Salt Lake City has evolved into one of the West’s most exciting culinary destinations, blending innovative farm-to-table concepts with international flavors and classic comfort food. Whether you’re a local looking for your next favorite spot or a visitor exploring Utah’s capital, this comprehensive guide to the top 10 restaurants in Salt Lake City will help you discover the city’s incredible dining scene.
1. The Copper Onion
Cuisine: Modern American Bistro
Location: Downtown Salt Lake City
Price Range: $-$
The Copper Onion has become synonymous with Salt Lake City’s restaurant renaissance. Located in the heart of downtown, this modern American bistro champions locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal menus that change regularly to showcase Utah’s best produce.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Braised short ribs with creamy polenta
- Pan-roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables
- Housemade charcuterie board
- Sunday brunch selections
Why It’s Special: The Copper Onion’s commitment to local sourcing means you’re not just eating great food—you’re experiencing Utah’s agricultural bounty. The intimate atmosphere and open kitchen create an energetic yet comfortable dining experience perfect for date nights or special celebrations.
Pro Tip: Make reservations well in advance, especially for weekend dinners. The bar area accepts walk-ins if you’re flexible on seating.
2. Takashi
Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese/Sushi
Location: Downtown Salt Lake City
Price Range: $$-$$
Takashi represents the pinnacle of Japanese dining in Utah. Chef Takashi Gibo brings authentic techniques and creative flair to every dish, from traditional nigiri to innovative fusion creations that honor both Japanese tradition and local ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Omakase tasting menu (chef’s choice)
- Wagyu beef preparations
- Seasonal sashimi selections
- Takashi roll with local trout
Why It’s Special: The intimate 60-seat restaurant offers an authentic Japanese dining experience rare in mountain states. The fish is flown in fresh multiple times weekly, and the sake selection is among the best in the region.
Perfect For: Special occasions, business dinners, and anyone serious about exceptional sushi and Japanese cuisine.
3. Red Iguana
Cuisine: Mexican
Location: West Salt Lake City (Two locations)
Price Range: −- −$
No list of Salt Lake City’s best restaurants would be complete without Red Iguana. This family-owned institution has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine for decades, with a focus on traditional mole sauces that have achieved legendary status among locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Any dish featuring their seven mole varieties
- Killer tacos with hand-pressed tortillas
- Enchiladas Poblanos
- Fresh guacamole made tableside
Why It’s Special: Red Iguana offers a genuine taste of Mexican culinary tradition with recipes passed down through generations. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
Insider Knowledge: Expect a wait during peak hours—it’s that popular. The second location (Red Iguana 2) often has shorter waits. Both locations maintain the same high quality.
4. Log Haven
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Location: Millcreek Canyon
Price Range: $$-$$
Nestled in the breathtaking Millcreek Canyon, Log Haven offers a dining experience that’s as much about the setting as the food. This historic log mansion turned restaurant provides stunning mountain views and an atmosphere of rustic elegance.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Wild game preparations (elk, bison)
- Fresh trout from local waters
- Seasonal tasting menus
- Decadent desserts with mountain-inspired presentations
Why It’s Special: The scenic drive up the canyon sets the stage for a memorable evening. During summer, the outdoor patio becomes one of the most romantic dining settings in Utah. In winter, the cozy interior with multiple fireplaces creates an intimate alpine retreat.
Perfect For: Romantic dinners, special celebrations, and anyone looking to combine fine dining with Utah’s natural beauty.
5. Valter’s Osteria
Cuisine: Italian
Location: Sugar House
Price Range: $-$
Valter’s Osteria brings authentic Northern Italian cuisine to Salt Lake City’s trendy Sugar House neighborhood. Chef Valter Nassi’s passion for traditional Italian cooking shines through in every handmade pasta and carefully crafted sauce.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Handmade pasta dishes (changes seasonally)
- Osso buco braised to perfection
- House-cured salumi
- Tiramisu for dessert
Why It’s Special: Everything is made in-house, from the pasta to the desserts. The intimate space feels like dining in someone’s home—if that someone happened to be an exceptional Italian chef.
Wine Pairing: The carefully curated Italian wine list complements the menu perfectly. Ask the staff for pairing recommendations.
6. Bombay House
Cuisine: Indian
Location: Multiple locations across the Wasatch Front
Price Range: −- −$
Bombay House has been introducing Utahns to authentic Indian cuisine since 1993. With multiple locations and consistent quality, it’s become a go-to for flavorful curries, tandoori specialties, and fresh naan bread.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Chicken tikka masala (a customer favorite)
- Lamb vindaloo for spice lovers
- Vegetarian samosas as appetizers
- Garlic naan (order extra)
Why It’s Special: Bombay House maintains authentic flavors while accommodating various spice preferences. The lunch buffet offers excellent value and variety, perfect for trying multiple dishes.
Great For: Groups with varying spice tolerances, vegetarians (extensive menu options), and anyone craving bold, aromatic flavors.
7. Pago
Cuisine: Farm-to-Table American
Location: Downtown Salt Lake City
Price Range: $-$
Pago pioneered the farm-to-table movement in Salt Lake City and continues to set the standard for seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine. The restaurant’s name even stands for “Purchase As Grown Organization,” reflecting its commitment to supporting local farmers and producers.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Seasonal vegetable preparations
- Locally-raised meat entrees
- House-fermented items
- Artisanal cheese boards
Why It’s Special: The menu changes frequently based on what’s available from local farms. This commitment to seasonality means every visit offers something new and always peak-flavor ingredients.
Sustainability Focus: Pago’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond the menu to composting, recycling, and minimizing waste.
