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Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City

Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Southwest, USA Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Cultural Roots and Evolution

The city's culinary roots trace to pioneer founders, who used ingenuity and resourcefulness for hearty meals from available supplies. This legacy still influences some local dishes. As Salt Lake City diversified, new cultures introduced their cuisines, expanding dining options significantly.

A strong emphasis now exists on sourcing local produce, beef, and dairy.

Dining Customs

  • Reservations: Recommended for fine dining, weekends, or larger groups.
  • Tipping: 15-20% for good service is customary for wait staff and other service providers.
  • Dress Code: Most casual restaurants have no specific code. Fine dining prefers business casual attire.
  • Meal Times: Breakfast (7-10 AM), Lunch (12-2 PM), Dinner (5:30-9 PM, some later on weekends).

Ingredients and Regional Styles

Local Sourcing

Utah's agriculture contributes local produce, high-quality beef, and dairy. A growing "farm-to-table" movement often features fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Neighborhood Concentrations

While Salt Lake City lacks distinct internal culinary variations, different neighborhoods present varying concentrations of dining styles.

Specific Examples

Downtown features upscale restaurants. Sugar House boasts an eclectic mix. State Street is known for diverse ethnic restaurants, including Vietnamese, Korean, and Mexican options.

Prominent Local Flavors

  • Farm-to-table emphasis for freshness.
  • Downtown: Upscale and international.
  • Sugar House: Independent and casual.
  • State Street: Ethnic diversity.

Must-Try Dishes

Local Specialties

Utah Scones

These differ significantly from British scones. Utah scones are fried dough, resembling a light, airy doughnut. They often feature honey butter, powdered sugar, or jam.

Find them at local bakeries, diners, or the Downtown Farmers Market.

Fry Sauce

This condiment is unique to Utah. It is a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise, often with a hint of pickle relish, garlic powder, or other spices.

It comes served with French fries at almost every fast-food and casual restaurant. Try it—it is a local staple.

Funeral Potatoes

A cheesy potato casserole, typically made with shredded potatoes, cheese soup, sour cream, and a crunchy topping.

While traditionally served at potlucks and gatherings, some local comfort food restaurants might feature it seasonally.

Beverages & Snacks

  • Non-alcoholic: "Dirty Soda" – a local craze involving soda mixed with flavored syrups, creams, and fresh fruit. Dedicated "soda shops" specialize in these custom drinks.
  • Alcoholic: Utah has unique liquor laws, but alcoholic beverages are widely present in licensed restaurants and bars. Craft Beer from local breweries like Squatters Pub Brewery, Uinta Brewing Company, and Epic Brewing Company is popular.
  • Local Spirits: A growing number of local distilleries produce spirits, including whiskey, gin, and vodka. Some offer tours and tastings.
  • Iconic Snacks & Desserts: Aggie Ice Cream (from Utah State University), and Saltwater Taffy (a classic chewy candy souvenir).

Street Food & Seasonal Fare

Food Trucks

Salt Lake City lacks a large, traditional street food scene. Food trucks are increasingly popular, often found at designated food truck parks (especially during summer evenings) and at local events or festivals. Check local listings for food truck rallies.

Seasonal & Festival Foods

The Downtown Farmers Market, held on Saturdays from June to October at Pioneer Park, is an excellent place to find seasonal produce, artisan foods, and a variety of prepared foods from local vendors and food trucks. Look for specific food festivals throughout the year that showcase local flavors and culinary creativity.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

For a sophisticated dining experience, Salt Lake City has several famous options.

  • Valter's Osteria: Upscale Italian cuisine with a lively atmosphere.
  • HSL (Handle Salt Lake): Modern American cuisine, often emphasizing locally sourced ingredients.
  • Log Haven: American cuisine with a romantic ambiance in a scenic canyon setting (car needed).

Mid-Range Restaurants

You will find many excellent mid-range restaurants presenting a variety of cuisines and price points.

  • Red Iguana: Famous for authentic Mexican cuisine, notably its wide selection of mole sauces.
  • Squatters Pub Brewery: Popular brewpub downtown, offering house-brewed beers alongside American pub fare.
  • Takashi: A highly-rated and popular sushi restaurant known for fresh ingredients and creative rolls.

Budget Eateries & Markets

Salt Lake City boasts numerous options for affordable dining and prepared foods.

  • Food Trucks: Check local schedules for a variety of affordable options.
  • Grocery Stores: Chains like Harmons, Smith's, Whole Foods offer extensive prepared food sections.
  • International Cuisine: Explore State Street for a wide array of affordable ethnic restaurants.

Markets and Food Halls

City Creek Center

This outdoor shopping mall downtown features a large, modern food court with many quick-service options, as well as several sit-down restaurants.

