Gluten free restaurants in Lake Tahoe

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Are you looking for a restaurant where you can get a gluten free sit down meal in the Lake Tahoe area? Or maybe you are looking for a place where you can pick up a gluten free meal on the go? Well either way, you are in the right place! In this article, we discuss some of our favorite restaurants in the Lake Tahoe area. We will primarily focus on restaurants in North Lake Tahoe in areas like Truckee, Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, and Olympic Valley.

For each restaurant we discuss in this article, we will provide information on a set of characteristics to help you determine which restaurant best suits your preferences. We will start out by outlining those characteristics. After that, we will discuss some of our favorite sit down restaurants that offer gluten free options in the Northern Lake Tahoe area. Next, we will discuss some of our favorite fast casual restaurants that offer gluten free options in the Northern Lake Tahoe area.

Characteristics of restaurants in Lake Tahoe

For each restaurant we discuss in this article, we will provide information on a few characteristics to help you determine which restaurant best suits your preferences. Specifically, we will provide information on the following characteristics.

Gluten free status. First, we will discuss the gluten free status of each restaurant. We will discuss whether each restaurant is dedicated to gluten free food. If the restaurant is not dedicated to gluten free food, we will also provide information to help assess the risk of cross contamination.
Other dietary restrictions. After that, we will discuss other food allergies and dietary restrictions that each restaurant caters to. Some of these restaurants cater to a range of dietary restrictions, whereas others cater specifically to gluten free guests.
Cuisine. Next, we will describe the type of food that is sold at each restaurant. This will include information on the main cuisine that the menu takes inspiration from. it will also include information on any specialties that the restaurant has.
Atmosphere. After that, we will discuss the atmosphere at each restaurant. This will include information about the energy level and the level of formality at each restaurant. It will also include information about the decor and the ambiance.
Location. Next, we will discuss the location of each restaurant. This will include information about the city that each restaurant is located in. it will also include information about whether each restaurant is located in a popular downtown area.
Seating. Finally, we will discuss the seating options that are available at each restaurant. This will include information about whether indoor or outdoor seating is available. It will also include information about whether reservations are required.

Gluten free sit down restaurants in Lake Tahoe

Now that we have outlined the characteristics that we will use to provide information on these gluten free restaurants, we will discuss some of our favorite sit down restaurants that offer gluten free food in the Lake Tahoe area. Note that we will list these restaurants roughly in order of preference, with our favorite spots appearing higher up in the list.

Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique

Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique may be the best place to go in the North Lake Tahoe area if you are looking for an upscale restaurant that has a large and varied menu of gluten free items. While they are not dedicated to gluten free food, the vast majority of the items on their menu are naturally gluten free and even some of the items that do contain gluten can be made gluten free with substitutions. Wolfdale’s is an upscale restaurant with a beautiful lakeside view that serves some of the best food in Tahoe. They also have some of the most attentive staff around.

Gluten free status. Wolfdale’s is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant. That being said, the vast majority of their menu is gluten free or can easily be made gluten free. Their menu is clearly labeled to show which items cannot be made gluten free and which items need modifications to be made gluten free. Their servers are also knowledgeable about how ingredients that contain gluten are used in the kitchen. One note is that they do not have a dedicated gluten free fryer, so items that are made in the fryer may be exposed to cross contamination.
Other dietary restrictions. Wolfdale’s also has vegetarian options available, including options that are both vegetarian and gluten free. That being said, a large portion of the menu is made up of meat dishes.
Cuisine. Wolfdale’s serves a few different types of cuisine at their restaurant. Some of the dishes on their menu are inspired by Italian cuisine, whereas others take inspiration from Asian cuisines.
Atmosphere. Wolfdale’s has a lovely upscale atmosphere and a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe. The largest indoor dining room has a wall that overlooks the lake that is lined with windows to provide the perfect view of the lake. The outdoor patio also overlooks the lake. Their servers are very attentive and accommodating, so you will always feel welcome when dining here. They have some of the best food available in the Tahoe area, especially if you are a fan of filet or seafood.
Location. Wolfdale’s is located in Tahoe City just a few steps away from commons beach. It is located in a popular downtown area that is lined with shops, restaurants, and bakeries. There is a mixture of street parking and parking in public lots available in the area. Wolfdale’s also has a small lot of its own.
Seating. There is a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating available at Wolfdale’s, but there is more indoor seating available than outdoor seating. Reservations are generally recommended, especially if you plan to attend during peak weekend dining hours. That being said, they are sometimes able to accommodate walk-ins.

