Restaurants to Visit in Salt Lake City: Top Picks

Posted On February 3, 2024

One evening, you wander downtown hungry and unsure where to go. You pass an upbeat room with wood-fired aroma from Urban Hill, and a soft-lit pasta place with Tuscan warmth at Valter’s Osteria. You pick a table, and the simple joy of tasting something perfectly cooked makes the night feel right.

Think of this short guide as your easy starting list. It mixes polished dining — like HSL’s seasonal plates and RIME’s precise steaks — with cozy neighborhood finds such as Oquirrh and Log Haven’s canyon calm.

We keep suggestions practical: what to order, when the vibe is lively, and spots with patios or late-night bites. Whether you want a special night or a relaxed dinner, you can quickly scan this page and find favorite places that match your mood.

Key Takeaways

• This guide blends lively downtown rooms and quiet mountain escapes.
• Pick wood‑fired steaks, crave‑worthy pasta, or shareable small plates.
• Look for seasonal menus and spots known for service and atmosphere.
• Use quick tips here for what to order and the best times to go.
• Keep the list handy on your phone to choose a great dinner fast.

How to use this curated list right now in Salt Lake City

Start by picking the mood you want—easy lunch, lively night, or a slow, sit-down meal. That choice narrows your options fast and makes the decision easy.

Short on time? Stay near downtown, order the house favorite, and you’ll get good food and friendly service without a wait. Need calm? Oasis Café offers a quiet patio for a relaxed lunch.

• Want a scene? Head downtown for White Horse or Whiskey Street—bars fill up on weekends and many are 21+.
• Booking tip: reserve Valter’s, Urban Hill, RIME, or Log Haven on busy nights.
• Walk-in friendly: Caputo’s Market & Deli for hearty sandwiches, or local breweries like Squatters and Desert Edge for casual pours.

Mix quick stops with a destination dinner—hop from a fast market lunch to a splurge evening. Check hours and 21+ rules before you go, and peek at the Editor’s short list when you want to find favorite spots fast.

Restaurants to Visit in Salt Lake City for a special night out

Make tonight an occasion: think wood fire, polished service, or a quiet patio under the stars. Each choice below guides what to order and how the room feels, so you can match mood with menu.

Urban Hill

Wood‑fired meats and refined seafood set a smoky, warm tone. Order a shareable starter, then a perfect cut. Service is polished, and the Post District dining room feels modern and lively.

Valter’s Osteria

Tuscan warmth and tableside touches make this spot feel celebratory. Try the famed pasta sampler and a classic Caesar. The room is elegant, ideal for a romantic dinner downtown.

HSL (Handle Salt Lake)

Seasonal American cuisine with bright, crisp flavors. Don’t miss the General Tso’s‑style cauliflower or the signature burger. The bar buzzes and the menu keeps changing with the season.

Oquirrh, Log Haven, and RIME

• Oquirrh: intimate, chef‑driven plates with thoughtful plating—great for quiet conversation.
• Log Haven: a quick canyon drive, a memorable patio, and mountain‑forward flavors that feel rustic and refined.
• RIME: Deer Valley steakhouse precision, gorgeous views, and nightly champagne sabering for a showy finish.

Pick HSL or Urban Hill for lively energy. Choose Oquirrh or Log Haven for romance. Ask your server about tonight’s specials and let service guide the final pick.

Downtown SLC favorites for dinner, drinks, and a lively night

Craving energy, oysters, or a perfect burger? Downtown has a spot that fits each vibe. Pick an energetic bar if you want a loud, social night. Choose a brasserie for polished plates and a relaxed pace. Or find a friendly sit‑down restaurant when you want steady service and a solid menu.

Whiskey Street

Utah’s largest whiskey selection lives here. Order elevated comfort food and linger over a tasting flight. The room gets lively on weekends—great for groups who want a high‑energy night and big pours.

