Salt Lake City’s food scene is full of surprises, blending local traditions with bold, modern flavors. From cozy mountain lodges serving hearty comfort food to trendy downtown spots dishing out creative fusion plates, this city has something for everyone. Known for its fry sauce obsession, epic burgers, and fresh farm-to-table options, SLC’s dining venues are as unique as its stunning landscapes. Imagine enjoying artisan pizza in a chic bistro, grabbing gourmet tacos at a buzzing food truck, or sipping craft cocktails in a speakeasy-style lounge. These 20 fun places to eat highlight the best of Salt Lake City’s food culture—delicious, inventive, and undeniably local. Get ready to explore a side of SLC that’s as tasty as it is unforgettable!
👉 Pro Tip: Dive into Salt Lake City’s foodie culture with the Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour! This guided journey takes you through the heart of the city to try local favorites like handcrafted chocolates, unique small plates, and regional drinks. As you explore, your guide will share fun stories about SLC’s culinary traditions and the vibrant community behind its food scene. It’s a perfect mix of delicious tastings and local insight, making it a must for food enthusiasts. Lace up your walking shoes, bring your appetite, and experience Salt Lake City one bite at a time!
Unique Restaurants in Salt Lake City: 20 Incredible SLC Eateries
From hidden gems tucked away in the city’s heart to scenic spots with breathtaking views, these dining destinations are sure to amaze. Join us as we explore the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Salt Lake City.
1. Log Haven
- 📍 Location: Millcreek Canyon
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $100+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Historic log mansion, stunning canyon location, fireplaces, waterfall views, and romantic ambiance.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Milestone celebrations, ultimate romantic dinners, scenic fine dining, nature lovers seeking elegance.
Escape to a fairytale log mansion at Log Haven! Nestled in Millcreek Canyon, this place is pure romance, surrounded by towering trees, waterfalls, and crackling fireplaces, serving exquisite New American cuisine. Where nature meets fine dining magic!
Savoring sophisticated seasonal dishes is a good plan. Consider the perfectly prepared elk strudel with a rich mushroom sauce, delicate pan-seared scallops with seasonal accompaniments, or their flavorful grilled bison tenderloin. Log Haven is an unforgettable escape.
2. HSL
HSL (short for Handle Salt Lake) is where you head when you want upscale New American dishes in a lush, moody space filled with greenery and modern lounge vibes. The menu is farm-to-table and always evolving – their milk-braised pork is pure comfort, and the fried chicken with honey is the definition of happy food. Their creative cocktails are almost too pretty to drink, especially the flower-garnished “Empress” gin concoctions. I love the plush velvet banquettes and glowing, romantic lighting. Pro tip: grab a reservation if you’re planning dinner, as it gets packed with locals. It’s close to the Eccles Theater and City Creek Center, perfect for date night before a show or stroll.
3. Mystique Dining in Gardner Village
- 📍 Location: West Jordan (Gardner Village)
- 💲 Price range: $85 – $120+ per person (Dinner + Show)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Set Menu / Magic Dinner Show
- 🔥 Standout Features: Magic/illusion dinner show, multi-course meal, historic Gardner Village setting, unique entertainment.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Magic show enthusiasts, dinner entertainment, special occasions, interactive dining.
Prepare to be amazed at Mystique Dining! Tucked away in historic Gardner Village, this unique venue offers an intimate evening of mind-bending magic and illusion performed just feet from your table, paired with a multi-course dinner. Dinner comes with a disappearing act!
Enjoy a set menu featuring satisfying American fare. You might find a choice of grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce, a tender beef medallion, or a savory chicken breast dish, along with salad and dessert, while world-class magicians perform.
4. Saffron Valley – Sugar House
Saffron Valley in Sugar House is the answer for serious Indian food cravings. Colorful murals, Bollywood tunes, and the aroma of spices make this place both lively and welcoming. Don’t skip the Indo-Chinese Gobi Manchurian (crispy cauliflower in sticky sauce) or the Chicken Tikka Masala – both are worth every bite. The lunch buffet is legendary for variety, but even at dinner, the naan comes out pillowy and fresh. There’s a cool covered patio for chill evenings. This spot is right in the heart of quirky Sugar House, so you can window shop vintage stores before or after your feast. I was floored by how friendly the staff is – bring a friend who appreciates bold flavors.
5. Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm
- 📍 Location: Boulder, Utah (Near Grand Staircase-Escalante)
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Farm-to-Table / Southwestern / American
- 🔥 Standout Features: Remote & stunning location, on-site organic farm, Buddhist-influenced hospitality, award-winning cuisine, commitment to sustainability.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Destination dining, foodies seeking unique regional cuisine, supporters of sustainable/ethical farming, and experiencing Utah’s natural beauty.
Embark on a culinary pilgrimage to Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm in Boulder, Utah. This acclaimed restaurant, nestled near Grand Staircase-Escalante, is more than a meal; it’s an experience rooted in its on-site organic farm and Buddhist principles of hospitality.
The menu changes seasonally, highlighting the freshest farm produce. You might savor their famous spicy black bean and sweet potato enchiladas, tender farm-raised lamb dishes, or creative salads bursting with just-picked greens. It’s a true taste of Utah’s bounty.
6. Pretty Bird Hot Chicken, Downtown
If you like your chicken spicy and your meals messy, Pretty Bird is chicken heaven. Chef Viet Pham’s fried chicken sandwiches are outrageously good: thick, juicy, coated in Nashville hot spices (heat ranges from “none” to “hot behind”). The fried pickles are a must, and their signature comeback sauce should be bottled and sold. It’s a casual, order-at-the-counter joint that feels electric during lunch hours, with a muraled wall and upbeat music. Seating is limited but turns over fast. Walk a few minutes to the Gallivan Center to burn off the calories. My must-try is the “Hot” spice level with crinkle fries on the side – seriously addictive.
7. Table X
- 📍 Location: Millcreek Area
- 💲 Price range: $100 – $150+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Farm-to-Table New American / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Chef-owned fine dining, on-site garden.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Fine dining connoisseurs, farm-to-table enthusiasts, and seasonal tasting menus.
Experience the true taste of Utah seasons at Table X. This acclaimed chef-owned restaurant focuses intensely on hyper-local sourcing and even grows produce in its own adjacent garden, transforming ingredients into stunning tasting menus. The garden path leads straight to gourmet!
Put yourself in the chefs’ hands. Expect innovative dishes like vegetables pulled straight from their garden, perhaps roasted carrots with yogurt and seeds. Expertly prepared local meats like Utah lamb, or delicate seafood like arctic char, also feature.
8. Arlo Kitchen & Bar
Arlo is a neighborhood gem that feels both retro-cool and refreshingly unstuffy. The menu leans creative American, with dishes like elk tartare or roasted carrot salad taking center stage. I’m obsessed with their housemade tagliatelle – and don’t miss the fudgy chocolate tart for dessert. The bright, minimalist dining room has hints of vintage with its tiled bar and cozy booths, plus a sweet back patio strung with lights. They’ve nailed the relaxed-but-stylish vibe that attracts everyone from first dates to foodies. Liberty Park is close by, making this an easy pick before an afternoon stroll. I still dream about their inventive cocktails.
9. The Rest
- 📍 Location: Downtown SLC
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $75+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Comfort Food & Cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: Hidden speakeasy bar/restaurant, hunting lodge vibe, excellent cocktails, elevated comfort food.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Speakeasy hunters, craft cocktails, and intimate dinners.
Shhh… want to find one of SLC’s coolest hidden spots? Head to Bodega Tavern, find the right door, and descend into The Rest, a subterranean speakeasy with a cozy hunting lodge vibe. Reservations (via text) are key to entering this dimly lit haven.
Settle into a leather booth and sip on perfectly crafted classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. Their food menu offers elevated comfort classics done right, such as amazing fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits, or a perfectly cooked steak frites.
