Location: Sun Valley
Top Restaurants in Sun Valley
Countries
Where to Eat in Sun Valley: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Whether you come for skiing or summer fun, beautiful Sun Valley offers recreational activities galore. Nestled in the spectacular Rocky Mountains of central Idaho, most of the action takes place around the Sun Valley Resort and its two mountains: Bald Mountain, ideal for expert skiers or snowboarders looking for steep, challenging runs, and Dollar Mountain, with gentle slopes that are perfect for beginners. Off the slopes, more winter fun awaits. Try dog sledding through miles of white powder or spend an afternoon ice fishing in the Big Wood River. Warm up at the Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum which features an exhibit on the history of skiing and information about Ernest Hemingway's time in Sun Valley. Summer in Sun Valley offers just as many adventures. The Sawtooth Wilderness Area boasts over 200,000 acres of natural splendor, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, mountain biking, white-water rafting and more.
Things to do in Sun Valley
1. Gretchen's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 105 reviews
Adjacent to the Lodge Lobby, Gretchen's Restaurant welcomes you with an relaxing indoor/outdoor feel with easy access for Terrace dining all day long. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and full bar service. Sun Valley's own Gretchen Fraser is the restaurant's namesake, the first American to win an Alpine Olympic Gold Medal.
Reviewed By T S - Boise, Idaho
We went for dinner with a large group during the writer's conference. It was more than an hour between ordering and receiving our food. The food is okay, nothing special, and small portions. No good options for vegetarians. My 9yo daughter ordered a pasta dish from the dinner menu (not kids menu) and it was tiny--not enough for her. I expected that the tip would be included in our bill since we were a large group. But the tip included on our bill was 28 percent! We realized this later when we looked over the receipt. I called the restaurant several times to ask if it was an error but they never answer the phone. I am not impressed by this restaurant at all. The location is the only reason I ever go there.
2. Kneadery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
The Kneadery has been locals' and visitors' favorite spot for breakfast and lunch for nearly 40 years. Established in 1974, The Kneadery combines wholesome fresh food with a rustic Idaho atmosphere. Whether you're headed out for a day of hiking, or spent the morning skiing the slopes, you'll want to fuel up with a wholesome nutritious meal at The Kneadery. All meals start with the freshest ingredients-locally baked organic breads, farm fresh, cage-free eggs, seasonal fruit and top quality meats. From the huge omelets and pancakes, to the fresh salads and burgers, there's something for everyone. Great food is just the beginning at The Kneadery. Service with a smile and the authentic decor complete the package. Owners Duffy and Sheila Witmer have been collecting the Western artwork that fills The Kneadery and The Pioneer Saloon for decades. Come see why so many have made The Kneadery, the best breakfast and lunch in town since 1974.
Reviewed By Saga25 - Boston area
Found this superb place on our last day. We went for a brunch meal. The menus is great. We went with breakfast. Do not miss trying their home made muffins. I am dreaming of them now that I am home. Wish I had brought some back. Big portions but you have the option of ordering smaller like a half eggs Benedict. Great find. Check it our for sure.
3. Starbucks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By MarvinCarter - Las Vegas, Nevada
This place has Starbucks signs, but none of the standard polite service. Not corporate owned, and like so many franchises the typical Starbucks values are missing.
Expect higher than normal prices and certainly not welcoming of service dogs. Zero respect for disabled military veterans.
When I asked for a manager, the same rude guy said he was the manager, but refused information to be identified.
4. Pioneer Saloon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 559 reviews
For some The Pioneer Saloon is the first restaurant to head to when coming into town and the last place to go before leaving. For others, it's where they met their significant other, perhaps over a bar marg. The Pioneer Saloon, renowned for perfectly aged, tender and flavorful beef, is typical of an earlier Idaho where ore wagons rattled down Main Street and business was done with a handshake and a drink. Natural woods, mounted game, and period firearms help recreate an authentic saloon atmosphere. Duffy and Sheila Witmer have been the sole owners of the Pioneer Saloon since 1986. Today, with their children, Alyson, Chloe and Dillon, they strive to honor a historical classic while bringing new ideas to Ketchum's restaurant scene.