White Horse Spirits & Kitchen

Modern brasserie vibes with a serious raw bar and steaks. Share oysters, pick a spirit from the deep list, and settle into a polished, grown‑up evening. Note: it’s 21+ only.

Franklin Avenue

This 21+ spot serves global‑inspired plates and playful cocktails. It’s a sleek place for friends who like bold flavors and signature drinks. Try a small plate and a creative cocktail to start.

Felt Bar & Eatery

Main Street energy and late‑night hours make Felt a go‑to after shows. Order the beef tartare with bone marrow and plan for shareable bites. The bar pours solid cocktails and keeps service quick.

The Copper Onion

Reliable upscale‑casual comfort—seasonal American plates, pastas, and a crowd‑pleasing burger. It’s the easy pivot when you want downtown food without the full scene.

• Start with oysters or a shared plate, then move to a warm entrée.
• Menus lean shareable—order a few items per person and taste around.
• For weekends in salt lake, go early or join the waitlist—these blocks fill fast.

Breweries and brewpubs with great food to match the pints

Taprooms here balance creative beers with solid bar food—perfect for casual nights and groups. You’ll find award winners, rotating drafts, and big rooms built for cheering and sharing.

Salt Lake Brewing Co (Squatters) brews on site and pours classics. Pair a house IPA with the pub burger or fish and chips. The room is easygoing and the beer list is deep—great any day in salt lake city.

Desert Edge Brewery sits in Trolley Square with rotating taps and a comfy menu. Go for comfort dishes and flights when you want a mellow afternoon in lake city. Prices feel friendly and the staff will point out seasonal products.

Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club at The Gateway fits big nights. Think multi rooms, big screens, and shareable plates that keep energy high. Book ahead for game days or if you want karaoke rooms after the final buzzer.

Spot	Vibe	Best Pairing	Best For
Salt Lake Brewing Co (Squatters)	Classic pub, casual	House IPA + burger or fish & chips	Everyday pints and solid food
Desert Edge Brewery	Relaxed, rotating taps	Flight sampler + comfort plate	Laid‑back afternoons and small groups
Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club	High energy, multi‑room	Shareable plates + big pitchers	Game nights, large groups, events

• Groups: pick bigger tables and mix flights with hearty snacks.
• Ask staff about seasonal releases and local products.
• Coming from south salt? Flanker and Squatters are easy stops before events.

International flavors locals swear by

From rich moles to precise nigiri, these kitchens serve true crowd-pleasers. Each spot has a clear must‑order and simple notes that help you pick fast.

Red Iguana

Famed for unique mole sauces over smothered enchiladas and burritos. Order a mole sampler, sip a peach margarita, and save room for fried ice cream.

Takashi

Considered the premier sushi spot here—clean nigiri and smart maki. Go early, expect a wait, and enjoy cocktails next door if you’re 21+.

Mr. Shabu

Customizable shabu‑shabu that’s great for groups. Pick broths, add noodles and veggies, and let the pace fit your table.

Laziz Kitchen

Bright Lebanese plates: silky hummus, crisp falafel, shawarma, and fried cauliflower with tahini. Share and taste a variety from the menu.

Kyoto

Celebrated Japanese classics—tempura that stays crisp, soothing noodle soups, plus a full sushi bar for sashimi and rolls.

Bhansa Ghar

Standout South Asian curries with deep spice and comfort. Perfect if you want bold utah food framed by familiar warmth.

• Bring friends and share plates—this helps you try more flavors.

Casual and budget‑friendly spots loaded with flavor

Hungry and budget-minded? These neighborhood favorites give big flavor for less. Pick shareable plates when you can; that saves money and lets you try more dishes.

Beirut Cafe

Order the kibbeh, hummus, and warm pita. It’s filling, shareable, and great as a low-cost meal for a small group.

New Golden Dragon

Go for Cantonese classics and weekend dim sum carts. Noodles and stir‑fries split easily, so you get variety without extra spend.

