Celebrating Valentine’s Day Restaurant Guide in Lake Tahoe

by Anne Sutterfield | Jan 26, 2026 | Uncategorized

Valentine’s Day at Lake Tahoe is the sweet spot.

Whisk your Valentine away somewhere magical! Plan the perfect dinner with our Valentine’s Day Restaurant Guide in Lake Tahoe. The Jewel of the Sierra offers breathtaking views and a refreshing change of pace. With a whole host of activities to suit any couple’s passions – whether you’d like to cruise the lake, carve some powder, or refresh at a resort – South Shore Lake Tahoe has it all. Below, we’ve included a list of the most romantic restaurants, so you can pair your daytime adventures with a dinner to remember. While reservations aren’t always necessary here, for Valentine’s Day in Lake Tahoe, we strongly recommend reserving your table in advance.

Romantic Restaurants on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe

For couples who want to get fancy, may we suggest:

The Chart House | Perched atop a hill near Kingsbury Grade, overlooking exquisite Lake Tahoe, Chart House is a legendary seafood restaurant known for its excellent cuisine.
Make your reservation now: (775) 588-6276

Evans American Gourmet Cafe | Their menu features a blend of cuisine styles from around the world. Make your reservation now: (530) 542-1990

Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen | Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe | You can count on any Gordon Ramsay restaurant to deliver! From the lobster risotto to Gordon’s famous Beef Wellington to his favorite dessert (Sticky Toffee Pudding), savor the flavors of this world-famous chef’s menu. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-2411

For couples seeking elevated cuisine in a casual atmosphere, we recommend:

Edgewood Tahoe Resort features The Edge Restaurant, The Bistro, and Brooks’ Bar & Deck | Edgewood Tahoe Resort’s dining options are distinguished by an elite team of nationally recognized chefs who are rapidly putting us on the map as a must-visit gastro destination. Welcome to the new definitions of delicious. Make your reservation now via OpenTable.

Kalani’s | Kalani’s restaurant, first opened in 2004 and featured in Bon Appetit, creates unique dishes by blending the fresh ingredients of Hawaiian regional cooking with Asian and European techniques and influences. Make your reservation now: (530) 544-6100.

The Loft at the Heavenly Village | Taste At The Loft wants to make your Valentine’s Day date feel special. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate, upscale dinner at Taste at The Loft. Enjoy artfully prepared cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Perfect for couples looking for a refined and romantic experience in the heart of Heavenly Village. Make your reservation now: (530) 523-8024.

Riva Grill | Riva Grill features beautiful, wooden boat-inspired decor, lake views and an amazing cocktail selection. Give your date what they really want this year, a Wet Woody® on the water + dinner you can’t say no to. That’s unforgettable. Celebrate love with our dinner specials, cozy lakefront views, and the perfect setting for a romantic evening. Make your reservation now: (530) 542-2600.

For couples who are seeking something only to be found in Tahoe…

Gastromaniac – Homemade Pasta & Pizza | At Gastromaniac, you can get a classic pie to go, or you can also pick up some handmade pasta to cook back at your rental cabin or suite. Make your reservation now: (530) 600-2110.

The Grove on the Lake at Camp Richardson Resort | Celebrate love lakeside with a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at The Grove. Enjoy a cozy alpine atmosphere and stunning lakeviews. Perfect for couples looking to toast the night with great food, wine, and mountain charm. Make your reservation now: (530) 314-4650.

MacDuff’s Pub | A local’s favorite, MacDuff’s Pub is a great choice if you’re seeking a casual, cozy, and unique atmosphere and a menu with no bad choices. Be forewarned; the truffle mac’n’cheese is habit-forming! Make your reservation now: (530) 542-8777.

Naked Fish Sushi | If sushi is your go-to for dates, check out Naked Fish. Featuring specialty rolls like the Tahoe Crunch and Surf’n’Turf, and a chef’s sashimi plate that is hard to beat, Naked Fish stands out. They pick up their fish from 200 miles away to ensure that it is of the highest quality. Make a reservation now: (530) 541-3474.

