South Lake Tahoe Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in South Lake Tahoe

April 14, 2018 Vergie Nakamoto

South Lake Tahoe is the only destination in the country that combines two strikingly different worlds: The spectacular beauty of a national park, and all the desirable amenities of a world-class resort. Here you can enjoy a full range of exhilarating outdoor activities – from skiing and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and sledding to hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and golf - alongside the excitement of 24-hour nightclubs, fine dining, gaming and entertainment.
Things to do in South Lake Tahoe

1. Evan's American Gourmet Cafe

536 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-6507 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night SGD 26 - SGD 52 +1 530-542-1990
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 437 reviews

Evan's American Gourmet Cafe

Reviewed By vakamalua - reston, va

We chose Evans to celebrate a special anniversary--Big Mistake. We informed them of the occasion at the time of the phone reservation and again when we reconfirmed the reservation. By the time dessert was ending, the hostess brought the check and my husband reminded her that it was our special anniversary. Her unapologetic reply was: "Well, I didn't take your reservation and besides, we wouldn't have done much of anything anyway."

The food was very good, although woefully overpriced. The service through dinner was good not great.

2. Getaway Cafe

3140 US Highway 50, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-9214 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Mexican, Fusion, American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch SGD 13 - SGD 33 +1 530-577-5132
Excellent
68%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 159 reviews

Getaway Cafe

The Getaway Cafe serves alpine comfort cuisine just a short distance from your favorite outdoor activities in South Lake Tahoe.

Reviewed By Jerry Z - Camillus, New York

Great little restaurant with an excellent menu. Not just your eggs and bacon place. Biscuits and gravy with egg and bacon was one of the best. Excellent gravy. The hangover was nice and spicy. Great service. Always refilling coffee and waters. I would go back...MoreHi Jerry! Thank you very much for your thoughtful review. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed your food and service. We hope you get the chance to come see us again soon! Best wishes, Diane

3. Sprouts

3123 Harrison Ave, Corner Of Alameda Avenue & Highway 50, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-7925 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 530-541-6969
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 583 reviews

Sprouts

Reviewed By greenham01 - San Jose, California

Friend's daughter was raving about this place for sandwiches, and took us here for lunch when we were in this area.

Large portions, especially their salads! Sandwiches were tasty, as they were healthy, and they had "interesting" drinks - like kale infused smoothie or something like that. I wouldn't say this would be my go to sandwich place, but for healthy food, quite good.

4. Driftwood Cafe

1001 Heavenly Village Way, Ste 1A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-7068 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 530-544-6545
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Driftwood Cafe

Reviewed By Robin F

Really good breakfast venue with great staff. The food is very tasty, reasonably priced and good portion sizes. We will definitely be back before we leave...

5. Cafe Fiore

1169 Ski Run Blvd Ste 5, CA 96150-9011 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol Italian, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Late Night SGD 41 - SGD 52 +1 530-541-2908
Excellent
76%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 337 reviews

Cafe Fiore

Reviewed By Michaela - El Dorado Hills, CA

We had another fabulous meal at Cafe Fiore. This was the first time ever that we had to sit outside on their deck. I was a bit nervous about that as the weather was changing, but it was lovely. The deck is fully covered and there are heaters if necessary, but they were not needed.

This visit the four of us split first and main courses. We each picked a pasta and split it, and then we all split the fish. One couple had their (justifiably praised) swordfish, and one couple had the halibut special. The waiter suggested we have them prepare the halibut in the same manner and sauce as they do their swordfish, and both entrees were delicious! Most importantly we did not leave half of our fish on the plate because of all of the food.

Cafe Fiore is very flexible. If you want half portions, or if you want half a portion of fish, and let's say, half a portion of meat or chicken, they will happily do their very best to accommodate, and they actually seem to encourage you to order exactly what you would like.

Their garlic bread and the vegetable sides that come with the entrees are wonderful! I especially love their carrot puree - out of this world!

We are not big dessert eaters but we can not leave this restaurant without having their white chocolate ice cream that is made in house. It bests many gelatos I have had around the world. One order with 4 spoons was plenty for us after that large meal. The ice cream comes with berries and the combo is perfect and the portion is large.

Service is always top notch here as well. We have been enjoying Cafe Fiore for decades now and the quality of food and service never changes ..consistently great!

