5 Best Restaurants in Carnelian Bay to Kings Beach, Lake Tahoe

Rough-hewn wood beams, a vaulted wood ceiling, and a roaring fireplace in winter lend romance to this cozy 1927 pine-log cabin where chef-owner Charlie Soule skillfully prepares French- and Asian-inspired cuisine. Pan-roasted duck breast à l'orange with Grand Marnier, sea scallops poached in champagne with a kiwi-and-mango cream sauce, a Thai curry-chicken noodle bowl, and a vegan sauté judiciously flavored with ginger, jalapeños, sesame seeds, and teriyaki sauce frequently appear on the menu.

The view's the thing at this lakeside stalwart, where you can watch the sun shimmer on the water through the dining room's plateglass windows or from the outdoor deck. Price wise, Gar Woods is a better bet for lunch, when fish tacos and crab and prime-rib French dip sandwiches are on the menu, than dinner, at which grilled steak and fish are the mainstays.

If the kids want burgers, but you want bourbon, Jason's has a full bar along with nachos, wings, and fried calamari starters; French onion soup and clam chowder; a dozen-plus sandwiches and burgers; and steak, chicken, seafood, and baby back ribs entrées. The whole place is wood, from floor to ceiling, lending it an ultrarustic feel.

When you're craving spaghetti and meatballs, this wood-paneled roadside spot with a cordial staff and loyal clientele is the place to go. Other good old-fashioned Italian American classics—served to tables with red-and-white-checked cloths—include lasagna, ravioli, chicken and veal piccata, eggplant Parmesan, and Sicilian-style pizzas. 

A local favorite on the Old Brockway Golf Course, Spindleshanks serves classic American cuisine—ribs, steaks, house-made ravioli, and seafood with adventurous sauces. Savor a drink from the full bar or wine from the extensive list while enjoying views of Lake Tahoe or the historic greens where Bing Crosby hosted his first golf tournament in 1934.