The Essential Truckee Dining Guide For a Foodie

Welcome to my Truckee Dining Guide! Truckee California is a great spot to visit for fun in the snow in the winter and beautiful hiking and rafting in the summer. If you find yourself in Truckee anytime soon, make sure to add a few (or all!) of these bars and restaurants to your must-hit list. You also might want to visit to the neighboring Lake Tahoe area. Check out my Lake Tahoe Dining Guide here.

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1882 Bar & Grill

1882 Bar & Grill is a historic local eatery serving BBQ fare. They have a full bar as well as a seasonal deck facing the Truckee River. They have a great happy hour and it’s a perfect spot to hang out in the area. 10009 E River St, Truckee, CA 96161

1882 Bar

Bar of America

Bar of America is a fabulous place to grab lunch or happy hour bites. With excellent cocktails and delicious food, you’ll want to lounge on their sunny patio all day long. 10040 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Bouy and Trap Seafood Market 

Bouy and Trap Seafood Market has the best seafood in the area. This is a must try when visiting Truckee for some delicious eats! 10825 Pioneer Trail STE 100, Truckee, CA 96161

Bouy and Trap

Seafood in Truckee

Photo Courtesy of Bouy and Trap Seafood Market

Casa Baeza

If you’ve been a JSF reader for a while, you know I love Mexican food! So whenever I visit Truckee I make sure to stop in at Casa Baeza. This is a fabulous Mexican restaurant, with delicious margaritas and authentic Mexican food. They also have some great happy hours, so make sure you check them out! The bar scene is super fun and full of locals so our favorite spot to dine is at the bar! 10010 Bridge St, Truckee, CA 96161

Coffeebar Olympic Valley

Coffeebar has a few locations, but I adore their spot in Olympic Valley. They have modern, yummy, and healthy breakfast options and an awesome patio with a view. Stop here and everyone in your group will be satisfied. 1750 Village East Rd Unit 61, Olympic Valley, CA 96146

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!


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

Cottonwoods Truckee CA

Cottonwoods Truckee CA

Cottonwoods Truckee CA

Cottonwoods Truckee CA

Truckee Tavern

Donner Lake Kitchen

Next on my Truckee Dining Guide is Donner Lake Kitchen. I love coming here for breakfast, especially for their delicious Huevos Rancheros. Whether an early breakfast or midday brunch is more your style, this place is sure to hit the spot. 13720 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

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

El Toro Bravo

Of course, my readers know how much I love a good Mexican spot. When in Truckee, you must try El Toro Bravo for some fantastic tacos or delicious carnitas! They have a killer Margarita so be sure to try that. Perfect to refuel after a day of skiing or hiking. 10186 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Fiftyfifty Brewing Co.

Fiftyfifty Brewing Co. is the perfect spot to check out when you’re in need of a fantastic burger and a cold beer. The vibe is casual, yet lively and makes for the best place to sit with your group and re-hash the amazing day you just had in Truckee. 11197 Brockway Rd #1, Truckee, CA 96161

Full Belly Deli

I can say with full confidence that Full Belly Deli has the best sandwiches in Truckee, but don’t take my word for it! Stop in for yourself for a perfect breakfast or lunch. 10825 Pioneer Trail #103 Truckee, NV 96161

Great Gold

This modern American Italian restaurant is one that I kept hearing about for the past year or so. I’d been trying to visit and for one reason or another didn’t get a chance. So you can imagine when I finally got to go how thrilled I was to experience this cool loft-like setting, friendly and attentive service and DELICIOUS Italian food. This is my NEW favorite Italian destination in Truckee hands down.

The quality ingredients of Great Gold’s homemade pasta and pizza toppings are the keys to the freshness of their delicious and flavorful food. They also had a fun wine list and Tiramasu I would describe as life-changing (yes it was that good) and a must-try. 11025 Pioneer Trail, Truckee, CA 96161

Truckee Dining Guide

Truckee Dining Guide

Truckee Dining Guide

Truckee Dining Guide

Truckee Dining Guide

MakiAli Sushi

Found this great to-go place if you’re craving some quick and easy sushi to fill your stomach. MakiAli is a Japanese fusion restaurant featuring a pub that has an array of Japanese alcohol. They only offer Poke Bowls during lunch hour, but you can get a full dine-in experience at dinner time. 11357 Donner Pass Rd F, Truckee, CA 96161

Truckee Dining Guide

Truckee Dining Guide

Truckee Dining Guide

Manzanita, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

For my first summer trip to Tahoe, I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe and was blown away by the entire hotel and their amazing restaurants. Read about my stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe here. Since then, I have returned to dine at The Manzanita Restaurant and have always loved my experience. Everything from the service to the amazing food is perfection. 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee, CA 96161

Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe Manzanita Restaurant

Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe Manzanita Restaurant

Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe Manzanita Restaurant

Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats

With incredible high-end dining and fantastic live music, Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats is the place to be when you’re looking to hit the town for a good time. Order a drink, some appetizers, and maybe a steak and you’re in for a treat! 10007 Bridge St, Truckee, CA 96161

Old Town Tap

You can’t go wrong with an evening spent at Old Town Tap in Truckee. Beer, cocktails, and pizza are their specialty and they known them well! It is the perfect bar and restaurant to unwind at and enjoy the amazing food and your company, whomever it may be. 10164 Donner Pass Rd., Suite 1
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

Stella Restaurant at The Cedar House

Stella Restaurant is a farm-to-table restaurant serving up modern twists on cuisines from all over. I adore this place for its warm atmosphere and fun dining experience and its such a great place to bring a group of friends. 10948 Brockway Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Tangerine Bistro 

Tangerine Bistro is an amazing modern American restaurant serving French cuisine.  It is from the team of Great Gold (another Truckee spot I adore) so we know it’s going to be fabulous!  They have an amazing cocktail and wine list to accompany these authentic twists on French food. 10412 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Tangerine Bistro Truckee

Tangerine Bistro Truckee

French Bistro

Photo courtesy of Tangerine Bistro

The Pour House Wine Shop

Next, if you’re looking for a great place to grab a glass of wine, be sure to hit The Pour House Wine Shop. On Truckee’s many warm days during the spring and summer, their deck is ideal for by the bottle gatherings. They also have great snacks to pair with whatever wine you pick up! 10075 Jibboom St, Truckee, CA 96161

Truckee Tavern & Grill

One of the most known and most loved restaurants in Truckee is none other than the Truckee Tavern and Grill. My Truckee Dining Guide truly wouldn’t be complete without this sophisticated and delicious restaurant. They focus on using the freshest ingredients of the highest quality and ensure their beverage selection is of the same standard. You must hit this restaurant at least once during any given trip to Truckee. 10118 Donner Pass Rd Truckee, CA 96161

Truckee TavernTruckee Tavern

Uncorked Truckee

Last but certainly not least, we have Uncorked Truckee. One of the best wine bars to go for delectable wines and knowledgeable servers. Co-owners Chris and Kelsey Barkman have multiple locations throughout the Lake Tahoe area, so they know how well a ski trip or lake weekend goes with fantastic wine. 10118 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Wild Cherries Coffee House

This old-fashioned relaxed hub is a great spot for either breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Their renowned baked goods are all homemade freshly at the shop. Opened over 20 years ago, Wild Cherries provides quality foods and drinks that have served both local Truckee residents and visitors all year round. 11429 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

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