Where to Eat in Sun Valley: Our Guide to Dining

If you're looking for a summer getaway that's both beautiful and accessible, Sun Valley, Idaho should be at or near the top of your bucket list. With its stunning mountain scenery and wide range of outdoor activities, Sun Valley offers something for everyone—and direct, nonstop flights available from some of the country's biggest travel hubs including Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, and more make Sun Valley the perfect escape from the city.

Here’s our ultimate guide to where to eat when you come to town.

Best Time to Visit Sun Valley, Idaho

Named “Sun Valley” for good reason, the area enjoys up to 300 days of sunshine every year. For the best weather, you'll want to visit between June and September. Temperatures are warm but not too hot, which means superior conditions for outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, fly fishing, and paddleboarding—just to name a few—are best on sunny days with a high in the mid-70s to low-80s. You'll find mornings and evenings significantly cooler than the heat of the afternoon due to the valley's mountain climate and high desert elevation, so make sure to dress for outdoor dining accordingly.

Sun Valley is a mountain town at its core. Visitors may come for the scenery, world-class recreation, or small community appeal, but people stay for all we have to offer. From green pastures dotted with wild deer and elk to fine dining at award-winning restaurants, Sun Valley has managed to maintain its quaint, mountain town charm while still providing an exceptional escape for those looking to treat themselves to a first-class vacation.

If you’re not a skier or hoping to enjoy the best in mountain town outdoor dining, we’d recommend visiting Sun Valley in the summer, specifically between late June and early August. July and August are usually the hottest months in the valley, so anyone trying to beat the heat will want to plan ahead—don’t let the elevation and snow-capped mountains fool you!

Where to Eat in Ketchum and Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley and the surrounding Ketchum, Idaho area are both exceptional vacation destinations for foodies. The dining scene here reflects the valley's unique blend of historic Rocky Mountain fare and more urban cuisine, with renowned chefs creating globally inspired dishes that are made from locally-sourced ingredients or family-run farms. Seasonal flavors abound throughout the valley. If you're new to town and looking for the best places to dine during your trip, here are a few of our recommendations.

Breakfast

Whether you're fueling up for another adventure in the Wood River Valley (or beyond) or looking for a mindful start to a relaxing day, Ketchum and Sun Valley both have incredible breakfast options adored by locals and visitors alike.

The Kneadery: Perfect for those mornings before heading out to explore the valley or head north of town, The Kneadery offers classic mountain breakfasts—from stacks of fluffy pancakes and French toast to sizzling bacon, delicious scrambles, and protein-packed omelets. With an intimate outdoor patio and mountain-themed interior (you can't miss the canoe hanging from the ceiling or the large moose above the fireplace), this stop is a “must-visit” during your time in Sun Valley, but make sure to get there early or be prepared for a wait. This is a local-favorite year-round, so the crowds are even bigger in peak summer and winter seasons. They’re also open for lunch in the afternoon.

The Konditorei: Located in the heart of Sun Valley Resort’s surrounding shops and restaurants, The Konditorei offers delicious meals inspired by the area’s European heritage. From traditional Austrian dishes to more mainstream recipes, you’re sure to find something drool-worthy on the menu. In a rush? Browse the full pastry case for fresh muffins, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods to take on the go. Get to know The Konditorei in our Voices & Views episode from 2019.

Bigwood Bread: Just a few minutes from downtown Ketchum, you’ll find yourself at Bigwood Bread. This popular dining option is a great spot for breakfast or lunch, featuring delicious lattes, brunch items, and (of course) fresh bread. Fuel up for the day with a Baldy Power Bowl or indulge in a hot stack of buttermilk pancakes. You can’t go wrong ordering from their menu—we promise.

Lunch

In between hikes or coming off a half-day on the mountain? Some of the best food in Sun Valley is only available at lunchtime. From quick and casual bites to more formal sit-down style restaurants, here are some of our favorites.

