20 Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is not only known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures but also for its vibrant food scene. From farm-to-table eateries to international cuisines, the city offers a diverse range of dining options that are sure to satisfy any food enthusiast. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the top restaurants in Salt Lake City and highlight their unique offerings.

1. Ruth's Chris Steak House

Location: 275 S W Temple St Rating: 4.7/5 (3,217 reviews) Price: $$$$ Website: Ruth's Chris Steak House

The Legacy of Ruth's Chris Steak House

Ruth's Chris Steak House, originally founded by Ruth Fertel in 1965, has carved a niche for itself in the realm of fine dining. The story begins with Fertel, a single mother of two, purchasing Chris Steak House in New Orleans. Despite having no prior restaurant experience, she believed in serving the best steak possible, and her commitment to quality helped the brand flourish.

The Steak House was rechristened 'Ruth's Chris' following a devastating fire in 1976, marking a significant milestone in its illustrious history. Over the next five decades, the restaurant expanded, becoming a global brand renowned for its sizzling steaks served on 500-degree plates. Today, Ruth's Chris Steak House is a beloved institution, celebrated for its exceptional cuisine, superior service, and inviting atmosphere.

The Culinary Experience

2. The Copper Onion

Location: 111 E Broadway Rating: 4.6/5 (1,472 reviews) Price: $$$ Website: The Copper Onion

A Nostalgic Journey

The history of The Copper Onion is as rich and layered as the flavors served within its warm and inviting confines. As you step inside, the restaurant welcomes you with its rustic charm, a nod to its deep roots in the community.

Opened in 2010, the vision of Chef and owner Ryan Lowder, The Copper Onion stands as a testament to Lowder's vast culinary journey. Lowder honed his skills in prominent kitchens in New York, Spain, and the American South before returning to his native Utah to establish what would quickly become one of SLC's favorite dining venues.

3. Red Iguana

Location: 736 W North Temple Rating: 4.5/5 (4,271 reviews) Price: $$ Website: Red Iguana

The Red Iguana Story

If there’s one place that can claim to be Salt Lake City’s foodie flagship, it’s the Red Iguana. Located at 736 W North Temple, this place has captured the hearts of locals and travelers alike with its authentic Mexican cuisine.

The Red Iguana was established in 1980s by the Cardenas family, who brought their love for traditional Mexican food from their homeland. The restaurant’s name and the red iguana logo were chosen to represent strength, passion, and dedication - the same principles that drive the family’s commitment to providing the best dining experience to their customers.

4. Takashi

Location: 18 W Market St Rating: 4.6/5 (1,574 reviews) Price: $$$ Website: Takashi

The Takashi Experience

On stepping into Takashi, you will immediately notice a modern yet cozy ambiance. The restaurant features an inviting sushi bar, where diners can watch the skilled sushi chefs at work, crafting each piece with care and precision.

The menu at Takashi is diverse and innovative, featuring a wide array of sushi and sashimi, traditional Japanese entrees, and an impressive selection of sake. It doesn't stop there; Takashi also offers special delicacies such as shabu-shabu and Kurobuta pork, making it a true reflection of Japan's culinary diversity.

5. Forage

Location: 370 E 900 S Rating: 4.7/5 (384 reviews) Price: $$$$ Website: Forage

The Forage Experience

As you walk in, the contemporary yet inviting ambiance of the place reflects the thoughtfulness that goes into each plate. Every meal at Forage is a nod to the abundance of locally sourced ingredients in Utah, making it a true reflection of Salt Lake City’s burgeoning gastronomic scene.

6. Current Fish & Oyster

Location: 279 E 300 S Rating: 4.5/5 (604 reviews) Price: $$$ Website: Current Fish & Oyster

The Current Experience

Tucked away at 279 E 300 S in the heart of Salt Lake City, Current Fish & Oyster offers an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant, rated 4.5/5 by 604 reviews, boasts an impressive menu with a variety of dishes that celebrate the rich seafood traditions of the American coasts. With its warm and inviting ambience, coupled with an attentive staff, Current Fish & Oyster presents an oasis of culinary delight.

7. Pago

Location: 878 S 900 E Rating: 4.5/5 (441 reviews) Price: $$$ Website: Pago

The Pago Experience

At Pago, every dish is a masterpiece, intricately assembled with ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. This dedication to freshness, coupled with a dynamic menu that changes with the seasons, ensures an authentic, immersive experience that tells a tale of Utah's rich agricultural history.

8. The Paris Bistro

Location: 1500 S 1500 E Rating: 4.7/5 (235 reviews) Price: $$ Website: The Paris Bistro

The Pago Experience

At Pago, every dish is a masterpiece, intricately assembled with ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. This dedication to freshness, coupled with a dynamic menu that changes with the seasons, ensures an authentic, immersive experience that tells a tale of Utah's rich agricultural history.

Pago's reputation for quality and innovation extends to its drink offerings as well. Their sommelier-curated wine list features artisanal producers from around the world, providing a vast array of choices to perfectly accompany their food.

An Unforgettable Dining Experience

The Paris Bistro offers an extensive menu, ranging from classics like Coq au Vin and Duck à l'Orange to contemporary creations that are a nod to modern French gastronomy. A visit here isn't complete without a taste of their iconic Crème Brûlée, a dessert that's bound to leave an indelible mark on your culinary journey.

9. Table X

Location: 1457 E 3350 S Rating: 4.6/5 (244 reviews) Price: $$$$ Website: Table X

An Unfolding Culinary Saga

What makes Table X unique is not just its innovative menu, but also its location. Housed in an updated 1920s brick warehouse, the restaurant has a rustic yet contemporary vibe that perfectly echoes its culinary philosophy. Its elegantly minimalist interior serves as an ideal backdrop for the star of the show – the food.

