Big Water Grille is a fine-dining restaurant at 341 Ski Way, Incline Village, NV 89451, on Incline Village’s Ski Way corridor above Lake Tahoe. Owner John Cheney and the culinary team pair inventive Californian cooking with global influences, an international wine program, and broad lake views that draw couples, celebratory diners, and travelers looking for a polished Tahoe dinner.
What to Expect at Big Water Grille
Dinner begins at 4:30pm in a setting designed around the water and mountains rather than a formal urban dining room. Choose among the main dining room, lounge, bar top, and outdoor deck; each is part of the reservation system, so a seat with a preferred view should be requested when booking. The deck is especially appealing in warm weather, while the indoor spaces make Big Water Grille a composed evening destination in cooler Tahoe months.
The kitchen’s identity is Californian at its core, with international touches shaped by the team’s culinary travels. Expect a refined, dinner-focused meal rather than casual après-ski fare, supported by a wine list selected from producers around the world and a dedicated drinks and dessert offering. The restaurant publishes separate dinner, wine-list, drinks, and dessert menus, making it a strong choice for building a full multi-course meal or settling in for wine and a lighter evening at the bar.
- Lake Tahoe outlook: Elevated views across the lake are the central visual feature, particularly from the outdoor deck and view-facing seating.
- Californian cuisine: The menu approaches fine dining through inventive Californian cooking informed by global culinary influences.
- International wine list: Wines from around the world are chosen to complement the kitchen’s seasonal, composed dinner format.
- Deck, lounge, and bar top: The restaurant offers several ways to dine or drink, but reservations are recommended for every seating area.
- Evening-only format: Opening at 4:30pm, Big Water Grille is built for sunset cocktails, dinner, dessert, and special occasions rather than lunch.
Big Water Grille at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 341 Ski Way, Incline Village, NV 89451 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Ski Way corridor, Incline Village, North Lake Tahoe |
| Operating Hours | Mon, Thu & Sun 4:30–8:30pm; Fri–Sat 4:30–9pm; closed Tue–Wed |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$$ fine-dining dinner, wine, cocktails, and dessert |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Drive to Ski Way; on-site restaurant parking. TART service in Incline Village is seasonal and route-dependent. |
| Official Website & Phone | bigwatergrille.com · 775-833-0606 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead, particularly for Friday and Saturday dinner, holiday weekends, and summer deck seating. Big Water Grille specifically recommends reservations for the bar top, deck, and lounge as well as tables. An early 4:30pm booking gives the best chance to see the lake in changing late-day light; later tables suit diners who prefer a slower, after-dark meal. Dress is smart casual, appropriate for a resort-town fine-dining room without requiring formal attire.
The restaurant is most straightforward to reach by car via Ski Way, with on-site parking; allow additional driving time during winter weather and busy ski-day traffic. TART provides public transportation around the North Lake Tahoe region, though service schedules vary by season, so check the official timetable before relying on it for dinner. Call ahead when reserving if step-free entry, wheelchair positioning, or a particular table configuration is important. Nearby pairings include the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, Incline Beach, and the lakeside East Shore Trail access, all reachable within roughly a 5–15 minute drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Big Water Grille open, and what is the best time to go?
Big Water Grille opens at 4:30pm Monday, Thursday, and Sunday until 8:30pm, and Friday and Saturday until 9pm; it is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Book the first seating for daylight lake views, or reserve later for a longer dinner-and-wine evening.
Do I need a reservation, and how expensive is dinner?
Reservations are highly recommended, including for the bar top, deck, and lounge. This is a $$$ fine-dining restaurant, with the final spend shaped by courses, wine, cocktails, and dessert; consult the current dinner and drinks menus when planning your meal.
How long should I plan for a meal at Big Water Grille?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a relaxed dinner, especially if ordering wine and dessert. A bar or lounge visit can be shorter, but sunset seating often invites guests to stay through the changing view.
Is Big Water Grille suitable for families and guests with mobility needs?
Families are welcome, though the restaurant’s evening-only, fine-dining format is best suited to older children who are comfortable with a longer meal. Contact the restaurant before booking to arrange wheelchair-friendly seating or discuss current access needs for the dining room, deck, lounge, and restrooms.
When planning your Incline Village travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and american restaurant in Incline Village, pair this stop with standout local spots including Preston Field & Playground, Rosewood Tahoe, Border House at Crystal Bay, and Tahoe Chaparral (0.3 km away).
