Inspector Picks: Our Favorite Restaurants in Ski Destinations

AAA/Inspector 599

Allred's Restaurant

Telluride, Colorado

AAA Inspector: I think this place has one of the best mountain views in Colorado, as the oversize windows beautifully frame the San Juan Range.

To enjoy one of Colorado's most unique dining experiences, patrons ride the free gondola up 10,551 feet to this restaurant with exquisite views, impressive décor and a menu that changes seasonally. Past dishes include Wagyu beef carpaccio, seared scallops, Duroc pork tenderloin and braised pork cheeks, pan-roasted Alaskan halibut, and Angus beef tenderloin. The award-winning wine list and elegant desserts are sure to please.

AAA/Inspector 39

Kalani's

South Lake Tahoe, California

AAA Inspector 557: Who would've thought an incredible Hawaiian restaurant would be found at the bottom of a ski mountain? Not I! Amazing seafood and BBQ pork is served.

If you are longing for a taste of the islands, this restaurant offers an opportunity to savor contemporary Hawaiian cuisine, such as island-style baby back ribs or fresh fish. An extensive sushi menu and a variety of rolls are available.

AAA/Inspector 334

Red Tail Grill at Grand Summit Hotel

Park City, Utah

AAA Inspector: If you want to ski a run, stop and see friends on the way down, quench your thirst, snack, soak up rays on a lounge chair and repeat, I'd go here.

This mountainside restaurant features amazing views of the slopes and an outdoor deck on a ski beach. Menu items may include an addictive brisket spring roll with cherry dip, chili-rubbed wings, refreshing watermelon and feta salad, great burgers, bone-in pork chop with peach jam and, my favorite, the three-cheese-crusted baked chicken with artichoke. Hours vary seasonally.

Lisa Ward / Silver Star Cafe

Silver Star Cafe

Park City, Utah

AAA Inspector: Positioned at the base of Silver Star chairlift, the location allows me to ski-in/ski-out in the winter and bike or hike here in the summer.

Lunch, dinner, and even breakfast is served during the height of the ski season. The owner-chef is imaginative, creating classic dishes such as stroganoff and stews alongside Southwestern-influenced creations. The huevos rancheros is rich and flavorful, or try the tasty grilled fish tacos or hearth-fired pizza. The menu changes with the season and always offers a memorable dining experience. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

AAA/Inspector 334

Westbank Grill

Teton Village, Wyoming

AAA Inspector 334: I will never tire of watching excited skiers and bicyclists going up and down on the chair lifts or families taking an evening walk up the slopes.

After a day skiing or white-water rafting, guests can savor a creatively presented, regionally influenced meal made all the more enjoyable by warmth from a massive stone fireplace. The grand dining room continues the resort's elegant rustic theme featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the slopes and the mountains. Prepared in the 1,800-degree infrared grill, Rocky Mountain elk chop, dry-aged bison rib-eye, smoked Colorado lamb rack or corn-fed Washington filet mignon may appear on the menu.