Cafe Fiore Italian Restaurant at Lake Tahoe

ZAGAT RATED
Very Good to Excellent
Cafe' Fiore
Food 24 | Decor 16 | Service 23 | Cost $41

Looking every bit the quaint, candlelit wood-beamed chalet that it is, this romantic South Lake Tahoe retreat plies patrons with great variations on Northern Italian classics along with a fantastic wine list, including many half bottles, all proffered by a charming staff that makes guests feel very welcome; reservations are a must during ski season, as there are only 7 tables inside, but come summer, there's alfresco dining as well.

Rated in San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants 2007 & 2008

Sierra Sage News
by, Sonnie Imes

Cafe' Fiore
An intimate but popular restaurant where 60% of the diners return often and are never disappointed. The friendly service and atmosphere contribute to the experience, but it is the food and extensive wine list, with over 350 different wines, that keeps people coming back for more of their favorites. Scallopine ala Piccata (veal scallopini dipped in parmesan cheese and egg batter, finished with zucchini and lemon butter caper sauce), Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Medallions of fillet mignon sautéed with garlic, julienne roasted bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, fresh basil & white wine).

Many other mouth-watering Italian selections are available, like ten different pasta dishes, three chicken entrees, pork, beef and veal. All entrees are served with a salad or soup. Don't skip the Tiramisu or white chocolate ice cream for dessert.

The restaurant received the 2003 wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and the Eggplant Crepes were written up in Gourmet Magazine. Nick E. Ashmore, an architect, bought the restaurant in 1986 and it is evident as to his architectural abilities in the decor. Wine bottles are tastefully displayed around the perimeter of the restaurant, half curtains at the windows, white tablecloths and burgundy napkins set the mood for a quiet, relaxing, delicious dining experience.

San Jose Mercury News
South Lake Tahoe Guide
Best Places to Eat
Cafe' Fiore (best dessert)

Nice atmosphere and fine dining with creative traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine. A small romantic atmosphere. Book ahead- there are only 7 tables. Candles glimmer at each of the window side tables arranged in the cozy wood paneled dining room. In the summer, tables are set up outside. Desserts are out of this world, especially the homemade white chocolate ice cream.

Colorado Avid Golfer
Where to eat in Lake Tahoe & Genoa
Cafe' Fiore

The Tahoe Quarterly Fine Dining Guide
Cafe Fiore

This intimate restaurant delights diners with excellent, authentic Italian cuisine and a superb wine list. There are multiple menu options for vegetarians. Call a week or two in advance for reservations during the busy seasons.

Pilot Getaways Magazine
South Lake Tahoe, California
by Laurel Hilde Lippert

Excerpt:

There are dinner restaurants galore, but two small ones are exceptional. In a tiny old Tahoe cabin, Cafe Fiore's intimate dining room with walls of wood and wine bottles has only seven white cloth-covered tables. The Northern Italian menu includes a signature entree: Bistecca ala Veneziana, filet medallions on toast points with a green peppercorn Dijon cream sauce served with roasted potatoes and soup or salad. Specials might include fresh swordfish or rack of lamb. The 370 bottle wine list has won Wine Spectator Magazine's Award of Excellence. A divine dessert is the white chocolate ice cream with fresh strawberries.

July 19, 2005

Dear Proprietor and Staff:

I would like to thank you for providing my son and myself with one of the finest dining experiences that we have had during our numerous visits to Lake Tahoe. The quality of the food and the excellent service that we enjoyed at your restaurant last Saturday evening far surpassed our expectations. As I related to our waiter and the maitre d', we felt that there was no question that your food and service was far superior to what we experienced at the Summit Restaurant at Harrah's, even though we felt that the food and service at the summit Restaurant was very good.

I look forward to visiting your restaurant once again in the future when I am skiing at Heavenly during the winter or returning for my annual 4 or 5 day weekend to view the Celebrity Golf Tournament each July at the Edgewood Golf Club.

Sincerely,

John A. Harkavy

August 21st, 2005
Subject: Wonderful Evening at your restaurant

We just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for making our first (but certainly not last) visit to your restaurant such a memorable one.

The service, ambiance and food were all excellent, we had our friends from Toronto visiting and they were so impressed, I believe they are going to be returning for dinner this evening!

Unfortunately we had to drive back home last night so we won't be able to join them, but we will most certainly be back again for another brilliant evening!

Regards,

Chris & Cathy H.

Message to the editor of Wine Spectator Magazine
September 7, 2003

Dear Mr. Shanken,

The purpose of this email is to share with you our experience we had last night at one of your "Award of Excellence" restaurants, Cafe Fiore in South Lake Tahoe, California.

My wife and I have eaten there on two separate occasions and our experience was the same, i.e., the food is excellent, the service is also excellent, casual but polished, the atmosphere is intimate, romantic and delightful, and the wine and wine service is exceptional. Our waiter/wine consultant, Scott Stratton, made excellent recommendations to us matching our meal with an exceptional Pinot Noir. Additionally, guests are served with very nice stemware (Ridel or similar brands) that enhance our wine experience.

My wife and I frequently seek out recommendations from the Wine Spectator regarding where we would like to dine and enjoy excellent wines. Cafe Fiore is very much deserving of your "Award of Excellence".

We greatly enjoy our Wine Spectator subscription and we look forward to trying other excellent restaurants such as Cafe Fiore.

Best regards,

Loren Buddress

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