10. Laurel Brasserie & Bar
Located inside The Grand America Hotel, Laurel Brasserie & Bar is polished yet never pretentious. The design catches your eye instantly – think chic bistro with mosaic tiles, huge windows, and pops of greenery. Their seafood towers are a flex, with oysters and crab legs on ice, but even a humble burger gets the VIP treatment here. For brunch, the lemon-ricotta pancakes are next level. Sip something from their extensive cocktail list and people-watch from the plush booths. And if you’re into desserts, the pastry case will call your name. It’s a step from Washington Square Park and the downtown library. The whole place radiates “special occasion,” but you’ll want to visit more often than that.
11. The Dinner Detective
- 📍 Location: Varies
- 💲 Price range: $65 – $85+ per person (Dinner + Show Ticket)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Buffet/Plated Meal (Show Dependent)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Interactive murder mystery dinner, actors hidden amongst guests, comedic plot.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Mystery lovers, interactive entertainment, unique group nights out, and dinner + show combinations.
Who dunnit? Find out at The Dinner Detective, America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show! You’re in the play, mingling with actors hidden amongst the guests while trying to solve a hilarious crime. Solve the crime, pass the prime rib!
Enjoy a plated dinner or buffet while the mystery unfolds. The menu varies by venue but expect choices like roast chicken breast or beef medallions, accompanied by salad and dessert. Interrogate suspects and try to crack the case.
12. Yoko Ramen
Yoko Ramen nails hip, Tokyo-warehouse vibes with its graffiti art, dangling Edison bulbs, and blaring indie playlists. Brothy noodles are the stars – the Spicy Miso Ramen brings a slow, satisfying heat and the kimchi fries are cult favorites. You can sit at the communal wood tables or snag a patio seat for killer people-watching. Service is quick, so it’s perfect for a pre-game meal before Jazz games at Vivint Arena, just a short walk away. I always go for the black garlic ramen and could live off their crispy pork gyoza. Don’t skip their sake cocktail specials either.
13. Prohibition
- 📍 Location: Murray
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Gastropub
- 🔥 Standout Features: 1920s theme, live jazz/swing music
- 🎯 Perfect For: Speakeasy vibe seekers, live music lovers, and craft cocktail drinkers.
Travel back to the Roaring Twenties at Prohibition! This Murray hotspot nails the 1920s speakeasy vibe with its vintage decor, hidden-away feel, and focus on classic cocktails and live jazz music. It’s the bee’s knees, see! Find the entrance and step into flapper-era fun.
Sip on expertly crafted classic cocktails like a French 75 or an Old Fashioned. Pair your drinks with upscale pub fare like their duck fat fries, gourmet sliders (such as pork belly or beef), or a sophisticated charcuterie board. Prohibition offers a swinging good time.
14. White Horse Spirits & Kitchen
Right in the beating heart of downtown, White Horse is a gastropub that mixes sultry speakeasy feels with classic Western touches. Cocktails here are craft-level masterpieces – their Sazerac will ruin you for ordinary whiskey drinks. The French Dip sandwich is a must, and the Brussels sprouts side is so good, it converts veggie skeptics. Moody lighting and an impressive marble bar set the scene, while leather booths keep things comfortable. This is where you want to start or end a night out – bars, theaters, and nightlife are all right outside the door. I’m always floored by their bourbon selection (and the people-watching is top notch).
15. Salty Dinner Theater
- 📍 Location: Varies (Traveling shows at different venues)
- 💲 Price range: $35 – $55+ per person (Dinner + Show Ticket)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Catered Buffet / Plated (Venue Dependent)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Traveling comedy dinner theatre, family-friendly themed shows
- 🎯 Perfect For: Family-friendly dinner theatre, comedy show seekers, interactive group fun.
Get ready for laughs served with your supper courtesy of Salty Dinner Theater! This traveling troupe brings hilarious, family-friendly comedy shows (with audience participation!) to various venues around the area, complete with a catered meal. Dinner comes with a side-splitting script!
