The 5 Best Pasta Places Around Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Region

Italy might claim pasta as its own, but in local restaurants the staple has taken on a life of its own — infused with local ingredients, personal flair and often, a mountain-town twist. Whether you’re in the mood for a rustic, slow-simmered red sauce or a fresh take with wild mushrooms and herbs, this region offers a surprising diversity of pasta dishes. As highlighted in the Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, these restaurants don’t just serve pasta — they make it memorable, one plate at a time.

Lanza's Restaurant

Lanza’s Restaurant feels like it’s been around forever, and in the best possible way. A family-run Italian spot in Kings Beach, Lanza’s has built its reputation over decades of dependable service, generous portions and a menu that covers all the Italian-American bases. While the meatballs are legendary and the lasagna’s hard to beat, the pasta options go deep — think fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti with rich meat sauce and baked manicotti that brings the comfort of old-school cooking. There’s nothing fussy about Lanza’s, and that’s part of its charm. It’s the kind of place where you come hungry, leave full and maybe consider a walk around the lake before dessert.

Pianeta

In downtown Truckee, Pianeta approaches pasta with the kind of care usually reserved for fine wine. Their housemade pastas are the center of the experience — delicate, rich and layered with thoughtful flavor. The menu is filled with Italian classics and creative departures alike. One night might bring a wild boar Bolognese on tagliatelle; another, a handmade ravioli with earthy mushrooms and cream sauce. What ties it all together is intention. Pianeta’s kitchen doesn’t just cook pasta — it crafts it, and that philosophy filters through to the ambiance, the bar program and the whole dining rhythm. It’s elegant without trying too hard and soulful in all the right places.

Great Gold

Great Gold takes the idea of a neighborhood Italian joint and gives it a California reset. Their approach to pasta is bright, modern and full of energy. Located in Truckee, this spot pulls inspiration from classic red-sauce restaurants but leans into local produce and a bold use of flavor. Their spaghetti pomodoro isn't just simple — it’s sharp, herby and precise. Carbonara comes with a whisper of smoke and richness, yet never overwhelms. Even their Caesar salad feels like a small event. The dining space keeps things laid-back, but the kitchen clearly isn’t phoning it in. Pasta here is both approachable and inventive, a balancing act that keeps the regulars coming back.

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