Reviewed By KVEvich
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed going there. But you go for the fun atmosphere not for the food. They have everything cowboy/girl. The wait staff clothing was fun. The bovine heads and chaps in the walls were great. They even have a gun from Hemingway. But the food was medium, reminiscent of a cafeteria,albeit very fresh. The dressing and rib sauce seemed out of a grocery store bottle. The place was very crowded. Great place for kids. Not so much for a date.
5. Java
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
In November 1991 Todd Rippo began what he would today describe as a selfish endeavor. Essentially he created a place where he would want to hang out. Java has a hand crafted bakery menu (most of the recipes from Todd's sister Annie) and breakfast and lunch menus that echo his southern California roots. In line with his original vision Java uses fresh roasted, fair trade and relationship coffees and serves it all in an inviting, rock n' roll atmosphere where the music is played a bit too loud!
Reviewed By Mccaf - San Diego, California
In Ketchum for a week on wedding duty. We have made this a daily morning stop. The Keith Richards is da bomb and will have you straight in a minute, haha. I may have to tone it down to the Bowl of Soul however. :) Had the Dirty Hippy breakfast burrito a couple times and it is original and delicious. The wife is dying to sample some of those great looking home-made pastries!
Actually leaving in a few minutes for another visit! Service was good and pretty fast, even with 10 people in line. I did not find it overly noisy as quoted earlier, just buzzing-the seating area is cozy.
Great job!
6. Sun Valley Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By charley48 - idaho
I have been out to the SVC 2 times recently..Summer menu is fabulous..mahi tacos...divine. Recently had the Southwest Chicken Salad and while the ingredients were nice, it was tasteless. The poblano dressing had no taste, and well, i never use salt, and i had to salt it a lot. The staff is wonderful, but wishing the salad had more taste. It also said that there was roasted corn, none... And for the price, this needs to be addressed.
7. Sawtooth Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
The Sawtooth Club has been the gathering place for Ketchum locals and visitors alike since 1987..And for good reason! Always warm comfortable and welcoming, intimate yet lively. Rustic elegance and sophistication without pretension. The Sawtooth Club is downtown Ketchum at its very best
Reviewed By Jay P - West Chester, Pennsylvania
Excellent piece of trout, prepared perfectly. We were seated upstairs. It gets very busy, so definitely make a reservation. Service was timely. The one improvement would be a better drink menu, but its a a minor detail. One of the better restaurants in KetchumThank you! We're glad you enjoyed the Idaho Ruby Red Trout, one of the most popular items on our menu! Thank you for the suggestion about our drink menu...anything specific you'd like to see? We hope to see you again soon!
8. The Ram
Overall Ratings
4 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By paxa - Washington DC, District of Columbia
We were staying at the Sun Valley Inn and this is the most convenient restaurant - right off the lobby, don't even have to go outside. Had dinner here on our last night here. It's a small and intimate restaurant, comfortable seating, low lighting, attractive, contemporary decor, plus live piano music. Pricing In the middle among the village restaurants. Dishes are beautifully presented. My shrimp appetizer ($16) was large enough for a light meal. My friends had gnocchi and trout, and reported them to be quite satisfactory. Service was good and they are ok with the whole group getting individual checks - a 20% gratuity is automatically added.
9. Enoteca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Reviewed By DrMaureenE - Ridgewood,NJ
great pizzas and appetizers !
Recommend the dates with bacon , burrata and mussels.
Pizza was fantastic . Wood fired and not greasy with interesting ingredients. Ordered the Strega - pancetta, mushrooms, asiago and pesto . A definite omg moment . As an aside , strega means "witch " in Italian and it does cast a spell .
Also , do not skip dessert . Salted caramel gelato was sublime and fantastic. Olive oil -buttermilk apple cake with caramel drizzle was bizarre sounding but delicious.
Definitely a must do for dinner .
10. The Roundhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
A historic restaurant located at 7800' high above the Wood River Valley. Lunch is serve 7 days a week with dinner on Friday and Saturday nights.
Reviewed By carrieul - Woodinville, WA
Loved the atmosphere in the Round house and it is a welcome escape mid mountain after skiing hard all morning and early afternoon. Lots of great beers on tap and enjoyed the fondue with our group. It was the right amount for 4 of us as we added the Andouille sausage and broccoli/cauliflower along with the items already included. We were full but still managed to get out and ski a bit more. Love this place and make sure you go when the weather is clear so you can see the view.