Salad from Wolfdale's Cuisine Unique in Tahoe City, California

Risotto from Wolfdale's Cuisine Unique in Tahoe City, California

Spoon

Spoon is a cozy little restaurant that provides a truly unique dining experience. Spoon is located in a small cabin that does not have room for much more than six or seven tables. The size of the restaurant, combined with the carefully chosen decor, creates an intimate atmosphere that feels special. And while the restaurant itself is small, the flavors that are featured on their menu are big. Spoon serves gourmet comfort foods that combine bold flavors in very creative ways. They make some amazing dishes that really stand out from anything else that you can get in the Tahoe area.

Gluten free status. Spoon is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, a large portion of their menu is naturally gluten free. Items that are gluten free are clearly labeled on the menu.
Other dietary restrictions. Spoon also has vegetarian and vegan options available. Items that are vegetarian and vegan friendly are clearly labeled on the menu. Items that contain common allergens are also marked on the menu, though you need to talk to the staff to confirm which allergen is in which dish.
Cuisine. The owners of Spoon describe the food that they serve as gourmet comfort food. Their dishes tend to showcase creative combinations of bold flavors. For real, this place is big on flavor. Many of the dishes on their menu contain ingredients that are common in Mediterranean cooking. That being said, they have a varied menu that also has more traditional American options.
Atmosphere. Spoon has a really fun atmosphere that is both cozy and intimate. They are located in a small cabin that has a lofted upper floor that overlooks the main floor. They have one or two tables on the main floor that are situated near the kitchen. The kitchen opens out into the main floor, so those who are seated on the main floor can watch as the chefs prepare their food. They have a few tables in the lofted area on the upper floor. This is a really fun space that provides a unique dining experience.
Location. Spoon is located just a few miles south of Tahoe City. It is not located in a major downtown area, but it is situated next to a few other restaurants like the Fire Sign Cafe.
Seating. Spoon has a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating. They are located in a small building that has limited space available, so seating can be competitive. We highly recommend making a reservation at least a few days in advance. This is especially true if you are going during a time of year where outdoor seating is not a viable option.

Superfoods dip from Spoon in Tahoe City, California

Roasted tofu from Spoon in Tahoe City, California

Fireside Pizza

Fireside Pizza is a pizza restaurant that makes some of the best gluten free pizza we have ever had. In fact, their gluten free pizza crust is probably the best gluten free pizza crust that we have had in years. While most of the items on their menu naturally contain gluten, almost everything on the menu can be made gluten free with substitutions. There are usually only a few items on the menu that cannot be made gluten free. Fireside Pizza is located at the Palisades Tahoe right at the bottom of some of the most popular ski hills in Olympic Valley, so it is a convenient option for anyone who is skiing in Olympic Valley.

Gluten free status. Fireside Pizza is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant. That being said, almost everything on their menu can be made gluten free with substitutions. Most of their pasta dishes can be made gluten free by substituting in gluten free pasta and all of their pizzas can be made gluten free by substituting in a gluten free crust. Items that cannot be made gluten free are noted on the menu. Precautions are taken to prevent cross contamination when making gluten free items.
Other dietary restrictions. Fireside Pizza also has a variety of vegetarian options available. Items that are vegetarian friendly are clearly labeled on the menu. They have some of the most flavorful vegetarian pizzas that we have had in a while.
Cuisine. Fireside Pizza is primarily a pizza restaurant, but they also have a few other options available. They also have a selection of dinner salads and pasta dishes that are available for anyone who is not in the mood for pizza.
Atmosphere. Fireside Pizza has a relatively laid back atmosphere, so it is a great place to go to decompress after a long day of skiing or hiking. This is a cozy spot that has a very warm and inviting atmosphere.
Location. Fireside Pizza is located in the Olympic Valley area, just a short distance away from Tahoe City. The restaurant is conveniently located right at the bottom of the ski hills at the Palisades Tahoe. This means that it is a super convenient option for anyone who enjoys skiing in Olympic Valley.
Seating. Most of the seating at Fireside Pizza is located indoors. Seating is generally not that competitive. You can generally show up and expect to be able to get a seat without waiting a long time.

