Best Casual Restaurants in Carnelian Bay

Sunnyside is such an iconic Tahoe venue. Always good food and excellent service. A must go if you come through Tahoe City.

Holiday meal in a winter wonderland. Everyone at restaurant worked extra hard to provide plenty of holiday cheer. The special Christmas menu offered something for most food choices. Few nice places to dine after a long drive up to Tahoe today. Thankfully River Ranch was open. Will go out of my way to support them on low season weekdays.

Gar Woods was beautifully decorated for Christmas. We sat at a window overlooking the lake with a beautiful Christmas tree nearby. Our food was delicious and we had very good cocktails with a large list to choose from. They have a very good food menu to choose from-from burgers and sandwiches to prime rib and fish. Our server was very sweet and kind but she must have had a lot of tables because we waited long stretches to get her attention to get more drinks and dessert. But it was Christmas and the place was packed. We will definitely go back again.

We were seated at the bar, and it felt like a private dining experience. Great food, great service, and not once did I feel rushed. There are four places to dine-outside in an “igloo”, inside at tables, at a sofa seating area or at the bar. Since it was Christmas Eve, the only reservation we could get at the last minute was the bar. Good choice! Frankly, any area would be a good choice. 2 of 3 in our party chose the prixe fixe meal with appetizer, main and dessert for $55. I chose the lobster deviled eggs and beet salad. So much food! And so good😋

We had a wonderful experience! Nina was amazing and we will definitely be back!