The Sun Valley area is known for excellent food served in a casual atmosphere. It is also notorious for being a difficult place for restaurants to succeed because of the slack seasons and the remote location. Those that survive tend to have a common denominator: a hardworking, hands-on and passionate chef/owner. Here are some of my favorites.
Sisters Callie and Maeme Rasberry take inspiration from their native El Paso, using fresh local ingredients to create distinctive and flavorful Tex-Mex combinations. Open for lunch only.
411 Building Fifth Street, Ketchum. Tel. (208) 726-0606.
Since 1993, Cristina Ceccatelli Cook has been serving food inspired by her Tuscan childhood in a charming house on a side street of Ketchum. Perhaps start with a parmacotto and Gruyère salad, followed by a thin-crust pizza. Save room for desserts such as candied orange peel dipped in chocolate. Open for lunch and special dinners.
520 Second Street East, Ketchum. Tel. (208) 726-4499.
You can’t beat the views from the Sun Valley Resort golf clubhouse. In summer, enjoy the mountain panorama from its wraparound terrace; in winter, cozy up next to the large river-rock fireplace and take in the snow-covered hills and Bald Mountain’s ski runs through floor-to-ceiling windows. The club serves lunch and small plates from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers an extensive wine list.
200 Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley. Tel. (208) 622-2919.
Opened by the owners of the long-established Ketchum Grill, this has become the fashionable place for social gatherings. Featuring small plates, wood-fired pizzas, locally sourced lamb and trout, and an excellent wine list, it is ideal for the evening.
300 North Main Street, Ketchum. Tel. (208) 928-6280.
No visit to Sun Valley is complete without a meal at “The Christy.” Since 1994, chef/owner Michel Rudigoz — originally from Lyon and a former U.S. women’s Olympic ski team coach — has served traditional French cuisine in a formal dining room with a friendly atmosphere. The Olympic Bar, decorated with ski memorabilia, is a great spot for après-ski. The Christiania is steeped in Ketchum’s history, most famously as a favorite hangout of Gary Cooper and Ernest Hemingway.
303 Walnut Avenue, Ketchum. Tel. (208) 726-3388.
We have returned many times to this little house off Main Street in Hailey, 12 miles south of Ketchum. Chef-owner Chris Kastner is dedicated to Idaho suppliers, and aims to serve “fresh healthy food that will feed your body and your soul.” We have never had a bad meal here.
320 Main Street South, Hailey. Tel. (208) 788-1223.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
