Lanza's is a family tradition in Tahoe, CA. In fact, I believe it is not just my family's tradition. Many people know and love Lanza's for the huge poritons, the right price, and the delicious food.
The ambience is old-world Italian, with low-hung stained-glass chandeliers, cozy booths, and dark wood tables. Always crowded on the weekends, try to call ahead for reservations.
The fresh bread, served warm with soft butter, might be the best part if the food weren't so tasty. Lanza's also does a mean house salad with their very own vinagrette. A salad comes with each entree, which is nice, so you don't have to spend the extra money for a starter. I always order the spaghetti with white clam sauce ($12). They have a red clam sauce which is equally good, chock full of garlic, parsley, shelled and whole clams, white wine, olive oil, and butter.
House favorites include veal parmigiana ($14), spaghetti and meatballs ($12), pasta primavera ($11).
The menu is big, the portions are even bigger. Don't be afraid to split one entree and order an extra salad. I have never gotten through more than half of an order of pasta... ever! And I have been there at least 10 times.