Nestled in the heart of California, just north of Lake Tahoe, Truckee boasts an array of dining establishments where the vibrant food scene is complemented by the breathtaking landscapes that surround this picturesque town. The abundance of local, sustainable ingredients in North Lake Tahoe and the diverse flavors of Californian cuisine makes this mountain town a true culinary hidden gem. From cozy cafes to upscale dining experiences, we’ve rounded up the very best restaurants in Truckee that locals love! Get ready to enjoy a gastronomic adventure during your stay in Truckee where you can enjoy incredible food and the natural wonders of Lake Tahoe.
Manzanita
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee, CA | 1-530-562-3050
Why Locals Love it: It’s the perfect spot for an upscale evening in the stunning Northstar Village.
Nestled in the charming village at Northstar, Manzanita invites guests to embark on a culinary journey that marries sophistication with alpine charm. This romantic fine dining gem celebrates the essence of Californian cuisine through meticulously crafted dishes, showcasing the region’s finest locally sourced ingredients. The stunning details in the contemporary dining room pay homage to the natural surroundings, providing an upscale backdrop for a fantastic dining experience. With an open kitchen that adds a touch of culinary theater, Manzanita is a perfect place for a memorable evening in Northstar!
Great Gold
11025 Pioneer Trail, Truckee, CA | 1-530-562-9510
Why Locals Love it: You can enjoy satisfying but elevated Italian dishes that are made with passion and creativity.
Great Gold, the brainchild of Chef Brandon Kirksey, is redefining the “Italian American red sauce joint” with a commitment to local, seasonal, and sustainably sourced ingredients. This culinary experience in the heart of Truckee, is the perfect middle step between the old-school Italian comfort food joints and high-end modern Italian cuisine. The menu is a celebration of familiar dishes with a contemporary twist, and places a spotlight on the foundations of Italian food – like the fresh, daily handmade pasta. The ambience at Great Gold strikes the perfect balance between casual and upscale, boasting a contemporary dining room and an open kitchen that adds to the immersive dining experience. If you’re looking for incredible Italian food and great service in Truckee, you’ll want to book a table at Great Gold, where you can taste the passion and artistry in every bite.
Jax at the Tracks
10144 W River St, Truckee, CA | 1-530-550-7450
Why Locals Love it: It’s Americana at its finest! A classic American diner serving classic American comfort food!
Step into the timeless charm of Jax at the Tracks, Truckee’s quintessential diner! Embodying classic Americana with an incredible menu and friendly service, this is the perfect spot to indulge in some seriously delicious American classics. A popular spot for brunch, you can find fluffy pancakes and waffles, sizzling bacon, and eggs just the way you like them! Looking for a juicy, diner style burger and milkshake? This is the place to go! Plus you can find classics like mac ‘n’ cheese, meatloaf, sliders and so so much more! With a friendly atmosphere and a menu that celebrates the epitome of classic American comfort food, Jax at the Tracks is a must when you’re in Truckee!
Tangerine Bistro
10412 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA | 1-530-386-8594
Why Locals Love it: You can step into a Parisian bistro in the heart of Truckee!
Tangerine Bistro, located just outside Historic Downtown Truckee, offers diners an incredible menu with dishes that rival the culinary charms of Paris itself! Despite its unassuming exterior, this newcomer has taken the local restaurant scene by storm, enchanting both locals and visitors with its exquisite and authentic French cuisine. The menu reveals a symphony of flavors, where each dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. With fantastic service that complements the incredible gastronomic experience, Tangerine Bistro is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking incredible French dining in the heart of Truckee.
Burger Me
10418 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA | 1-530-587-8852
Why Locals Love it: No matter what kind of burger you’re craving you can find it here!
Calling all burger enthusiasts! This casual eatery has mastered the art of crafting mouthwatering burgers that stand out for their quality and creativity. From classic favorites to inventive combinations, Burger Me’s menu offers an incredible array of burgers to suit every taste! With meat options like beef, bison, chicken, turkey, lamb, ahi tuna, cod & veggie, served on a toasted brioche bun and topped with fresh crunchy veggies, this is the place to find the burger of your dreams! With a laid-back atmosphere, a commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, a variety of sides and salads to round out your satisfying meal, it’s no wonder that Burger Me has become a beloved destination for anyone craving the ultimate burger experience in the heart of Truckee!
Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats
10007 Bridge St, Truckee, CA | 1-530-587-8688
Why Locals Love it: Dive into a world of classic 50’s nightlife and enjoy incredible music and food!
Nestled within the historic Truckee Hotel, Moody’s offers a fun dining experience with a backdrop of critically acclaimed jazz, Americana, and soul bands, delivering a captivating ambience reminiscent of 1950s supper clubs with a hint of hip-hop flair. With a menu filled with fresh and seasonal regional mountain cuisine you can enjoy delicious dishes like ahi poke, burgers, and bright salads. The warm and inviting dining room provides an ideal setting for family dinners or romantic evenings all year round, while in summer guests can enjoy the fresh mountain air and dine alfresco.
Squeeze In
10060 Donner Pass Rd B, Truckee, CA | 1-530-587-9814
Why Locals Love it: Eclectic decor, great service and incredible food makes this a local favorite!
Squeeze In is a beloved local gem that transcends the ordinary breakfast experience! This quirky and welcoming establishment, known for its eclectic decor, and incredible service, takes pride in dishing up breakfast favorites that will satisfy every taste! From fluffy, cheesy omelets to mouth watering pancakes with creative toppings, Squeeze In offers a warm, lively atmosphere and an inviting space for locals and visitors alike to gather and indulge in a breakfast experience that goes beyond the ordinary. If you’re looking for a must-visit bruch spot, you better get ready to Squeeze In!
Cloud Sushi
10130 W River St, Truckee, CA
Why Locals Love it: Fresh ingredients and years of expertise make this one of the best places for epic sushi!
Concealed within a vibrant yellow stand-alone building along West River Street you can find some incredible sushi every Wednesday. With over 15 years of expertise chef and owner, Josh Brown, is the sushi artisan who orchestrates the symphony of fresh flavors and textures on Cloud Sushi’s menu. Offering delicious options like the cumulus combo, house-made miso soup, and last chair, a fan-favorite roll skillfully prepared with panko shrimp, spicy tuna, salmon, and a torch-kissed chili mayo, Cloud Sushi promises an unrivaled sushi experience in the heart of Truckee. This incredible food is available only on Wednesdays and we suggest ordering at least 45 minutes ahead of pickup time or you can order during the week for pick-up on Wednesday.
Trokay
10046 Donner Pass Rd #2, Truckee, CA | 1-530-582-1040
Why Locals Love it: This is the place to go for approachable and unique fine dining
Trokay, a beacon of culinary innovation in downtown Truckee, transcends traditional dining with its avant-garde approach to modern American cuisine. This prestigious fine dining establishment invites guests on a beautiful and inventive journey through molecular gastronomy, turning every meal into an extraordinary and delicious experience! The contemporary dining room provides a sophisticated backdrop for a memorable evening while the commitment to pushing the boundaries of dining is evident in impeccable service, artistic presentations, and a carefully curated wine list. As the go-to destination for an extraordinary and romantic fine dining experience, Trokay stands as a culinary masterpiece in the heart of Truckee.
Donner Lake Kitchen
13720 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA | 1-530-587-3555
Why Locals Love it: It’s a casual breakfast and lunch spot that serves incredible, fresh food.
For guests staying on the shores of Donner Lake, the Donner Lake Kitchen is that perfect place for a charming breakfast, lunch or brunch! This local gem offers a delightful mix of comfort food and classic American fare in a welcoming atmosphere. With a menu brimming with hearty breakfast options, savory sandwiches, and flavorful salads, Donner Lake Kitchen is the perfect place to go no matter what you’re looking for! Whether you’re starting your day with their signature breakfast burrito or enjoying a leisurely lunch overlooking the lake, each dish is hearty and delicious. The warm ambiance, paired with friendly service, makes Donner Lake Kitchen a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike!
Bar of America
10040 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA | 1-530-587-2626
Why Locals Love it: It’s a fun watering hole that has a fun vibe and tons of delicious food and drinks!
In the heart of historic Truckee, Bar of America is an iconic establishment that offers a quintessential American dining experience. This beloved venue, with its rustic charm and contemporary flair, seamlessly combines a laid-back atmosphere with top-notch service. The menu at Bar of America boasts an array of American classics with a modern twist–from hearty burgers to flavorful salads, each dish is a celebration of quality ingredients and culinary expertise. With its cozy interior and welcoming ambiance, Bar of America is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination for anyone who wants to go where the locals go for a fantastic ambience, great drinks and delicious food.
