Smoke Door - Lake Tahoe Saryo - Kings Beach, California

Shaina R.

Phenomenal restaurant in North Lake. Actually a sister restaurant for a fancy place in Japan. Kitchen staff all with Michelin experience. This isn’t a place you just stop in and eat: it’s a very high-end dining experience that only seats each table once per night.

We ate inside, midweek in the winter and all ordered the 10-course tasting menu. The cocktails were delicious and the reserve pairing was spot on. Two thumbs up for the sake choices. The wagyu, trout, charred eggplant, and avocado toast dishes were next level. The yuzu sherbet served in its own skin was the perfect tart ending to the dinner. The 10 dishes were overall very nicely curated and well seasoned. I could be really picky and argue the pork belly fat could have been slightly more rendered and some of the support staff could be slightly more knowledgeable about the intricacies of where each component was sourced. But once they iron out those details, I think it’ll get a Michelin star.

Thomas S.

Birthday dinner for two last night. We chose the ten course dinner with wine pairing. Exceptional from start to finish. Pace and service was spot on. I'm not a fan of eggplant and generally avoid it, but it turned out to be my favorite. I see a star in their future

Julia M.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Smoke Door in Lake Tahoe, and I must say, it was an experience beyond compare. I was thoroughly impressed by the attention to detail of every aspect. The flavours of each dish were impeccably balanced, engaging each one of my senses. The presentation was nothing short of artistry, and with each bite, I found myself transported to a world of culinary delight.

The wait staff were attentive and knowledgeable, adding to the overall enjoyment of the evening. Their expertise and charisma enhanced the experience.

In my opinion, Smoke Door is more than deserving of a Michelin star. It's a culinary gem that deserves recognition on the highest level. I can't wait to return and savour the exceptional dining experience once again!

Dorsey K.

Had a great dinner here the other day for our ninth anniversary. The avocado toast and wagyu beef were the standouts of the night.

ayush K.

Don't let the unassuming black building with a small parking lot fool you. Smoke Door packs a serious culinary punch. While the signage might be discreet, the experience inside is nothing short of exceptional.

From the moment I was seated, I felt welcomed. A small name card adorned the table, a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the evening. I opted for the seasonal prix fixe menu, a 10-course adventure that unfolded over a delightful 2.5 hours. Despite being a weekday, the restaurant buzzed with a pleasant energy, with around six or seven other parties enjoying the experience.

The sleek, modern Japanese interior is both stylish and comfortable. Seating options cater to all party sizes, with booths, regular tables, and even bar seating. Even the restrooms mirrored the overall aesthetic, and the availability of lotions, toothpicks, and q-tips added a further touch of luxury.

The 10-course tasting menu was a symphony of flavors and textures. Every dish was beautifully presented and meticulously prepared.

Golden Osteria Caviar with House-made Tofu: A textural delight, the creamy tofu perfectly complemented the salty pop of the caviar.

Toyosu fish: Kanpachi, imported from the Toyosu fish market in Japan, came with umi dashi shiso oil and watermelon relish, and it was delicious in every aspect.

Avocado Toast: Locally sourced bread, soaked in a flavorful brown butter and tamari sauce, created a delightful balance of crunch and creaminess.

Crispy Pork Belly: The star of the show! Days of preparation resulted in melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, accentuated by a tangy, flavorful sauce.

Embered Sweet Potato: The char on the outside gave way to a sweet, smoky interior, perfectly punctuated by the salty furikake seasoning.

Steelhead trout: It came with crysanthemum oil. It was very fragrant. The creamy and salty sauce really helped elevate the flavors.

Japanese Wagyu Beef: Unbelievably tender and juicy, the wagyu was further elevated by a symphony of sauces, each adding its own unique touch.

Donabe rice: Nanatsuboshi rice with asparagus, spring peas, daikon, and other veggies could have easily fed a group of 4. Thankfully, they packed the leftover rice into onigiri so I could take it home.

Pecan Pie with Sakura Whipped Cream: A revelation for a self-proclaimed non-pecan pie fan. The pie was perfectly balanced in sweetness, and the fragrant sakura whipped cream was an inspired touch.

Creamsicle: This non alcoholic drink was frothy with a sweet taste and a little smoky bitter aftertaste. It was a great choice. All I will say is, "Don't sleep on their non-alcoholic drinks."

Apple wasabi sorbet: This dish was my least favorite not because it was bad but because it was too tart for my liking. The sorbet texture was on point - consistent, silky, and smooth.

The service throughout the evening was impeccable. The knowledgeable and friendly servers explained each course in detail, adding to the overall experience. The bill includes a 22% service charge, which some might find a bit steep. However, considering the attentiveness and expertise of the staff, it felt well-deserved.

Smoke Door is an experience, not just a meal. It's a place to savor exquisitely prepared dishes, impeccable service, and a stylish atmosphere. If you're looking for a special occasion restaurant in Lake Tahoe, Smoke Door deserves a spot at the top of your list

STEPHANIE M.

The caviar, avocado toast, A4 wagyu, steelhead trout, and rice dish were all excellent. Great flavors and very satisfying. Those were our favorites of the 10 course menu.

The pork belly was replaced with mushrooms, which wasn’t an equivalent dish, inedible from being overcooked, and out of place in the tasting menu. We would’ve loved an equivalent protein, like chicken or fish.

The desserts were funky. First was an apple sorbet with apple skin consume. It tasted overwhelmingly of wasabi. Very off-putting and no one in our group ate it past the first bite. The matcha cheesecake was beautiful to look at but almost sour, like it had been sitting out for a day too long.

The mocktails were delicious, as were several of the beer and wine options. Two of our group thought the alcohol pairings didn’t fit well with the food, and they were told after they finished one of the cocktails that it had been meant to be paired with the next dish as well. That came across as a little…lazy or cheap, perhaps?

I’ve heard they’re going for a Michelin star but they have a bit of a ways to go. They definitely have the potential! The staff were attentive and organized and very kind. Atmosphere was gorgeous! We’d like to try to give them a shot again for lunch.

Warren L.

We celebrated our friend's birthday here last evening and went with the fixed course menu. The restaurant itself is very intimate and elegantly decorated; the food is fantastic and very innovative (i.e., their version of avocado toast is delicious and their embered pineapple is so inventive and well balanced); and their wines/saki are impressive. The service is impeccable without being overbearing or intrusive. A perfect place for a special occasion or dinner with good friends. A much needed addition to the Tahoe food scene.

Hannah D.

I treated myself to a birthday lunch at Smoke Door Lake Tahoe, and it was a phenomenal experience! The highlight of my visit was being able to watch the kitchen in action as they prepped, allowing me to ask questions about their methods, ingredients, and gather new ideas. The staff were incredibly accommodating and knowledgeable, adding a wonderful personal touch to my meal.

The food was absolutely exquisite, and I can confidently say this might be one of the best restaurants to ever grace the shores of Lake Tahoe. I wouldn’t be surprised to see many awards coming their way in the future. If you're looking for an exceptional dining experience, Smoke Door is a must-visit!