6 Best Lake Tahoe Restaurants on the Water

Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Between winter skiing and summertime sun-kissed fun, Lake Tahoe is a wonderful place to escape to. Whether you’re staying at a luxury resort or in a rustic lodge, the best way to take your Lake Tahoe vacation to the next level is with a Boatsetter boat rental.

Of course, once you’re on the water, you won’t want the fun to stop. So, we’ve put together a quick guide to six of the best Lake Tahoe restaurants on the water:

1. Artemis Lakefront Café
2. Beacon Bar & Grill
3. Gar Woods Grill & Pier
4. Jake’s on the Lake
5. Riva Grill on the Lake
6. Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge

Browse through the best Lake Tahoe boats

1. Artemis Lakefront Café

Tucked in Ski Run Marina, you’ll find flavorful Greek and Mediterranean food at Artemis Lakefront Café. Just steps away from the beach, you can enjoy cuisine made with fresh ingredients, select from a full espresso bar, beer, wine, and cocktail lists, and live your best lake life.

For breakfast, you’ll want to try the Baklava French Toast. If you stop in later in the day, we recommend a classic Gyro or a traditional Souvlaki Plate.

Pro Tip: With a menu focused on fresh ingredients and various crispy falafel entrées, Artemis Lakefront Café is a great place to dock and dine for vegetarians.

• Address: 900 Ski Run Blvd, Ste. 111, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Mon–Sun 9am–9pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: Mediterranean & Greek
• Dockage Available: Yes

2. Beacon Bar & Grill

Beacon Bar & Grill at Camp Richardson serves up modern cabin vibes, weekly live music, and great beachfront views from their outdoor lakeside deck.

The Rum Runner is a must-try signature cocktail. As for food, we recommend starting with Beacon’s Signature Calamari, and for the main course, locals love the Beach Side Fish & Chips.

• Address: 1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am-7:30pm
• Reservations: Not Available
• Type of Food: Pub Grub
• Dockage Available: Yes

3. Gar Woods Grill & Pier

Take a romantic sunset stroll down the pier when you dock and dine at Gar Woods Grill & Pier. Between floor-to-ceiling windows and a lake-facing outdoor deck, you get a great view of Lake Tahoe no matter where you dine at Gar Woods Grill.

The Lobster Deviled Eggs with white truffle oil and the Dungeness Crab Cakes are highly-praised starters. For the entrée, we recommend the bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon.

Pro Tip: For dessert, cool off with a sweet creamy Gar Woods smoothie or try a San Francisco It’s-It with the original It’s-It ice cream!

• Address: 5000 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140
• Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-9:30pm, Sat 10:30am-10:30pm, Sun 10:30am-9:30pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: Seafood, Steak, Vegetarian Options
• Dockage Available: Yes

4. Jake’s on the Lake

Dock and dine on Lake Tahoe at Jake’s on the Lake. The deck offers expansive views of mountainous sunsets across the water, and the mixture of California fare and Hawaiian flavors makes for an unforgettable menu.

For drinks, taste “Aloha in a glass” when you try Kimo’s Mai Tai or a Matchepeńo Margarita. The Herb Crusted Maine Lobster Tails are a favorite of locals and tourists alike. And if you’re in the mood for something rich with savory flavor, try the Nebraska-raised Braised Piedmontese Beef Short Ribs, glazed with a sweet ginger-chili sauce.

• Address: 780 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
• Hours: Mon-Fri 4:30pm-9pm, Sat 11:30am- 9pm, Sun 11:30am-3:30pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: Hawaiian-Inspired California Fare
• Dockage Available: Yes

5. Riva Grill on the Lake

Home of the world-famous Wet Woody cocktail, Riva Grill on the Lake is a must when you visit Lake Tahoe. While you cool off with a frozen cocktail, consider trying the Lobster Deviled Eggs or Shrimp & Lobster Bisque to start. For an entrée, we recommend the savory, slow-roasted Prime Rib.

If you’re planning a special event during your visit, Riva Grill has a beautiful banquet room with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for celebrating in private without leaving the lake views behind.

• Address: 900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 10:30am-10pm, Sun 11:30am- 9:30pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: American Seafood and Steak
• Dockage Available: Yes

6. Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge

Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge is a premiere Lake Tahoe restaurant on the water. Between the Tahoe Buddha Bowl, the locally-loved Fresh Fish Tacos, and Winter Berry Pavlova with Chantilly cream, the menu is full of delicious, flavorful variety that can suit every appetite.

After your meal, you can step outside and walk down the dock for romantic, unforgettable mountain views.

• Address: 1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
• Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm- 8pm, Sat-Sun 3pm-9pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: American Fare
• Dockage Available: Yes

Boatsetter is excited to help you have the best experience on the water in Lake Tahoe. Level up your lake adventure with a boat rental and save time when you dock and dine at these great waterfront restaurants.

To get your rental, click here.

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