A great spot for quick bites while exploring the city center.

The Gateway

This entertainment and retail complex also houses several dining options, ranging from casual eateries to more specialized restaurants.

A good destination for a meal before catching a movie or visiting attractions there.

International Cuisine Options

Mexican

Authentic taquerias and traditional restaurants.

Vietnamese

Pho and other specialties, often found along State Street.

Korean BBQ

A growing presence with popular spots.

Japanese

Sushi and other Japanese dishes available.

Special Dietary Considerations

Specific Needs Accommodation

  • Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Salt Lake City has a growing number of restaurants catering to these diets. Many mainstream restaurants offer clearly marked dishes or can adapt items. A higher concentration of dedicated establishments exists downtown and in Sugar House.
  • Halal & Kosher Availability: Dedicated Halal or Kosher restaurants are limited, but some international restaurants might offer Halal meat. For Kosher products, larger grocery stores typically stock certified items. Research specific options beforehand.
  • Gluten-Free & Allergen-Aware Dining: Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, and common allergies. Inform your server about restrictions; they can guide you and speak with the kitchen.
  • Resources for Dietary Needs: Utilize apps and websites specializing in dietary restrictions. HappyCow is good for vegan/vegetarian spots. Yelp and Google Maps offer filter options. Always double-check with the restaurant directly.

Dining Etiquette & Practicalities

Reservations

Recommended for fine dining establishments, especially on weekends or for larger groups.

Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Tipping

A common practice across the U.S.

Culinary Experiences

Engaging with Local Food Culture
Cooking Classes
Food Tours
Farm Visits (local area)
Brewery/Distillery Tours
Downtown Farmers Market
Food Festivals
Rooftop Dining

Several downtown restaurants offer rooftop seating with panoramic views of the city skyline and the majestic Wasatch Mountains.

  • A memorable dining experience, especially during warmer months.
  • Look for options near City Creek Center.
  • Reservations are often needed for prime spots.
Canyon Dining

Restaurants like Log Haven present dining in stunning, rustic canyon settings just a short drive outside the city.

This offers an escape from the urban environment and an unique natural backdrop for your meal. A car is needed to access these locations.

Culinary Resources

Foodie Blogs
  • Search online for "Salt Lake City food blogs" for up-to-date local recommendations.
  • Local residents often share their favorite hidden gems.
Seasonal Events
  • Check the Salt Lake City event calendar for upcoming food festivals or farmers' market schedules.
  • Seasonal events often feature unique local products.

Culinary Experiences

Engaging with the Local Scene

Cooking Classes

Several local companies offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare specific cuisines, including local dishes.

Hands-on learning | Local flavors
Explore Food Tours
Food Tours

Guided tours take you through downtown or specific neighborhoods, offering tastings at various eateries and insights into the local food scene.

Taste local specialties
Find Culinary Experiences
Farm Visits & Producers

Some farms in Utah's broader agricultural areas offer tours or "U-pick" experiences, especially during harvest season.

Seasonal insights
Book Farm Experiences

Festivals and Unique Concepts

  • Food Festivals: Keep an eye on the city's event calendar for various food-related festivals throughout the year.
  • Taste of Utah: An annual event showing local restaurants and food producers.
  • Food Truck Rallies: Seasonal events featuring a diverse array of food trucks, presenting a casual and varied dining experience.
  • Craft Beverage Industry: Local craft breweries and distilleries often offer tours and tastings, presenting insight into their production processes.

Special Dining Experiences

Rooftop Dining

Several downtown restaurants feature rooftop seating with panoramic views of the city skyline and the majestic Wasatch Mountains.

A memorable experience, especially during warmer months.

Canyon Dining

Restaurants like Log Haven offer dining in stunning, rustic canyon settings a short drive outside the city.

An escape from the urban environment with an unique natural backdrop.

Good to Know

Neighborhood Styles

Different neighborhoods offer varying dining concentrations, from downtown's upscale options to State Street's ethnic diversity and Sugar House's eclectic mix.

Seasonal Fare

The Downtown Farmers Market is a prime spot for seasonal produce and artisan foods from local vendors.

Tipping Culture

Remember that tipping 15-20% for good service is a standard practice in Salt Lake City's restaurants and bars.

Additional Tips and Information

While Salt Lake City does not have distinct regional culinary variations within its boundaries, different neighborhoods offer different concentrations of dining styles. Downtown features upscale restaurants and diverse international eateries. Sugar House boasts a more eclectic mix of independent restaurants and casual spots.

  • State Street, a major thoroughfare, has a concentration of diverse ethnic restaurants.
  • Utilize apps for specific dietary needs.
  • Reservations are helpful for popular spots.
  • Explore the craft beverage scene for local beers and spirits.