15 Exciting Dining Experiences to Try in Sun Valley Today

Established in 1937, the Ram is the original restaurant of Sun Valley. A recent renovation has refreshed the space while preserving its vintage charm. Don’t miss the nightly heritage dinners that showcase dishes and recipes from over 80 years of history, such as stuffed sole from 1967, lamb mixed grill from 1941, and Hungarian goulash from 1966. The Ram offers both indoor dining and takeout options.

Named in honor of Sun Valley’s own Gretchen Fraser, the first American to secure an Alpine Olympic Gold Medal, this all-day dining venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the Sun Valley Lodge lobby. Executive chef Derek Gallegos prepares nearly everything from scratch, including the English muffins for eggs Benedict and house-brined pastrami for the Reubens. You can enjoy indoor dining, as well as outdoor tables and a heated terrace where families often gather to recharge after a day on the slopes. 

Since its opening in late 2019, Cookbook Restaurant has received enthusiastic local acclaim. This winter, the Mytoury is offering takeout dinners from Wednesday to Sunday, featuring hearty options like wild mushroom ravioli, heirloom tomato bisque, and braised pork osso bucco. For those hungry on Mondays and Tuesdays, prepackaged pizzas, pastas, and desserts are available at Ketchum Kitchens.

Known locally as 'the Christy,' Michel’s Christiania Restaurant serves up classic French dishes in a space filled with memorabilia from chef-owner Michel Rudigoz’s experience as a coach for the U.S. women’s Olympic ski team. The menu features Gallic favorites such as escargot, pâté, and oysters, as well as main courses like lamb shank, filet, and freshly caught trout. Reservations can be made over the phone for indoor dining, available nightly starting at 6 p.m.

At Town Square Tavern, located in the heart of Ketchum, you can enjoy Mediterranean dishes like Lebanese spiced chicken fatteh, curried corn, harissa-roasted carrots, and Tunis-spiced chicken. The menu features flavors from the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, Italy, and France, all served in a lively and contemporary setting. The space is bright and inviting year-round, thanks to 10-foot glass windows and ample modern lighting. It boasts one of the best patios in the area, making it an ideal spot to sip drinks from a bar that specializes in wine and craft beer.

Chef-owner Jesse Sheue, a Ketchum native and former dishwasher at CK’s Real Food, studied culinary arts in San Francisco before returning home to launch The Covey in 2018. This cozy local favorite is adorned with touches from Sheue’s family and friends, featuring an open and bright kitchen. The seasonal menu includes items like dry-aged rib-eye, fresh pasta, and various smoked meats. Diners can enjoy indoor seating while observing the kitchen or opt for one of six large, circular tables outside around a central fire pit for pleasant weather. It’s advisable to call ahead for seating arrangements.

Chef Cristina Ceccatelli Cook, who spent her early years on a family estate in Tuscany, moved to the U.S. in 1987. Five years later, she opened Cristina’s restaurant in a charming salmon-colored house on a quaint street near Sun Valley. Serving breakfast and lunch, Cristina’s offers an exceptional menu inspired by her childhood, featuring pastas, salads, hearty soups, thin-crust pizzas, and a delightful array of daily specials. Currently, Cristina’s is open for indoor dining or takeout from Wednesday through Sunday.

For over 40 years, Duffy and Sheila Witmer have operated The Kneadery, establishing it as a beloved spot for hearty breakfasts that fuel a day on the slopes. Their morning menu features classics like Benedicts, frittatas, waffles, and omelets, all served in a rustic dining room adorned with Witmer’s personal collection of Western art. The restaurant provides indoor seating as well as front and back patios, weather permitting, though only a few small umbrellas offer shade. Online ordering is available for takeout.

Though the popular fire pit and ping pong table are unavailable during the winter 2020/2021 season, Rickshaw still offers takeout options. The restaurant showcases a selection of beloved Asian dishes in its small-plates menu, focusing on organic and responsibly sourced ingredients. Enjoy a winter feast featuring wonton chips, green papaya salad, chile-oil udon noodles, Korean fried chicken, and Chiang Mai curry.

The decor features an abundance of taxidermy, which doesn't dampen the lively atmosphere or appetites of the boisterous crowds at Pioneer Saloon, a must-visit on any Sun Valley adventure. Patrons flock here for the bar and traditional Western fare, including the Jim Spud (a loaded baked potato) and house-aged cuts of beef like hefty sirloins, filets, rib-eyes, and prime rib. The restaurant offers indoor dining and bar service with social distancing, while also accepting takeout orders, including margaritas to go.

Situated in downtown Ketchum, Enoteca boasts a prominent wood-fired oven ideal for crafting Napoletano-style pizzas, alongside a diverse menu of wood-roasted New American dishes with an Italian twist. Begin with bacon-wrapped dates before savoring the Pizza Diavola topped with tomato sauce, spicy coppa, fennel, and manchego cheese, or perhaps the Wine Auction pie adorned with grapes, gorgonzola, and caramelized onions. Reservations are highly recommended due to limited indoor seating in accordance with CDC spacing guidelines, and there’s no outdoor dining. For those unable to secure a reservation, takeout is also an option, though it’s best to call early to reserve one of the coveted nightly pizzas.

The Warfield is a multifaceted establishment: a brewery, distillery, and restaurant known for its innovative cuisine. Executive chef Jay Veregge, former chef at the award-winning Tadich Grill, curates a dynamic menu featuring upscale brew-pub dishes like grilled wagyu flank steak frites, stout-braised brisket, and lamb paired with dates and chorizo. Indoor dining is the only option available, with takeout also offered.

Tundra has quickly made a name for itself in the region. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, the café offers a creative menu featuring new American interpretations of crispy tempura cod, French onion soup, patatas bravas, and organic elk meatballs, all complemented by a carefully curated selection of bubbles, wine, and beer. Diners can enjoy meals inside or opt for takeout. The limited outdoor seating next to the main dining area is typically unavailable during the ski season.

Chef Chris Kastner operates this eco-friendly Mytoury with his two children, Gavin and Simone. Gavin handles kitchen duties and some front-of-house tasks, while Simone crafts all the desserts. Surrounded by lush greenery, the menu focuses on healthy, locally-sourced dishes. There’s bar seating with a view of the open kitchen, and resort casual attire is welcomed. Offerings vary daily based on seasonal ingredients, featuring items like Cajun-grilled Idaho trout, steamed clams from Washington, and rack of lamb accompanied by fresh seasonal sides. Reservations for indoor dining are available, along with takeout and in-store shopping for pantry items.

In Hailey, you'll find some of Idaho's finest barbecue at the Smokey Bone BBQ, located in a charming little white cottage. This spot specializes in Texas-style brisket, primarily smoked with applewood. Order at the counter and choose a seat inside or outside to savor not only brisket but also ribs, pulled pork, turkey, chicken, and sausage. The sides can elevate the barbecue experience, and here you'll find cowboy beans, mac and cheese, cornbread, and Frito pie, all among the best in the state. Enjoy great barbecue through online orders, curbside pickup, and limited indoor seating.