Jewel of Lake Tahoe: Christy Hill Lakeside Bistro

Posted on   September 19,2020   By John Compisi

Christy Hill has been our go-to restaurant in North Tahoe for over 25 years when we wanted and upscale experience with delightful ambiance. Located just about 100 feet above the Lake Tahoe shoreline, Christy Hill offers delicious cuisine, great wine, well-constructed cocktails, ambiance and spectacular views of Lake Tahoe all day long.

Originally opened about 40 years ago, in Squaw Valley, the restaurant moved to its Grove Street location about 35 years ago. It has had its ups and downs over the years with the changes in ownership and executive chefs but the current ownership team, Robyn Stills and Ed Coleman have found a winning formula. They have extensive restaurant experience in the Tahoe basin having owned and operated numerous excellent restaurants in Truckee (Pacific Crest, Bar of the Americas and Pianeta Italian Bistro) and Tahoe City.

They renamed the restaurant Christy Hill Lakeside Bistro upon taking over the reins about 10 years ago while refining interior and expanding the outdoor spaces (a boon during these COVID-19 times). The Coleman-Stills brought in business partners and co-owners Nicole and Tom Beckering to manage Pianeta and sold their other Truckee holdings, thereby assuring proper focus on their best properties.

At Christy Hill Lake Bistro, Executive Chef Andrew Shimer has developed a sophisticated American menu reflecting his experiences in San Francisco at eateries like Jardiniere, Boulevard and Aqua. A native of Tahoe City, Shimer moved to San Francisco in 1999 and returned to his hometown after 10 years of developing and honing his culinary skills. Shimer’s fare uses the freshest seasonal ingredients in developing his menus which reflect a refined Mediterranean influence. He also makes many products in house like duck prosciutto, cured pancetta, assorted breads and sausages.

The outdoor dining deck doubles the seating to about 120 people during the warmer non-COVID months. The lower level SandBar, which pre-COVID featured drinks and snacks, has been repurposed to add additional dining space. It has a high energy vibe made more dramatic with the lake views of sailboats shimmering in the changing light and the mountains turning pink across the lake.  When the sun begins setting everything appears to be turning pink and then purple before fading to dark.

Our evening began perfectly with a Burgundian Crémant from Simonnet-Febvre. Beautiful bubbles, festive and dry. The Chef sent out a delightful amuse-bouche that tickled the tongue while mesmerizing the mouth.

For small plates we decided upon the Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon with Fromage Blanc and the Grilled Octopus. Both were truly mouth wateringly delicious. Dazzling with a real Mediterranean flair.

For large plates, I selected the Alaskan Halibut and Baby Shrimp and Linda chose her fav, Pan Roasted Day Boat Scallops. Neither of us was disappointed, in fact, we both sang the praises of Chef Andrew for the freshness and delicate flavors of his preparations.

We paired our dinner selections with a self-provided bottle of Truckee River Winery, Best Man, 2012, Gary’s Vineyard, Pinot Noir. Perfect!! The $25 corkage was worth it to enjoy this special wine with our dinner.

Christy Hill Lakeside Bistro will certainly be remembered as a highlight of your visit to Lake Tahoe for any special occasion. Truthfully, any visit there will make that occasion special!

Christy Hill is located at 115 Grove St., Tahoe City, CA 96145 and serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday/Tuesday) from 5pm. Reservations are recommended by calling (530) 583-8551 or visit opentable.com The restaurant requests that you wear your mask upon arrival and when not seated at your table.