Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in North Lake Tahoe

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining 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!

Christy Hill

4.8

4.8 (2217)

$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

Tim

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Committed and friendly long term staff, creative menu, delicious food, and wonderful ambiance in a cozy setting with an amazing view of the lake and East Shore mountains.

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Experience

New Years Eve 2025 - Seating One

Experience

New Years Eve 2025 - Seating Two

Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (4719)

$31 to $50

Californian

Carnelian Bay

About the restaurant

For 36 years Gar Woods Grill and Pier has been the premier waterfront dining destination in North Lake Tahoe. Floor-to-ceiling windows, large deck and balconies provide breath-taking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. Gar Woods Grill and Pier is an upscale casual restaurant that accommodates groups of 160 just as easily as groups of two. Our Chef has created a menu highlighting California cuisine, hand cut steaks and fresh Pacific seafood, served in a fun-in-the-sun atmosphere. The wine list is a collection of best-known California vintners featuring more than a dozen wines by the glass. Enjoy the waterfront deck while sipping on Gar Woods world famous Wet Woody®. With nearly four million sold, you will be in good company! Or thaw out with a Warm Woody or a Heavenly Bottom. Lake Tahoe sunsets are our specialty.
Service dogs/bunnies/parrots welcome- with appropriate credentials under the ADA.

Top review

KARIANN

Dined 3 days ago

Our server was super friendly and attentive. We sat outside on the lake and she brought over a heater. Beautiful views and nice ambiance. So glad this place lets you sit outside during the winter (many outdoor patios aren’t utilized during this time). My husband loved his French dip sandwich (Tahoe does this well as he liked it at other restaurants in the area but this was his favorite!) also his favorite drink of our trip was here, the signature Woody. I had the ahi tacos and they were good also! We walked around in the snow and pier after. Lovely and not too crowded during winter. Highly recommend and would be great for sunset if no fog!

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Popular dish

Shrimp & Lobster Bisque

Popular dish

Lobster Deviled Eggs

River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1054)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

Located on the banks of the Truckee River between Truckee and Tahoe City, this rustic old Tahoe lodge has been a Tahoe dining favorite for many, many years. Choose between a cozy table in our Alpine Dining Room or along the river in our River View Dining Room. In the summer, dine on our patio that overlooks the river. Enjoy great food and drink that is creative and interesting while being delicious and familiar. The menu changes seasonally to ensure use of the most available sustainable, fresh ingredients.

Top review

Pam

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

We had reservations for 8pm however showed up half an hour early. The host was super nice and was able to seat us even though it was obviously super busy on Thanksgiving. The waitress was on top of everything! Even got us two rolls heated and warmed up for us! The ambiance of the restaurant was romantic with good mood lightning. The only negative item I would have to mention is the two restrooms were super busy and there was a line of 4 people who had to wait over 10 minutes for the people in the restrooms to open up. Overall, I would definitely return to this restaurant for lunch or dinner!!!

Spindleshanks

4.6

4.6 (91)

$30 and under

American

Kings Beach

About the restaurant

Spindleshanks American Bistro and Wine Bar represents the best of both old and new Lake Tahoe. Opened in 2000 by partners Steve Marks and Harman Schuchmann, the restaurant has become a Tahoe Vista institution in a short amount of time. By offering regional American cuisine and a variety of wines in a casual atmosphere, the pair created a dining experience that caters to both large families and couples seeking a romantic evening.

Top review

Rosalie

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

This is a solid “old Tahoe” decor and menu. The portions were very generous and the waiter was friendly and efficient. This was a perfect place to relax and enjoy.

Sunnyside

4.5

4.5 (1663)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

We will be hosting a wedding on Sunday, January 14, 2024 and will be accepting walk-ins only at our Mountainside Bar. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you!

Welcome! We are open for lakeside dining. Visit our website for the latest Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge updates!

This iconic lakeside lodge and restaurant is the ideal Tahoe getaway. With a charming lakeside hotel, fantastic food and a panoramic lake view, it is nothing short of a magical mountain experience. It’s everything you hoped Tahoe would be and more, from the mouthwatering cuisine to the largest seasonal lakeside deck in all of Tahoe. With community farmer’s markets, a lakeside bike path and some of the best ski resorts in California, life on the lake never gets boring. There’s always something fun and exciting for the entire family at Sunnyside.

Top review

BarbaraVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Outstanding on every level. Great service from Stephanie - stunning views - halibut fresh and delicious - our favorite spot year round.

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Chambers Landing Bar & Grill

4.5

4.5 (112)

$31 to $50

American

Homewood

About the restaurant

Where modern elegance and rustic Tahoe charm, align. Enjoy an open air unparalleled lakefront dining experience! Choose from three different menus. Lunch and dinner are two separate services offered in the restaurant. Poke on the Pier is served dockside. Checkout the oldest bar on the lake and try the famous Chambers Crush- our signature fruity frozen rum cocktail!

Top review

Kathryn

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Great restaurant with a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe!

Jake's on the Lake

4.3

4.3 (559)

$31 to $50

Californian

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

Jake’s On The Lake is the ultimate waterfront dining experience in Lake Tahoe! Soak in spectacular views of the lake and enjoy a flavorsome meal while we treat you to our warm “Mountain Aloha” hospitality. Family owned and operated since 1978 our menu is inspired by Californian and Hawaiian flavors and features the freshest possible, locally-sourced seafood, grass-fed meats, and seasonal produce. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Top review

Kelly

Dined on Oct 26, 2024

We had a wonderful experience! Nina was amazing and we will definitely be back!

Fumo

4.3

4.3 (183)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Incline Village

About the restaurant

Casual American Fusion restaurant with a cozy cabin feel, patio seating, and bar seats.
Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with a diverse craft cocktail list.

Top review

Brian

Dined on Nov 9, 2024

We'd only had breakfast at Fumo before this (definitely recommended). Dinner was absolutely fantastic. Brie, or waitress was great fun, and the meals were exceptional. Just a great surprise all around. A great alternate to, and an easy walk from the Hyatt.

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Popular dish

Crab Cakes

Experience

Fumo Outdoor Igloo Dining

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub

4.1

4.1 (1440)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Truckee

About the restaurant

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub is an award-winning neighborhood bistro with plenty of outdoor seating and spectacular views. They offer a hand-picked wine selection and craft cocktail menu as well as serve local and organic meat and produce. Order dinner, drinks and desserts the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Top review

Denise

Dined on Nov 21, 2024

We had the roasted chicken breast and short ribs. Delicious. Our waiter, Michael, was very pleasant and attentive.

Stella at Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe

4.1

4.1 (381)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Truckee

About the restaurant

Fresh. Vibrant. Innovative.
From the moment you walk in, you will sense the warmth and energy of our open kitchen and garden patios. With a conceptual nod to California farming and sustainability, our dishes are soulful, yet simple and locally sourced. We aim for our premium ingredients and creative fusions to leave you relaxed and refreshed.

Please call for large parties, events or buyouts.

Top review

JodiVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Never disappoints. Amazing food in a comfortable setting with prompt and friendly service. Stella’s remains unpretentious while outshining the competition.

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