Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in North Lake Tahoe

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

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!

Smoke Door - Lake Tahoe Saryo

4.9

4.9 (142)

$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.smokedoor@gmail.com.

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

Top review

Scott

Dined on Sep 29, 2024

Absolutely amazing experience. We had the 10 course menu option, the chef did an amazing job of creating and blending flavor profiles. Their interpretation of avocado toast was the standout of the meal. For the price, the service was spot on and all staff that touched our table was well versed in the menu that we were served. It was a memorable dining experience.

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Experience

A La Carté Bar Menu

Wolfdale's Cuisine Unique

4.8

4.8 (1382)

$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

Loring

Dined 6 days ago

Over decades, consistent, delicious, always something new and inviting, with warm yet professional service. THE BEST

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Popular dish

Red Thai Seafood Stew

Popular dish

Braised Lamb Shank

Duke's - Casino Fandango

4.8

4.8 (128)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

It was our first time eating at Duke’s. The food was excellent, and the service was very good. My filet was cooked exactly as requested and the side dishes were tasty. It was our anniversary and they even surprised us with a Happy Anniversary crème brûlée and chocolate truffles. Overall, very good experience and we will definitely return.

Christy Hill

4.8

4.8 (2198)

$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

Rusty

Dined 1 day ago

The tasting menu was perfection. The restaurant never disappoints. Our guests were impressed by the presentation and view.

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Experience

New Years Eve 2025 - Seating One

Crystal Bay Steak & Lobster

4.6

4.6 (86)

$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

Stephen

Dined 7 days ago

For the money, this is the best steakhouse on the north shore of the lake. It would be nice if they had a wider selection of sides but we always enjoy it and always go back.

Le Bistro Tahoe

4.6

4.6 (723)

$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

Betty

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Probably the best Chilean Seabass, I’ve ever had! Dave did it again! We just love going there!

Spindleshanks

4.6

4.6 (89)

$30 and under

American

Kings Beach

About the restaurant

Spindleshanks American Bistro and Wine Bar represents the best of both old and new Lake Tahoe. Opened in 2000 by partners Steve Marks and Harman Schuchmann, the restaurant has become a Tahoe Vista institution in a short amount of time. By offering regional American cuisine and a variety of wines in a casual atmosphere, the pair created a dining experience that caters to both large families and couples seeking a romantic evening.

Top review

Korey

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

The food was beyond fantastic! Our waiter was excellent and very attentive.

Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (4690)

$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

Renee

Dined 4 days ago

This is a favorite of ours for celebrating birthdays and special occasions. They are a little pricey but the food never disappoints.

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Popular dish

Shrimp & Lobster Bisque

Popular dish

Lobster Deviled Eggs

Big Water Grille

4.6

4.6 (1262)

$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

Vonny

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent server, curly hair and a mustache, absolutely on the ball! The chef is excellent too, I had the pork chop with mango chutney, melted in my mouth, such a tender piece of meat, wow! My husband had the filet and said the same thing,. Our experience was the best, thank you and keep up the great experience.

Chambers Landing Bar & Grill

4.6

4.6 (110)

$31 to $50

American

Homewood

About the restaurant

Where modern elegance and rustic Tahoe charm, align. Enjoy an open air unparalleled lakefront dining experience! Choose from three different menus. Lunch and dinner are two separate services offered in the restaurant. Poke on the Pier is served dockside. Checkout the oldest bar on the lake and try the famous Chambers Crush- our signature fruity frozen rum cocktail!

Top review

Kathryn

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Great restaurant with a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe!

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