11 Best Restaurants in Park City and the Wasatch Back, Park City and the Southern Wasatch

After a day of playing in the snow, Empire Canyon Lodge's Fireside Dining is the perfect way to warm up as you eat in the timber-framed lodge surrounded by several stone fireplaces. You'll feel like a medieval lord as you go from fireplace to fireplace to be served hearty fare like veal stew, elk, or a slice of perfectly roasted lamb cooked over a spit. Feast in old-European style for hours and savor the raclette cheese melted by the fire paired with bread and charcuterie with house-made pickles, basil jam, and fig mustard. Wrap up the night with a dessert fondue of green apples dipped in white chocolate sauce made with Grand Marnier.

Experience a rush of senses when you visit this fixture in Park City's culinary scene opened in 2015 by Robbie Stout and Anna Seear. Smell just-baked brownies with toasted Peruvian cocoa nibs and watch through an observation window as cocoa beans go into the factory's roll mill as a thick gritty paste, then come out smooth and flaky. Sample different chocolates, then take home a finished bar of smooth Old-World chocolate. Ritual makes small-batch chocolate by gently roasting single-source cocoa beans from sustainable farms around the world. The café's outdoor deck is a great place to feel alpine breezes while you drink a cup of sipping chocolate from your choice of regions: Madagascar, Peru, Ecuador, or Belize.

An extension of the ski resort's famous culinary offerings, this gourmet grocery/café serves breakfast, lunch, and early dinner, and features menu items ranging from the famous Deer Valley turkey chili to shrimp tacos to a chicken tandoori wrap, and everything in between. The expansive outdoor deck provides waterfront alfresco dining and views of the ski resort. Stop in for a casual lunch after a hike, après-ski, or even to grab a gourmet picnic-to-go for a concert or a carrot cake cupcake for the road.

For quick and hearty traditional Mexican food, this popular place is perfect. Favorites are camarones a la diabla (spicy shrimp), chiles rellenos, and fish tacos. The smothered burritos are large enough to feed two, and there's plenty of Corona and Dos Equis to cool off even the spiciest items. The low-key atmosphere is part of the charm, and the salsa bar provides some of the best flavor in town.

Java Cow has long been a staple on Main Street. Stop in for a panini, a caffeine pick-me-up, or delicious ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you are looking for a place to grab a burger and delicious craft beer while your kids enjoy house-made mac-and-cheese, this roadhouse (formerly Squatters) is the spot. With a sleek and bustling brewpub vibe, it's a great place for either an evening out or a quick stop after a spin on your mountain bike to enjoy truffle fries and share a pint of pale ale.

The brainchild of chef/owner Adam Ross, this hot spot serves comfort food such as pork chops, cheesy short-rib sandwiches, and Utah trout hash. Dedicated to locally sourced and seasonal fare, Twisted Fern offers dinner daily in a welcoming atmosphere.

Located in the newly remodeled Park City Peaks Hotel, Versante has become a favorite among locals. The welcoming, casual atmosphere paired with menu favorites such as flatbread pizzas, hearty pastas, and specialty cocktails is hard to beat. The restaurant opens at 4 pm daily, making it a great option for après-ski. In the warmer months, enjoy a local craft beer on the patio and lawn area outside. 

In a part of town where fast food reigns, Vessel Kitchen has a sustainable and healthy menu without sacrificing the fast-casual environment and reasonable prices. Here, you'll find hearty grain bowls, proteins such as braised beef and pork confit, and seasonal vegetables for sides. The high-quality ingredients are sourced locally from farms and purveyors across Utah.

It's hard to believe it's been more than 30 years since Wasatch became Park City's first brewery in the post-Prohibition era back in 1986. At the top of Main Street, this pub stays on top of its game with celebrated beers and down-to-earth yet elevated pub food. Sidle up to the bar for a mug of Polygamy Porter and a burger, or cozy up with the entire family in a booth. The menu is a step above regular pub food, with items such as house-made coconut shrimp, a buffalo burger with a Cajun remoulade sauce, and a side of tater tots (both sweet potato and regular) instead of your typical fries. Top it all off with a Brigham's root-beer float. In summer, grab an outside table for people-watching.

Don't overlook Windy Ridge because of its industrial park neighborhood—the dining room is warm and inviting, and the baked goods are delicious. Lighter appetites might fancy the homemade chicken noodle soup and a Southwest salad, or if you've spent the day skiing or biking, tackle the meat loaf or a rack of smoked ribs. It's well worth the short trip from Main Street for this affordable menu. Just be sure to save room for a pastry or two from the neighboring Bakery at Windy Ridge.