Photo Credit: Alterra Mountain Co.
*Blog Post Updated on June 25, 2024
When it comes to ski resort dining, very few are doing it better than the Deer Valley restaurants. Being the foodie that I am, I have loved watching them along with other ski resorts like Aspen and Vail spark the culinary revolution at and around ski resorts over the last half decade.
Not to sound like my parents, but I remember the days where food at the mountain was relegated to a burger or chicken fingers in the lodge cafeteria. In some cases, there may also have been a restaurant or two at the mountain itself but it was slim pickings to say the least.
In fact, I think most of the time when I was growing up, I had a rolled up sandwich in my pocket that we picked up on the way to the mountain in the morning. My kids don't know how lucky they are.
A Shift in Expectations for Ski Resorts Leads to More Dining Options
This has all changed over the last decade as ski resorts in the U.S. have shifted toward attracting more patrons on a year round basis. To do so, there was a dire need to provide them with an experience that does not end when the ski lifts stop spinning. Trending toward a more holistic approach has produced so many upgrades including better lodging, spas and, of course, an increase in top flight ski resort dining experiences.
The Best Restaurants in Deer Valley are Skiing Past the Culinary Competition
The best restaurants in Deer Valley, Utah have been at the forefront of this foodie revolution since the shift began happening about a decade ago. They, along with many resorts across the country that have been and continue to elevate their cuisine to new heights. Nonetheless, when it comes to ski resort dining, the Deer Valley restaurants are skiing past the culinary competition.
Nestled a mere minutes from Park City (a foodie destination in its own right), and with roughly 20 on site dining options, Deer Valley dining is standing out in a culinary scene that is already out of bounds.
With that many choices, plus three major hotels with restaurants of their own, the Deer Valley après ski and food scene can be a bit daunting to navigate. Lucky for you, we're here to help you find the best restaurants in Deer Valley with our, Foodie's Guide to Ski Resort Dining the Deer Valley Way.
Breakfast at Deer Valley Grocery Café
Photo Credit: Alterra Mountain Co.
The Deer Valley Grocery Café is a breakfast necessity. Whether you are stopping to grab a quick coffee and a pastry or actually settling in for a longer breakfast, you will not be disappointed. However, if it is the latter of the two, you must, must, must order the Dutch Baby.
A decadent pancake skillet, its exterior browns a bit as it puffs up in the oven like the bubbles on the crust of a wood fired pizza. Then, while still hot the pancake is drizzled with orange vanilla bean butter and topped with an assortment of berries. The butter and berries melt into this melange of ooey and gooey-ness that ultimately results in a contrast of textures and an explosion of flavors that is straight up magical.
The Best Lunch Deer Valley's Royal Street Café
Located mid-mountain in the Silver Lake Lodge you simply cannot beat the ease of this ski in ski out location. That is why I love it as the best lunch Deer Valley offers.
Despite the ease of Royal Street's mid-mountain location, the ski out part can become a touch questionable though, especially on warmer days. Picture yourself hanging on the deck sipping their famed Blueberry Mojitos while taking in the mountain's splendor. One can turn to two, then three and next thing you know, you never actually ski back out.
Good thing there is also the option to walk out if need be...and the Dungeness Crab Tower.
Photo Credit: Alterra Mountain Co.
Pairing your Blueberry Mojito with the Dungeness Crab Tower is an absolute must. Mounds of fresh Dungeness Crab are piled high and layered with avocado and tomato. Use the surrounding crispy fried wontons to break apart the mountainous portion, dip it in the wasabi, soy and chili sauce and then transport that luscious crab to you mouth. The result, a flavor explosion that your taste buds will not forget.
Après-Ski at The Stein Eriksen Lodge Champions Club
Photo Credit: Stein Eriksen Lodge
Deer Valley après ski has so many great choices and wherever you end up it's going to be good. Seriously, it has some of the best après ski options in all of Utah.
However, if you are looking to diversify a bit and try something new then head over to the Champions Club located inside the Stein Eriksen Lodge. This is our go to for a fantastic family friendly Deer Valley restaurant scene.
The 3,500 square foot game room complete with a host of arcade and video games will have your children occupied for hours as you enjoy cocktails by the fire pits overlooking the majestic mountains. Although, you cannot go wrong with the Stein Burger which is so good it melts in your mouth, The Swedish Pizza is a fun twist on a classic and a bit more shareable.
Maybe it's because I've have never dreamed of putting Swedish meatballs on a pizza, but I totally get why this is the chef's favorite. There is something special about the savory combination of the meatballs, white sauce and Fontina cheese that plays so well with the tart Lingonberry jam.
My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Pair that with a crisp Czech Pilsner from local Bohemian Brewery and you'll find yourself never wanting to leave.
No kids, no problem. Be sure to hit up the EBS Lounge for a Champion Margarita. This staff favorite is a delicious way to end your day on the slopes.
Dinner at Deer Valley's Fireside Dining
Photo Credit: Alterra Mountain Co.
Post après ski at Deer Valley, bundle up under a blanket for a brief tour around the mountain via horse drawn sleigh. Letting you off right by the doors of the unique Fireside Dining experience you'll be taken by this European inspired lodge.
As you enter what I consider one of the best restaurants in Deer Valley, you eyes will be drawn instantly to the hunks of raclette melting onto plates in front of one of the five fireplaces cooking your food. That cheese alone is worth the price of admission. Be careful not to over indulge here though (as difficult as that will be). Trust me, you'll want to try all the dishes.
If you are really looking to cap your day off with something incredible, then be sure to find the leg of lamb. Marinated in fresh herbs and garlic then fire roasted slowly to tender medium rare perfection, it is arguably some of the best lamb that I have eaten. Each bite will tantalize your taste buds with an array of flavorful goodness making this the perfect ending to the foodie's paradise that is the Deer Valley Dining experience.
The Best Restaurants in Deer Valley Dining Requires the Best Après-Ski Beanie
Deer Valley resort may epitomize class, but that does not mean you won't find many skiers wearing their ski beanies around the resort. That's why we recommend you pack your All Day Ski Beanie. Whether it's breakfast, lunch,après-ski or dinner at the best restaurants in Deer Valley, a comfortable ski beanie like this is a must.
Are you an ski bum foodie just like me? If so, then be sure to subscribe to our Après Eats Food Blog and never miss another post. We consistently review the best ski resort dining and après-ski experiences as well as provide you with tasty ski food recipes for you to try at home.