For couples who love a good steak, check out:

Ciera Steak + Chophouse | Bally’s Lake Tahoe. Stateline’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant serves perfectly prepared cuts of meat, including pistachio-encrusted rack of lamb and the incredible 30-ounce Wagyu “Tomahawk” rib steak, complemented by a selection of 300 premium wines and champagnes.
Enjoy delicious food and impeccable service. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-3515.

Friday’s Station Steak & Seafood Grill | Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Lake views at every table, and a 1,000-bottle display wine cellar make this restaurant special. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-6611.

Saltgrass Steakhouse | Golden Nugget Hotel Casino. Discover the superior flavors of Saltgrass while enjoying menu favorites like our massive Silver Star Porterhouse, our homestyle Country Fried Steak, and our slow-braised BBQ Pork Ribs. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-1010.

Sage Room & Steak House | Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe. An elegant steak house, The Sage Room is popular with locals and guests alike. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-2411.

JWB Prime Steak and Seafood | Margaritaville Lake Tahoe Resort. JWB Prime Steak and Seafood delights both resort guests and locals with a laid-back luxe dining experience. Offering a contemporary menu of prime steaks, fresh seafood, and a raw bar, all paired with world-class wines and hand-crafted cocktails. Make your reservation now: (530) 544-5400.

Many hotels are offering Valentine’s Day deals as well. Whatever your plans are for Valentine’s Day in Lake Tahoe, we hope you and your sweetheart make some fond memories to last a lifetime!

Special Events

This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with wine all over again. Love at the Lake features more than 20 premium wineries, curated bites from our award-winning restaurants, and live music – creating an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration at the Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe.

The Idle Hour invites you to Til Death Do Us Part — a Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery Dinner filled with intrigue, twists, and wine. Friday, February 13, 2026, 5:30 pm. $80.

Saturday, February 14, 2026, 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise aboard the M.S. Dixie II Paddle wheeler. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special, romantic dinner with Lake Tahoe Cruises aboard the MS Dixie II. A unique and special way to celebrate. Live music, dinner, and a night you won’t forget.

Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Idle Hour. Saturday, February 14, 2026, 6:30 pm. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a curated food and wine pairing dinner, thoughtfully crafted to complement each course and elevate every moment. Set against the glow of candlelight and lakefront ambiance, this is a night meant to be savored—one course, one sip, one memory at a time.

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The post Celebrating Valentine’s Day Restaurant Guide in Lake Tahoe appeared first on Visit Lake Tahoe.

It’s All Downhill From Here – Tips On Snowboarding & Skiing For Beginners In Tahoe

by Anne Sutterfield | Jan 2, 2025 | Uncategorized

So your friends all ski and snowboard, but you haven’t had the chance? It’s not too late! Sometimes, we let fear block our way to trying something new. Something bigger. Something marvelous. Get out of your comfort zone and try skiing or snowboarding this season. You’ll meet new friends, get outside, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Below are our tips for snowboarding & skiing for beginners in Tahoe.

Rent, Don’t Buy For Your First Time

A new snowboard or pair of skis can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000. We have a number of businesses in town ready to rent you everything you need to set you up for success. For a full run-down of all the shops in Tahoe and what they offer, head over to our Tahoe Ski Rentals section.

Hot Tip: Borrow Clothing Where Possible

We get it. You want to look good on the slopes, but out of all things for snowboarding & skiing for beginners in Tahoe, this is where you can afford to be frugal. Borrow a friend’s jacket, an uncle’s pair of goggles, or ski pants from an older sibling. All my first ski clothing was from my Uncle, and you know what? It worked just fine!

What To Buy

The rule of what to buy versus borrow is simple: If it touches your skin, it might be a good idea to buy. That means the base layer, which includes thermals and ski socks. If you want to learn more about a base layer and what to look for in clothing, head over to the Local Freshies article: Helmets, Mitts, Boots & Ski Suits – Equipment For Skiing & Snowboarding. You may consider purchasing knee pads and wrist guards for extra protection and maximum comfort.

