Best South Lake Tahoe restaurants to visit now

Open for: Dinner
Reservations: Recommended
Find it: Edgewood Restaurant, 180 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV 89449; 888-769-1924

Even if it didn’t have a view, Edgewood Restaurant at Edgewood Tahoe Resort would still be one of the best dining experiences in Lake Tahoe. But it does have a view. And, wow, is it spectacular. The dining room is terraced, ensuring that every table enjoys a panoramic vista of the mountains and Lake Tahoe through floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu is no less impressive. Dishes include a mustard-crusted steelhead appetizer presented with flourish underneath a smoking dome; a creamy heirloom tomato brulee salad; and perfectly-prepared entrees like elk, steak, seafood and eggplant. 

If you had a more casual meal in mind or crave something earlier in the day, Edgewood Tahoe Resort is home to two more restaurants with a view: Bistro Edgewood at the main lodge and Brook’s Bar and Deck on the golf course. Both offer indoor and outdoor dining.

Open for: Lunch through dinner
Reservations: Not available; wait list at the door 
Find it: Base Camp Pizza Co., 1001 Heavenly Village Way #25A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-544-2273

If a slice of pizza sounds like just the thing to hit the spot after a day on the slopes or hiking trails, head to Base Camp Pizza Co. Located in Heavenly Village, Base Camp specializes in gourmet pies, offering traditional styles like pepperoni alongside creative options like Thai chicken curry or pear gorgonzola. Gluten-free pizza crust is also available. Excellent food, live music throughout the day and an inviting outdoor patio make this one of the most popular restaurants in South Lake Tahoe.

Maggie’s Restaurant is located on the third floor of Desolation Hotel, an upscale micro resort with just 21 suites. The restaurant’s outdoor deck is built around a tall tree, making it feel a bit like a treehouse. Although it only opened in 2022, Maggie’s has already gained a glowing reputation. Brunch consists of elevated takes on comfort food like chicken fried pork belly served on a homemade biscuit or a short rib beni served on a polenta cake with a poached egg and mornay sauce. At dinner, you’ll find impeccably cooked seafood and steaks alongside vegetarian dishes like a flavorful red pepper pesto pasta. Each dish is so perfect and delicious you’ll probably start planning your next visit before the meal is through. 

Open for: Dinner
Reservations: Recommended
Find it: Cafe Fiore, 1169 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-541-2908  

Cafe Fiore looks and feels like it belongs in a fairy tale. The intimate log cabin only holds six tables (although there are a few additional tables on the patio and in the garden when the weather allows). The tables are covered with white tablecloths and the atmosphere is warm and cozy. This, coupled with a location slightly off the beaten path, help make Cafe Fiore a favored special occasion restaurant with locals. The menu focuses on Italian cuisine, made from scratch with local ingredients. Standout dishes include eggplant crepes stuffed with smoked salmon, the capellini bocconcini with fried meatballs and tomato sauce, and the bistecca alla venezia with filet mignon served on toast points and a creamy mustard green peppercorn sauce.

With at least eight cuts of beef including options like wagyu tomahawk and chateaubriand, Ciera Steak and Chophouse, located inside Bally’s Lake Tahoe, is consistently considered the best steakhouse in all of Lake Tahoe. Don’t let that deter you from ordering seafood or vegetarian meals, though. Everything on the menu is prepared with quality ingredients and a tremendous amount of care. (Bally’s says this is the only AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant in Lake Tahoe.) The menu is served a la carte and can get pricey, even without wine, but Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 5-6:30 p.m., three-course prix fixe menus are available for $70 a person. 

Open for: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Reservations: Online waiting list only
Find it: Artemis Lakefront Cafe, 900 Ski Run Blvd Ste. 111, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-542-3332

Located steps away from the water at the Ski Run Marina, the dog-friendly outdoor patio of Artemis Lakefront Cafe is extremely popular in summer. The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine; the pitas and gyros are especially delicious. You’ll also find some classic American pub fare like fried pickles, burgers, and fish and chips on the menu. During peak season, be sure to join the online waiting list so you’ll know how long you’ll have to wait for a table. 

Open for: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Reservations: Not available
Find it: Sprouts Natural Cafe, 3123 Harrison Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-541-6969

Sprouts Natural Cafe began life as a health food store with a small juice bar. Today, the business operates a full-scale restaurant focusing on healthy salads, sandwiches, smoothies and juices. Famous for its fresh ingredients and generous portions, this is the perfect place to order takeout for a picnic on the beach. You’re not likely to find better sandwiches in Lake Tahoe: the Tahoe turkey sandwich with avocado, green chiles and grated carrots is amazing, and the mean green machine smoothie is ideal for breakfast on the go.  

Pro tip: If you’re planning to do takeout, order online in advance so your food will be ready to grab when you arrive. 

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at kristina.moy@hearst.com.