Creative Cucina Rustica and other Tahoe City, CA Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Fiamma Cucina Rustica

Fiamma's chef is incredibly creative. We had the most delicious and innovative dinner at this restaurant with an exceptionally appealing atmosphere.

Favorite Dish: One of the most delicious vegetarian dishes I've ever had - roasted acorn squash filled with wild rice risotto with wild mushrooms, dried cranberries and hazelnuts, sitting on a bed of greens with raspberry vinagrette.

Basil (yes, basil) gelato for dessert! Mmmmm - mmmmm! Delicious!

The Persnickety Teens devoured the shrimp and scallops fettucini with a light white wine cream and basil sauce and sun dried tomatoes.

The restaurant also serves pizzas, a variety of pastas, roast pork tenderloin, steak, and chicken, all very creatively prepared.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 530-581-1416
Address: 521 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA

Restaurant Name: Gold Coast Mid-Mountain Lodge

Nothing beats eating outside on the slopes on a sunny day. As ski resort food goes, Squaw's is at the top 10% (which isn't saying too much, if you've sampled ski resort food). The Gold Coast Lodge at the top of the funitel has a food court with pretty decent food. These diners especially liked the High Tech Burritos and tacos. And of course, a full bar is only a few steps away making this a perfect place to take a break in the middle of the day.

Headwall, with its challenging mogul runs, is in the background.


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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Mid mountain at Squaw Valley

Restaurant Name: Coyote's

Coyote's cuisine is unique. We saw it advertised as a Mexican restaurant, but that description is somewhat misleading. The menu has a strong south of the border influence, but it also has a Carribbean bent as well.

The food is absolutely delicious. The restaurant is small, so definitely make reservations.

Favorite Dish: Although you will see items such as chicken mole and tamales on the menu, this is not a traditional Mexican restaurant. Creative and unique south of the border/Carribbean is how I would describe it. Everything we ordered was excellent. I will definitely eat here again when on my next trip to Tahoe City!

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 530-583-6653
Address: 521 North Lake Boulevard (Hwy 28)
Directions: In the center of town

Restaurant Name: Lakehouse Pizza/Eggschange

This restaurant is unique because it has TWO names. In the morning it serves breakfast and calls itself the Eggschange. During lunch and dinner, it calls itself Lakehouse Pizza and Bar.

Whatever its name, the views from this restaurant can't be beat. This photo was taken from the nearby pier. Lakehouse Pizza is the second building from the left behind the huge snow drift.


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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 530--583-2222
Address: 120 Grant Court, Tahoe City, CA
Directions: In the center of town, just off the main drag (North Lake Boulevard - Hwy 28)
Website: http://www.tahoesbest.com/Restaurants/lakehouse_pizza.htm

Restaurant Name: Christy Hill Restaurant

Christy Hill Restaurant is located right on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Its large plate glass windows will give you the most beautiful views as you experience their delicious cuisine. The menu is California with a French influence.

Favorite Dish: The dinner menu includes creative game, meat, fish and fowl entrees. There is also always at least one outstanding vegetarian dish. I had roasted eggplant, wild rice, and sauteed vegetables au gratin. Very creative and very delicious!

This photo shows the beautiful view that awaits you from the restaurant.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 530-583-8551
Address: 115 Grove Street, Tahoe City, CA
Directions: Located in the center of town. Just off the main drag (North Lake Boulevard - Hwy 28)
Website: http://www.christyhill.com

Restaurant Name: Wild Goose

The ambiance, view and menu at Wild Goose are all superb. This is one of the north shore's best and most popular upscale restaurants. The decor is beautiful - elegant Tahoe with a Japanese influence. Large plate glass windows overlook the lake.

Favorite Dish: Everyone in the family enjoyed his or her dishes. I ordered a delicious porcini risotto. Hubby and the Persnickity Teens enjoyed their pork chops, wild Atlantic sea bass and chicken ravioli. All dishes are creatively prepared.

Wine list is excellent.

Try the signature cocktails. The signature margarita is made with homemade sweet and sour - the hallmark of a fine bartender.

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Theme: American
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 530/546-3640
Address: 7320 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe Vista
Directions: A few minutes east of Tahoe City.
Website: http://www.wildgoosetahoe.com

Restaurant Name: Wild Goose

We ate at the Wild Goose in February 2004 during Mick Jagger Week, and then again in October 2004. The chef changed in between those two times, and so did the menu.

Now the menu has a mild Japanese influence. Note emphasis on "mild". But it is there.

Favorite Dish: For Atkins lovers, you can order the lamb dish which includes lamb cooked about 18 different way. To balance things out, the dish also comes with some carbs (a pear shaped glob of mashed potatoes) and some green stuff (sauteed spinach and pearl onions).

My teenage son, who is a major lamb fan, ordered this dish and said it was delicious, except for the lamb sausage which he said was "weird".

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter

Restaurant Name: Wild Goose

Wild Goose earned a 10 out of 10 rating from me for its vegetarian dish. Actually, I got 3 dishes. Pictured here is Wild Goose's trio of vegetarian dishes (not specifically on the menu - you'll need to ask): sauteed green beans, asparagus and orange and yellow baby carrots, grilled wild mushrooms and linguine with tomatoes and olive oil.

Very delicious!


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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter

Restaurant Name: Jason's Beachside Grille

Jason's serves delicious lunches and dinners in a casual setting right on the lake. The menu has a variety of food and is well known for its burgers.


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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 530-546-3315
Address: 8338 North Lake Blvd. (HW 28), Kings Beach, CA
Directions: About 10 minutes east of Tahoe City on Hwy 28.
Website: http://www.jasonsbeachsidegrille.com

Restaurant Name: Fire Sign Cafe

This place doesn't look like much from the outside, but when you see all the cars that are constantly parked outside, you know this is a happening place. Fire Sign is a popular spot with the locals in Tahoe City, and for good reason. Their homestyle breakfasts and lunches are outstanding, and they serve very healthy portions.

Open for breakfast and lunch only. Serves delicious omelettes, burgers, sandwiches, salads, hot blackberry cobbler.


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Theme: American
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (530) 583-0871
Address: 1785 West Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA
Directions: About one mile south of Tahoe City on Hwy 89.
Website: http://www.tahoesbest.com/Restaurants/fire_sign_cafe.htm