Palisades Tahoe, situated in the Olympic Valley, offers a remarkable array of dining options. While the prices may be on the higher side, this is to be expected in a mountain location. When planning a visit to Palisades Tahoe, knowing the best places to eat is essential. Budget-conscious visitors may consider accommodations that allow for cooking. For those seeking a few supplementary dining experiences, these recommended restaurants stand out, with Rocker being a personal favorite. Inquire about Ikon discounts when dining, as this can lead to savings on your meals.

Palisades Tahoe Restaurants

The primary restaurant area in Palisades is located at the village base, with an exception at High Camp, accessible via the aerial tram, which accommodates over 100 passengers. The terrain surrounding the tram is also novice-friendly, perfect for a day of exploring.

Le Chamois

This bar is appealing for its ambiance. It features a downstairs pizza area with oversized shareable pretzels and an upstairs loft. It serves as an excellent spot to unwind with a beer and a quick bite after a day on the slopes. The decor includes vintage photographs, ski gear, and inviting couches. Be mindful, as it tends to be crowded by day’s end; arrive early to secure a good spot.

Tremigo Mexican Kitchen & Tequila

This establishment offers some of the finest Mexican cuisine I have experienced. With a full bar, their custom cocktails, particularly the margaritas, are highly recommended. My strongest recommendation is for the mole. As a mole enthusiast, this dish has set a new benchmark for me; it is the best I have ever tasted.

Auld Dubliner Tahoe

For those craving authentic Irish dishes in a classic Irish pub atmosphere, this venue delivers. The food quality is exceptional; I sampled the ribs, which were incredibly tender. Additionally, they serve a delightful blacksmith, a combination of Guinness and Smithwicks. The menu offers several traditional Irish options, perfect for warming up during colder days—truly, comfort food.

Sun Bowl Acai Poke

Poke bowls are among my favorites, and having a dedicated poke spot on the mountain brings me joy. Their Ahi tuna and salmon are fresh and flavorful. Given the proximity to the ocean in California, the seafood is definitely of high quality, making this a great lunch option. Note, however, there is no indoor seating available.

Rocker

This quickly became one of our preferred dining locations, with multiple visits attesting to the quality of the food. The menu boasts excellent vegan options, utilizing ingredients sourced from local farmers.

22 Bistro

I had modest expectations for this restaurant, but I was pleasantly surprised. Initially, we stopped by for beers at the bar while viewing older snowboarding and skiing videos. When we returned for dinner, the menu had a good variety, making it difficult to choose. The waiter suggested sharing our meals, allowing us to sample multiple options, which was perfect! Additionally, the restaurant welcomes dogs, so feel free to bring your furry friend along.

Tahoe City Restaurants (Located in North Lake Tahoe)

For those taking the free shuttle into Tahoe City, a plethora of dining options awaits, making it impossible to sample them all in a single day.

The Dam Café

As the name implies, this café is an excellent spot for coffee. Their lox bagel, generously filled with salmon, comes highly recommended.

Bridgetender Tavern and Grill

Located a short walk from the shuttle station, Bridgetender is an ideal summer destination for riverside dining. In winter, indoor seating is available, along with a covered outdoor area where dogs are welcome, offering a cozy alternative during cooler months.

This establishment stands out for family dining, featuring a sizable menu suitable for larger groups. Notable recommendations include the ahi tacos and a bloody Mary. Although I typically prefer the Bloody Caesar from Canada, this version was exceptional.

Alpine Meadows Restaurants

Alpine Meadows has traditionally been favored by locals, offering fewer dining options compared to other areas. Nevertheless, these choices remain noteworthy, particularly if planning a day on the slopes.

Alpine Bar

This spot is ideal for happy hour, offering $6 beers, a stark contrast to the $12 beers found in Palisades. Located in the main lodge at the base of the mountain, it features a range of regional beers alongside cafeteria-style food options, including poke bowls and curry dishes. The outdoor seating is particularly enjoyable on pleasant days, allowing patrons to savor views of the mountain while enjoying a meal by one of the outdoor fires. This venue is especially popular during the warmer months, but on a clear day, the experience is unbeatable, complemented by great music.

The Chalet

This charming venue is situated along the trails, but it has limited indoor seating, which can lead to crowds on chilly days.

One consideration for snowboarders is that the trails beyond The Chalet can be quite flat, necessitating that you step out of your bindings to traverse if you choose to stop.

Concluding Thoughts

Palisades Tahoe boasts a diverse array of dining establishments, making it challenging to choose where to eat. For those planning an extended stay, I encourage sampling as many of these unique places as possible. Planning your trip to Palisades? Be sure to explore my guide to the Palisades Tahoe ski resort, which has quickly become one of my favorite mountains to visit.