Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Tahoe / Reno Area

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Tahoe / Reno Area? 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!

Duke's - Legends Bay Casino

4.8

4.8 (287)

$31 to $50

Steak

Sparks

About the restaurant

Duke’s is known for its exceptional prime US steaks and an incomparable wine cellar. Our Carson City location has been named “Best Steak” year after year in the Nevada Appeal Best Of poll. At Duke’s, you can dine your style—in the intimate restaurant, at the energetic bar and lounge, or fireside in the private dining room. We can also accommodate special events. Duke’s takes details to the next level. Enter through an arched portal with hand glazed tile. Admire our wine collection, artfully tucked into the walls. And if you think that sounds special, wait until you try the food.
The knowledgeable staff at Duke’s can recommend the perfect wine and cocktail pairings to make your meal magnificent. When it comes to entrees, our chefs and servers all have their favorites…from the Chilean sea bass baked en papillote, to the amazing braised short rib, to our Steak Diane. Find your favorite but save room for dessert!

Top review

Denise

Dined 1 day ago

The food is Chef prepared. Bread, soup and salad dressings are all made in house. Friendly staff, informed waiters and waitress. Very good wine and cocktail menu as well. You won’t be disappointed!

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 on Jun 26, 2025

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

La Strada - Reno Eldorado Resort Casino

4.7

4.7 (3666)

$30 and under

Italian

Reno

About the restaurant

Named one of the top 10 Italian restaurants in the nation, La Strada offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine prepared by chefs from Milan, Italy. Try pastas made fresh daily in the Eldorado pasta shop, meat, seafood entrées and more.

La Strada has won the Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence" for six years. Experience the taste and romance of Italy at the Eldorado’s signature restaurant.

Top review

Tracey

Dined 2 days ago

We had an amazing night of great service, excellent food, and fun times. Lia W was an exceptional server and made our night, one to remember!

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Wolfdale's Cuisine Unique

4.7

4.7 (1454)

$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

TadVIP

Dined 1 day ago

This is our favorite high-end restaurant at lake Tahoe. The food was excellent and inventive. The service was great and my wife wanted a cookbook try some of the recipes at home.

The Loft - Tahoe

4.7

4.7 (705)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Stateline

About the restaurant

The Loft Live Theatre-Lounge-Dining located in the vibrant Heavenly Village of South Lake Tahoe, California. We are an American Tapas/Small Plates restaurant featuring a sampling of unique dishes from around the world. All of our offerings are made in house, using the freshest high quality ingredients. Our Chef/Owner is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and also a Certified Sommelier. Join us daily for great food, outstanding wines and the best craft cocktails in town.

Top review

Charles

Dined 3 days ago

Loved the Tapas options which allowed us to try several different things. We also attended the Magic show after and enjoyed that also.

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4.7

4.7 (764)

$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

PeteVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Always a favorite- the food and service never disappoints.

Big Water Grille

4.6

4.6 (1296)

$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

J Paul's Italian Steakhouse

4.6

4.6 (300)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Reno

About the restaurant

Experience the art of a contemporary, Italian-inspired Steakhouse in an art-inspired setting. You'll be able to view our chefs in our showcase kitchen preparing your meals. Featuring a Dry Age and Prime Meat Program, fresh seafood, and handmade pasta. With our Craft Cocktail Program and worldly wine list, there is sure to be something for everyone. Finish your culinary experience with our Edible Art or Chocolate Cigar.

Reservations recommended.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

Both of our entrees were very good, but the Beet Salad, and the Almond Polenta that came with the duck special, were excellent. The service is also very good.

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Popular dish

Bison Filet Mignon

PlumpJack Cafe Olympic Valley

4.5

4.5 (698)

$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

AudreyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

My parents and my husband and I made a dinner reservation to celebrate our collective 95 years of marriage. We had dined at Plumpjack two years ago for the same reason and had such a delightful experience we opted to go back this summer. We were greeted warmly and shown a window table. Our server was professional as well as down to earth. The menu and wine list were excellent and diverse, and our server helped us with our wine selection. The food was beautifully plated and truly delicious. As part-timers on River Road since 1978, we have been fans of Plumpjack since it opened in Olympic Valley, when we’d drop by the bar for a burger or a beer and Niners viewing or apres-ski snack. Plumpjack has always been here for us!

Saltgrass Steak House - Lake Tahoe

4.4

4.4 (85)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Stateline

About the restaurant

Saltgrass is an award-winning steakhouse famous for its delectable Angus beef steaks where each is char-grilled on an open flame, seasoned with Saltgrass 7-steak spice, and topped with fresh garlic butter for mouthwatering flavor. The menu features an array of fresh seafood, chicken, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more, with favorites such as Bone-in Ribeye, Double-Bone Pork Chops, Salmon Oscar, and Country Fried Steak. Great food and legendary hospitality make Saltgrass an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Top review

Diane

Dined on Jun 29, 2025

We sat outside with live music playing. Great weather in Tahoe! Great place for dinner before going to a concert.

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