By Hope Nartonis & Meagan Murtagh
Although Jackson Hole is a small town, there’s over 100 restaurants to choose from. To make the most of your summer visit to our charming town, I’ve put together a list of our top 10 favorite restaurants in the area. If you want to learn more about the local restaurant scene, check out Dishing JH – our local resource for food related news.
- Teton Thai – Teton Village
- Thai Cuisine
- Why I Love: Teton Thai Teton Village has incredible outdoor seating with views of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Because the restaurant itself is tiny, summer is the time to enjoy Teton Thai’s delicious food. Owned by a Thai woman and her husband, the food is authentic and made fresh when ordered. Plus, they provide generous portions! Teton Thai doesn’t take reservations so I suggest you go for a late lunch or early dinner to make sure you get a table with a view.
- Favorite Dishes: Thai Tea with rum (so refreshing after a hike), Salad Rolls with Peanut Sauce, Pad See Ew and Roasted Duck Curry.
- Kampai
- Japanese Cuisine
- Why I Love: I may be biased because we are friend’s with the chef, but Kampai is the only restaurant I’ve ever eaten in the US that makes me feel like I’m actually back in Japan eating at an authentic Japanese restaurant. The fish is mouth watering and the blending of flavors melt in your mouth while enjoying warm mountain architecture. You also get to pick your vintage sake cup for your meal, which is so fun.
- Favorite Dishes: Be adventurous and always go with the Chef’s choice Nigiri, the Sake Avocado Hand Roll, and it sounds silly, but the Sushi Pizza. Do yourself a favor and order whatever special they are having!
- King Sushi
- Japanese Cuisine
- Why I Love: Locally owned by a kind and generous power couple, King Sushi has the coziest atmosphere (inside a historical cabin on King Street) and fresh sushi rolls. The cabin is quaint so summer is the ideal time to get a table on King Sushi’s outdoor patio. As well as fresh seafood, you’ll enjoy welcoming staff who love to talk about fishing, mountain biking and hiking in the area. I recommend you get there for happy hour to ensure you get a seat in the afternoon sun.
- Favorite Dishes: Sake King Sashimi, JuJu Roll – this green apple roll is so delightful!, Tora roll. They also have incredible daily specials so make sure to order from there.
- The Bistro
- European dining inspired by Parisian neighborhood brasseries
- Why I Love: now located in the new Cloudveil Hotel next to Town Square! The Bistro is conveniently located, expertly decorated and downright delicious. The food and space is divine but what really sets this restaurant apart if the waitstaff. They have the best servers and bartenders in the valley, in my opinion. If you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, family, or a hot date, definitely make a reservation!
- Favorite Dishes: Rose French 75 (the perfect summer drink), Dozen Oysters on the half shell, Tuna Tartare, and The Bistro Burger.
- Calico
- Italian Cuisine
- Why I Love: situated on 1.5 acres of lawn and gardens on Village Road in Wilson, Calico is Jackson Hole’s most family-friendly restaurant. Next to the wraparound porch with abundant outdoor seating, you’ll find dozens of kids playing soccer and tag while they wait for food to arrive at their parents’ table. At 56 years old, Calico has its menu dialed. Classic Italian pizza and pasta plus an affordable bar menu.
- Favorite Dishes: Spicy Margarita (Calico’s signature drink), Garden Salad, Ski Bum Pizza and Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs.
- Figs
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Why I Love: 1 of my top 5 restaurants in Jackson Hole! This was my go-to place for blind dates back in my single days because it’s always quiet and intimate. The space and ambiance is so beautiful and the cuisine is extra healthy so I always feel good when I leave with a full belly. I also love lunch here or meeting clients when I want somewhere a little more sophisticated.
- Favorite Dishes: Hummus, Fattoush, Chicken Shawarma and Meat Pies
- Coelette
- Snow-line Cuisine (also-known-as revived old world recipes created at high elevations)
- Why I Love: located inside the historical Coe Cabin on King Street, Coelette is as close as Jackson Hole gets to farm-to-table. Owned by the lovely couple who owns Persephone Bakery, Coelette is the perfect restaurant for date night. Think glamorous cocktails, a one-of-a-kind seasonal menu, and modern mountain ambiance. Once you’re dressed up for a romantic night out, Coelette will lure you in and invite you to stay for dessert and a nightcap.
- Favorite Dishes: Venison Terrine, Little Gems Salad, Tan Tan Soba, and the ‘Mess’ Dessert.
- Cultivate Cafe
- Organic, local and clean breakfast and lunch cuisine
- Why I Love: Cultivate caters to all eating styles and is my go-to place for breakfast with girlfriends. If you have a food allergy, the hard-working kitchen staff will happily modify menu items for you, but you probably won’t have to modify anything because the menu is so inclusive that you’ll be able to find several options that work for you. Cultivate serves food that makes you feel energized after eating. Plus, it’s owned by a charismatic brother-sister duo and it’s located inside their family’s business, the Jackson Hole Playhouse, which is decorated as a vintage saloon and hosts western musicals all summer long.
- Favorite Dishes: Green Junegrass Smoothie, Prickly Pear Juice, C.Y.O Omelette, and The Cowboy Sandwich.
- Jackson Drug
- Soda Fountain Cuisine
- Why I Love: owned by two local sisters, Jackson Drug keeps the history of Jackson Hole’s Town Square alive. This diner-like restaurant has an iconic counter for you to sit at and enjoy a burger and a milkshake plus large tables to accommodate families and large groups. I always make sure to go in very hungry because it’s impossible to turn down a brioche bun burger made from locally sourced beef and a double scoop of homemade ice cream. Jackson Drug is the perfect dinner spot with a group of friends before drinking old fashioneds at The Local and The Cowboy Bar.
- Favorite Dishes: Cauliflower Wings, Black and Bleu Burger, Green Goddess Salad Bowl and a Huckleberry Milkshake.
- Glorietta
- Italian Trattoria
- Why I Love: centered around a wood-burning grill, Glorietta welcomes tourists and locals alike. It’s easy to get a seat at the large bar if you decide to go out to eat at the last minute, but it’s worth it to make a reservation in advance for a corner table with a view of the happy staff and patrons. Like Cheers, everyone is welcome and friendly at Glorietta. I love reserving the semi-private room for a birthday party or family reunion – the dark green walls, ambient lighting and long farm table are a cheerful backdrop to joyous memories.
- Favorite Dishes: Jackson Sundown Cocktail (it’ll warm you from the inside out), Tuscan Ceci Bean Spread, Summer Truffle Risotto, and Saffron Garganelli Alla Primavera.