10. Log Haven

Location: 6451 E Millcreek Canyon Rd Rating: 4.6/5 (712 reviews) Price: $$$$ Website: Log Haven

The Log Haven Experience

Log Haven is more than just a restaurant—it's an experience. As soon as you arrive, you're greeted by the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. The restaurant itself is set within a log mansion, exuding rustic charm with its log-beamed ceilings and large windows that offer panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

11. Franck's

Location: 6263 S Holladay Blvd Rating: 4.6/5 (375 reviews) Price: $$$ Website: Franck's

A Bite of History

Named after its original chef Franck Peissel, Franck's has steadily evolved from its humble beginnings into one of Salt Lake City's top dining destinations. For years, this restaurant has created culinary experiences that blend innovation with tradition, keeping diners captivated with its irresistible flavor profiles.

12. HSL

Location: 418 E 200 S Rating: 4.4/5 (184 reviews) Price: $$$$ Website: HSL

Handle Salt Lake

HSL, which stands for Handle Salt Lake, is the third restaurant from the esteemed Handle Restaurant Group, which also owns and operates Handle in Park City and the now-closed George. Founded by chef Briar Handly, Melissa Gray, and Meagan Nash, HSL first opened its doors in 2016, and since then it has steadily claimed its stake as a staple in SLC's restaurant scene.

13. Valter's Osteria

Location: 173 W Broadway Rating: 4.6/5 (477 reviews) Price: $$$$ Website: Valter's Osteria

The Valter's Experience

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted with the sight of an open kitchen that immediately sets a lively and engaging tone. The atmosphere is a reflection of Valter's personality – passionate, energetic, and full of life.

14. Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar

Location: 454 E 300 S Rating: 4.5/5 (428 reviews) Price: $$$ Website: Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar

Stanza's Cuisine

Regarding cuisine, Stanza presents a delightful blend of traditional Italian favorites fused with innovative culinary techniques. Their diverse menu appeals to various palates, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Stanza’s signature dishes keep patrons returning, such as their house-made pasta, osso buco, and tiramisu. The culinary team's dedication to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients adds a unique touch to each plate, enhancing the overall dining experience.

15. Tin Angel Café

Location: 365 W 400 S Rating: 4.4/5 (319 reviews) Price: $$$ Website: Tin Angel Café

A Dive into Tin Angel Café’s Past and Present

The Tin Angel Café, with a 4.4/5 rating from over 319 reviews, is a local favorite in Salt Lake City's heart. This eatery, known for its eclectic menu and high-end experience, offers delectable dishes worth every penny. The price? $$$, a reasonable exchange for an unforgettable experience.

16. Himalayan Kitchen

Location: 360 S State St Rating: 4.6/5 (994 reviews) Price: $$ Website: Himalayan Kitchen

A Pioneering Journey: Himalayan Kitchen's History

Nestled comfortably on State Street in downtown Salt Lake City, Himalayan Kitchen embarked on its gastronomic journey more than a decade ago. The founders, themselves from the foothills of the Himalayas, dreamt of introducing the Salt Lake community to the flavors of their homeland.

17. The Wild Grape

Location: 481 E South Temple Rating: 4.6/5 (221 reviews) Price: $$$ Website: The Wild Grape

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

Opening its doors back in 2009, the Wild Grape emerged as a haven for food enthusiasts, placing a spotlight on locally-sourced, fresh, and organic ingredients. With its founders' commitment to sustainability and their knack for blending classic recipes with contemporary twists, this restaurant has continued cultivating its popularity among a diverse clientele.

18. Manoli's

Location: 402 E 900 S Rating: 4.7/5 (196 reviews) Price: $$$ Website: Manoli's

History of Manoli's

Manoli's has a rich and fascinating history that contributes to its unique identity. The restaurant's namesake, Manoli Katsanevas, was born and raised in Salt Lake City to Greek immigrant parents. He grew up amidst rich Greek culinary traditions, with family recipes passed down through generations. These experiences would later serve as the foundation of Manoli's restaurant.

19. Pretty Bird

Location: 146 S Regent St Rating: 4.6/5 (454 reviews) Price: $$ Website: Pretty Bird

A Stroll Down Memory Lane: Pretty Bird's History

Pretty Bird's inception came from the culinary genius of Chef Viet Pham, an Iron Chef America winner. His vision for Pretty Bird was to create a space that served exceptional food without the pomp and circumstance often associated with award-winning restaurants.

Pretty Bird's culinary focus is 'hot chicken', a popular Nashville delicacy. With Pham's innovative techniques and dedication to sourcing the freshest ingredients, Pretty Bird quickly soared to new heights. It's no wonder this eatery is now a major player in Salt Lake City's vibrant culinary scene.

20. Kyoto

Location: 1080 E 1300 S Rating: 4.5/5 (395 reviews) Price: $$ Website: Kyoto

A Taste of Kyoto's History

Kyoto has been a gem in the Salt Lake City food scene for over three decades. Established in 1984 by Sam and Yoshiko Tada, the restaurant has always been a family affair. The Tadas, originally from Japan, envisioned creating an authentic Japanese dining experience in SLC, showcasing traditional cuisine in a tranquil environment that echoed the peaceful city of Kyoto in their homeland.

These top 20 restaurants in Salt Lake City offer a wide range of culinary experiences, from steakhouse classics to international cuisines. Each restaurant provides its unique atmosphere and dining options, ensuring an enjoyable experience for visitors.