5 More Romantic North Tahoe Restaurants
Fine Dining in North Lake Tahoe
Whether Valentine’s Day is on the horizon or you’re hoping to celebrate an anniversary with your spouse, you’ll find plenty of options for romantic spots in North Tahoe. This area is not only gorgeous and perfect for couple’s photos, but there’s tons of romantic restaurants and fine dining options to try out while you’re in town as well. From dining in a Swiss chalet to enjoying your favorite New American dishes, you’ll have your pick of intimate spots when you stay in North Tahoe.
We’ve already gone over some popular fine dining restaurants in Tahoe on this blog once before, but today we’ll be exploring five more places to spend an intimate night with your love in North Lake Tahoe.
Dine in an Alpine Chalet at Swiss Lakewood
For couples who are spending the day skiing at Homewood Resort on the west shores of Lake Tahoe, the perfect place to end your afternoon is at Swiss Lakewood, located in an easily-accessible spot off of West Lake Boulevard. This romantic fine dining restaurant, housed inside of a Swiss-style chalet, has a long history of serving delicious food to Tahoe’s residents and tourists alike. First opened in the 1920s as a restaurant called Cunningham’s, it was taken over in the 1960s by Swiss immigrants who established the legacy it is known for today. The restaurant features two distinct dining areas–an outdoor area for casual tastings, and a stunning indoor dining room that will wow you with its beautiful decor.
Traditional Swiss dishes still dominate the menu nowadays, with options like the Weinerschnitzel or the Veal Emince available to try, but they are interspersed with some delicious American favorites as well, such as the Bison Burger.
Try Some Exceptional Wines at PlumpJack Cafe and Bar
If you happen to be skiing or enjoying outdoor recreation in the Olympic Valley area, a stop by PlumpJack Cafe is in order if you want to enjoy some delicious eats with your love in a rustic setting. Led by executive chef Jack Connell, PlumpJack offers tasty fine dining dishes that pair well with its exceptional wine selection.
Try out their Pickleback Chicken Wings or the Curried Ginger Butternut Squash Soup for a starter, then move onto a scrumptious entree such as the Southern Fried Game Hen, served with a jalapeno cornbread waffle and braised collard greens, or the Mushroom Tagliatelle Pasta. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee.
Take a Trip to Truckee for Delicious Eats at Trokay
Truckee is a great place to take a day trip while you’re staying in North Lake Tahoe, and for those couples hoping to find a fine dining experience in the area, there’s no better place than at Trokay. Owners and executive chefs John and Nyna Weatherson founded Trokay in an effort to bring some sophistication to the Truckee food scene with a combination of obscure ingredients and flavors that hit you straight in the soul.
Like many fine dining restaurants around the world, Trokay offers two choices for choosing your meal: a prixe-fixe menu as well as a tasting menu. We recommend the tasting menu for the full romantic dining experience, where you’ll be rewarded with such dishes as Private Stock Caviar as well as entrees like 11-Day Dry-Aged Duck or the Beef Short Rib.
Taste French Fusion Dishes at Le Bistro
After a hectic day spent adventuring around Tahoe, an intimate dinner in a calming atmosphere is just what you need. You’ll find that and more at Le Bistro, a French fusion fine dining restaurant located in Incline Village. This spot is reminiscent of a bistro somewhere on the streets of Paris, with white tablecloths and candlelit booths, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner and dessert with the love of your life.
Customize your own fine dining experience from either the prix-fixe menu or the a la carte menu at Le Bistro–no matter which way you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Standout items on the menu include the North Atlantic Lobster Bisque or the Escargot for a starter, the Rack of Lamb or the Coq au Vin entree, and the Dessert Trio to round off your meal.
Visit Wolfdale’s for Views and Seasonal California Fare
If you’re hoping to find a fine dining staple while visiting the North Lake Tahoe area, you cannot overlook Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique. Owned and operated by executive chef Douglas Dale since 1978, this spot houses some of the most daring and creative high-end cuisine that you’ll find anywhere in the area, and it was all inspired by a trip to Japan in his early 20s. Dale fell in love with the culture and the food, but it all came together with a trip to Tahoe, where he knew he had to open his first restaurant.
Today, Wolfdale’s is known around the lake for its unique ingredients and preparations. While you’re there, be sure to try out some well-known dishes, such as the Grilled Beef Medallions and Elk Sausage or the Surf & Turf. For dessert, check out the Warm Molten Chocolate Cake, which is served with fresh raspberries and whipped cream.
Explore More Ways to Enjoy a Lake Tahoe Vacation
Lake Tahoe is a great place for lovebirds to flock, whether that’s for a special occasion, an anniversary, or a holiday like Valentine’s Day. No matter what time of year you’re visiting this special destination, there’s plenty of romantic restaurants to choose from that will give you and your love the fine dining experience.
Searching for even more activities to enjoy during your vacation? Take a look at our romantic itinerary for a trip to the Tahoe area or our guide to natural places in North Lake Tahoe.