Whether you're looking to impress a hot date or trying to please the whole family, follow this guide to plan the perfect Lake Tahoe evening out to dinner. Plus, find directions to any Tahoe restaurant in our Tahoe Guides.

South Shore

Sushi - Off the Hook California Sushi Bar Great sushi in Tahoe? It CAN be found! Try Off the Hook for rolls upon rolls of oceanic happiness. A local favorite boasting fun décor and good-natured service, Off the Hook offers a broad menu of sashimi, innovative sushi rolls (with equally creative names like “Moonshine”, “The Gambler” and “420”) and many varieties of sake to wash it all down with. Their menu also includes a number of tasty vegetarian rolls, so even the vegans in your party will be happy as a clam.
Gotta Try: The Gambler
Getting there: 2660 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, Calif. (530) 544-5599. Open seven days a from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch Monday-Friday and from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. Weekends: open for dinner from 2 – 9:30 p.m.

Interactive dining – Swiss Chalet
Are you the type that likes to play with your food? Head on over to the quaint Swiss Chalet and fondue your own yummy meal. It’s tough to find fault with anything covered in melted cheese or chocolate – and Swiss Chalet does both of these classics very well. They also offer great meat and seafood fondue dinner options that are served ready to boil and accompanied by a selection of tasty sauces. The décor is strictly alpine-lodge kitsch, but it makes for a cozy spot to enjoy a warm, melting meal.
Gotta Try: Fondue
Getting there: 2544 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif. (530) 544-3304. Bar opens at 4p.m., Dining opens at 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Gourmet - Evan’s American Gourmet Cafe
When you’re ready for a truly gourmet meal in Tahoe, head to Evan’s. Housed in a small cabin near the south shore, this quaint little restaurant offers a truly sophisticated menu that’s grand in its culinary prowess. Phrases like “foie gras butter and Syrah reduction”, “maple-truffle glaze” and “brown butter caramel pecans with Belgian bittersweet chocolate” grace their menu descriptions, making it quite difficult to settle on a meal choice. Don’t skip dessert – there’s a pastry chef on staff here! Consistently rated among the very best restaurants in the area, Evan’s delivers on its well-earned reputation.
Gotta Try: Dessert
Getting there: 536 Emerald Bay Rd. South Lake Tahoe, CA, 530-542-1990

Italian for lovers - Café Fiore
Café Fiore is a tiny slice of amore in Tahoe – a charming little cabin with 7 tables serving up some of the best Italian food around. The intimate atmosphere lends itself to lots of cross-table gazing and whispered conversations, all over a glass of wine from the Café’s impressive list. The food does not disappoint – try the Eggplant Crepes ($13.95) to start and regardless of your meal choice, follow it with one of the homemade ice cream selections. Al fresco dining on the deck allows for more tables in the summertime, but nevertheless, make sure to call to reserve your romantic evening in advance.
Gotta Try: Eggplant Crepes ($13.95)
Getting there: 1169 Ski Run Boulevard #5, South Lake Tahoe, Calif. 530-541-2908. Open 7 days a week, 5:30 p.m. to closing

---

North Shore

Romantic Date - Soule Domain
A small, intimate log cabin with a flickering fireplace and gourmand style – it’s clear why The Soule Domain has topped local “Best Place to Take a Date” lists for 13 years. Limited seatings per evening ensure that the hustle and bustle is kept to a minimum, and delicious California cuisine, seasonal ingredients and daily specials keeps locals and visitors alike coming back to this home-grown spot.
Gotta Try: the particularly tasty Lamb Ravioli appetizer with kalamata olives and goat cheese ($9).
Getting there: 9983 Stateline Rd., Kings Beach, Calif. 530-546-7529 Open seven days a week, serving dinner from 6 p.m. Reservations are requested.

Lakeside Gourmet - Wolfdales
Wolfdales caters to the artistic soul. Elegant wall décor, sweeping lake views and a distinctive menu work together to cast a wonderful spell over any evening. Wolfdales prides themselves on an ever-changing menu of creative combinations, but their sashimi specials and desserts receive acclaim during every season. Dine overlooking the lake or at the bar and be prepared for some of the finest cuisine you’ll find in the Tahoe area.
Gotta Try: Sashimi specials
Getting there:640 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA. 530 583-5700 Open seven days a week, serving dinner from 5:30 p.m., Bar opens at 5 p.m.

Dinner at the Bar - Spindleshanks
You’ll instantly feel at home in this comfy north shore wine bar and restaurant – have a seat amongst the pine logs, view the beautiful photography and enjoy a varied wine list and consistently tasty food. The bar is the place to be at Spindleshanks; they offer fantastic daily happy hour specials on wine and appetizers. Absolutely do not miss the Cajun Shrimp - a bowl of spicy goodness begging to be mopped up with bread until the dish is clean. For aspiring sommeliers, Spindleshanks offers several wine flights that ensure happy tasting.
Gotta Try: Cajun Shrimp
Getting there: 6873 N Lake Blvd., Tahoe Vista, Calif. (530) 546-2191 Open seven days a week, serving dinner from 5:30 p.m.

Great for steak - The Old Range Steakhouse
If grandpa was a cowboy, wrangled his own beef and operated a restaurant in his living room, it would be the Old Range Steakhouse. The décor is fantastically gauche, from red and white checkered napkins to lamps one might find at a 1972 garage sale. The beef, however, is done incomparably here. Many different cuts are available, as well as a number of hearty a la carte veggie sides. The “wine wall” as you enter offers a nice selection at reasonable prices. There’s a “no split entrée” rule at this establishment, so make sure everyone in your party is hungry – and carnivorous.
Getting there: 7081 North Lake Blvd.,Tahoe Vista, Calif. (530) 546-4800 Open seven days a week, serving dinner from 5 p.m.

Urban fusion - Dragonfly
Dragonfly does Asian Fusion cuisine with a sophistication that’s hard to come by in Tahoe – yet the restaurant atmosphere itself is exactly what we love about the lake… cozy, with simple, earthy décor and open air seating. Dragonfly’s food is always beautifully presented and showcases the freshest ingredients. Sushi rolls are available, as well as a lovely selection of international beverages.
Gotta Try: Thai Fisherman Red Curry Stew ($28) – the scallops are excellent!
Getting there: 10118 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, Calif. (530) 587-0557 Open seven days a week, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. Sushi bar opens daily at 4 p.m.

Dîner français: Le Bistro
Hidden in the back of an Incline Village strip mall, Le Bistro is an unassuming little spot offering French cuisine that is simply… how do you say… fantastique. They offer a 5 course prix fixe menu for $44 that allows diners to chose from a number of seasonal selections for each course. The décor at Le Bistro is decidedly more provincial than au courant, but your meal will make up for any lack in ambience. The Truffle Soup en Croûte (topped with pastry crust) is simply delectable. Le Bistro offers a comprehensive wine list with many excellent French selections - Très Magnifique!
Gotta Try: Truffle Soup en Croûte
Getting there: 120 Country Club Drive #29 Incline Village, NV. (775) 831-0800. Open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday from 6 to 9:30 p.m.