The Deer Valley Seafood Buffet in Park City, Utah is one of my husband's favorite ways to celebrate his January birthday. We have been here twice – with and without our kids. It's a good choice for a family celebration or a romantic night out.
Zagat Restaurant Guide listed the Deer Valley Seafood Buffet as one of “America's Top Restaurants.” The quality and variety of fresh, sustainable seafood and other dishes should please almost any palate. The atmosphere is elegant enough for a romantic night out, but also casual enough to bring the kids or just relax after a day on the slopes at Deer Valley or Park City Mountain.
Here's what you can expect at the Deer Valley Seafood Buffet.
Menu
The Deer Valley Seafood Buffet menu changes every week. You'll always be able to find crab legs, shrimp, oysters, sushi, prime rib and other favorites, but the appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts will vary.
Nearly everything is served in sample portions on small plates, making it easy to try a little of everything without filling up too quickly. Servers will customize dishes to your liking.
My husband checked the menu every week from the time we made our reservation until our meal. It was a fun way to build up to his birthday celebration. See the current menu at https://www.deervalley.com/things-to-do/dining/seafood-buffet.
Special Diets
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items are labeled, making it easy for those with special diets to find what they want. Staff can also answer questions and customize items at every food station.
My husband and daughter love seafood, but I don't. There were plenty of non-seafood entrees, sides, salads and desserts and I feel like I got my money's worth. I especially loved the prime rib and duck during our most recent visit.
A seafood buffet isn't the best fit for vegetarians and vegans like my son, but he didn't starve. There are 1-2 gourmet vegan dishes at every station on the buffet.
Children are Welcome
Both of our children are picky eaters and our son is a vegetarian (long story), so we had doubts about whether or not they would enjoy the Deer Valley Seafood Buffet. They were ages 8 and 11 at the time.
Both our children loved the Seafood Buffet, and were exceptionally well behaved. Our server established a rapport right away and challenged them to try at least two new things. They sampled escargot, cauliflower fennel soup, bacon wrapped scallop, prime rib, a variety of local artisan cheeses and… Deer Valley's chocolate snowball.
Other kid-friendly fare regularly included on the menu: macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, fresh fruit, bread and jam, crab legs, shrimp, baby back ribs and lots of desserts.
Reservations
Make reservations to be sure to get a table. The Seafood Buffet is open on Thursday-Monday from December through early April. Reserve at opentable.com or call 435-645-6632.
Dress Code
Deer Valley is a luxury resort, but the dress code is pretty casual. We saw a little of everything – from jeans and tees to semi-formal. Smart casual will be just about right.
Conclusion
The Deer Valley Seafood Buffet is a great choice for families and couples. The food is excellent and varied, the casual atmosphere is comfortable and the service is excellent. We look forward to celebrating here again and hope that your family will have a good experience too.
Good to Know
Where: Snow Park Lodge at Deer Valley. Follow the signs to Deer Valley and you can't miss it.
When: Thursday-Monday, from about mid-December through early April.
How Much: $80 per adult, $30 per child (6-11). No charge for children ages 5 and younger. Prices do not include beverages, tax or gratuity.
How Long: 1-2 hours
Amenities: Free and convenient self parking. Coat check. There are a variety of shops and services at Snow Park Lodge, but most were closed by 6 pm.
Website: https://www.deervalley.com/things-to-do/dining/seafood-buffet
Disclosure: We were hosted at the Seafood Buffet by Deer Valley for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
Rob Taylor
I’m always so hesitant to eat seafood more than an hour from the coast. Am I crazy, cuz this sounds like a great experience?
Allison
It’s true that great seafood is less accessible in Utah than in places closer to the coast. However, Deer Valley excels at providing world-class experiences for its luxury guests, so if anyone can pull it off, it’s them. My husband is the seafood lover in our family and he thought the quality was excellent. You should put a ski trip to Park City on your list and let me know what you think! 🙂
Georgi Gold
Very disappointing! Great service, terrible food. Skip it!
Jenny Jaggi
Is this still a thing since covid ?
Allison
Unfortunately, the seafood buffet did not re-open after the 2020 shut down