Check their schedule for current shows and locations. Expect themed comedies and parodies. The meal is catered, so you might find options like roast turkey with gravy, pasta primavera, or a barbecue chicken buffet, depending on the venue and show.
16. Caffé Molise
Caffé Molise is all about romantic Italian vibes and farm-fresh fare. The covered garden patio feels like you’ve slipped out of downtown into a European courtyard, complete with twinkling lights. Their ravioli di zucca (butternut squash) with sage brown butter is pure comfort, and the Pollo Marsala is another crowd favorite. They have live jazz on Friday nights that makes even the simplest dinner feel like a big event. Located steps from the Salt Palace and Abravanel Hall, it’s ideal for a pre-show meal or lingering espresso after dinner. I adore their tiramisu – order it even if you’re “too full.”
17. Carson Kitchen
- 📍 Location: Downtown SLC
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Gastropub (Kerry Simon Influence)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Kerry Simon concept, rooftop patio, social atmosphere, shareable plates, craft cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Trendy downtown dining, sharing small plates, rooftop drinks, and group dinners.
Experience rock ‘n’ roll chef Kerry Simon’s legacy at Carson Kitchen. This hotspot brings elevated comfort food and a social vibe, featuring creative shareable plates perfect for enjoying with friends, especially on their rooftop patio. Comfort food gets a cool-kid makeover!
Don’t miss signature dishes packed with flavor. The irresistible Bacon Jam served with baked brie and toasted baguette is a must-try. The punchy Killer Shrimp with spicy aioli, or their crispy gyro tacos, are also fantastic. Their craft cocktails are equally creative.
18. Why Kiki
- 📍 Location: Downtown SLC
- 💲 Price range: $12 – $25 per person (Drinks/Bar Food)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tropical Bar / Tiki Inspired / Drag Bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: Tropical theme, drag shows/bingo/events, exotic cocktails, LGBTQ+-friendly space.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Drag show lovers, tiki drink seekers, fun group nights out, LGBTQ+ community & allies.
Get ready to tiki and kiki at Why Kiki! This downtown tropical bar is an explosion of fun, colour, and personality, serving up exotic cocktails alongside fantastic drag shows and events. It’s always paradise o’clock here! Where fierce queens meet fruity drinks!
Escape into a vibrant world of tropical decor. Sip on potent, creatively named tiki drinks like a classic Painkiller, a Mai Tai, or their signature “Why Kiki Punch”. Check their schedule for amazing drag performances, bingo nights, and other events.
19. Ruth’s Diner
- 📍 Location: Emigration Canyon (Salt Lake City outskirts)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Diner / Comfort Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Historic dining car setting, beautiful canyon location, famous “Mile High” biscuits, hearty breakfasts and comfort food.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Scenic drives with a delicious payoff, breakfast lovers, fans of classic diners, and experiencing Utah history.
Dine in a piece of Utah history at Ruth’s Diner, nestled in scenic Emigration Canyon. This beloved institution has been serving classic American comfort food since 1930, much of it from inside an actual historic trolley car! The canyon views are beautiful.
Trying their famous “Mile High” biscuits served with honey butter is essential. For breakfast, the “Granny’s Gut Buster” or a classic eggs Benedict are popular. For lunch or dinner, their chicken fried steak or a juicy diner burger are satisfying choices.
20. Red Iguana
- 📍 Location: Salt Lake City (Multiple locations)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Mexican / Mole Specialist
- 🔥 Standout Features: Legendary Salt Lake City institution, huge variety of complex mole sauces, vibrant and bustling atmosphere, often long lines (for good reason!).
- 🎯 Perfect For: Mexican food aficionados, mole lovers, adventurous eaters seeking authentic flavors, and experiencing an SLC culinary icon.
Prepare for a mole mecca at Red Iguana, a legendary Salt Lake City institution famed for its incredible array of authentic Mexican dishes, especially its complex and flavorful mole sauces. The lines can be long, but the food is absolutely worth the wait!
