Craving California-grown flavor with a side of alpine adventure? You’ll want to check out these local restaurants in South Lake Tahoe and beyond throughout the Eastern Sierra.
From the shores of South Lake Tahoe, through the peaks of Mono County, this is a land of extremes. Whether fueling up after a mountain hike or kicking back with a glass of local wine, you’ll find farm-to-fork gems between the pines and granite peaks.
What makes the High Sierra so special? It has unique microclimates, from snowy mountain passes to sunny sagebrush valleys. That makes for a variety of agriculture from apples and garlic to tomatoes, greens, cut flowers, and herbs. Add to it a culture rooted in mountain town resilience and reverence for nature. The result is a region where seasonal, sustainable food isn’t just a trend but a way of life.
At California Grown, we’ve traveled these backroads, from the Tahoe farmers markets to the Mammoth Lakes kitchens. The result is we’re able to spotlight the places that truly celebrate the bounty of the Sierra.
Where to Eat Local: Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe and Beyond
The following list of restaurants and markets shares where to eat local across El Dorado, Alpine, and Mono Counties. Grab your fork (and hiking boots) and come hungry as you discover these restaurants in South Lake Tahoe and beyond.
Cafe Crepe (Mammoth Lakes – Mono County)
This food truck at the Outbound Hotel serves sweet and savory crêpes made fresh to order. Their menu includes classics like lemon sugar and Nutella as well as veg-forward options like the Little Goat with goat cheese, alfalfa honey, roasted almonds. We also recommend the Gourmande with Brie, prosciutto, green apples, and honey. They use seasonal and local ingredients as much as possible, making it a go-to for conscious eaters visiting Mammoth.
Elixir Superfood & Juice (Mammoth Lakes – Mono County)
This juice bar and superfood café is all about clean eating with California flair. Their seasonal bowls and smoothies highlight ingredients like local greens, citrus, and berries. Whether you grab a cold-pressed juice, a Happy Belly smoothie with blueberries, spinach, and almond butter, or a Thai Buddha Bowl with spinach, bell pepper, carrots, cabbage, sliced almonds, cilantro, and jalapeno, you’ll leave feeling nourished and energized.
East Side Bake Shop (Mammoth Lakes – Mono County)
The East Side Bake Shop is a beloved bakery in the heart of Mammoth. Their baked goods, including rustic galettes, sourdough, and pies, are made from scratch using seasonal fruit. A few bites we have enjoyed recently are blueberry bread pudding, orange cranberry snacks, and blueberry pie. They also serve sandwiches, frittatas, and quiches using produce from local farms when available.
Restaurant Skadi (Mammoth Lakes – Mono County)
An intimate fine dining experience named after the Norse goddess of the mountains, Skadi, is a beloved local gem led by chef Ian Algerøen. Known for his alpine-inspired menu, Chef Ian often incorporates local trout, seasonal mushrooms, and California produce into beautifully plated dishes. Recent dishes include Little Gems salad with roasted red and gold beets, chives, milk, shallots, and thyme, or Scallops with cauliflower puree, compressed cucumber, haricot vert, and charred leeks. With an ever-changing seasonal menu, Skadi offers a refined yet grounded take on Sierra cuisine.
Stellar Brew & Natural Cafe (Mammoth Lakes – Mono County)
A local favorite for breakfast and coffee, Stellar Brew is more than your average café. Their commitment to sustainability shows up in every detail, from compostable packaging to a menu filled with organic, seasonal ingredients. Try the Basin Bowl with carrots, beets, tomatoes, and eggs, or the Bomber Bagel made “Epic,” which adds Shredded Carrots, Avocado, and Cilantro Pesto. They also carry grab-and-go bites and pastries baked in-house.
The Garden Bar (Mammoth Lakes – Mono County)
Casual and plant-powered, The Garden Bar specializes in fresh juices, smoothies, and vegetarian-forward wraps and bowls. Their menu often highlights seasonal California produce and is an ideal stop after a mountain bike ride or summer hike. Try the Green Goddess Salad made with power greens, cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, feta cheese, and chickpeas, or the Sierra Sunrise—a tropical blend of pineapple, mango, carrot, apple, and a splash of lemon.
