Salt Lake City Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Salt Lake City. Your complete guide to dining in Salt Lake City.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Salt Lake City! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Salt Lake City has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Salt Lake City's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Salt Lake City like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Salt Lake City offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Salt Lake City.
From Scratch
Highly rated American in Salt Lake City with 4.3 stars from 1822 reviews.
📍 62 E Gallivan Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Salt & Olive
Highly rated Italian in Salt Lake City with 4.3 stars from 867 reviews.
📍 270 S 300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Italian cuisine
Caffé Molise
Highly rated Italian in Salt Lake City with 4.5 stars from 3591 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 404 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Italian cuisine
Urban Hill
Highly rated Restaurant in Salt Lake City with 4.6 stars from 894 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 510 S 300 W #100, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Log Haven
Highly rated Bar in Salt Lake City with 4.7 stars from 1853 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 6451 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
LOLA
Highly rated Mexican in Salt Lake City with 4.3 stars from 562 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 856 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Mexican cuisine
Siegfried's Delicatessen
Highly rated Restaurant in Salt Lake City with 4.7 stars from 3207 reviews.
📍 20 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
Osteria Amore
Highly rated Italian in Salt Lake City with 4.6 stars from 1148 reviews.
📍 224 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Italian cuisine
The Copper Onion
Highly rated American in Salt Lake City with 4.4 stars from 3588 reviews. Quick service for those on the go.
📍 111 E Broadway #170, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse Salt Lake City
Highly rated Steakhouse in Salt Lake City with 4.7 stars from 12676 reviews.
📍 600 S 700 E 2nd Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
The Capital Grille
Highly rated Seafood in Salt Lake City with 4.7 stars from 888 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 40 E 100 S Suite 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Seafood cuisine
Van Ryder, a Rooftop Bar
Highly rated Bar in Salt Lake City with 4.4 stars from 813 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 131 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Salt Lake City.
Harmons Grocery - City Creek
Highly rated Bakery in Salt Lake City with 4.5 stars from 3835 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 135 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Central 9th Market
Highly rated Restaurant in Salt Lake City with 4.7 stars from 579 reviews.
📍 161 W 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Chinatown Supermarket
Highly rated International in Salt Lake City with 4.6 stars from 7677 reviews.
📍 3390 State St #11, South Salt Lake, UT 84115, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
WinCo Foods
Highly rated Bakery in Salt Lake City with 4.3 stars from 3543 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 2193 S Main St, South Salt Lake, UT 84115, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Pirate O's Gourmet Market
Highly rated International in Salt Lake City with 4.8 stars from 2297 reviews.
📍 11901 S 700 E, Draper, UT 84020, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Harmons Emigration Market
Highly rated Bakery in Salt Lake City with 4.6 stars from 670 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 1706 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Smith's
Highly rated Bakery in Salt Lake City with 4.2 stars from 2759 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 455 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Downtown Farmers Market
Highly rated International in Salt Lake City with 4.7 stars from 890 reviews.
📍 209 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Salt Lake City.
Beehive Bites and Sites
Highly rated International in Salt Lake City with 5 stars from 6 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Salt Lake City.
Sip N Dip
Highly rated Cafe in Salt Lake City with 5 stars from 19 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1749 S State St Ste#106, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Loki Coffee - Salt Lake, Utah
Highly rated Cafe in Salt Lake City with 4.7 stars from 464 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 325 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Culture Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Salt Lake City with 4.8 stars from 293 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 285 N 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Coffee Garden
Highly rated Cafe in Salt Lake City with 4.6 stars from 1526 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 878 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Oasis Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Salt Lake City with 4.5 stars from 3319 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 151 S 500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Gourmandise
Highly rated Cafe in Salt Lake City with 4.5 stars from 5443 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 250 S 300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
The Park Café
Highly rated Cafe in Salt Lake City with 4.7 stars from 4259 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 604 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Sugar House Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Salt Lake City with 4.6 stars from 1961 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2011 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Salt Lake City.
Signature Dish
A must-try Salt Lake City specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Salt Lake City dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Salt Lake City with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Salt Lake City specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Salt Lake City creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Salt Lake City classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Salt Lake City specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Salt Lake City dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Salt Lake City with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Salt Lake City specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Salt Lake City.
Lake Effect
Highly rated Bar in Salt Lake City with 4.3 stars from 2717 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 155 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Van Ryder, a Rooftop Bar
Highly rated Bar in Salt Lake City with 4.4 stars from 813 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 131 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Gracie's
Highly rated Bar in Salt Lake City with 4.2 stars from 4013 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 326 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen
Highly rated Restaurant in Salt Lake City with 4.6 stars from 630 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 231 S Edison St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
The Tasting Room
Highly rated Bar in Salt Lake City with 4.9 stars from 182 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 357 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Tailgate Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Salt Lake City with 4.6 stars from 192 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3550 S State St, South Salt Lake, UT 84115, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Salt Lake City's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Salt Lake City vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Salt Lake City is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Salt Lake City offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Salt Lake City specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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