Veggie pizza from Fireside pizza in Olympic Valley, California

Como

Como is a vibey Mexican restaurant that is located right in the heart of downtown Truckee. While they are not a dedicated gluten free facility, almost everything on their menu is naturally gluten free or can be made gluten free with substitutions. They have very generous hours and are open most of the day, which is not common in the Tahoe area. That means that this is a great place to go if you are looking to get a meal during off hours, such as a late lunch or an early dinner.

Gluten free status. Como is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant. That being said, the vast majority of the menu is or can be made gluten free. Most of the items that are not gluten free can be made gluten free with substitutions. Items that are and are not gluten free are clearly labeled on the menu. They also have a dedicated gluten free fryer available for those who are sensitive to cross contamination.
Other dietary restrictions. There are also vegan and vegetarian options available, which is not always the case at Mexican restaurants. Vegan and vegetarian options are clearly labeled on the menu.
Cuisine. Como primarily serves Mexican food. They have a large menu that consists of items like guacamole, queso, tacos, and burritos. They do not have gluten free tortillas for their burritos, but the burritos can be made gluten free if they are served as burrito bowls instead.
Atmosphere. Como is a very carefully decorated restaurant that has a mixture of modern industrial accents and Mexican-inspired touches. This is a trendy spot with a good ambiance and great vibes. While they do serve elevated food and have carefully curated decor, the atmosphere at Como is not as formal as the atmosphere at some of the other restaurants we mention in this article.
Location. Como is located right in the heart of downtown Truckee. It is situated on a popular street that is lined with many shops and restaurants. The street that Como is located on is lined with street parking and public parking areas, so it is generally possible to find a parking space nearby.
Seating. Como has a mixture of indoor seating and outdoor seating available. They have a large amount of seating available, so it is generally fairly easy to get a table without a reservation.

Guacamole from Como in Truckee, California

Cauliflower tacos from Como in Truckee, California

Gluten free fast casual restaurants in North Lake Tahoe

Now that we have discussed our favorite gluten free sit down restaurants in the Northern Lake Tahoe area, we will discuss some of our favorite fast casual restaurants in the Lake Tahoe area.

Pep’s Place

Pep’s Place is a cozy little sandwich shop that is located in the Tahoe Vista area. While it is not located in a bustling downtown area, it is located in a cute roadside shopping area that is home to a few other small businesses. One of those businesses is a plant nursery that sells all kinds of flowers and greenery. The gluten free options at Pep’s Place can vary from day to day, but they generally have either gluten free bread or gluten free tortillas available to make their wraps and sandwiches. Their workers are knowledgeable about potential sources of cross contamination and take precautions to minimize cross contamination when making gluten free sandwiches.

Gluten free status. Pep’s Place is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, many of the items on their menu can be made gluten free upon request. They generally have gluten free bread available that can be used for their sandwiches, and they sometimes have gluten free tortillas available that can be used for their wraps and breakfast burritos. They take precautions to prevent cross contamination, such as changing their gloves and preparing gluten free sandwiches on separate surfaces.
Other dietary restrictions. Pep’s Place also has a variety of vegetarian options available. The vegetarian options are not labeled on the menu, but they are generally easy to spot.
Cuisine. Pep’s Place is a sandwich shop that sells a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. They also have breakfast options available such as breakfast burritos and English muffins. Their gluten free bread can be crumbly, but it tastes great and comes in large slices.
Atmosphere. Pep’s Place is a cozy little sandwich shop that has a nice ambiance. The interior is tastefully decorated with wooden accents that feel right at home in the Tahoe area. The staff are very friendly and accommodating.
Location. Pep’s Place is located in the Tahoe Vista area. It is not in the main downtown area. That being said, it is in a nice wooded area that has a few different shops and small businesses in it. There is a plant nursery located next door that is always worth a visit.
Seating. Pep’s Place primarily has indoor seating. They only have a few tables in their restaurant, but most people grab their food to go. That means that seating is usually not that competitive.

Veggie sandwich from Pep's Place in Tahoe Vista, California