The 5 Best Italian Restaurants Around Lake Tahoe Region

Pasta may be rooted in tradition, but great Italian food is always evolving. From slow-simmered sauces to fresh-made pasta and hand-stretched pizzas, the region's Italian restaurants are buon appetito. Whether you're looking for a romantic corner table, a hearty post-ski meal or a refined spin on the classics, the Best of Tahoe dishes out spots where Italy meets Tahoe in all the right ways.

Bruschetta

At Bruschetta, the menu speaks fluent Italian, but the energy is pure Tahoe hospitality. Located in Stateline, this intimate eatery draws from traditional Sicilian influences with a modern touch, thanks in part to Executive Chef Victor Guerrero. The restaurant takes its name from the beloved antipasto, and that namesake item is a must — a rotating lineup of fresh bruschetta served on house-made crostini. Beyond that, expect carefully plated entrées like grilled seafood, handmade pastas and daily chef specials inspired by market ingredients.

Cafe Fiore

Tucked into a quaint alpine cottage, Cafe Fiore has just a handful of tables — seven, to be exact — which gives every dinner a sense of occasion. This small-but-mighty restaurant has been serving fine Italian cuisine for more than 30 years, and its reputation is well earned. The kitchen focuses on rich, satisfying dishes like osso buco, seafood risotto and veal scaloppini, while also offering a wine list that reads more like a book than a menu. While reservations are essential, the experience rewards the effort.

Scusa Italian Ristorante

Scusa Italian Ristorante leans into its identity as a neighborhood trattoria with big heart and bold flavor. Family-owned and operated, it serves classic Italian fare in a warm, unpretentious environment. The kitchen delivers generous portions of favorites like chicken piccata, fettuccine Alfredo and hearty lasagna, all made from scratch using old family recipes. The décor blends rustic charm with a hint of retro romance, and the outdoor patio — dotted with lights and surrounded by greenery — is a local favorite in warmer months.

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