This Winter marked by first Winter Tahoe trip in my five years of living in San Francisco. I know that’s hard to believe, seeing as I’ve done other ski trips to Aspen and Park City. After years of waiting, I finally had a fabulous four-day weekend in Tahoe. I spent two days in the Tahoe City area with a friend and “winter ski bunny” Daisy. Like me, Daisy lives in San Francisco, but she spends as many days as she can in Tahoe skiing and enjoying the amazing atmosphere during the winter months. Below is my Tahoe Dining Guide, composed of some of the amazing spots Daisy recommended we visit during my 48 hours in the Tahoe City area!

Curious what other Lake Tahoe Guides I have check out a few more below too:e Best Restaurants in Truckee, Lake Tahoe

The Best Restaurants in Truckee

Downtown Truckee Shopping Guide

The Best Burgers in Lake Tahoe

 

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Bridgetender Tavern and Grill

First on my Tahoe Dining Guide is Bridgetender Tavern and Grill. This is an amazing Lake Tahoe restaurant with riverfront outdoor patio dining that offers the best burgers and cocktails. I love it all here: the delicious food, the beautiful ambiance, and the friendly staff. 65 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar

Another Lake Tahoe gem I adore is Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar. This has some of the best views in Truckee so not only are you enjoying fabulous cocktails and yummy eats but you’re also enjoying views of downtown Truckee while dining. They also have a fabulous brunch offered on Saturday & Sunday which I’ve heard (I have yet to visit it’s on my bucket list) is amazing! Their burger is also one of the BEST Burgers in Tahoe which I highly recommend with a side of Truffle Fries. You’re welcome! 10142 Rue Hilltop, Truckee, CA 96161

Winter Packing 

I’m frequently asked what to pack for a trip. Check out my Winter Packing Guide below.   This is constantly evolving throughout various seasons so take a look back in another season to see what I share! 

Drunken Monkey Sushi

In need of a great sushi spot? Drunken Monkey Sushi is the one I have to include in my Truckee Dining Guide. Of course, I’m a sucker for a good California roll, but all of their other rolls and nigiri are spectacular as well. Also, their noodle bowls are the best to warm up on a chilly day in Truckee. 11253 Brockway Rd Suite #105, Truckee, CA 96161

Fire Sign Cafe

The Fire Sign Cafe is another must-try brunch spot. Expect to wait, as this is one of the most popular brunch spots in Tahoe. I have not had the chance to dine here but it comes highly recommended, so I’m sure it’s fabulous! 1785 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145.

Last Chair Bar

If you’re skiing at Squaw Alpine, you can start your après ski festivities right off the mountain by hitting the Last Chair Bar! Nothing like a perfect brew to close out a fabulous day on the slopes. 2600 Alpine Meadows Rd, Alpine Meadows, CA 96146.

Manzanita, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

For my first summer trip to Tahoe, I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoeand was blown away by the entire hotel and their amazing restaurants. Read about my stay at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Lake TAhoe here. During my more recent winter trip to Tahoe, I returned to dine at The Manzanita Restaurant and once again loved my experience. Everything from the service and amazing food, to the stunning hotel was perfection. This is one of the most amazing luxury culinary destinations in North Tahoe, which I highly recommend you experience during a Tahoe getaway. 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee, CA 96161

Pianeta

Next up in my Truckee Dining Guide: Pianeta. Pianeta is the perfect restaurant to dine at when you’re in the mood for some classic Italian food and a slightly nicer restaurant than other casual recommendations. 10096 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

River Grill

Another must-try spot is The River House where people line up at the door to snag bar seats when they open at 5pm. During my 480-hour visit to Tahoe City, my friend and local guide Daisy said this is a super fun happy hour spot we must try. She was spot on. We had a drink or two here before our next stop for dinner at Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge. 55 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145.

Cheers to this fun happy hour and fire pit views at River Grill & Bar.

Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge

Whether you’re visiting Tahoe in the Summer or the Winter, Sunnyside is always a hot spot. For winter visits this is the hot spot on Friday evenings (at least it was when I visited). I’ve dined on both sides, the more formal restaurant, and the more casual bar and they’re both great! The bar has live music on Fridays and a nice chill vibe which after a long day of skiing was just what we were looking for during our visit. 1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145. 

The Dam Cafe

This is a great spot for a quick bite to go while heading to Ski at Squaw Valley Alpine. The veggie breakfast burrito was delicious and the perfect meal to give me plenty of energy for a few hours of skiing. 55 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145

The Slot Bar

One of the coolest dive-bars I had the pleasure of visiting during my weekend in Tahoe was The Slot Bar. Located in Olympic Valley/Squaw Village, this is a secret gem. Don’t tell too many people about this spot, it’s a local secret! Olympic Valley, CA 96146