In Italian culture, food is more than just food. It represents familial ties, togetherness and tradition. Meals in Italy are a time for gathering, eating dishes passed down through generations made from only the finest and freshest ingredients, all while celebrating life and spreading love. It makes sense that Italian restaurants have spread through Tahoe. Though the lake itself is huge and the Greater Tahoe Area spreads far and wide, the communities around the lake are tight-knit and hold the small town feel. Pair that with the long list of activities available at the lake including water sports, hiking, skiing/snowboarding, swimming and beach days, snowshoeing, biking, etc and what do we get? A hungry body and belly come dinner time. What better way to wrap up a day of physically taxing festivities than over a bowl of creamy delicious pasta and a flavorful glass of wine?

Classic Italian Restaurants:

Izabella Ristorante Italiano 

Izabella’s is a mile from the stateline in South Lake Tahoe making it close to the liveliness of the Heavenly Village and the surrounding area. The dining room is modern and comfy giving a luxurious feel with affordable and delightful meals to match. There is a wide variety of dishes and wine on the menu so everyone can find something to enjoy. Izabella Ristorante Italiano is located at 3967 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 and serves food 7 days a week opening at 5 P.M. each evening. 

Scusa Italian Ristorante 

Scusa’s is known for their large selection of appetizers and salads. Their bread and desserts are baked in-house daily and the main menu focuses on traditional, regional and coastal dishes of Italy including Chicken Piccata, Osso Buco, Veal Marsala, Sea Scallops-Mediterranean and Shrimp, Clams and Mussels. Scusa’s is located at the corner of Highway 50 and Sierra Blvd – 2543 Lake Tahoe Blvd in South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The restaurant is open 7 days a week and opens at 5 P.M.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta has been open for about a year. The owner, Erik, and a chef he worked with at another restaurant in San Francisco worked together to create a casual/fine dining experience for locals. Bruschetta is known for their 20 layer lasagna and veal parmesan. All of the pasta, bread, and cheese is made in house. The menu is also changed quarterly to bring in fresh ingredients and keep returning guests interested in the limited menu. Bruschetta’s goal is for every guest to leave happy and with a full belly while hopefully creating a community relationship between regular guests and servers. The restaurant is open for lunch from 11 am on weekdays or 10 am on weekends until 2 P.M. The restaurant then reopens for dinner every evening for dinner from 4-9:30 P.M.

Primo’s Lake Tahoe

Primo’s has two restaurants, one being a finer dining restaurant and the other a pizzeria. Primo’s Lake Tahoe opened in 2024. The modern Italian menu “breaks away from the traditional red sauce,” there are still some classic dishes but Primo’s has prided themselves on being creative and innovative. The fine dishes at Primo’s are made with ingredients from all over Italy in a modern way. Their wine selection includes varieties of all kinds so every meal has a pairing. There is also a heated outdoor patio for a romantic summer evening vibe. Primo’s is open Tuesday – Sunday 4 – 11 P.M. and weekends for brunch from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Located at 1181 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. 

Azzara’s 

The first Azzara’s was opened by Sam Azzara with his mothers help in Stanton, CA. Eventually, Sam fell in love and married. He and his wife vacationed in Tahoe and the two loved the area so much that they moved to Incline in 1976. Just two years later, Incline Village’s very own Azzara’s opened. The restaurant is celebrating their 47th year in business in Tahoe. Andrea Azzara Gitchell, daughter of the two, grew up working in the restaurant with her father. “I have always loved the work and loved being with my father and learning from him. I enjoy serving people and being social. I love that good food brings people together. We get a sneak peek into people’s lives – whether it’s big celebrations like weddings, anniversaries, vacations, or just weekday dinners,” Gitchell shared. Gitchell and her husband, Cord, took over the restaurant from her parents in 2007. Just like she did with her dad, Gitchell’s three sons worked in the restaurant with her. “I loved growing up in Incline and at the restaurant and my hope is that one of my sons will want to carry on the family tradition. I think it builds character and teaches work ethic. Hospitality business can be amazing, chaotic, and sometimes very challenging, but so rewarding.  I am so proud of our family heritage,” Gitchell explained. 

Azzara’s is known for their amazing food, consistency, and value. Their meals are large portions. The entrees come with soup or salads and garlic bread. The chicken parmigiana is the restaurant’s most popular dish followed closely by Lasagna, Penne Vodka, Chicken Capper, and Fettuccini Alfredo. Important to note is Sam Azzara’s favorite dish, Linguine and Clams. Azzara’s also offers homemade desserts including Tiramisu, Cannoli, and cheesecake. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday 5-9 P.M at 930 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451. 

Sapori Italian Kitchen at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe 

One of Tahoe’s finest Italian restaurants located on the 18th floor of Harrah’s Lake Tahoe with views like no other of the Sierra Nevada mountains. All the dishes are from the Carano Family recipe book with housemade pastas, pizzas, and “World Famous Carano” mushroom ravioli, Sapori’s must-eat. The restaurant is also known for its tiramisu, which is prepared tableside. This luxurious experience is available Friday – Tuesday from 5-9 P.M. Reserve a table at https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe/restaurants/sapori

Lanza’s Restaurant 

This restaurant serves all the classics from a variety of pastas, pizzas, chicken dinners and veal meals and an array of side dishes. Lanza’s also has a list of wines to pair with each meal. Reservations are not accepted so walk on in when the family gets hungry. Open everyday from 5-9 P.M. unless stopping by the restaurant bar first which opens at 4:30 P.M. everyday located at 7739 N Lake Blvd, Kings Beach, CA 96143.

Gastromaniac Homemade Pasta and Pizza 

This authentic Italian restaurant offers both pizza and handmade pasta in South Lake Tahoe. Gastromaniac prides themselves on being a place where everyone from all walks of life will feel welcome in their easy-going and friendly environment for every occasion including a quick bite, a casual date or a family outing. Gastromaniac also places extra focus on curating a selective and unique wine selection to match the elevated culinary scene of the area. Visit Gastromaniac Monday-Thursday from 4:30-8:30 P.M. or Friday-Sunday from 12-3 P.M. and again from 4:30-9 P.M. (Sundays the restaurant closes at 8:30 P.M.). The restaurant is located at 3091 Harrison Ave #120, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Pizza focused Italian Restaurants:

For a more casual Italian experience, consider one of Tahoe top-rated pizzerias!

• Primo’s Pizzeria Tahoe (twin to Primo’s Lake Tahoe) at 2180 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
• Za’s Lakefront at 120 Grove St
• Mofo’s Pizza and Pasta Lake Tahoe at 868 Tahoe Blvd Ste Incline
• Lake Tahoe Pizza Company at 1168 Emerald Bay Road
• Lake Tahoe AleworX, The Y at 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd
• Base Camp Pizza Co. at 1001 Heavenly Village Way #25a

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 edition of Tahoe Magazine.