When people think of cuisine in Jackson Hole, many picture cowboy steakhouses and dusky taverns. While you can certainly find those, the town’s food culture is far richer, shaped by chefs who draw from seasonal mountain ingredients, global inspirations, and a love for community. To ensure you have the best culinary experience possible in our valley, we’ve created an insider’s list that blends high-end dining with relaxed neighborhood favorites. Here are the places that Jackson residents themselves returning to time after time, and during your stay with us we hope you will, too.
The Wild Sage
At the Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, the Wild Sage is an intimate dining room that stays true to the roots of the place while pushing regional cuisine in new, exciting directions. The open kitchen brings you close to the craft, with cooks preparing elevated mountain cuisine that highlights local ranches and regional farms. Local livestock, fresh trout, and seasonal vegetables all make appearances on a menu that is constantly changing.
What sets the Wild Sage apart isn’t just its food, but its atmosphere. Cozy, warm, and designed for conversation, you can easily find yourself sharing stories with a local or another guest in our adjoining library or at the bar.
Local Restaurant and Bar
Just off the town square, Local has earned its name as a go to spot for those looking for a polished but approachable night out. Known for its focus on regional beef and wild game, Local offers everything from burgers to housemate sausage to trout and seafood. The raw bar is a standout with oysters flown in fresh daily.
The interior is sleek but relaxed, making it equally fitting for a celebratory dinner or a casual weeknight meal. When you talk about favorite after-work spots, Local often comes up.
The Kitchen
Kitchen brings fresh, modern energy to Jackson’s dining scene. The menu leans towards clean, contemporary presentation with flavors that are vibrant and globally inspired. Locals love the creative small plates, inventive seafood dishes, and cocktail program.
With its airy, stylish space and clean atmosphere, The Kitchen has become a favorite for those who want a meal that feels both elevated and indulgent. It’s a refreshing choice for visitors who may want something different than typical hearty mountain fare.
Trio: An American Bistro
For more than two decades, Trio has been a cornerstone of Jackson’s food culture, mixing classic American food with elevated technique. Signature items like the bleu cheese waffle fries or the Trio burger are particularly popular.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between fine dining and casual comfort. It’s the kind of place you might find folks sipping cocktails and catching up with friends just as often as you’ll find visitors celebrating a special occasion.
Glorietta Trattoria
For wood-fired Italian cooking, locals point to Glorietta Trattoria. The restaurant feels rustic and contemporary all at once, with a menu built around fire, smoke, and bold flavors. Classic Italian take on a western flare with the addition of ingredients like bison and Idaho trout.
The bar is a standout as well, known for inventive cocktails that pair beautifully with the food.
Orsetto Italian Restaurant
Another Jackson gem for Italian cuisine, Orsetto leans a little more classic and refined. Located just off the town square, it specializes in modern Italian-American dishes that highlight familiar flavors done exceptionally well. House made pastas and an extensive wine list make it a favorite for date nights or any time you’re craving something timeless and comforting.
The atmosphere is warm, making you want to linger over a second glass of wine. For those seeking Italian dining in Jackson, Orsetto and Glorietta are often mentioned in the same breath.
Persephone Bakery
When it comes to breakfast and brunch, Persephone Bakery is practically a local institution. Tucked into a charming white cottage just off the town square, it draws crowds daily for its artisanal pastries, hearty breakfasts, and beautifully crafted coffee drinks. The kouign amann, a caramelized, buttery pastry, is especially worth trying.
Persephone captures the spirit of a relaxed, cozy morning in the mountains. Many locals consider it their weekend ritual, and it’s worth the wait even if you find a line (which is not unlikely).
Picnic
From the same team as Persephone, Picnic is a breakfast and lunch spot on the west side of town. Designed as a neighborhood hangout, it’s the spot locals frequent for quick breakfasts, healthy lunches, and grab-and-go meals. The menu is inventive without being fussy. Think classic sandwiches, avocado toast, and classic egg breakfasts.
Just over a year old, Picnic has quickly become a go-to spot for those in the know.
Honorable Mentions
While the restaurants above make up the core of many locals’ must-visit lists, Jackson Hole has plenty more to discover. Snake River Grill, with its elegant mountain dining, is beloved by longtime residents. Café Genevieve offers hearty, home-style comfort food in a historic log cabin. And for quick bites, locals often point to spots like Pinky G’s Pizzeria for late-night slices or Streetfood at the Stagecoach for inventive, casual fare.
Born and raised in Jackson Hole, Wilden McIntosh-Round brings a deep-rooted love for the area into his work as a writer. In his versatile career as a content creator and copywriter, he has worked with brands like Samsung and Rolling Stone, but the best part of his job is partnering with local businesses to share their unique stories.
