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Fine dining with mountain and Lake Tahoe views

Open daily from 4:30 PM

Last SeatingLast seating 8:30 PM Sun–Thu, 9:00 PM Fri & Sat

Welcome

At Big Water Grille, Owner John Cheney and Executive Chef Nathan Cook serve a bistro menu shaped by travels through Europe. Enjoy it above Lake Tahoe, in the dining room, the lounge, the bar or on the heated deck. Refined and full of flavor.

Braised beef short rib with green sauce and crispy sweet potato
Pan-seared sea bass with chili, peanuts and cilantro in a spicy broth

Food

Signature plates from our kitchen, from small bites at the bar to dinner in the dining room.

Korean Fried Cauliflower · Pan Seared Chilean Seabass · Wagyu New York Steak au Poivre

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Drinks

Over 100 wines from around the world, plus a private wine cellar for groups of up to 18.

Wine glasses hanging over the bar at Big Water Grille
Chef Nathan Cook
Executive Chef

Chef Nathan Cook

Chef Nathan Cook trained for nine years under well-known chef Jacob Burton at the Renaissance Hotel in Reno. In 2026 the Reno News and Review named him Best Chef of Northern Nevada.

Best Chef of Northern Nevada 2026 · Reno News and Review
Dining room windows overlooking Lake Tahoe at sunset

The View

Surrounded by the pines, with shimmers of the lake from the dining room, the lounge and the deck.

Private Dining

Our private wine cellar seats up to 18 guests, with restaurant buyout options for up to 120.

Explore private dining →

Private wine cellar dining room table set for dinner
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Walk-ins are welcome, and reservations are highly recommended, including for the bar top, deck and lounge. A credit card is required to make a reservation. Deck reservations are limited because the deck depends on weather. Book through the Reservations via OpenTable section above or call 775.833.0606.

We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. There is a $50 per person fee for not cancelling within 24 hours or for a no-show.

Open daily at 4:30pm. Last seating is 8:30pm Sunday to Thursday and 9pm Friday and Saturday.

Tahoe attire. There is no dress code.

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What Guests Say

4.7 on OpenTable · 1,395 diners

“Excellent sunset view was amazing! Amazing anniversary celebration for us!”
BRETT · VIA OPENTABLE
“We started with the Korean fried cauliflower and it was delicious!”
JENNIFER · VIA OPENTABLE
“The wine recommended by our waiter was exceptional. Our waiter was very attentive and we liked him. Our excellent meal was served timely…”
DELDEE · VIA OPENTABLE
“Food, service and atmosphere/location was excellent at Big Water Grille! Beautiful scenery and watching the sun go down was an added bonus!”
MARK · VIA OPENTABLE
“The “kfc” appetizer was delicious, the New York steak & short rib was delicious.”
CAROL · VIA OPENTABLE
“We had a great meal and amazing seat by the window to watch the sunset. Service was really good, too!”
JENNIFER · VIA OPENTABLE
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