The 5 Best Italian Restaurants Around Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Region

Italian cuisine is a global favorite for good reason — comforting, ingredient-driven and versatile, it effortlessly brings people together around the table. Whether you’re after a rustic bowl of pasta or an elegant glass of Barolo to pair with house-cured meats, a great Italian restaurant balances tradition with a personal touch. The Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee recognizes places where handmade meets heartfelt, and every meal feels like a celebration of flavor and family.

Pianeta

Pianeta draws its inspiration from Northern Italy, but its roots run deep in Truckee’s dining scene. Housed in a warm, historic downtown building, this locally owned restaurant has been a community staple for more than two decades. Pianeta is known for its rich housemade pastas—like the porcini mushroom ravioli or the hearty Bolognese — as well as its extensive wine list that leans Italian but isn’t afraid to explore. The kitchen plays with bold flavors while honoring the time-tested techniques of Italian cooking, and the service maintains that rare balance of polished and personal. Pianeta feels equally suited for a romantic date night or a celebratory gathering with friends, which may be why it continues to draw locals and visitors alike.

Lanza's Restaurant

Lanza’s is a North Shore institution where the portions are generous and the hospitality even more so. Family-owned and operated since 1974, this Kings Beach restaurant blends old-school Italian-American favorites with a welcoming, homey vibe. The red-checkered tablecloths and classic menu — think baked lasagna, veal parmigiana and spaghetti with meatballs — are pure comfort food, served without pretense. Guests come for the hearty meals, but many stay loyal because of the atmosphere, which feels more like a family gathering than a restaurant outing. Lanza’s doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and that’s exactly why it works.

Great Gold

At Great Gold, the approach to Italian food is modern, but the heart remains rooted in tradition. A relative newcomer to Truckee’s culinary scene, this pasta-focused restaurant puts a fresh spin on classics while staying true to the soul of Italian cooking. Their dishes lean seasonal and inventive — think smoked beet spaghetti or chili oil rigatoni — crafted with Northern California ingredients and served in a sleek, light-filled space. Great Gold also emphasizes sustainability and thoughtful sourcing, making it a draw for diners who care about where their food comes from. The vibe is contemporary but relaxed, a place where hand-cut noodles share the spotlight with good conversation and natural wines.

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