The top restaurants in Park City, Utah

You won’t have any trouble working up an appetite in Park City, Utah. Known as a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, you’ll find this popular ski town offers endless acres of adventurous terrain, a walkable downtown and a drool-worthy food scene.

Who wouldn’t want to take part in the long-standing tradition of après-ski, or “after ski” which is the act of celebrating a good day on the slopes. It’s the pleasure of good food and drink and the company of your friends as you rehash your day of adventure.

In this article we’ll share some of the top restaurants you won’t want to miss when you come in from the cold.

What the locals know: tips for dining in Park City

Given Park City draws a lot of out-of-town visitors and tables fill up fast, it’s advantageous to know what the locals know. Here are a few tips to consider as you plan:

• Make reservations well in advance. Due to high demand for tables, many Park City restaurants take reservations 30 or even 60 days in advance, especially during ski season (late November through April), and during the Sundance Film Festival (in late January). Try the restaurant’s website or use a reservation app.
• Dine during off-peak hours of the day. If you like to be more spontaneous and choose where to eat when you get to town, you may have luck finding tables without a long wait if you arrive during less popular hours. This could mean having lunch after 2:00 p.m. or dinner after 9:00 p.m.
• Plan on driving (or calling a ride share). Unless you’re staying near Main Street, plan on driving rather than walking. The town is small but sprawling, and depending on the weather, you’ll want to plan on transportation via car or shuttle service from your resort. Also, be sure to research parking options ahead of time, it can be at a premium.
• Dress code is casual. Most places are “ski-chic” casual. They expect you’re coming or going from the slopes and more importantly, you need to stay warm. However, you won’t be out of place if you prefer to wear something dressier than a sweater and snow boots.

Now that you know how to prepare, let’s dive into some restaurants worth trying.

Riverhorse on Main

540 Main Street

Riverhorse on Main has been described as Park City’s top-rated restaurant and toughest reservation to get. Located on historic Main Street, this spot is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or an elegant dinner served by candlelight. The chef regularly rotates the American comfort food-inspired menu. Forbes Travel Guide describes the vibe as casual but the service as upscale. Their mouthwatering signature dish is a macadamia-nut-crusted Alaskan halibut with herb whipped potatoes, enjoyed alongside live music most nights.

Five5eeds

1600 Snow Creek Drive

Owned and operated by a Melbourne couple, they named the restaurant after their five seedlings (children) and love to serve what they say is a taste of “Australian foodie culture”. With a focus on good coffee and nourishing, seasonable food, you may find this to be your favorite breakfast spot in town, though they’re open until 3:00 p.m. if you’re looking for brunch or lunch. Try the banana bread with espresso cream, or the local’s favorite — the hotcakes with citrus mascarpone.

Handle

136 Heber Avenue

If you’re looking for a farm-to-table style meal that includes lots of small plates for sharing, Handle is your go-to restaurant. The chef likes to be driven by the seasons, so the menu changes throughout the year to ensure the ingredients are as fresh and local as possible. The cuisine is primarily American, with favorite entrées that include an elevated version of fried chicken and a pork shank smothered in Frank’s red hot glaze.

High West Distillery & Saloon

703 Park Avenue

Self-described as the only “ski-in gastro-distillery” in the U.S., hungry skiers will be satiated by hearty plates such as soft pretzels with whipped beer cheese and juicy burgers. You’ll want a full tummy before you try their award-winning whiskey, of course. While you wait for a table, peruse the on-site general store where you can buy their barrel-aged whiskey and bourbon to take home with you. Or take a 45-minute tour of the distillery with a guided tasting at the end. You’ll love the down-to-earth atmosphere of High West as well as their unique combination of distillery, saloon and event space.

Tupelo Park City

1500 Kearns Blvd

Enjoy finely crafted dishes dreamed up by a chef who loves studying food terroir. You’ll find elegant farm-to-table options including favorites like buttermilk biscuits with homemade honey butter and Rocky Mountain Elk Bolognese with local mushrooms. Many dishes are made with ingredients from the chef’s own backyard garden. Don’t miss the chance to sit at the bar with a drink from their extensive signature cocktail list.

We’ll toast to that

Park City, Utah, continues to be a favorite destination not only for skiing and adventuring, but for the quaint food scene beckoning you to après-ski. Cheers!