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

Opening a restaurant is a challenging enterprise. Many do not make it. So when a new spot not only survives but thrives, locals tend to take notice. That’s especially true in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, where community support, creative menus and inviting atmospheres matter just as much as what’s on the plate. The Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee gives a nod to some of the freshest additions to the local food scene — places that have already made a mark and given regulars a new reason to return.

Sylva

Sylva didn’t waste time finding its rhythm. This Tahoe City restaurant brings together a Pacific-inspired, pescatarian-forward menu with a modern, coastal atmosphere that feels both grounded and elevated. Their focus on sustainability is more than lip service — it’s built into their sourcing, their menu design and even their aesthetic. The owners, a husband-and-wife duo, have hospitality backgrounds that shine through in the details. Guests find inventive, flavor-driven dishes layered with intention and creativity, whether it’s a seasonal crudo or a plant-based bowl that somehow satisfies like a steak. For a place that’s relatively new on the block, Sylva already operates like an old favorite.

Incline Bàk'd

Incline Bàk’d doesn’t just serve food — it serves personality. Tucked inside the Chateau at Incline Village, this scratch kitchen and bar has carved out its identity through bold flavors and no-fuss comfort. The owners, Nevada locals themselves, built the concept around community gathering and unapologetic fun. Think elevated pub-style bites, but with chef-driven care. From the sourdough pizza dough that takes two days to ferment to their cheeky cocktail names, there’s a clear sense of intention beneath the casual exterior. Bàk’d may be new, but it already feels like a place where both locals and out-of-towners can pull up a chair and stay awhile.

Tangerine French Bistro

In a region known for its laid-back mountain fare, Tangerine French Bistro in Truckee brings a breath of Parisian elegance. But don’t mistake it for stiff fine dining. This bistro takes French classics and filters them through a California lens — seasonal ingredients, lighter preparations, and a welcoming, unpretentious vibe. Helmed by chef-owner Emily Watkins, the restaurant strikes a rare balance between comfort and refinement. You might start with duck rillettes, move on to bouillabaisse, and still have room for their namesake tangerine crème brûlée. The space itself reflects that duality: bright, warm and just polished enough to feel like a special occasion without trying too hard.

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