Johnny G's Sub Shack: Johnny G’s Sub Shack—known to most locals simply as “Subshack”—is a staple in this town (and for good reason). Family-owned and operated since 1998, Subshack is the definition of what it means to enjoy the locals' experience in Sun Valley. Our recommendation? You can’t go wrong with a #20. And always, always get a chocolate chip cookie. 

Roundhouse: Definitely one of the more unique lunch experiences in town, Roundhouse offers a birds-eye view of the Wood River Valley from the near-top of Bald Mountain. Accessible via gondola ride—or a challenging but rewarding hike in the summer—Roundhouse boasts a spectacular patio and wraparound porch where you can enjoy delicious burgers, hot dogs, and more. In the warmer months, it's one of our favorite ways to enjoy our area's most famous ski mountain during its off-season.

Grumpy's: Another local favorite, Grumpy’s has been a popular valley lunch spot since 1978. With an unbeatable outdoor patio and 32 oz schooners, if you’re looking to spend a lazy afternoon in the Sun Valley sun, Grumpy’s is the place to be. On the menu, you’ll find a variety of corn dogs, chili cheese fries, hot wings, and more. There’s nothing better than a clear summer day outside Grumpy’s… sit back, sip a beer, and relax with a view of Bald Mountain right across the street.

Apples Bar & Grill: Located at the base of Warm Springs, Apples Bar & Grill is the quintessential apres-ski spot in town. But it’s not just a hub in the winter months—summer at Apples is hard to beat, too. Offering everything from mouth-watering burgers to delicious salads, pizzas, and more, their menu makes it the perfect stop on your way north of town. 

Dinner

From formal celebrations to casual get-togethers with friends, there's a dinner spot in Sun Valley for everyone.

The Pioneer Saloon (aka, "The Pio"): If you ask anyone for a dinner recommendation in town, odds are The Pio will make the top three. An iconic part of Sun Valley history, the saloon offers classic Idaho dishes that will satisfy even the hungriest of diners. Grab a drink, watch the traffic roll down Main Street or Sun Valley Road, and settle in for a (very) worthwhile wait.

Enoteca: Located at the intersection of Sun Valley Road and Main Street, Enoteca is great for grabbing a glass of wine or enjoying a full meal. The intimate atmosphere and upscale finishes make it feel like a more urban dining experience that’s been tucked away in the mountains. Delicious wood-fired pizzas and other entrees make Enoteca the perfect place for a night out on the town. But make sure you’re prepared—you’ll want to book a reservation well in advance.

The Village Station: If you’re staying at Sun Valley’s iconic Resort or Inn, you’ll likely spend a fair amount of time in the Village. Sprawling green spaces and meticulously maintained garden beds weave their way through the Resort, and you’ll find the Village Station restaurant in the heart of it all. Built as part of the Resort’s recent renovation project, Village Station offers a wide variety of menu items and seasonal cocktails (and if there’s anything huckleberry flavored on the menu, you’ll want to give it a try. Trust us). 

The Covey: On the hunt for a more intimate and small-scale dining experience? Located just off Washington Ave in Ketchum, the Covey is a great spot for a night out in town. Half of the restaurant is dedicated to reservation-only guests, and the other half is open for walk-ins. Mouth-watering entrees like delicate pastas and flavorful trout make this restaurant a local’s favorite. Enjoy relaxing outdoor dining in the warmer months and Sun Valley’s peak summer season.

Rickshaw: Rickshaw is unlike any other restaurant in town. Just a few doors down from the Covey, you’ll find a delicious menu filled with Asian-inspired dishes. Rickshaw doesn’t offer any reservations, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a last minute dinner spot after a day out in the mountains. Enjoy unique flavors and a lively atmosphere that will leave you wanting more. (PS: if you’re looking for a quieter night in, consider ordering takeout. Rickshaw has great carry-out options that are perfect for enjoying at home). 

Conclusion

Have questions about your next trip to Sun Valley, Idaho? We're here to help! From local hotspots to recommendations on where to stay, we're your guides to the Wood River Valley. Feel free to reach out to our team and we'd be happy to connect you with the best our mountain town has to offer. Give us a call at (208) 720-8958 or email us at info@stephanie-reed.com.