Often called the gem of the Gem State, Sun Valley offers incredible appeal due to its famous outdoor recreation opportunities, summer-long live music and festivals, desirable accommodations, and chic boutiques. Adding to Sun Valley’s outstanding recreation and lifestyle is a fine dining scene that has drawn the attention of some of the nation’s most respected restaurateurs, groups, and celebrity chefs. While this is just a glimpse of the menu and dining experiences available in Sun Valley and throughout the Wood River Valley, these establishments are raising the bar for fine dining in the area.
Newly opened Fiamma, owned by Chefs Britt Riscigno and Kinsey Leodler, is located in the heart of Ketchum. It features a live fire, open kitchen, and “a culinary theater,” where inventive cuisine draws inspiration from an Italian soul and utilizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Fiamma offers fine dining with seasonally driven menus that highlight the art of pasta “fatta a mano,” Italian house-made desserts, and a robust, internationally focused wine program. Emulating a big-city restaurant atmosphere while embracing the charm and intimacy of mountain town living that defines Sun Valley, Fiamma is a welcome addition to the region’s culinary landscape. Fiamma’s Sunday brunch is quickly becoming a local favorite, and enhancing the dining experience is the Sunday Supper Series with Fiamma & Friends.
“We are pushing boundaries and expectations, and our Sunday Supper Series with Fiamma & Friends is introducing delicious and sexy cuisine with a six-course, prix fixe dinner and Somm-curated wine pairings, featuring top chefs and award-winning winemakers in partnerships from across the country to elevate the Sun Valley dining palate and offer new cuisine and exceptional culinary experiences,” said Chef Britt.
With a history uniquely tied to Sun Valley, The Pioneer Saloon, commonly known as “The Pio,” has been honored with the 2025 James Beard America’s Classics Award for its enduring presence as a family-owned restaurant in Idaho, which has significantly contributed to the Sun Valley dining culture for decades. The Pioneer Saloon’s owner, Sheila Witmer, stated that its success stems from keeping things simple.
“It’s Main Street, Ketchum’s long-time local vibe that will never change,” said co-owner Duffy Witmer. “It is an iconic restaurant and in its 6th decade, and it will exist in the family for decades to come.” He added, “Being in the fantastic town of Ketchum with the positivity of patrons, years of dedicated employees, and simple food that is not complicated, along with all the parts that have come together, has made The Pio what it is today.”
Renowned for its prime rib grilled in plain view and the Jim Spud—created and named after a manager’s leftover meal—The Pio has built a reputation for consistently reliable food. Trout, salads, and mud pie desserts are all delicious, while the bar’s atmosphere exudes quintessential western rustic charm and ski town vibes. It’s the place where Hemingway frequented, and people still bring their taxidermy to contribute to The Pio’s history.
The Sun Valley Culinary Institute (SVCI) has become one of the most delightful additions to Ketchum’s Main Street, where students complete one-year programs in pursuit of careers in the culinary arts. In return, the community enjoys enriched year-round food experiences that feature dinners and classes with in-house chefs who serve as instructors, alongside esteemed visiting chefs who prepare dinners and conduct cooking classes, all open to the public. The highly sought-after food and wine celebrations and festivals have elevated the valley’s culinary culture and food-inspired events.
Many chefs who visit Ketchum often return to host dinners and volunteer their time to support the school. Furthermore, it serves as a venue that meets the community’s needs as a gathering space. In addition, a curated monthly wine club showcases some of the finest wines from Northwest and Northern California vineyards. Its impact on the hospitality and service industry in the valley has been positive, as SVCI students have been helping to meet workforce demands.
Nestled in the heart of Ketchum, the Sun Valley Wine Company offers an unparalleled experience for all wine lovers, from casual enthusiasts to serious collectors. As a premier destination, the Sun Valley Wine Co. boasts an extensive selection of over 1,000 labels from around the globe, with more than 300 of those labels deemed fine or rare wines.
One of Sun Valley’s most treasured wine shops, the Sun Valley Wine Company has enhanced its dining experience with an upgraded menu crafted by Executive Chef Edgar Alejandro Romero. With over 15 years of experience in Sun Valley’s fine dining restaurants, Chef Edgar provides an exceptional dining experience featuring exquisite wine pairings, a selection of imported beers, and a variety of other beverages, including non-alcoholic options, making the Sun Valley Wine Company your first choice for dining out.
