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American cuisine dominates the Wasatch dining scene, with great steaks, barbecue, and traditional Western fare. There's also an abundance of good seafood, which the busier eateries fly in daily from the West Coast. Park City caters to a discriminating clientele with upscale restaurants ranging from Swiss to Japanese, French, and Mexican. Restaurant hours vary seasonally, so it's a good idea to call ahead. Reservations are always a good idea, but are essential during winter holiday weekends and the Sundance Film Festival. Ask about two-for-ones. Park City restaurants offer great deals, such as two-for-one entrées from spring to fall, so check the local newspaper for coupons or ask your concierge which eateries are offering discounts.
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.
Don your Scandinavian sweater for a brisk sleigh ride (pulled by a snowcat rather than reindeer) through wintery pines up to this Nordic hut, built in a mountainous enclave in Park City Mountain Resort. After a hot cup of glogg, tuck into a European-style feast, featuring six hearty courses that might feature braised short ribs, lobster soup, and a traditional cheese course. Warmed by a wood-burning stove and the soft light of solar-powered lanterns, you may find yourself raising a pewter goblet to toast your fellow diners and the pianist.
This restaurant instantly transports you to Shanghai in the 1930s, with art deco decor and Asian artifacts from around the world. Start your evening with a sake martini shaken table-side, then ask your server about starters that span the continent, from steamed Chinese buns to tom kha gai, a delicious chicken-and-lemongrass soup from Thailand. Delve into the subcontinent with sweet-and-savory Madras chicken, or stay closer to your comfort zone with a porcini filet mignon. As with many Park City restaurants, summer is a great time to savor Wahso as prices drop and getting a table is easier.
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.
The name means "snow mountain" in Japanese, and the menu has a whirling blend of sushi, sashimi, and maki, as well as hot entrées, including noodle dishes. Observe sushi-making theatrics at the bar while they prepare the 84060 roll in homage to the local zip code, or retreat to the sunken seating of the tatami room. A simple interior—spiced up by a few colorful paintings—keeps the focus on the fresh fish creations.
