As the vibrant colors and scents of summer unfold, the pursuit of the perfect outdoor dining experience calls to all of us. This summer, we’re venturing off the beaten path to explore some picturesque patio dining spots that offer much more than a meal—they promise the enchantment found only in these idyllic settings.
Lakeside Indulgence at The Lakehouse
The Lakehouse restaurant is situated on Deer Creek Reservoir’s shores and presents a charming lakeside retreat. Patrons can dine under the soft glow of twinkle lights in the evening or bask in the sun (or shade of an umbrella) during the day and watch the many water activities take place with the gentle lapping of lake waves, providing the perfect backdrop.
“Our patio is right on the lake and has a beautiful view; you can watch the sunset,” says Kory Dykstra, executive chef of The Lakehouse at Deer Creek. “The patio experience is just as important as the food. I like to make lighter salads and use summer ingredients to put smiles on people’s faces by enjoying my food. We’ve changed the entire menu, except for the burrata, bread plate, and cauliflower tacos.”
Taste Utah Tip: The microgreens used in dishes at The Lakehouse come from Pamaw’s Organic Farm, right down the road in Daniel, Utah.
Mountain Majesty at Silver Star Cafe
At Silver Star Café, you’ll rise above Park City where you’re greeted with sweeping views of the golf course and Park City Mountain that frame your dining adventure. Just finished a bike ride or a hike? No problem, there is no dress code here, flip flops are welcome. Silver Star Cafe is famous for its Pork Osso Bucco—Niman Ranch fork-tender pork shank with bright flavors of coconut creamed corn—it’s even TV famous, having been on Food Network’s Diner, Drive-in and Dives. Sit back and relax in the elevated atmosphere with live music on the weekends.
“Having some of the best views in all of Park City inspires me in the summer,” explains Derek Gherkins, executive chef. “What would I like to eat while sitting on the patio?,” he thinks. “I focus on using as many local ingredients as possible, purchased from the farmer’s markets. I also like to incorporate hot and cold contrasts. Utah corn and peaches will also be on the menu, as will fresh fish that is flown in daily.”
Taste Utah Tip: Your well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you on the dog-friendly patio!
Rustic Elegance at Sundance Mountain Resort
Foundry Grill at Sundance Mountain Resort offers a rustic escape amidst the majesty of the north fork of Provo Canyon. Tucked away on the mountainside, this dining venue blends casual elegance with robust flavors. A favorite dish year-round, the Dirty Fries are an adventurous foray into savory indulgence with truffle aioli, a perfectly runny egg, crunchy Everything seasoning, and fresh green onion. Coupled with the alpine serenity, lighter cuisine, and citrus-forward cocktails, Foundry Grill crafts a symphony of flavors around the element of fire for memories that linger long after the meal is done.
“We recognize that a lot of people come up here to enjoy different activities on the mountain, so we focus on lighter fare in the summer,” says Alex Izatt, director of culinary at Sundance Mountain Resort. “Halibut fish tacos are guest favorites, and they can expect those every year. We get a lot of guests who want to sit on the patio for the beautiful views of the mountains, and you sit secluded in the trees.”
Taste Utah Tip: For a guaranteed patio dining experience, make a reservation early and be sure to request the patio.
Taste Utah and Park City Home magazine are proud to collaborate to bring you flavors from around the Wasatch Back and beyond. We do the heavy lifting to highlight some of Utah’s most delectable restaurants, offering you memorable experiences worth driving for! Check out Friday ABC4 Good Things Utah segments to see why you’ll want to add these locations to your Utah food bucket list. To learn more about these patio dining options, catch Taste Utah Bytes’ in-studio segment on Good Things Utah on Thursday, June 6. Then, tune in each Friday, June 7, June 14, and June 21 to visit each patio.