8. Stoneground Italian Kitchen
Cuisine: Italian
Location: Downtown Salt Lake City
Price Range: $-$
Stoneground brings a modern approach to Italian dining with house-made pizzas, pastas, and Italian classics. The lively atmosphere and open kitchen create an energetic dining experience in the heart of downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings
- House-made pasta dishes
- Italian small plates for sharing
- Seasonal risotto preparations
Why It’s Special: The restaurant mills its own flour daily for pizza dough and pasta, resulting in exceptional texture and flavor. The spacious dining room with high ceilings creates a vibrant atmosphere perfect for groups.
Happy Hour: Check out the popular happy hour specials featuring pizzas and cocktails at reduced prices.
9. Eva
Cuisine: Elevated American Comfort Food
Location: Downtown Salt Lake City
Price Range: $-$
Eva reimagines classic American comfort food with sophisticated techniques and high-quality ingredients. The cozy, neighborhood bistro atmosphere belies the culinary excellence on every plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Eva burger (consistently rated among the city’s best)
- Fried chicken with unique preparations
- Seasonal sides that steal the show
- Craft cocktails from the talented bar team
Why It’s Special: Eva proves that comfort food can be both familiar and refined. The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for casual dinners, while the food quality rivals much fancier establishments.
Bar Scene: The bar program is exceptional, with creative cocktails and an impressive whiskey selection.
10. Spitz Mediterranean Street Food
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Location: Multiple locations in Salt Lake City
Price Range: −- −$
Spitz brings the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean street food to Salt Lake City with a focus on döner kebabs, fresh ingredients, and bold seasonings. This fast-casual concept proves that quick doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Döner kebab wraps (choice of protein)
- Street cart fries with creative toppings
- Falafel for vegetarians
- Build-your-own bowls with Mediterranean ingredients
Why It’s Special: Spitz offers exceptional value without compromising on fresh ingredients or flavor. The casual atmosphere and multiple locations make it perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners.
Customization: The build-your-own format means you can tailor your meal exactly to your preferences, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Planning Your Salt Lake City Culinary Adventure
Best Times to Dine
Weekday Lunches: Many upscale restaurants offer lunch specials at lower price points, perfect for experiencing fine dining on a budget.
Weekend Dinners: Make reservations at least a week in advance for popular spots, especially Log Haven and Takashi.
Sunday Brunch: The Copper Onion and several other restaurants offer exceptional brunch experiences worth planning for.
Neighborhood Dining Guide
Downtown Salt Lake City: The highest concentration of restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries. Great for combining dinner with entertainment or exploring the city.
Sugar House: A trendy neighborhood with a mix of established favorites and new concepts. More relaxed atmosphere with ample parking.
The Avenues/Foothills: Scenic locations like Log Haven offer unique dining experiences outside the city center.
Dietary Accommodations
Salt Lake City restaurants generally excel at accommodating dietary restrictions:
- Most upscale restaurants can modify dishes for allergies or preferences
- Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly common
- Several restaurants (Bombay House, Spitz) offer extensive plant-based menus
Price Guide
- $: Under $15 per person
- $$: $15-30 per person
- $$$: $30-60 per person
- $$$$: $60+ per person
Prices reflect average entrée costs and don’t include drinks, appetizers, or desserts.
Beyond the Top 10: Honorable Mentions
Salt Lake City’s dining scene extends well beyond these ten restaurants. Consider exploring:
- Caffe Molise: Intimate Italian with a romantic atmosphere
- Tucci’s: Authentic Sicilian cuisine in a charming setting
- Proper Brewing Company: Elevated pub fare with excellent craft beer
- Table X: For an unforgettable tasting menu experience
- Laziz Kitchen: Lebanese cuisine with fresh, vibrant flavors
Making the Most of Your Dining Experience
Reservation Tips
Popular restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Book reservations through:
- Restaurant websites directly
- OpenTable or Resy apps
- Calling during off-peak hours
Parking Considerations
- Downtown restaurants often have limited street parking; arrive early or use nearby parking garages
- Sugar House and canyon restaurants typically have dedicated lots
- Consider ride-sharing for downtown dining to avoid parking hassles
Seasonal Considerations
Utah’s distinct seasons affect restaurant experiences:
- Summer: Patio dining is premium; Log Haven’s outdoor space is spectacular
- Fall: Peak season for local produce; farm-to-table restaurants shine
- Winter: Cozy indoor dining; restaurants in canyons may require snow tires
- Spring: Restaurants begin introducing new seasonal menus
Conclusion: Salt Lake City’s Thriving Food Scene
Salt Lake City has transformed into a legitimate food destination, with restaurants that compete with coastal cities while maintaining their own unique character. From the authentic Mexican flavors at Red Iguana to the refined Japanese cuisine at Takashi, from Log Haven’s mountain elegance to Spitz’s accessible Mediterranean street food, the city offers something for every palate and budget.
The restaurants on this list represent the diversity and quality that make Salt Lake City special. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, enjoying a casual meal with friends, or simply exploring Utah’s culinary landscape, these establishments showcase the passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence that define Salt Lake City’s dining scene.
Start planning your culinary tour of Salt Lake City today—your taste buds will thank you. And remember, this list just scratches the surface of what Utah’s capital has to offer. Each visit reveals new favorites and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Ready to explore more of Utah? Check out our other guides to discovering the best breweries, coffee shops, and outdoor dining experiences across the Wasatch Front.
Last Updated: October 2025
Have a favorite Salt Lake City restaurant we missed? Share your recommendations in the comments below!