West Shore Cafe and Inn — Restaurant in Tahoe City

One of the most beautiful spots on the lake.

Thrilled about this place.... I am amazed that they have such fair to middlin' reviews. I did note it was closed for lunch today, Monday... so maybe the lunch wasn't faring so well. I know it's a seasonal place, and they just were forced to remove tables from the extended dock. But it's a beautiful place, and a stunning view... it beats the food anywhere around West Shore + North and South of there. It's amazing. Chambers Landing is no comparison, Sunnyside is lacking compared to this place. We went for dinner and sat outside after having drinks in the stunning bar area. The architecture of the building, as well as the rich tones and textures of the interior design, is awesome.

It feels like an old timey jaunt to a sophisticated & high class party at a mansion a la 1920's Lake Tahoe.

Our server was phenomenal.. walked that line of friendly vs professional incredibly well. She was actually pretty playful, and earnest... it was really refreshing.

Wifey's Beet Salad with goat cheese, radicchio, grapefruit was awesome, and the presentation was stellar. I had a poke sashimi appetizer, which was delicious.. not too fine cut so I could still taste the fish. Wife didn't like the presentation of her trout, littered with fries over the top of it. It was sort of an odd presentation, but it was cooked well. Her dessert of a lemon cake was unbelievable with a basil creme anglaise. Just amazing.

Okay.. don't judge me. But talk about a different take on a burger... the West Shore burger ground beef was mixed with butter and bacon, and served on a large whole wheat english muffin. I added cheese and avocado and I have to say... I didn't die. And it was one of the most interesting and rich burgers I have ever had. Read that = DELICIOUS. It took me two days to eat it, but hell. The fries were a treat too.

I might not say it's 5 stars for food overall... but for the atmosphere, the menu's creativity, the bar and dinner service... it's amazing, and I think it's safe to say this is your only MUST visit during your West Shore...

Homewood is in on the western better part of Lake Tahoe and approx. 12 minutes from Emerald Bay. And for all your Godfather fans a few blocks down from the godfather 2 movie house lot. We stayed in the Marlette Suite and it is probably the best (2) room suite facing Lake Tahoe on the waterfront. It has a kingsize bed , fireplace, TV, balcony, and full bathroom in one room. The other one has a sofa that unfolds with full bathroom, giant TV, balcony, and two chairs that face a giant window that you can see the whole lake, pier, and boats nearby. The rooms were very clean and tastefully decorated. The front desk was very helpful printing up driving directions, showing us the room, getting room ready for us quickly, and breakfast was served to us on time. The restaurant below our room has very good food, but is expensive even at lunch ($50.00) for hamburger, coke, and one order of a calamari appetizer. We didn't rent a boat, but you can right there on the pier through a company next door to the inn. In addition, this inn does a lot of weddings also and I would highly recommend it for a romantic get way for a couple. The price per night is 600.00, which may seem high to some, but you get what you pay for and it is worth is for a special few nights. Now, I will comment on what they need to improve: 1st change toilet seats they are old and look horrible when you have everything else perfect in room. Another comment would be to have a different shower head because it had hardly any water coming out, and most people like a good flow . Next, since you have a rocky beach, you could install a small area (8x20)of sand and a few chairs for guests to sit in right by the water, because right now there is no such place ...just medium size rocks. Lastly, a lunch menu with varied items under $16.00, instead of hamburger for 22.00. Just my opinion, but I know other guests have commented on this and it would...

This review is for the restaurant only. I did not stay at this hotel. Both the food and the service was hit or miss. Mostly misses. All the host staff we encountered were unprofessional and unattentive. We arrived 15 minutes before our reservation and walked over to the host's podium. The host person was on the phone while we stood there, in front of her, as she talked away on the phone, and did not even acknowledge us with a quick "I'll be right with you."

When she finally decided to acknowledge us, she said our table wasn't ready yet and we could wait in the garden and they'll come get us. 5 minutes into our reservation time, we were not notified, so we walked back to the host's podium, and watched her not only seat 3 other parties right in front of us, but ignore us and avoid all eye-contact with us altogether. I had to approach another host person and let her know that it was already 15 minutes past our reservation time. Then she walked away to check on this, and told us our table will be ready in another 5 minutes.

Considering we made reservations for the fixed-menu Award-winning dinner on the Pier (under "Experiences"), which is a $169 per person dinner, which you have to pay in full while booking the reservation, I would expect more professionalism and punctuality from the staff.

The food was hit or miss as well. The Fillet Mignon was cooked well. But the dessert, the lava cake, was not lava at all. It was not only fully cooked (no chocolate lava coming out when you cut into it), it was also incredibly dry. Completely overcooked.

The only reason I'm giving 2 stars here is because the only "hit" of the night was our waitress. Unlike the other staff we encountered, she was very professional and attentive. So she deserves some credit.

Overall, a very disappointing place to have an anniversary dinner. Will not be returning. Would...