Salt Lake City’s culinary scene offers a diverse array of flavors and experiences for food lovers. From local food walking tours to fine dining establishments, the city’s restaurants showcase a blend of traditional and innovative cuisines.
Salt Lake City’s vibrant food scene mirrors its cultural diversity and commitment to sustainability, featuring restaurants that range from traditional Mexican to creative fusion concepts. Local ingredients and farm-to-table practices contribute to the unique culinary identity of Utah’s capital.
Visitors and residents alike can explore the city’s gastronomic offerings through guided tours that combine history and flavor. These culinary adventures provide insight into Salt Lake City’s past and present, allowing participants to taste the essence of the city while learning about its rich heritage.
Exploring Salt Lake City’s Dining Scene
Salt Lake City’s culinary landscape has flourished in recent years, offering a diverse array of dining options. The city boasts both acclaimed establishments and exciting newcomers, catering to various tastes and preferences.
Award-Winning Culinary Offerings
Salt Lake City’s dining scene has garnered national recognition, with several restaurants receiving James Beard nominations. The Copper Onion stands out as a prime example of the city’s culinary excellence. This downtown eatery has consistently impressed diners with its innovative American cuisine and commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients.
Urban Hill has also made waves in the Salt Lake Valley restaurant scene. The restaurant’s creative menu and sophisticated atmosphere have quickly established it as one of the best restaurants in Salt Lake City. Its unique takes on classic dishes have earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
New and Trending Eateries
Salt Lake City’s dining landscape continues to evolve with the addition of exciting new restaurants. Bricks Corner and Basta Pasteria are two newcomers that have contributed to the city’s culinary growth. These establishments have introduced fresh concepts and flavors to the local food scene.
The Salt Lake Valley has witnessed a surge in diverse culinary offerings. From craft breweries to canyon dining experiences, the options are vast and varied. New restaurants are constantly emerging, bringing innovative menus and unique dining experiences to the area.
Park City, just a short drive from Salt Lake City, has also seen its restaurant scene flourish. The mountain town now boasts several high-end eateries that rival those found in major metropolitan areas.
Diverse Cuisine Types
Salt Lake City’s culinary landscape offers a rich tapestry of flavors from around the world. Visitors can embark on a global gastronomic journey without leaving the city limits.
Asian Delights
Salt Lake City boasts an impressive array of Asian cuisines. Sushi lovers flock to Takashi, renowned for its fresh fish and innovative rolls. The restaurant’s sleek ambiance and expert chefs create an unforgettable dining experience.
For those craving Chinese flavors, The Mandarin serves up authentic dishes in a cozy setting. Their dim sum brunch is a weekend favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Thai cuisine enthusiasts can savor aromatic curries and noodle dishes at Chanon Thai Café. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh ingredients shines through in every bite.
European Flavors
Italian cuisine takes center stage at Valter’s Osteria. This upscale eatery offers handmade pasta, succulent meats, and an extensive wine list. The warm, inviting atmosphere transports diners straight to Italy.
For a taste of France, La Caille provides an elegant dining experience in a picturesque setting. Their menu features classic French dishes with a modern twist.
Greek flavors come to life at Manoli’s, where traditional recipes meet contemporary techniques. Their small plates are perfect for sharing and exploring the diverse tastes of Greece.
Authentic Mexican Dishes
Red Iguana stands out as a Salt Lake City institution for Mexican cuisine. Their mole sauces, available in seven varieties, are legendary among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s vibrant décor matches its flavorful dishes.
For street-style tacos, Taqueria 27 offers a modern take on Mexican favorites. Their unique combinations, like duck confit tacos, showcase the versatility of Mexican cuisine.
Frida Bistro elevates Mexican dining with its artistic presentation and innovative flavor pairings. The restaurant’s colorful interior pays homage to its namesake, artist Frida Kahlo.
Unique Dining Strips and Neighborhoods
Salt Lake City boasts diverse culinary hotspots scattered across distinct neighborhoods. From bustling downtown areas to charming local strips, the city offers a range of dining experiences to satisfy every palate.
Salt Lake Valley’s Gastronomic Centers
The Salt Lake Valley is home to several gastronomic centers that showcase the city’s culinary prowess. 9th & 9th is a vibrant area known for its eclectic mix of restaurants and cozy cafes. Visitors can find some of the best breakfast spots here, perfect for starting the day.