Say ‘NO!’ To Your Friends & Get Lessons

Out of anything on this list, I would spend money on its lessons. While your best friend says they can teach you, they’ll probably give you a few words of encouragement and leave you flailing about like a dead fish on a beginner slope. This is why most people give up on the sport. Skip the hassle and reduce the strain on your relationships. Sign yourself up for ski school. If you’re up here for a few days, think about doing a multi-day package. You’ll save yourself from pain and learn faster!

Beginner Areas At Lake Tahoe Resorts

Now that we know the basics of what you need to do, where should you go skiing or snowboarding if you’re a beginner in Tahoe?  Everywhere! All the ski resorts have dedicated areas specifically for beginners.

Heavenly Mountain Resort – Great Views While Learning

At over 4,800 skiable acres, there’s A LOT of terrain within Heavenly Mountain Resort. For beginners, depending on where you’re staying, each access point has some terrain specifically geared towards you. If staying within the casino corridor, you can hop on the gondola and gain access to the Big Easy Chair and Tamarack Lodge. You’ll be rewarded with great views of Lake Tahoe as you learn how to ski/snowboard. Another great beginner area is near California Lodge. In a similar concept, you take the Gun Barrel Express or scenic Tramway to the higher-elevation green zone called Patsy’s. You’ll still get the incredible views of the lake and a gentle slope to get some turns in.

Kirkwood – Take In The Sierra

It is true that Kirkwood is a powder hound’s dream. Big snows and steep slopes, but it’s also home to some incredible beginner skiing terrain. The mountain’s topography naturally divides the area by skill level. Beginners will want to keep towards the bottom of the mountain and head to the Timber Creek Area. The chairlift provides access to wide open groomed runs to learn on. To spice it up, there’s even a gentle gully called Squirrel Ridge that snakes its way down all the way to the bottom.

Sierra-at-Tahoe – Great Deals & Fun Vibe

Tucked away just west of Echo Summit, this mountain, compared to the other two Lake Tahoe resorts, has the most relaxed vibe. In addition, Sierra-at-Tahoe really goes all out to cater to beginners with their insane package deals like the Adult Learn To Ski/Ride 3-Pak. You can enjoy three days of mountain access, group lessons, and rental equipment! Similar to Kirkwood, the beginner area has its own lift, which provides access to the wide-open groomer called Broadway. The best part? Once you’re ready to test your mettle, you can ride the big chair to the top and try out the easy cruisin’ run known as Sugar n’ Spice.

Tip: If you do take Sugar n’ Spice, be aware that as a snowbank appears to the left, stay to the middle or right. Hot shots like to bomb this section and may shoot out of the trees.

As Dr. Seuss proclaimed, “Oh the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done!” In summary, you might be sore after it all, but you’ll come home with stories to tell and memories that will last a lifetime. There are so many good places to learn snowboarding & skiing for beginners in Tahoe, so what are you waiting for? Get after it!

Snow Lingo

• Après-ski: French term that means “after skiing.” This is the time when you take off your boots and kick back with friends to talk about the great day you just had.
• Bunny hill: Old-timey nickname for a ski resort’s learning area.
• Carving: The process of digging in the edge of your skis to make a smooth turn.
• Powder: Extremely light, fluffy snow that falls during periods of cold temperatures and low humidity. Powder is a joy to ski in and the opposite of “Sierra cement,” which is very wet, heavy snow.
• Corduroy: Freshly groomed snow that’s machine-packed into a ribbed texture that resembles corduroy.
• Terrain park: A designated area at a resort dotted with jumps, rails, and other manmade features that allow advanced skiers and snowboarders to perform awesome tricks.
• Halfpipe: A U-shaped channel carved out of the snow that’s a popular terrain-park feature.
• First tracks: Getting up super early to catch the first chairlift up the mountain and be the first skier on the freshly groomed runs.

Ski/Snowboard Lake Tahoe on Instagram

The post It’s All Downhill From Here – Tips On Snowboarding & Skiing For Beginners In Tahoe appeared first on Visit Lake Tahoe.