Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in North Lake Tahoe

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion 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!

The Dining Room @ Village Lodge - Sugar Bowl Resort

5.0

5 (34)

$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.

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

charlieVIP

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Wonderful evening with Eric . The chef provided an impeccable experience.

Le Bistro Tahoe

4.8

4.8 (761)

$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

MichaelVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Best place in either incline village or crystal bay by far..

Smoke Door - Lake Tahoe Saryo

4.8

4.8 (232)

$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

Nik

Dined 2 days ago

amazing, best meal we have ever had and best service as well.

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Experience

6 Course Tasting Menu

Experience

Chef’s Counter / A la Carte Menu

Experience

10 Course Harvest Menu

Duke's - Casino Fandango

4.8

4.8 (212)

$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

John

Dined 5 days ago

Great food top notch service great variety of items to choose from

Christy Hill

4.7

4.7 (2315)

$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

RoyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Food was excellent and ambience is great with the view of the lake. Highly recommend it

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Popular dish

Day Boat Scallops

Popular dish

Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

Popular dish

Greek Salad

Wolfdale's Cuisine Unique

4.7

4.7 (1450)

$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

Kristina

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

The service, ambiance and good were just incredible. The fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine was unexpected and delicious! A must try when you are at Lake Tahoe!

Big Water Grille

4.6

4.6 (1295)

$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

Amy

Dined on Jun 17, 2025

Excellent appetizers and fantastic staff! We had a lovely graduation celebration!

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Popular dish

Schat's Flourless Chocolate Torte

PlumpJack Cafe Olympic Valley

4.5

4.5 (697)

$50 and over

American

Olympic Valley / Squaw Valley

About the restaurant

PlumpJack Cafe is widely regarded as Lake Tahoe's premier dining destination. Fine dining and exceptional wines are in our heritage, and we'd love to share our passion with you on your next visit. We offer a complete and unique menu that is sure to satisfy you after a long day in the mountains.
PlumpJack Cafe & Bar hours of operation are Thursday-Monday from 4-9pm. The Bar will be open at 4:00pm for drinks & cocktails, followed by our full dinner menu from 5-9pm. Please note that we may be closed on select dates for special events. Please call 530.583.1578 or check plumpjackcafe.com for the most up to date hours.

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

The service was spectacular! The server and the hostess were both awesome.

Crystal Bay Steak & Lobster

4.5

4.5 (113)

$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

wayneVIP

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

We throughly enjoyed our dining experience here! This is a hidden gem with a great ambience, great service & fabulous food! We highly recommend it!

Sawdust Corner Steakhouse

4.5

4.5 (22)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Virginia City

About the restaurant

Sawdust Corner Steakhouse, located in the heart of Virginia City, NV, offers a refined fine dining experience in a beautifully restored historic building. The rustic yet elegant ambiance, with intimate booths and a welcoming bar area, sets the stage for enjoying premium steaks, fresh seafood, and expertly crafted dishes. Guests can also savor signature cocktails and a fine selection of wines. Virginia City, rich in Old West history, provides the perfect backdrop with its Victorian buildings, historic saloons, museums, and galleries. Visitors can explore old mines, ride the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, or stroll through the picturesque streets. Sawdust Corner Steakhouse is the perfect destination to indulge in exceptional dining and experience the charm and history of this iconic town.

Top review

Sabrina

Dined 3 days ago

We had a reservation for 6:30pm and got there earlier than expected and they had no problem accommodating us. The staff were friendly and attentive. The food was great all around. I definitely got the small town warmth and welcoming. It was a pleasure and a wonderful experience. I definitely recommend this restaurant and visiting Virginia City, NV.

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