Sugar House is another neighborhood that food enthusiasts shouldn’t miss. It features a blend of trendy eateries and long-standing local favorites. The area is particularly known for its excellent soup options, ideal for colder days.
Millcreek Canyon offers a unique dining experience with restaurants nestled in picturesque mountain settings. Log Haven, located in this area, provides a memorable meal in a stunning natural environment.
Gourmet Experiences Downtown
Downtown Salt Lake City is a hub for gourmet dining experiences. The downtown area restaurants cater to diverse tastes, from upscale establishments to casual eateries. Urban Hill stands out as a modern American restaurant offering innovative dishes in a stylish setting.
HSL (Handle Salt Lake) is another noteworthy spot, known for its seasonal menu and locally-sourced ingredients. It exemplifies the farm-to-table movement that has gained traction in the city.
For those seeking a unique dining atmosphere, Gardner Village offers Mystique Dining, combining a five-course gourmet meal with a magic show. This blend of culinary artistry and entertainment provides a one-of-a-kind experience for diners.
Specialty Food Establishments
Salt Lake City boasts a diverse array of specialty food establishments catering to various culinary preferences. From premium steakhouses to fresh seafood markets and vibrant food trucks, the city offers unique dining experiences for every palate.
Steakhouses and Grills
Salt Lake City’s steakhouse scene features top-notch establishments serving prime cuts of beef. Log Haven, nestled in Millcreek Canyon, combines a rustic ambiance with expertly prepared steaks and game meats. Downtown, Ruth’s Chris Steak House offers USDA Prime beef seared to perfection.
For a more casual experience, Copper Onion serves hand-cut steaks sourced from local ranches. Their bone-in ribeye is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Many steakhouses in the city also offer extensive wine lists to complement the rich flavors of their meats. Some even provide private dining rooms for special occasions or business meetings.
Fresh Seafood Markets
Despite its landlocked location, Salt Lake City offers surprisingly fresh seafood options. Aquarius Fish Company, a local institution, flies in fresh catches daily from both coasts. They provide a wide selection of fish, shellfish, and prepared seafood dishes.
Market Street Grill operates its own fish market, ensuring top-quality seafood for their restaurants and retail customers. Their oyster bar is particularly popular among seafood enthusiasts.
For those looking to prepare seafood at home, Harmons Grocery stores feature well-stocked seafood counters with knowledgeable staff ready to offer cooking tips and recipe suggestions.
Street Food and Food Trucks
Salt Lake City’s food truck scene has exploded in recent years, offering diverse cuisines on wheels. The city hosts regular food truck rallies, allowing visitors to sample multiple offerings in one location.
Cupbop, a Korean BBQ food truck turned franchise, started its journey on Salt Lake City streets. Their signature rice bowls topped with marinated meats and spicy sauces remain a local favorite.
Raclette Machine, another popular food truck, serves Swiss-inspired sandwiches featuring melted raclette cheese. For those craving Philly cheese steaks, DP Cheesesteaks food truck offers authentic flavors reminiscent of the East Coast classic.
The city’s food truck scene continues to evolve, with new concepts regularly joining the mix and keeping the street food landscape fresh and exciting.
Eat and Drink Like a Local
Salt Lake City offers a diverse culinary scene with locally-sourced ingredients, craft beverages, and cozy cafes. Visitors can experience the city’s unique flavors through its breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and thriving coffee culture.
Local Breweries and Distilleries
Salt Lake City boasts a growing craft beer and spirits scene. Uinta Brewing Company, established in 1993, offers a range of award-winning beers using sustainable practices. Epic Brewing Company specializes in high-alcohol content craft beers, with a constantly rotating selection on tap.
For spirits, visitors can try High West Distillery, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870. They produce whiskey and vodka using local ingredients. Beehive Distilling crafts small-batch gin with unique botanical blends.
Many breweries and distilleries offer tours and tasting rooms, allowing visitors to sample locally-made beverages and learn about the production process.
Organic and Farm-to-Table
Salt Lake City embraces the farm-to-table movement with numerous restaurants sourcing ingredients from local farms and markets. Pago, located in the 9th and 9th neighborhood, changes its menu seasonally based on local produce availability.
The Downtown Farmers Market, held in Pioneer Park from June to October, showcases fresh produce, artisanal foods, and local crafts. Visitors can purchase ingredients directly from farmers or enjoy prepared meals from food trucks.