Pho 777

Choose a deep, balanced bowl of pho with fresh herbs. Add chili and lime to brighten the broth—perfect for takeout nights.

Proper Burger

Try a creative burger or the veggie patty with crisp fries. It’s a reliable, wallet-friendly option when you need fast comfort food.

Spitz

Pick a loaded wrap or lavash. These Mediterranean flavors travel well and make great leftovers for family meals.

Yanni’s Greek Express

Grab a crispy‑pita gyro and ask for extra red sauce. The texture and sauce make it a satisfying, affordable pick.

Spot	Best Grab	Travels Well	Budget Tip
Beirut Cafe	Kibbeh, hummus, pita	Yes — cold dips hold up	Share plates for two
New Golden Dragon	Dim sum, chow mein	Yes — small plates are easy	Order a few carts and split
Pho 777	Beef pho	Yes — broth reheats well	Add toppings yourself
Proper Burger / Spitz / Yanni’s	Burger / Wrap / Gyro	Yes — sturdy sandwiches	Mix mains and sides to share

Budget tip: order two mains and a couple of sides and you’ll feed a family without overspending. These spots are local favorites across salt lake and lake city neighborhoods—quick, tasty, and low stress.

Cafés, bakeries, and easy lunches to brighten your day

Simple pleasures—fresh bread, strong espresso, and a quiet patio—make any weekday better. These spots are built for slow mornings and fast midday runs.

Caputo’s Market & Deli

Part Italian market, part deli. Order stacked sandwiches on great bread and grab specialty products to take home.

Call ahead for a fast pickup and you’ll be picnic‑ready in minutes.

Oasis Café

Find a serene patio and healthy plates here. Espresso and grain bowls anchor the daytime menu, with a few dinner options when you want them.

Gourmandise

Peek at the pastry case first—croissants, cakes, and breads that make choices hard. Brunch plates and hearty lunches match the bakery’s same care.

The Park Café

Homey breakfast and lunch near Liberty Park. Fluffy pancakes, omelets, and classic combos feel like comfort on a plate.

Spot	Best For	Quick Pick
Caputo’s	Grab‑and‑go sandwiches	Italian sub
Oasis Café	Calm patio lunch	Grain bowl
Gourmandise / Park Café	Pastries & homestyle meals	Croissant & omelet

• Menus lean daytime—think soups, salads, and bakes that travel well.
• Save room for a cookie or a scoop of ice cream nearby.
• These are local favorite spots that make any weekday feel special.

Editor’s short list: local go‑tos and emerging favorites

Keep a short list of go‑tos that feel right when hunger hits — places that never disappoint. This picks a mix of steady classics and fresh energy, with one quick dish to order at each spot.

Bar Nohm

Bar Nohm is a flavor playground. Expect izakaya‑style small plates and top cocktails from a 21+ bar. Order a few smoky bites and share — the room is cozy and made for late snacks and long chat.

Kin Sen Thai

Kin Sen Thai brings sharp, praised flavors. Try a unique curry or a lesser‑known noodle dish and let the herbs lead the way. The kitchen’s care shows in each bite.

Feldman’s Deli

Feldman’s is old‑school comfort. Get a half‑pound deli sandwich or the classic Reuben. Big portions, simple sides, and a hearty lunch vibe make it an easy favorite restaurants pick.

Urban Hill

Urban Hill returns for a second look here. Shareables, pristine seafood, and a refined bar program lift the meal. Order a seafood starter and a wood‑fire main for a balanced night out.

• Mix and match: bring a friend, split plates, and try one extra thing.
• These spots reward curiosity with layered flavors and strong food drink pairings.

Spot	Vibe	Must Order
Bar Nohm	Cozy, 21+	Smoky small plates + cocktails
Kin Sen Thai	Bold, precise	Unique curry or noodle dish
Feldman’s Deli	Hearty, classic	Half‑pound Reuben

Conclusion

Now you have a simple plan and clear options. Pick lively downtown slc for a Main Street night—White Horse and Whiskey Street anchor big energy and late pours. Or slow the pace at Urban Hill or Valter Osteria for a polished dinner and seasonal menu.

