Best Food in Ketchum and Sun Valley, Idaho – Top 15 Restaurants
Last Updated on May 4, 2023 by Molly Egan
When visiting the Sun Valley resort and Ketchum area, you will find three main areas for food – on the mountain, on the main street in Ketchum, or in neighboring cities such as Hailey.
The food in Ketchum will satisfy all your tastebuds!
Where to Eat Food in Ketchum and Sun Valley, Idaho
The perfect spot awaits you in the South-central part of Idaho, in the Northern Rocky Mountains. We dive deep into the top 15 restaurants for a great meal below – keep reading!
Whether you want outdoor seating, an extensive wine list, superior service, friendly staff, house made breads, the best après ski, or main st charm – find it in these restaurants in Ketchum.
Best Time to Visit Sun Valley, Idaho
Winter and Summer are the best times to visit this valley. Hike the mountains and fish in the rivers during Summer.
Ski the unbelievable Sun Valley ski terrain in the Winter. To fuel these adventures, a great meal is easy in this town! Stay in one of the most romantic ski resorts while in town.
Reasons to Visit Sun Valley and Ketchum
The main reason to visit Ketchum is to ski at the world-renowned resort Sun Valley! The views for skiing or hiking are spectacular, and you will feel like you are above the clouds – and this happens!
Sun Valley restaurants will surprise you with exquisite flavors, views, and history – from fine dining to dive bar and après skii – you’ll find the proper meal.
The resort’s history is fascinating and tied to Union Pacific; understand more about ski history with these books and the best of SV!
Is Sun Valley and Ketchum the same thing?
The short answer is no – they are different. Ketchum extends to the Warm Springs Canyon and the River Run base area for Bald Mountain. The old mining charm of the main street is lovely!
Sun Valley includes the original resort village, various residential neighborhoods, and the Dollar Mountain ski base area. Both are in the Wood River valley.
Sun Valley is one of the Best Underrated Ski Towns
Sun Valley was developed by the Union Pacific Railroad (Harriman in 1936) with a St. Moritz-style esthetic. What’s wild is ownership has only changed hands 3 times and the same owners since 1977 – wild!
Despite its history of celebrity residents and visitors, “kowtowing to celebrities” is not a part of this town, and the relaxed small Western town vibe is charming. The down-home feel, Western vibe, views, terrain, and landscapes will have you in love – just like Hemingway!
Best Restaurants in Sun Valley and Ketchum
The Pioneer Saloon – Steak and Seafood
Enoteca – Italian
The Kneadery – Breakfast and Lunch
Ketchum Grill – American
Warfield Distillery & Brewery – Elevated Pub Fare
Cookbook – Italian
Barrio 75 – Mexican
Despo’s Mexican Restaurant – Mexican
Roundhouse Restaurant – American and European
Limelight Hotel Restaurant – American
Rickshaw Restaurant – Asian Fusion
Grumpy’s – American and Pub Food
Powerhouse Bike Cafe – Coffee and Light Fare
The Covey – Contemporary American
Tundra – Modern American
The Pioneer Saloon
$$
Downtown Ketchum
Saloon serves classic steak and seafood dishes in a rustic Western-style setting. You will feel out West with the cowboy memorabilia and antler decor.
Is a Saloon in Idaho a legit establishment if they don’t have a killer potato on the menu? The loaded baked potato – Jim Spud – is worth a try.
Insiders Tip: When this was a former casino Ernest Hemingway was a frequent visitor! You can spot his former hunting gun in a showcase on the wall.
Eat this: prime rib or surf and turf.
Enoteca
$$$
Downtown Ketchum
Saloon serves classic steak and seafood dishes in a rustic Western-style setting. You will feel out West with the cowboy memorabilia and antler decor.
The Napoletano-style pizzas will be a crowd-pleaser for the family, and the bacon-wrapped dates will keep the foodie in your group happy!
Eat this: prime rib or surf and turf.
The Kneadery
$$
Downtown Ketchum
Popular breakfast and lunch spot with a cozy mountain lodge feel—large portions of hearty American breakfast dishes like pancakes and omelets.
Homestyle cooking is the best way to start your day or refuel at lunch. The outdoor seating in the summer is fantastic!
Eat this: biscuits and gravy.
