Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City

Urban HIll | Courtesy of Urban Hill

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Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City often surprises visitors with its sophisticated yet approachable restaurants. Local eateries highlight flavors that reflect the state's agricultural bounty and pioneering spirit. Thanks to Utah farms, many chef-driven creations boast local meats and cheeses year-round, plus in-season fruits, vegetables and honey (Utah is the Beehive State, after all).

Downtown SLC and its nearby neighborhoods boast an impressive array of restaurants, from innovative farm-to-table concepts and sophisticated international eateries to brewpubs serving local craft beer and cafes beloved by locals.

Guide to Salt Lake City Neighborhoods

Fine Dining in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City's fine dining scene offers sophisticated experiences featuring elegantly designed interiors, impeccable service, and menus that emphasize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Valter's Osteria - $$$$

173 W. Broadway, Salt Lake City

Step into Valter's Osteria and immediately become part of the late Valter Nassi’s extended Florentine family. This elegant downtown Italian restaurant offers an elegant, sophisticated yet warm experience, where every dish, from the rich butternut squash ravioli to the expertly prepared table-side Caesar, evokes authentic Tuscan tradition. Locals flock here for the genuine hospitality and the kind of pasta that transports you directly to Florence.

HSL (Handle Salt Lake) - $$$$

418 East 200 South, Salt Lake City

Looking for upscale American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and a buzzy, eclectic atmosphere? Consider HSL. Enjoy earthy and refined cuisine set inside the vibrant setting of plush seating and whimsical wallpaper. Diners highly praise the hamachi crudo, General Tso's style cauliflower, and their various takes on a burger, particularly the HSL Burger or the Fried Green Tomato Burger.

Urban Hill - $$$$

510 South 300 West #100, Salt Lake City

Urban Hill, a recent addition to Salt Lake City, offers a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. The menu, deeply rooted in American culinary traditions, focuses on wood-fired meats and fresh seafood, executed with a refined touch. Expect a lively, contemporary vibe, perfect for sharing plates and stories after a day exploring Utah's elevated landscapes. (Read: Cozy Salt Lake Dining Spots)

The Copper Onion - $$$

111 E. Broadway St. #170, Salt Lake City

The Copper Onion is an upscale yet affordable American-style restaurant. Fan favorites include burgers and steak, but it's worth exploring other meal options that satisfy the adage "try to order food you can't make at home.” Ricotta dumplings, miso polenta and pork chops with farro are some of the rotating specialty dishes prepared by the skilled chefs. Exotic options such as braised octopus and native Utah trout circulate into the menu, as do many farm-fresh veggies. Simply put, the meals are creative and the setting is elegant but not intimidating.

Other SLC fine-dining stand-outs include Current, Aker, Cafe Molise, Bambara, Mar Muntanya, Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar

HSL (as in, Handle Salt Lake) serves up praiseworthy eats with the same quality as the original Handle, its counterpart in Park City.

Photo: Courtesy of HSL

Urban Hill is located in Salt Lake City's up-and-coming Post District.

Photo: Courtesy of Urban Hill

Buzzy Breweries and Bars for SLC Visitors

Yes, you can get a drink in Utah. Salt Lake City breweries and bars dole out libations aplenty, whether you’re craving craft beers and burgers, upscale signature cocktails, global-influenced cuisine, over-21-only establishments or family-friendly pubs.

Squatters Pub Brewery - $$

147 W. Broadway, Salt Lake City

A long-standing Salt Lake City institution, Squatters offers award-winning craft beers and a menu of elevated American pub fare, set inside the historic Salt Lake Brewing Company building. Squatters brews its beer on-site, activating a lively and casual atmosphere for enjoying the handcrafted brews.

Desert Edge Brewery - $$

273 Trolley Sq, Salt Lake City

Another one of Utah's original brewpubs, Desert Edge pours a rotating selection of handcrafted beers alongside guest taps. The restaurant offers a relaxed vibe set inside the historic Trolley Square. Known for its grilled salmon salad, French onion soup and Famous Pub Nachos, its menu also features a diverse selection of American and global comfort food.

Franklin Avenue - $$$$

231 South Edison Street, Salt Lake City

Looking for upscale dining for 21+? Franklin Ave, a newer addition to Salt Lake City, features elevated dishes inspired by Japanese, Thai, Spanish, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features seasonal ingredients, innovative presentations and signature cocktails like “Material Girl” and “Kokomo.”

White Horse Spirits and Kitchen - $$$

325 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City

Known by locals for its vibrant social scene, White Horse is a modern American brasserie for the 21-and-over set. It offers a broad menu from small plates to steaks, fresh oysters, and an extensive selection of spirits, including a large array of aperitifs, digestifs and ciders.

Whiskey Street - $$$

323 S Main St, Salt Lake City

Fun fact: Before the street became Main Street in 1906, Brigham Young—yes, the one and only—designated this stretch of road “Whiskey Street.” Today, Whiskey Street holds the largest collection of whiskey in Utah, and it is one of downtown SLC’s most popular weekend hangouts. The menu offers elevated American comfort food, with well-known favorites like their signature burger and diverse selection of oysters.