For easy days, grab lunch at Caputo’s or Oasis Café. Craving a burger, red sauce, or fresh American cuisine? The list covers those cravings and keeps choices quick. Save room for ice cream or a bakery sweet; small rituals lift life here.

Mix one big night with a casual midday stop and a café break. Revisit favorites and try one new place each week. These restaurants salt lake picks are built for good food, friendly faces, and memorable meals—enjoy every bite.

---

FAQ

How do I use this curated list right now in Salt Lake City?

Start by picking the neighborhood and vibe you want — downtown for lively nights, the Foothills for scenic dinners, or Trolley Square for casual brews. Scan the lists for cuisine or a specific place like Valter’s Osteria for Tuscan pasta or Salt Lake Brewing Co for classic pub fare. Then check hours and make a reservation when possible, especially for popular spots such as Takashi or Log Haven.

Which places are best for a special night out?

For date‑night polish, try Urban Hill for wood‑fired meats and a dramatic dining room, Valter’s Osteria for elegant Tuscan plates, or RIME at Deer Valley for a steakhouse experience. HSL (Handle Salt Lake) and Oquirrh both offer chef‑forward menus that feel celebratory without being stuffy.

Where should I go downtown for dinner and drinks with a lively crowd?

Whiskey Street brings an enormous whiskey list and elevated comfort food. White Horse Spirits & Kitchen is great for a modern brasserie vibe and raw bar options. The Copper Onion offers reliably crowd‑pleasing American dishes, while Franklin Avenue and Felt Bar & Eatery deliver strong cocktails and late‑night energy.

Which breweries also serve solid food?

Salt Lake Brewing Co (formerly Squatters) pairs award‑winning beer with a classic pub menu. Desert Edge Brewery is a relaxed Trolley Square hangout with rotating taps. Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club combines big‑night sports energy with shareable plates that match the beers.

Where can I find the best international flavors here?

Red Iguana is famous for mole and smothered enchiladas. Takashi is the go‑to for sushi and nigiri. For Lebanese, Laziz Kitchen shines with silky hummus and shawarma. Kyoto offers celebrated Japanese classics, while Bhansa Ghar serves standout South Asian curries.

What are budget‑friendly spots that still deliver great flavor?

Proper Burger serves creative burgers and vegan options on a budget. Beirut Cafe is a local favorite for Lebanese staples like kibbeh and pita. Pho 777 has top pho with deeply flavored broth, and Yanni’s Greek Express is known for gyros and red‑sauce classics.

Any recommendations for cafés, bakeries, and easy lunches?

Caputo’s Market & Deli has hearty Italian sandwiches. Gourmandise is a Paris‑style bakery perfect for pastries and brunch. Oasis Café offers a calm patio and healthy plates, and The Park Café is ideal for homestyle breakfast near Liberty Park.

Which spots are local go‑tos or emerging favorites?

Bar Nohm is praised for izakaya‑style small plates and cocktails. Kin Sen Thai brings standout Thai dishes, Feldman’s Deli serves massive deli sandwiches, and Urban Hill continues to be a refined favorite for shareables and seafood.

Do these places accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian or gluten‑free?

Many restaurants on this list offer vegetarian and gluten‑free options — handled best at places like Proper Burger, Oasis Café, or HSL. Still, call ahead to confirm menu accommodations and cross‑contact policies if you have strict allergies.

When is the best time to make reservations or visit without a wait?

For popular dinner spots, book at least a few days in advance, and more for weekends or holidays. Aim for earlier weekday dinners or mid‑afternoon for bakeries and cafés to avoid peak crowds. Walk‑ins work well at casual lunch spots and many breweries.