Where to Eat in Park City: Alpine Inspired Dining
Famous for its Olympic training grounds and Sundance Film Festival, Park City also takes gold as one of Utah’s best foodie destinations.
In September 2018, chefs from Park City restaurants Handle, Tupelo Park City, Riverhorse on Main, Stein Eriksen Lodge, and Deer Valley Resort presented a dinner at New York’s iconic James Beard House, celebrating the mountain town’s culinary reputation on a global stage. “Mountain town visitors usually expect some quick dining options during a break from recreation, but Park City dining has genuinely evolved over the years,” says Director of Communications at Visit Park City, Dan Howard. Here’s a firsthand guide of favorite restaurants not to miss.
Handle
Old Town
After landing in Salt Lake City and Uber-ing 40 minutes to Park City, first stop at Handle. Located in Old Town, its varied menu of small bites and larger plates is indicative of its creative vibe. Chef Briar Handly serves a regularly evolving menu inspired by locally sourced produce and creative cocktails. Start with the Orange-Chili Glazed Cauliflower—a vegan version of the traditional dish, followed by the Fried Chicken Breast, crisp and tender, with a hint of spice and berry gastrique to finish.
High West Saloon
Old Town
No visit to this foodie destination is complete without a visit to High West, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870. Today, this gastro-distillery, saloon, and restaurant teases the most discerning cocktail connoisseur. Surprisingly, Utah (which has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the U.S.) has a long-standing tradition of distilling spirits. According to hooch historians at High West, the state’s early pioneers distilled alcohol as “medicine,” despite Brigham Young’s prohibition of saloons. They crafted the Valley Tan cocktail, “the exclusive Mormon refresher” as Mark Twain once described. Taste Valley Tan, or another favorite: Campfire, a blend of rye, bourbon, and scotch.
Yuki Yama Sushi
Old Town
Though Utah mountain towns love steakhouses, sushi is paramount, too. Located in Old Town, Yuki Yama, which translates to “Snow Mountain,” brings the heart of Japan to the Wasatch Mountains. Executive Chef Kirk Terashima and Chef de Cuisine Cedric Woodward serve fresh fish flown in from around the world, as well as ramen bowls, unique sashimi plates, and hot dishes.
Riverhorse on Main
Main Street
Recognized as the coveted restaurant reservation in the historic district, Riverhorse is alpine dining at its peak. Executive Chef and Co-Owner Chef Seth Adams serves Utah game (elk and bison), trout, and vegetarian dishes in a dining room overlooking Main Street. The Riverhorse team also recently opened Provisions by Riverhorse, a grocery café located at the top of Main Street in a preserved historic home.
Tupelo Park City
Deer Valley Resort
One of Park City’s newest restaurants, Tupelo and Chef Matt Harris have quickly been recognized as rising stars on the national culinary scene. Harris is opening a second outlet named Rime, located at the top of Deer Crest (Deer Valley Resort), serving lobster rolls, chowder, and fresh oysters flown in daily.
—Rime at the St. Regis Deer Valley
The Mariposa
Silver Lake Lodge
Often named one of the finest restaurants in Park City, The Mariposa is that rare on-mountain dining experience open year-round and reached by vehicle. The Silver Lake Lodge setting is a beautiful complement to an incredible wine list and a dinner menu of elevated pork, beef, and fish dishes.