak & Lobster

4.7

4.7 (102)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Incline Village

About the restaurant

The Crystal Bay Casino and New Chef Travis Kroell cordially invite you and guests to dine with us at the famous Steak & Lobster House. Set in a cozy Victorian Style dining room, experience great food and accompanying a playlist of vintage music. Enjoy a variety of USDA Certified Angus Beef Steaks, Huge Maine Lobsters and a great selection of Sides, Sauces and Appetizers. Choose from a massive variety of wines from all over the world or enjoy our elegant full bar.

Top review

Margaret

Dined on Mar 3, 2025

Prime rib epecia L was one of the best meals we had all week!

Le Bistro Tahoe

4.7

4.7 (747)

$50 and over

French American

Incline Village

About the restaurant

Fine dining, craft cocktails,excellent wine list in a cozy back street location with patio dining. Incline Village Lake Tahoe. Perfect for date night or special occasions.
Soup of the day,Lobster Bisque, Oysters, Foie Gras, Gnocchi, Escargot, Ratatouille, Filet Mignon, Lamb , Duck , Chicken, Fresh Fish, Pork, Veal.
A la carte menu
Thank You

Top review

brianVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent food and service. We’d recommend it to anyone.

River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (1081)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

Located on the banks of the Truckee River between Truckee and Tahoe City, this rustic old Tahoe lodge has been a Tahoe dining favorite for many, many years. Choose between a cozy table in our Alpine Dining Room or along the river in our River View Dining Room. In the summer, dine on our patio that overlooks the river. Enjoy great food and drink that is creative and interesting while being delicious and familiar. The menu changes seasonally to ensure use of the most available sustainable, fresh ingredients.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Mar 1, 2025

We had a wonderful dinner! The food was amazing. The ambience is awesome so fun. Right on the river our table looked over a small river with rapids! Fun bar. Would highly recommend.

Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (4758)

$31 to $50

Californian

Carnelian Bay

About the restaurant

For 36 years Gar Woods Grill and Pier has been the premier waterfront dining destination in North Lake Tahoe. Floor-to-ceiling windows, large deck and balconies provide breath-taking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. Gar Woods Grill and Pier is an upscale casual restaurant that accommodates groups of 160 just as easily as groups of two. Our Chef has created a menu highlighting California cuisine, hand cut steaks and fresh Pacific seafood, served in a fun-in-the-sun atmosphere. The wine list is a collection of best-known California vintners featuring more than a dozen wines by the glass. Enjoy the waterfront deck while sipping on Gar Woods world famous Wet Woody®. With nearly four million sold, you will be in good company! Or thaw out with a Warm Woody or a Heavenly Bottom. Lake Tahoe sunsets are our specialty.
Service dogs/bunnies/parrots welcome- with appropriate credentials under the ADA.

Top review

AnaV

Dined 3 days ago

Love Garwoods. Have been visiting for many years! First time was in 1996

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Popular dish

Shrimp & Lobster Bisque

Popular dish

Lobster Deviled Eggs

Big Water Grille

4.5

4.5 (1288)

$31 to $50

Californian

Incline Village

About the restaurant

Nestled in the mountains of the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, the Big Water Grille has spectacular panoramic lake views that are among the best around. Our Chefs are impressing diners with his fresh/seasonal menu. Join us for a martini in the lounge, a glass of wine on the deck or a fine dining experience in the dining room. Choose from our craft cocktails or extensive wine list from around the world.

Top review

Jeff

Dined 1 day ago

Service and food was outstanding. All guests enjoyed the experience.

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Popular dish

Schat's Flourless Chocolate Torte

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