6. Base Camp Pizza Co.

1001 Heavenly Village Way Ste 25A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-6983 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Bar, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 7 - SGD 33 +1 530-544-2273
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Base Camp Pizza Co.

Established in 2012, this is the third restaurant for the Tahoe Restaurant Group. The two established restaurants are Fireside Pizza at Squaw Valley ski resort and Rubicon Pizza at Northstar ski resort. Headed by Ted Kennedy and Marc Vaccaro, the company is commited to a relaxed, family atmosphere with great food. All locations have games for the kids to play while they are waiting for their food.Base Camp Pizza Co. is the brainchild of long time friends Ray Villaman and Ted Kennedy. Ray is a 20 year restaurant veteran including - California Pizza Kitchen, Boston Market, the California Restaurant Association and even a short time as President of Blimpies.Come by and try some of our signature dishes: Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Smokey BBQ Chicken Pizza, Thai Chicken Curry Pizza, Italian Herb Shrimp Penne, and our signature Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs

Reviewed By Ayresfam

Fast, friendly and good! Hot wings are great! Not soggy...soggy wings are just gross! Pizza is great and I love the different kinds to pick from. Bloody Mary's ... a must

7. California Burger Co

1001 Heavenly Village Way, Suite 2B, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-7068 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 530-314-8404
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 381 reviews

California Burger Co

Reviewed By Mastamm52 - Hollywood, Maryland

Lots of people coming and going with tables always filling right up after a party leaves. Friendly hostesses and wait staff; bartender personally delivered the mixed drinks. Terrific burgers and side options ... Decent selection of beer. Would recommend and it is in an easy get to location.

8. Jimmy's at The Landing Resort & Spa

4104 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-6915 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Valet Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Highchairs Available American, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 20 - SGD 79 +1 530-600-3501
Excellent
68%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 508 reviews

Jimmy's at The Landing Resort & Spa

Jimmy's Restaurant ushers in a new era of dining in South Lake Tahoe. Wood-fired Greek and regional California cuisine is prepared to perfection by our classically trained chef. Menus feature the freshest seafood, seasonal vegetables and locally-sourced ingredients. Jimmy's distinctive interior features several private dining alcoves - each with its own fireplace. Four additional firepits invite guests to linger on the patio. In-room dining is also available for hotel guests. An extensive wine list will move even the most seasoned connoisseur. Assisted by the knowledgeable sommelier, guests will find the perfect pairing for their dining experience. Try a signature Ouzo cocktail while relaxing at the impressive onyx bar in Jimmy's Lounge.

Reviewed By L H - Chicago, Illinois

Average. Decent Caprese salad, the wedge is unwieldy, with dressing only on the outermost leaves. Fish special uninspired, risotto a bit gluey with acrid flavors. Decent wine list, nice ambiance, limited ground-floor view of the lake. About a 15-minute walk from Heavenly Village.

9. My Thai Cuisine

2108 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-6405 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 13 - SGD 33 +1 530-544-3232
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 336 reviews

My Thai Cuisine

NEW OWNERSHIP, BETTER SERVICE, GREAT AUTHENTIC FOOD....

Reviewed By 389tonyn - Ashland, Oregon

I wanted to like this restaurant better than I did, but the food was just very average. Nothing special. I guess it should have been a warning that the menu was a combination of Asian cuisines.

It was also disappointing to ask for two spicy dishes to be served spicy and have them to toned down. I guess we should have asked for "Thai hot". It's a fine place, and if you have a hankering for Thai food, it might scratch the itch.

10. Nephele's

1169 Ski Run Blvd, Suite 6, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-8522 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner +1 530-544-8130
Excellent
60%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 227 reviews

Nephele's

Nephele's has been a local favorite since 1977. We specialize in fresh fish and fresh game as well as seasonal specialties. Check out our full service bar and extensive wine list!

Reviewed By Kenipela - Alturas, California

My husband and I dined here one quiet Saturday in October and had a great experience. We started in the bar with drinks, then were seated when we asked (early). We had a delicious appetizer before dinner that involved cream cheese, andoulle sausage, and a sweet sauce. For dinner I chose the charred sirloin with the cognac peppercorn sauce. It came with sauteed vegies and everything was fabulous! My husband had the hangar steak with chimichurri sauce on the side and he enjoyed it very much. We were too full for dessert, but they sounded wonderful. We will stop by again next trip!

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