Salt Lake City Restaurants -
Your Guide to Savor the Flavor

When considering eating at Salt Lake City restaurants, keep in mind that the local culinary scene is as diverse as the surrounding mountain views. Are you a visitor exploring the city for the first time? Maybe you call Salt Lake City or the suburban area home. Maybe you are a new resident … or a really old one J … and need some new options.

One thing is certain, the city has an impressive blend of tradition, innovation and variety available in its local dining culture. There are sure to be a myriad of choices available for almost anyone.

A Taste of Diversity

Salt Lake City restaurants present a remarkable variety of cuisine as they continue to mirror the city’s dynamic growth and increasingly diverse culture. Craving sushi tonight? No problem. Yearning for authentic Italian pasta or hearty Mexican street tacos? You got it.

From Asian fusion at places like Takashi to classic American comfort food at Ruth’s Diner, there’s always somewhere to go … or now to have delivered to your home … depending on your tastes. The Salt Lake City restaurant scene certainly delivers the spice of life which some people refer to as variety.

Fine Dining & High-End Experiences

For special evenings or celebrations, Salt Lake City boasts an array of exceptional high-end restaurants known for their superb service and gourmet cuisine. One of the best, if not the best, Salt Lake City restaurants … Valter’s Osteria … offers authentic Italian charm coupled with a luxurious dining experience. This particular restaurant provided my wife and me one of the most enjoyable dining experiences we’ve ever had.

Maybe you want to try the New American brilliance at Log Haven which is found in an amazing setting in Millcreek Canyon. It is a unique combination of ambiance and flavor. It is so exceptional, one of my daughters had her wedding and subsequent celebration in this setting.

How about La Caille Restaurant near the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon? It opened just about the time I first came to Utah. Amazing backdrop and still iconic.

Then there’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House in downtown Salt Lake City. I have a particular affinity for this one as my brother-in-law owns it. My son’s wedding ceremony was held here so it has certainly provided us with memories. Best steaks ever.

If you are looking for restaurants in Salt Lake City that deliver elegance along with unforgettable tastes, you'll find plenty of choices to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Casual Charm & Mom-and-Pop Gems

Not every meal needs white tablecloths. In fact, if you’re like me, you can only handle so many of the high-end places (usually due to their high-end prices). Salt Lake City is dotted with charming mom-and-pop restaurants and fun eateries serving familiar dishes packed with character. In fact, the restaurants themselves often have as much character as their food offerings.

You can start your morning at Penny Ann’s Cafe, famous for their light and fluffy "heavenly hot cakes." They now have three locations. Or swing by The Park Cafe near Liberty Park for a hearty, casual breakfast. These gems have become local favorites just as much for their welcoming atmosphere as for their mouthwatering dishes.

Historic Restaurants & Timeless Traditions

History buffs and food lovers alike can dine in the nostalgia of one of Salt Lake City's historical restaurants. Places like the Lion House Pantry, once the home of Brigham Young, offer not just delicious home-style meals but a taste of Utah’s unique past.

How about one of my personal favorites, The Desert Edge (formerly The Pub) in Trolley Square? Why? Because my wife and I have been going there since we were students at the University of Utah many years ago. So many memories and so many enjoyable moments in one of the best settings you’ll find anywhere.

Options For Every Meal

Salt Lake City shines brightly no matter the meal of the day. Breakfast restaurants like Eggs In The City or Bruges Waffles & Frites get your day started with delicious menus. Another one of our breakfast favorites is Sharon's Café in Holladay serving a traditional breakfast menu. 

For lunch, you might find yourself at Caputo’s Market & Deli quaffing down a gourmet sandwich. Or even at Spitz enjoying mouth-watering Mediterranean street food. This is one of our favorite “delivered meals.”

When dinner rolls around, downtown hotspots like Market Street Grill or Pago present varied menus with fresh ingredients that promise an enjoyable dining experience.

Best in Quality, Best in Price

Eating out frequently shouldn’t have to break the bank and, thankfully, there are a variety of Salt Lake City restaurants that understand this perfectly. From upscale eateries providing exquisite meals worth every penny to beloved favorites like the Red Iguana. They are known for “Killer Mexican food that’s worth the wait” as they say. Salt Lake City offers exceptional value without compromising on quality or flavor.

Exceptional Service & Unforgettable Ambiance

Great food is essential but outstanding service makes dining memorable. Salt Lake City restaurants are celebrated for their hospitality. Whether it’s the perceptive staff at Bambara or the friendly faces at Eva's Bakery, exceptional service is a proud badge worn by the successful Salt Lake dining scene. Face it, if they don’t offer it, they don’t last long.

Explore, Enjoy, & Click for More

This overview barely scratches the surface of what Salt Lake City restaurants have to offer. Each restaurant mentioned … and so many more … have their own unique stories, delicious menus, and special charms waiting for you to discover.

Go ahead and check out our individual restaurant pages linked below as we add to them to find detailed reviews, photos (some good, some bad) along with some personal stories and insights into what makes each dining spot uniquely fantastic. Or not. We are not Yelp. We like to tell stories.

Breakfast

• Eggs In The City

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Wasatch Mountains

Lake Powell

Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Great Salt Lake

Monument Valley