Ketchum Grill
$$
Downtown Ketchum
This historic grill is a local favorite spot The locally sourced ingredients, wood-grilled meats, Idaho meats and fish, and an awarding winning wine list make this a memorable meal!
This restaurant has American cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Eat this: House-made baked goods and venison or lamb.
Warfield Distillery & Brewery
$$
Downtown Ketchum
Casual brewpub serving house-made beers and spirits with elevated pub fares like burgers and sandwiches. Rustic industrial decor with outdoor seating.
The meats and beer pairings will have you feeling the Western way, and the locally sourced organic food will have you wanting to return for more.
Eat this: Ale Braised Brisket and Flank Steak with Chimichurri Burger
Cookbook Restaurant
$$
Downtown Ketchum
A cozy restaurant in a former church. The place is small so a restaurant is necessary!
Eat this: Tavern Burger
Barrio 75
$
Ketchum
This taco and tequila bar is best known for the views of Bald Mountain and tacos. The menu, meals, and views are a favorite locals spot.
Enjoy a drink from the impressive mezcal and tequila menu selection! Insider Tip: A great spot for happy hour!
Eat this: Fish tacos and cinnamon churros.
Despo’s Mexican Restaurant
$
Downtown Ketchum
Casual Mexican restaurant serving authentic dishes like tacos and enchiladas. Colorful decor with outdoor seating.
Eat this: the fish tacos.
Roundhouse Restaurant
$$$
Sun Valley Resort on top of the Mountain
A beautiful Historic restaurant with stunning mountain views of the Pioneer Mountain range and delicious cuisine – well worth the visit! It used to be a part of the original ski lift.
Insiders Tip: Make a reservation! Then sit inside near the fireplace and beautiful wood structure or near the bar below overlooking the mountain range. If you aren’t skiing, you can ride the lift to eat at the restaurant – a free ride is unheard of at ski resorts!
Eat this: the wild game Chili or Fondue.
Limelight Hotel Restaurant
$$
Downtown Ketchum
A contemporary American cuisine restaurant with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The wine list is worth a visit on top of the excellent menu.
Insiders Tip: Apres menu is fantastic – happy hour like locals!
Eat this: Try the truffle fries and Ghost Burger!
Rickshaw Restaurant
$$
Downtown Ketchum
Asian fusion dishes made with local and organic ingredients. Great spot for dinner – delicious food – featuring homemade wonton chips, ramen, and curry.
A local favorite restaurant that is the best place to take your friends. Trust me, the menu and service are worth a few visits! During peak times, make a reservation!
Eat this: Korean fried chicken.
Grumpy’s
$
Downtown Ketchum
Casual American pub serving burgers and beer. A great dive bar with ski- and Americana memorabilia. The open kitchen layout, outdoor dining, and old-school charm make this a worthwhile visit.
The outdoor dining area is more fun in the warm Summer months. Regardless one of the best places to dine in Wood River Valley.
Eat this: The cheeseburger and vinegar hard-boiled eggs.
Powerhouse Bike Cafe
$$$
Hailey
Bike shop by day and restaurant by night! The outdoor seating, food, and decor inside – clever gear, bike display, and furnishings – are worth visiting.
Eat this: Fish tacos or French Fry nachos.
The Covey
$$
Downtown Ketchum
This small American cuisine restaurant has outdoor seating (weather permitting) and accepts walk-ins. Visit for breakfast, coffee, lunch, or dinner!
The wine menu and food are divine!
Eat this: Dry age Steak and homemade pasta!
Tundra Restaurant
$$
Hailey
This restaurant is a popular stop in Hailey for its delicious menu of meats and fresh fish. The impressive drink menu makes this a worthwhile stop in Sun Valley!
Eat this: Elk meatballs, Duck Breast, and Idaho Trout!
Conclusion:
Excited about the food in Ketchum yet? As you can tell, this area has plenty of dining options and the best restaurants for your visit in the Sun Valley region.
The menu of these restaurants is impressive – a tough call to pick favorites.
- The best happy hour is Barrio75.
- The best lunch and dive is Grumpys.
- The best view is at Roundhouse.
- The best meal with impeccable service is found at Rickshaw.
What’s the scoop with Ernest Hemingway? He was a resident and frequented a few haunts still standing today. The Sawtooth Club is worth a visit with its friendly staff – even if the tradition of kissing the moose stopped due to Covid.
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