Lucky 13 Bar and Grill - $$

135 West 1300 South, South Salt Lake

Locals and food critics rave about Lucky 13 and its savory burgers complemented by their trademark rosemary fries and a pre-meal Bloody Mary. Lucky 13 is a popular destination in its own right and is also often the first stop on a night out to catch a Jazz game or a show at one of SLC's theaters.

Other notable bars and breweries in Salt Lake City include Bar Nohm, Bar X, Ivy & Varley, Lake Effect, Post Office Place, Red Rock Brewing, Grid City Brewing, Fisher Brewing, Gracie's

White Horse offers a broad menu and an extensive selection of spirits, including a large array of aperitifs, digestifs and ciders.

Photo: Austen Diamond, Visit Salt Lake

SLC Go-To Café and Bakeries

SLC’s café scene offers a perfect way to fuel up before or wind down after a day of exploring. There’s simplicity in a fresh breakfast, lunch or brunch made by hand and served with care from these favorite locally-owned cafés and bakeries.

Oasis Café - $$

151 South 500 East, Salt Lake City

Oasis Café offers a serene retreat for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sit on a flower-filled patio, visit the attached bookstore, sip an espresso at a high-boy, or relish a full meal filled with fresh ingredients and friendly service. No matter the culinary journey, Oasis’ uniqueness lies in its peaceful ambiance and healthy food, providing a calm escape distinct from the city's more bustling establishments.

Caputo’s Market and Deli - $$

314 W. Broadway and 1516 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City

Another Salt Lake City institution, Caputo's Market & Deli is part Italian market, part deli and part casual counter-service cafe. Caputo's deep commitment to sourcing high-quality, often rare, Italian ingredients is the reason it's renowned for its artisanal cheeses, cured meats, imported Italian specialty foods and fresh, hearty sandwiches.

Gourmandise - $$

250 South 300 East, Salt Lake City

Gourmandise, a beloved Salt Lake City institution, transports its diners to a Parisian café. Enjoy hearty American breakfasts and lunches, elegant French-inspired entrees and an overwhelming selection of pastries, cakes and breads, all made in-house. Gourmandise is perfect for a leisurely meal or simply picking up a delectable sweet treat to go.

The Park Café - $$

604 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City

The Park Café is a classic Salt Lake City diner celebrated for its home-style breakfast and lunch, served in a cozy, sunny setting. This beloved local favorite boasts outdoor seating and a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Try their breakfast potatoes, homemade biscuits, fluffy pancakes or hearty omelets — then walk across the street for a stroll through Liberty Park.

More charming cafes and bakeries to try: Eva’s Bakery, Publik Coffee Roaster, Tulie Bakery.

Caputo's has two Salt Lake locations, one downtown and one in the 15th and 15th neighborhood.

Photo: Nicole Morgenthau

Caputo's Market & Deli is part Italian market, part deli and part casual counter-service cafe.

Photo: Nicole Morgenthau

International Cuisine in SLC

Red Iguana - $$

736 W. North Temple and 866 W. South Temple

Red Iguana regularly tops "best of" lists for its self-proclaimed killer Mexican food. It's hard to argue with that assessment once you've had their enchiladas smothered in one of their unique mole sauces. Small touches like adding a pinch of cinnamon to their red sauce makes for extra-flavorful burritos and chimichangas. The peach margaritas are a special treat for adults, while kids of all ages should conclude their meal with fried ice cream. (Read: Salt Lake City’s Mexican Food Gems)

Takashi - $$$

18 W. Market St, Salt Lake City

Takashi is widely considered Salt Lake City's premier sushi restaurant. Diners flock here for the maki rolls and traditional nigiri. The modern, sleek interior and bustling atmosphere add to the experience, though they don't take reservations, leading to often long but worthwhile waits. And if you have to wait, the over-21 crowd can grab a cocktail next door at Post Office Place, recognized as an "outstanding bar" by the James Beard Foundation.

Mr. Shabu - $$$

159 S. Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City

The name Mr. Shabu comes from "shabu-shabu" in Japanese for "swish-swish," referring to its signature hotpot broths. Add noodles, veggies, seafood and other goodies from the buffet-style bar to customize your meal. The atmosphere is inviting and family-friendly. The service is notoriously attentive and polite.

Laziz Kitchen - $$

152 E. 200 S. and 912 S. Jefferson St, Salt Lake City

Laziz Kitchen delights diners with authentic Lebanese flavors. Locals consistently praise their silky-smooth hummus, which can be topped with beef or chicken shawarma. Other favorites like crispy falafel and fried cauliflower drizzled with tahini.

Caffé Molise - $$$

404 S. West Temple Street, Salt Lake City

Caffe Molise serves up regional Italian cuisine, including popular menu items like the Gnocchi di Patate and the Bistecca. Set inside a historic downtown building, the interior features exposed brick walls and local art. And the outdoor garden patio is arguably its most sought-after feature for a memorable al fresco meal.

Other can’t-miss global SLC restaurants include Lone Star Taqueria, Chile-Tepin, Sabor Latino, Oh Mai Sandwich Kitchen, Sapa Sushi Bar & Asian Grill, Tosh’s Ramen