Where to Eat in Park City: Alpine Inspired Dining

Back in September 2018, a roster of Park City’s top culinary talent — Handle, Tupelo Park City, Riverhorse on Main, Stein Eriksen Lodge, and Deer Valley Resort — brought mountain-town flavor to the Big Apple, taking over the legendary James Beard House for a one-night-only dinner that put Park City’s dining scene on the global map. Consider this your inside guide to the must-visit restaurants that continue to define the destination’s epicurean edge.

Handle

Old Town

After landing in Salt Lake City and making the 40-minute drive into the Wasatch, start strong with a table at Handle. Nestled in Park City’s Old Town, this buzzy local favorite pairs rustic-chic interiors with a fearless, ever-evolving menu by Chef Briar Handly. Think bold, seasonal dishes that let local produce shine without taking themselves too seriously. Begin with the Orange-Chili Glazed Cauliflower — a clever, flavor-packed twist on a classic — then dig into the Fried Chicken Breast: crisp, tender, and finished with just enough berry gastrique to make you pause mid-bite in appreciation. The cocktails are sharp, the vibe’s dialed in, and if this is how the trip begins, you’re in for something good.

High West Saloon

Old Town

No proper Park City pilgrimage is complete without a stop at High West, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870 and still the reigning monarch of après-ski imbibing. Housed in a restored livery stable and saloon at the foot of the slopes, the gastro-distillery delivers on both frontier charm and cocktail craft. While Utah’s liquor laws remain famously uptight, the state’s history with hooch runs deep — pioneers once passed off whiskey as “medicine,” and even Brigham Young’s anti-saloon stance couldn’t keep the stills silent for long. High West tips its hat to that past with pours like the Valley Tan — a nod to Mormon moonshine immortalized by Mark Twain — and Campfire, an unexpectedly brilliant blend of rye, bourbon, and peated Scotch. History, high altitude, and a hell of a good cocktail.

Yuki Yama Sushi

Old Town

Steakhouses may dominate the Utah mountains, but sushi lovers, take heart: Yuki Yama is no alpine afterthought. Tucked into a sleek Old Town space, this polished spot (its name translates to “Snow Mountain”) channels the spirit of Tokyo with a side of Wasatch cool. Chefs Kirk Terashima and Cedric Woodward craft delicate sashimi, inventive rolls, and soul-warming ramen, all anchored by pristine fish flown in daily from Japan and beyond. Yes, you’re 7,000 feet above sea level — but one bite of the hamachi carpaccio or miso black cod, and you'll swear you’re seaside.

Riverhorse on Main

Main Street

The crown jewel of Park City dining, Riverhorse on Main is the table everyone’s angling for. Set above the bustle of Main Street, this stalwart blends alpine polish with culinary ambition. Executive Chef and Co-Owner Seth Adams plates up elevated Utah fare — think seared elk, pan-roasted trout, and seasonal vegetarian standouts — served in a moody, art-filled dining room with front-row views of Old Town’s charm. For something more casual (but no less considered), head up the hill to Provisions by Riverhorse, a thoughtfully stocked café and gourmet market tucked inside a beautifully preserved historic home.

Tupelo Park City

Main Street

Tupelo blends refined mountain dining with Southern roots, showcasing the best of locally sourced ingredients under the direction of Chef Matt Harris. Dishes spotlight Utah lamb, wild mushrooms, and house-made buttermilk biscuits that would make any Southern grandmother proud. The ambiance is warm and polished, ideal for lingering over a well-paired glass of wine. For a high-altitude companion to Tupelo, Harris also helms Rime, an alpine seafood outpost perched at the top of Deer Crest in Deer Valley, known for its lobster rolls, daily oyster selections, and sweeping views.