Where to Eat in Salt Lake City: A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Eateries, Hidden Gems, and International Cuisine

Introduction

Visiting a new city can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming when it comes to deciding where to eat. Salt Lake City may not be as well-known as other foodie destinations in the US, such as New York or San Francisco, but it has a vibrant culinary scene that is worth exploring. From local favorites to international cuisine, the options are endless. This article aims to provide a guide to the best eateries in Salt Lake City, including hidden gems and must-visit restaurants for foodies.

7 Best Local Restaurants: Where to Eat in Salt Lake City

If you are looking for the best of what Salt Lake City’s local cuisine has to offer, these seven restaurants are a great place to start:

1. Ruth’s Diner – This iconic diner has been serving breakfast favorites, such as biscuits and gravy and mile-high pancakes, since 1930. The atmosphere is cozy and rustic, with a large patio that overlooks Emigration Canyon.
2. Red Iguana – This family-owned restaurant is famous for its authentic Mexican cuisine. The mole sauce, made from a secret family recipe, is a must-try.
3. Spitz – This casual eatery serves Mediterranean street food, including tasty doner kebabs and loaded street cart fries.
4. HSL – This fine-dining restaurant offers seasonal dishes prepared with local ingredients. The bar program is equally impressive, with creative cocktails and an extensive wine list.
5. The Pie Pizzeria – This pizza joint has been a local favorite since 1983. The pizza is made with fresh ingredients and has a crispy thin crust. Don’t miss the garlic knots!
6. Manoli’s – This Greek restaurant is a gem in a strip mall. The dishes are made with fresh and flavorful ingredients, such as roasted beets with house-made feta and lamb chops with tzatziki sauce.
7. Takashi – This sushi restaurant is consistently ranked as one of the best in the city. The fish is fresh and the rolls are creative, such as the Volcano Roll with spicy tuna and tempura flakes.

Salt Lake City’s Culinary Scene: A Guide to the Best Eateries

Salt Lake City’s culinary scene has evolved and diversified in recent years, offering options for all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the best eateries:

Fine Dining

• The Joseph Smith Memorial Building – This historical building houses The Garden Restaurant, which offers stunning views of Temple Square and delicious American cuisine.
• Log Haven – This mountain retreat offers a serene atmosphere and a menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients. The dishes are beautifully presented and the wine list is extensive.

Casual

• Eva – This tapas restaurant offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The dishes are perfect for sharing and include creative options, such as lamb meatballs and roasted eggplant dip.
• Proper Burger Co. – This burger joint uses locally sourced ingredients and offers a wide selection of burgers, including a vegetarian option and a PB&J burger.
• Red Bicycle Breadworks – This bakery and cafe offers artisanal bread and pastries, as well as delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Experience the Flavors of Salt Lake City: Top Restaurants You Must Visit

To truly experience the flavors of Salt Lake City, here are some top restaurants that visitors must try:

• Crown Burgers – This local chain is famous for its pastrami burgers, which come with a generous pile of meat on top of the patty.
• The Red Hot – This hot dog joint offers creative options, such as the Notorious P.I.G., a hot dog topped with bacon, pulled pork, and coleslaw.
• Bruges Waffles & Frites – This Belgian waffle and fries spot offers both sweet and savory options, such as the Liege waffle with Nutella and banana or the fries with garlic aioli.

From Brunch to Late-Night Bites: Where to Eat in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City offers options for eating throughout the day:

Brunch

• Publik Ed’s – This coffee shop and cafe offers delicious pastries and breakfast sandwiches, as well as an avocado toast that is Instagram-worthy.
• Blue Plate Diner – This retro diner offers classic breakfast dishes, such as pancakes and omelets, as well as a variety of lunch options.

Lunch

• Vertical Diner – This vegan diner offers tasty options such as the tempeh Reuben and the buffalo cauliflower bites.
• Salt Lake City Farmers Market – This outdoor market offers a variety of food trucks and vendors with options that change weekly.

Dinner and Late-Night Bites

• Whiskey Street – This restaurant and bar offers a rustic atmosphere and a menu that highlights Southern cuisine. The mac and cheese is a must-try.
• Taco Taco – This taco joint offers a late-night menu with options such as the fried chicken taco and the Korean pork belly taco.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Dining in Salt Lake City

While Salt Lake City has its fair share of popular restaurants, there are also some lesser-known eateries that are worth a visit. Here are a few:

• Feldman’s Deli – This New York-style deli offers delicious sandwiches, such as the pastrami on rye and the egg salad.
• Settebello Pizzeria – This Neapolitan-style pizza joint uses imported ingredients and has a wood-fired oven that gives the pizza a crispy crust.
• Fav Bistro – This French bistro offers a cozy atmosphere and classic dishes, such as coq au vin and steak frites.

Foodie’s Guide to Salt Lake City: Exploring the City’s Best Restaurants

If you are a foodie looking for unique dining experiences, Salt Lake City has plenty to offer:

• Pago Restaurant – This farm-to-table restaurant offers a menu that changes regularly according to what is in season. The dishes are creative and use local ingredients.
• Water Witch – This cocktail bar offers creative drinks made with house-made syrups and bitters. The bartenders are knowledgeable and can recommend a drink based on your preferences.
• Hires Big H – This fast-food chain has been a local favorite since 1959. The Big H burger and the onion rings are a must-try.

Salt Lake City’s International Cuisine: A Tour Through the Diverse Food Scene

Salt Lake City’s culinary scene is not limited to American and Mexican cuisine. There are plenty of international options to explore:

• Himalayan Kitchen – This Nepalese and Indian restaurant offers flavorful dishes, such as the chicken tikka masala and the momos (Nepalese dumplings).
• Kuwahara Wholesale – This Japanese food market offers fresh sushi and sashimi, as well as snacks and other Japanese products.
• African Market & Grill – This restaurant and grocery store offers West African cuisine, such as jollof rice and plantains.

Conclusion

Visitors to Salt Lake City can rest assured that there is no shortage of options when it comes to finding a good meal. From local favorites to international cuisine, there is something for every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or a casual bite, Salt Lake City’s culinary scene has it all.