You should definitely explore their “Seven Moles” section – the Mole Amarillo with chicken or the rich Mole Negro are fantastic. Their cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) or classic enchiladas with various mole sauces are also exceptional. It’s a true taste of Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Salt Lake City
Got questions about eating out in Salt Lake City? Our SLC restaurant guide’s FAQ section has all the answers to help you find the perfect dining spot.
What is Salt Lake City known for in food?
Salt Lake City is a melting pot of culinary delights, known for its diverse range of flavors. From traditional American fare to international cuisine, the city offers something for every palate. Particularly, it’s celebrated for its unique restaurants in Salt Lake City, where innovative chefs blend local ingredients with global influences to create unforgettable dishes. Whether you’re craving artisan pizzas, gourmet burgers, or exotic Asian fusion, Salt Lake City’s food scene will not disappoint.
What famous food is Utah known for?
Utah is famous for several unique foods that reflect its cultural heritage. One of the most notable is the Utah scone, a deep-fried dough treat often served with honey butter. Another local favorite is the green Jell-O, particularly popular among the state’s large Mormon population. Utah is also known for its funeral potatoes, a comforting casserole dish made with potatoes, cheese, sour cream, and a crunchy topping, often served at gatherings.
How much does it cost to eat at The Roof in Salt Lake City?
The Roof Restaurant in Salt Lake City offers a fine dining experience with a price that reflects its quality and ambiance. Typically, a meal at The Roof can range from moderate to high in cost, depending on the menu choices and the time of visit. It’s known for its gourmet buffet, which includes a variety of dishes, and the prices can vary. For the most current pricing, it’s best to check their official website or contact them directly.
Is Salt Lake City good for foodies?
Absolutely! Salt Lake City is a haven for foodies, offering a wide array of dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. From high-end restaurants to cheap eats in Salt Lake City, the city’s food scene is vibrant and diverse. Food enthusiasts can explore everything from street food markets to elegant dining establishments. They can also enjoy everything from classic American dishes to innovative, globally-inspired cuisine.
Where can I find the best cheap eats in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City offers a variety of options for those looking for delicious yet affordable meals. You’ll find numerous food trucks, small eateries, and local cafes that serve up tasty dishes at reasonable prices. Areas like Downtown and Sugar House are great for exploring a range of budget-friendly dining options. Don’t miss out on the city’s famous food trucks, which often serve up gourmet-style dishes at a fraction of the cost of a restaurant meal.
Are there vegetarian options in Salt Lake City’s restaurants?
Yes, Salt Lake City is accommodating to vegetarians, with many restaurants offering a range of vegetarian and even vegan options. From specialized vegetarian restaurants to mainstream eateries with dedicated vegetarian menus, the city caters to plant-based diets. You’ll find everything from vegetarian burgers and pizzas to creative salads and international vegetarian dishes.
What should I try for a unique dining experience in Salt Lake City?
For a truly unique dining experience in Salt Lake City, explore the city’s themed restaurants and hidden gems. These establishments offer not just great food but also an immersive atmosphere. From dining in a yurt under the stars to enjoying a meal in a historic building, Salt Lake City’s unique restaurants provide memorable experiences along with delicious cuisine.
Can I find international cuisine in Salt Lake City?
Yes, Salt Lake City is home to a diverse range of international cuisines. The city’s culinary landscape includes restaurants serving authentic dishes from around the world, including Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, tacos, pasta, or curry, Salt Lake City’s international dining scene has you covered.
Final Thoughts On Unique Salt Lake City Restaurants
It’s clear that Salt Lake City is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Each restaurant we’ve explored provides experiences that linger in memory long after the last bite. From the cozy yurts nestled in the mountains to the vibrant, music-filled halls of downtown eateries, Salt Lake City’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city’s array of dining options invites you to explore and indulge, just one facet of the many things to do in Salt Lake City. The unique restaurants in SLC are destinations in their own right, each with a story to tell. They embody the spirit of innovation and the joy of gastronomy, making Salt Lake City a must-visit for anyone who loves good food and great adventures.
