Za's Lakefront

120 Grove St, Tahoe City, CA 96145, United States
$$$ Restaurant
(1162 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Za's Lakefront, a culinary gem nestled on the shores of Lake Tahoe in beautiful Tahoe City, CA. This restaurant beautifully blends a relaxed lakeside atmosphere with an inviting menu that features a delightful array of hearty dishes and refreshing drinks, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

At Za's Lakefront, the dining experience goes beyond just a meal – it’s a chance to savor the natural beauty of Tahoe while indulging in thoughtfully crafted cuisine. As you settle into a cozy booth or enjoy the outdoor seating with stunning lake views, you’ll find a menu that celebrates fresh, vibrant flavors. Popular highlights include the Caprese Salad with heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette at just $14. For a heartier option, the Smoked Chicken Pasta sings with rich flavors, although some guests have mentioned it might be on the smokier side, reflecting the winners’ willingness to adapt based on customer feedback.

Don’t miss out on their unique Liquid Delights; try the Apple Pie Margarita, a clever mix of tequila, apple juice, and a cinnamon rim that feels like a warm hug on a cool day. The Loosey Goosey, a refreshing cooler with Grey Goose vodka, is an instant favorite, priced at $14.

The ambiance is both casual and slightly upscale, offering a friendly yet polished vibe. Guests often describe Za's as offering a "charming lakeside setting" that is particularly enchanting during sunset or pleasant weather, making it an ideal location for a romantic dinner or gathering with friends and family. However, it's essential to keep in mind that service can be a bit hit-or-miss, as some patrons have noted long waits during busy hours. Nevertheless, the attentive staff work hard to ensure a positive experience, and many guests have lauded the warm atmosphere that lightens any wait time.

Za's Lakefront stands out not only for its location but also for its commitment to customer satisfaction. With a mix of enthusiastic reviews praising the delicious thin-crust pizzas and the fantastic views, it’s hard to ignore the charm of this lakeside hideaway. So, whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a cozy date night, or a fun outing with friends, Za's Lakefront is a stop you won't want to miss on your Tahoe journey.

Come experience the magic of lakeside dining at Za's Lakefront, where every meal is a scenic escape!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Has private dining room
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

1162 Reviews
jcmono007

15 Aug 2025

The pizza's okay, nothing special. My kids like Little Caesars better. The whole experience is just alright. The waiters are always trying to take your plate the second you're done. They want you out so they can get the table ready for the next people. It's not a great place to chill and chat with your family or friends.

Debbie Henney

01 Aug 2025

Great food and beautiful view of Lake Tahoe were tempered by poor service, long wait for food, and missing dishes. I loved my Arugala Heirloom Tomato pasta, but we waited 40 minutes for our food (on a Monday at 5 pm). One of two appetizers never came, and one person in our group didn't get their food until everyone else was done eating. No apologies or offer made to take the late dish off the bill. Our large group was split in two, but we were still automatically charged an 18% large group gratuity. Why try to offer good service when you can set your own tip? We would've tipped more for better service.

Cee Rose

26 Jul 2025

Pure magic from start to finish. The food? Exquisite. The drinks? Divine. The service? Impeccable. Every detail, from ambiance to execution, felt choreographed by someone who truly cares. like a love letter to hospitality itself. We stumbled in after an adrenaline-fueled river rafting trip, and this place welcomed us like an oasis. Nestled along the water, it wasn’t just a meal—it was a moment. The staff radiated warmth, the flavors were bold and unforgettable, and the whole experience felt like the universe decided to spoil us. It’s rare to find a spot where everything sings in perfect harmony. But this? This was one of the greatest culinary performances I’ve ever witnessed. If you're anywhere near, treat yourself because this restaurant doesn’t just serve food, it serves memories.

J.R. Gulley

08 Jul 2025

Great atmosphere and our waitress was very attentive. Lots of folks here enjoying themselves. The pizza was great, and my burger was delicious. My wife had the smoked chicken pasta, but it was too smoky for her taste. They took back the plate and didn’t charge us for it.

Phil Ahn

07 Jul 2025

Pizza was amazing! The 16” was huge so be careful when you order. The Brussel sprouts were way too salty though. I wish they had low sodium option. The view from the restaurant looking out the lake was a masterpiece. The price was decent too. I would definitely re-visit!

Ajmal Ayaan

28 Jun 2025

Za’s Lakefront – A Mixed Experience with a View Za’s Lakefront offers a charming lakeside setting that’s hard to beat. The cozy, warm atmosphere paired with stunning views of the water makes it a pleasant spot to unwind, especially during sunset or on a nice day. There’s a relaxed vibe that’s inviting, and thankfully, the place wasn’t overcrowded when I visited. Parking was also easy to find, with plenty of available spaces nearby—always a plus. As for the food, it was a bit of a mixed bag. I tried the wings, margarita pizza, and a basket of fries. The wings were decent—flavorful enough but nothing that stood out. The fries were crispy and satisfying, great as a simple snack. The margarita pizza, however, was a bit of a letdown. Given the setting and the restaurant’s vibe, I had higher expectations for it. It lacked the freshness and flavor that a good margarita pizza should have. Service is another area where Za’s could improve. While the staff wasn’t unfriendly, the attentiveness and overall service experience didn’t quite match the warmth of the setting. A little more attention to detail and engagement could elevate the dining experience significantly. Overall, Za’s is worth visiting for the views and atmosphere. With a bit of improvement in food quality and service, it has the potential to be a go-to lakefront destination.

Jeff

11 Jun 2025

One of the few waterfront restaurants in Tahoe. Great little bar outside. Inside is casual and slightly upscale. Prices are high as expected for Tahoe waterfront ($9 draft beer). The thin crust pizzas are the best deal and phenomenal. The large 16" at $29 is enough to feed 3 hungry adults, medium is enough for 2. A single entree is near the price of a large pizza. Place is extremely loud (wood floors and ceiling). You practically have to yell to be heard when it's busy so not a good romantic dining room.

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