Balanced Rock Grill (June Lake – Mono County)
Balanced Rock serves Mexican comfort food classics along the stunning June Lake Loop. Owners Griselda and Juan consistently serve good food and excellent service. Go for Mexican food classics like guacamole and chips, chile rellenos, or their Romaine and Iceberg Salad with carrots, purple cabbage, cucumbers, and tomatoes with avocado-lime dressing.
Mono Market (Lee Vining – Mono County)
More than just a convenience store, Mono Market is a community hub for fresh groceries, local provisions, and grab-and-go eats. In addition to staples, they stock seasonal produce from nearby farms and offer locally made goods like jams, honey, and baked goods. It’s a great place to build a picnic before heading to Mono Lake or up the Tioga Pass into Yosemite National Park.
Mono Inn (Mono City – Mono County)
Mono Inn pairs panoramic views on a hillside overlooking Mono Lake with a thoughtful, seasonal menu. Their kitchen emphasizes California-grown ingredients and sources produce from farms along the Eastern Sierra. Diners can expect elevated dishes like Moroccan lamb with cauliflower raita and fava bean hummus or Steelhead crudo with leche de tigre, avocado, and cucumber banchan. The wine pairing often focuses on California labels, rounding out the experience.
Coachwhip Cafe (Coleville – Mono County)
This food truck and roving café in Northern Mono County serves handcrafted sandwiches, coffee, and seasonal treats with serious Sierra soul. The menu changes frequently but might include grilled cheese tomato sandwiches, fresh strawberry cheesecake, or freshly-made lavender lemonade. Everything is made to order with a deep commitment to freshness and community sourcing.
Sorensen’s Cafe (Hope Valley – Alpine County)
Part of the Desolation Hotel’s historic Sorensen’s Resort, this is one of the restaurants in South Lake Tahoe that is in Alpine County. This café is beloved for its comforting food and cozy mountain lodge ambiance. The menu showcases whole-food dishes like Charred Cauliflower with pea puree and romesco or Wild Mushroom Risotto, using ingredients sourced from California farms. Whether fueling up for a snowshoe or winding down from a scenic drive, this is an authentic Sierra experience.
Sprouts Natural Cafe (South Lake Tahoe – El Dorado County)
A long-standing favorite among the restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, Sprouts Natural Café has served wholesome, organic meals since the 1990s. Their extensive menu caters to vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners with salads, wraps, bowls, and juices featuring locally sourced vegetables and grains. With everything from house made hummus or crunchy vegetable sandwiches to signature pressed juices, it’s the spot where you can feel good about every bite.
Ski Run and Meyers Mountain Farmers Markets (South Lake Tahoe – El Dorado County)
Head to one of South Lake Tahoe’s weekly summer farmers markets to taste what’s growing in the Sierra. Though it’s not one of the restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, it is where many restaurants shop! Local favorites include the Ski Run Farmers Market (Fridays) and the Meyers Mountain Market (Wednesdays), where you’ll find farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, artisan cheese, and handmade goods. Both markets prioritize organic and sustainable farms from the Sierra Nevada and nearby Central Valley, making them ideal spots to shop and snack like a local.
From crepes in Mammoth Lakes to farmers markets in South Lake Tahoe, the High Sierra’s local food scene is as diverse and vibrant as its terrain. With every bite, you’ll taste the care, creativity, and connection to the land that make this region a hidden gem for California agritourism.
With this list of restaurants in South Lake Tahoe and beyond, you’re ready to road trip through the Eastern Sierra. If you’re adventuring through more of the High Sierra, you’ll want to read this roundup of farm-to-table restaurants near Yosemite.
This article was written by Aida Mollenkamp, @aidamollenkamp, opening by Chantel Elder courtesy of Visit California, photos by James Collier for California Grown; other photos by Aida Mollenkamp, Outbound Hotels, and Stellar Brew