Caputo’s Market & Deli sources high-quality local and imported ingredients for their sandwiches and specialty food items. They also offer cheese-making and chocolate-tasting classes.
Cafe Culture and Coffee Shops
Salt Lake City’s cafe culture thrives with independent coffee shops and roasters. The Rose Establishment, housed in a restored warehouse, serves locally-roasted coffee and house-made pastries.
Publik Coffee Roasters focuses on sustainability, roasting their beans in-house and serving them in minimalist, industrial-chic spaces. They offer a variety of brewing methods, including pour-over and cold brew.
Three Pines Coffee, a small but popular spot downtown, serves expertly crafted espresso drinks and light breakfast items. Their knowledgeable baristas can guide customers through their coffee selection.
Many cafes double as community spaces, hosting events like art exhibits and live music performances, making them ideal spots for visitors to experience local culture.
Seasonal and Festival Culinary Events
Salt Lake City’s culinary calendar brims with exciting food festivals and seasonal celebrations. These events showcase the city’s diverse cuisines and local culinary talents.
Annual Taste of Salt Lake Festival
The Taste of Salt Lake Festival stands out as the city’s premier culinary event. Held annually, it brings together top restaurants, chefs, and food artisans. Attendees can sample dishes from Salt Lake’s finest eateries, including new American cuisine creations. The festival features cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and live entertainment. Local and visiting food enthusiasts alike flock to this event to experience the best of Salt Lake’s culinary scene in one place.
Culinary Celebrations and Events
Salt Lake City hosts a variety of food-centric events throughout the year. The Greek Festival, one of Utah’s largest cultural festivals, offers authentic Greek cuisine and pastries. In October, the Park City Annual Dine About presents a 14-day culinary adventure with special lunch and dinner menus at participating restaurants. Eat Drink SLC, held in September, highlights seasonal fare from top restaurants paired with wines, craft beers, and spirits. During ski season, Ski Salt Lake packages often include dining experiences at mountain resorts and city restaurants.
Accommodations and Dining Packages
Salt Lake City offers an array of luxurious hotel stays paired with exceptional dining experiences. Visitors can indulge in gourmet meals and culinary adventures while enjoying comfortable accommodations.
Luxury Hotel Dining
The Hyatt Regency in Salt Lake City provides an upscale dining experience within its elegant surroundings. Guests can savor locally-sourced ingredients prepared by expert chefs. The hotel’s restaurant showcases Utah’s finest flavors, blending traditional and contemporary cuisines.
Room service allows visitors to enjoy gourmet meals in the privacy of their suites. Special dinner packages often include multi-course meals with wine pairings, perfect for romantic evenings or celebrations.
Vacation Dining Experiences
Many Salt Lake City hotels partner with local restaurants to offer unique culinary packages. These experiences combine comfortable lodging with food tours, cooking classes, or exclusive tasting menus at renowned eateries.
Some packages include guided excursions to nearby farms or artisanal food producers. Visitors can learn about Utah’s food culture while sampling fresh, local ingredients. Seasonal offerings might feature ski-and-dine combos in winter or farm-to-table experiences in summer.
Hotels often provide customized itineraries that balance outdoor activities with culinary discoveries, allowing guests to explore Utah’s natural beauty and gastronomic scene simultaneously.
Libations Scene
Salt Lake City’s libations scene offers a diverse array of drinking establishments and locally crafted spirits. From trendy bars to innovative distilleries, the city caters to various tastes and preferences.
Hipster Bars and Pubs
Bar Nohm stands out as a popular hipster hangout in Salt Lake City. This trendy spot serves up creative cocktails and a carefully curated beer selection. Local craft brewers have also made their mark on the city’s pub scene, with numerous taprooms offering unique brews.
Many bars in Salt Lake City feature industrial-chic decor, exposed brick walls, and vintage furnishings. These establishments often host live music performances and trivia nights, creating a vibrant atmosphere for patrons.
Artisanal Spirits and Unique Cocktails
Salt Lake City’s distilleries have gained recognition for producing high-quality artisanal spirits. Visitors can tour these facilities to learn about the distillation process and sample locally made vodka, gin, and whiskey.
Cocktail bars in the city showcase the talents of skilled mixologists who craft innovative drinks using house-made syrups, bitters, and infusions. Many establishments prioritize using locally sourced ingredients and spirits in their cocktail creations.
Some popular cocktail spots offer themed menus, seasonal specials, and cocktail-making classes for enthusiasts looking to expand their mixology skills.
