The 5 Best Waterfront Dining Spots Around Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Region

Whether it’s the sparkle of sunlight on alpine water or the hush of waves rolling onto shore, waterfront dining taps into something elemental. In the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee region — where clear blue vistas are as abundant as fresh ingredients — it’s no surprise that lakeside restaurants have carved out a special place in the dining scene. The finalists in the Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee combine ambiance and cuisine at the water’s edge.

Gar Woods Grill & Pier

Gar Woods Grill & Pier doesn’t try to hide its roots — it leans into them. With a lively, nautically themed dining room and a sprawling deck overlooking Carnelian Bay, Gar Woods is pure Tahoe. But it’s not just about the view. This restaurant draws from more than 30 years of experience serving fresh, California-inspired fare, including seafood dishes, grilled steaks and their famed Wet Woody cocktails. The energy here is unapologetically fun, yet the kitchen stays grounded in seasonal sourcing and scratch preparation. Whether you arrive by boat or SUV, Gar Woods invites you to relax, look out over the water and stay awhile.

Christy Hill

Tucked above the shoreline in Tahoe City, Christy Hill takes a different approach — quiet sophistication. This fine-dining restaurant has spent more than three decades building a reputation for inventive cuisine and meticulous service, all within 100 feet of Lake Tahoe’s edge. The menu blends Mediterranean and Californian influences, with locally sourced ingredients anchoring every dish. Diners often begin with a view and end with a story, thanks to Chef Luis Vallin’s thoughtful plating and the seamless flow of the dining room. It’s the kind of place where a sunset can slow time and a perfectly prepared entrée can silence conversation, just for a moment.

Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge

Part lodge, part lakeside gathering spot, Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge has long held court on the West Shore as a go-to for both casual drinks and elevated meals. Its expansive deck is practically a rite of passage for summer visitors, while the dining room offers year-round warmth — literally and figuratively. The menu highlights regional produce and responsibly sourced seafood, with offerings that range from ahi poke tacos to pan-seared scallops. While some guests may come for the lakefront views, many return for the sense of ease that infuses every corner of the experience. Sunnyside understands that sometimes, dining is as much about place as it is about plate.

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