Christy Hill — Restaurant in Tahoe City

This restaurant is excellence and opulence beyond anything that can be comprehended, everything from the stunning eastward view of the lake, to the Seasonal Sorbet, everything was amazing. It is no wonder why this restaurant consistently ranks high among other restaurants in this caliber. I was very pleased with the service provided, as despite not being dressed for the occasion or having a reservation, the front desk was pleasant and accommodating.

The food:

As a whole, the price point was reasonable for the service, view, and quality of food received, if you are making a decision simply based on this alone.

I ordered the Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon salad, Deviled Green Eggs and Ham, the House Soup, the Pan Roasted Gnocchi, and finally the Fresh Tagliatelle Pasta.

The Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon salad was excellent, it is an excellent starter to share with a party of four. The colors really pop in this dish, and the taste of the tomatoes were well pronounced in this specific dish, as this salad brings together aspects of the sunflower and the tomato without it feeling forced. The sunflower seeds offered a nice aftertaste and fresh crunch to rely on, and the cilantro ver jus brought together the tomato and the sunflower elements in a harmonious alliance. It was not too acidic to overwhelm the flavors of the tomato, rather it complimented the freshly prepared tomato. To top the entire flavor profile, the Fromage Blanc was simply enthralling, not too pronounced to be the leading taste profile in the composition, but it had a unique presence that further brings all elements of the salad together.

In general, I am not usually a fan of deviled eggs, but the idea of this dish thought up by Dr. Seuss was too much to resist. First of all, the duck meat was sublime. The tiny strip of duck meat was just enough to give the appetizer the kick it needed, and I think it really compliments the entire dish very well. The taste of the duck and the watercress yolk mixture was out of this world. A point that perhaps was not to my liking was how undercooked the hard boiled egg, but perhaps that lends to how rich and creamy the watercress yolk was.

I honestly do not remember what the house soup was, but I do remember it was served intentionally cold, and that it was pretty good. It was a chicken stock based, and it was very smooth.

The Pan Roasted Gnocchi was really something else. First of all, the gnocchi was well cooked and the char on the outside allowed it to resist the moisture of the pan sauce, as the inside of the gnocchi was immersed enough with the sauce but the gnocchi held its shape well. The inside of the gnocchi was just barely permeated by the pan sauce, and the poached egg also helped add dimension to the dish. The dish was very balanced with the proper ratio of vegetables and that allowed for an melodious dish. Again the duck meat in this dish was amazing. The meat was very tender as it barely clung to the fork as I went for the gnocchi. It was a pleasant surprise to see such a seemingly unconventional dish come together so nicely.

Despite the Fresh Tagliatelle Pasta being the most inexpensive of the pastas offered, it did not take away at all from the fact that this was the most memorable part of the dinner for me. I can still remember the texture of the pasta, the aroma of the mushroom ragout, and the lingering taste that the pine nuts in this harmonious amalgamation of all these locally sourced ingredients tossed with truffle oil. The large cuts of parmesan, peas, and the poached egg all everything that makes pasta unforgettable. If anything on the menu was a must have, it would be this.

Everything on this menu goes above and beyond, and pushes the boundaries of fine cuisine in California. The creativity, innovation, and presentation...

Ever had your wedding cake redecorated in front of your eyes by an entitled stranger?! Thanks to a Christy Hill employee, we have!

On August 14th we took our intimate wedding party to Christy Hill for dinner after our ceremony where an older woman who seemed to be associated with the host stand or (god-forbid) management helped bring out our cake. Apparently not satisfied with the fun, self-decorating job we did along with our friends (we had a very free, easy, goofy wedding), she proceeded to pick leaves off of a nearby bush and add them to the layers of our cake. Next thing I noticed, she had procured some flowers from somewhere and started adding them, too. At this point I had to tell her that we were happy with the decoration job that was done - that's why we had done it - and that she could stop now. You could see the woman struggling to comprehend why we wouldn't want her to put the rest of the flowers and leaves in her hands on the cake. I gave her another "It's fine, you can stop" or something of the sort, and she she finally stepped away.

I cannot imagine a a world in which someone would ever think it okay to redecorate someone else's wedding cake without their permission, but that's apparently the world this lady lives in, and she works at Christy Hill.

Also, even with the confirmation call they gave us that day, the one that I had placed a week prior, and the original call to make the reservation months before, they still got it wrong. We were a party of ten total and had asked for a table for eight for the wedding party and a nearby table for two for the photographer and videographer. When we arrived they had set the main table for ten, with a small table for two nearby, a total of twelve seats. Almost immediately we were asked if we didn't need the small table so they could give it to someone else since we could fit at the main table. Of course, we weren't going to say that our videographer and photographer needed to sit at the other table while the extra two spots at the main table sat empty; that seemed quite rude and awkward. There was an extra two-top table added to the main one that easily could have been left out, so I'm not sure if this was a tactic to get that other table back or what. Thankfully, our videographer and photographer were amazing additions to our day so it wasn't weird to have them dine with us!

I cannot deny, though, that the food was delicious. Our waiter was kind, the water and wine continuously refilled, and the bill ended up being less than expected! I still recommend going, maybe just don't choose this location...

This review is long overdue. I have eaten at Christy Hill several times over the years and have always had an enjoyable experience; since the new owners took over last summer, it has become the best restaurant in the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. From the moment you walk in, it is an experience!

Christy Hill offers an incredible lake view that is paired with an extensively curated wine list and some of the best food I have ever eaten. The new chef, Luis Vallin, has elevated the seasonal menu and created unique and delectable options that leave me wanting more. The last few times I have visited, I was offered complimentary, specialty items sent out by the chef that are a testament to his creativity and passion. Be sure to try the Halibut (mouth watering) and the Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding, to die for.

The service is always impeccable and staff willing to go out of their way to create a memorable evening. New owner, Alex, has been onsite each time I have visited and always stops by my table to check-in and make sure we are enjoying ourselves and see if there is anything further he can do to elevate our experience. I also love that they offer an option for an "End of the Night Round for the Kitchen." As someone who has worked in restaurants, these small touches are greatly appreciated by staff, but also by diners who understand how hard service employees work, especially in a mountain town where a great deal of service staff is being priced out. These are the extra touches that make the restaurant stand out from the rest, an outstanding place to enjoy a special occasion or just an evening out.

I also want to speak to the Sandbar that opened last summer. After my first visit, I knew it would become my go-to summer hangout, a special place to bring family and friends visiting from out of town. Not only is the view, especially the sunset, on full display, but it is coupled with the coziest tables (some with built in fire places) and a casual menu, great for quick bites. The lobster rolls were a favorite! I became a regular for the rotating live music that was always unique. It made for a fun, relaxed atmosphere. I'm already looking forward to more summertime evenings at the Sandbar.

Overall, Christy Hill is a perfect place for a memorable night out. It is a spot where you will feel welcomed and comfortable, while enjoying an exceptional menu...