Best of Utah 2010: Food & Drink 

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Select a Best of Utah Food & Drink Winner Alley Table, The Aristo's Greek Restaurant & Cafe Atlantic Cafe, The Baba Mitza's Soup & Sandwiches Back East Cheesesteaks Bambara Bambara Bayleaf Cafe Bayou, The Beehive Cheese Co. Beehive Tea Room Beer Store, The Blue Plate Diner Blue Plate Diner Bohemian Brewery Bombay House Bruges Waffles & Frites Butcher's Bunches BYU Creamery Cafe Trang Cafe Trio Cafe Zupas Cali's Natural Foods Carlucci's Chanon Thai Charlotte's Bakery Chimayo Chow Truck Citris Grill City Market Place & Deli Coffee Garden Copper Onion, The Crown Burger Crown Burger Cucina Toscana Cy's Eclectic D-Will at Greek City Grill, The Davis Bistro Desert Edge Brewery's Raspberry Stout Dodo, The Donovan's Steak & Chop House DP Cheesesteaks Eva FitNutz Fratelli Ristorante Fratelli Ristorante Freestyle Pizza Fuji Japanese Steak House & Sushi Good Karma's Houman Gohary Gourmandise Great Harvest, Layton Greek Souvlaki Hayai Zushi Himalayan Kitchen Hong Kong Tea House & Restaurant Hook & Ladder Co. Firestation #13 Horacio Vallejo, Sophiflan Inspired Ice Cream It's Tofu Grill J. Wong's Asian Bistro J.R. Lopez, Braza Grill & Braza Express John Murcko, Talisker on Main Judge Cafe & Grill Kimi's Mountainside Bistro Kiwi Bakery & Fish & Chips La Frontera Cafe Legends Pub & Grill Liberty Park Grill Log Haven Lone Star Taqueria Lugano Market Street Marley's Gourmet Sliders Mazza Meditrina's Drunken Oreo Merry Wives Cafe Metropolitan Mi Ranchito Mini's Cupcakes Mo' Bettah Steaks Mom's Cafe Moochie's Meatballs & More Morrison Meat Pies Navajo Tacos Nobrow Coffee & Tea O'Falafel Etc. Ogden's Own Underground Ogie's Cafe Over the Top Cookies Pago Pago Painted Pony Paradox Pizza Paris, The Pat's Barbecue Pella Mediterranean Market Pie, The Prairie Grain Bread Co. Q4U Rancho Market Molcajete Red Iguana Red Maple Rooster Dumpling & Noodle Bar Roosters Brewing Co. Sage's Cafe Sage's Cafe Salt City Burger Co. Salt Lake Roasting Co. Samak Smoke House Sapa Sushi Bar & Asian Grill Sawadee Thai Restaurant Sensuous Sandwich, The Settebello Pizza Shanghai Cafe Sharon's Cafe Siegfried's Delicatessen Smart Cookie Sonora Grill Soul & Bones Soup Kitchen Spruce Squatters Squatters Star of India SugarHouse Barbeque Sundance Resort Takashi Takashi Taste of India Toaster's Tomatillo Mexican Food Tony Caputo's Market & Deli Training Table Tuscany Vienna Bistro Wild Grape New West Bistro Will Pliler, The New Yorker Wing Coop, The

Select a Best of Utah Food & Drink Category Best AC/DC-Inspired Jam Best Appetizers Best Atmosphere Best Bakery Best Balls Best Banana Cake Best BBQ Best Big Love Diner Best Biker Burger Best Brazilian Enterpeneur Best Breakfast Best Brewpub Best Brie Best Brunch Best Budget Lunch Downtown Best Burger Best Burritos Best Candy/Cookie Combos Best Carbo Load Best Carnitas Best Charcuterie Best Cheap Breakfast Out West Best Cheesesteak Best Chef Best Chef's Smile Best Chinese Best Chopped Salad Best Cityscape Escape Best Classy Burger Best Coffee House Best Combo Meals Best Crunchy Cookie Best Deli Best Dessert Oddity Best Desserts Best Dim Sum Best Dining Artistry Best Dinner & Bollywood Movie Best Dollar Rita Best Double-Shot Dessert Best Downtown/Central Restaurant Best Eastern Valley Restaurant Best Eclectic Flavors Best Euro-dining Best Family-Made Pizza Best Flan-trepreneur Best Flashing Knives Best Food to Wait in Line for at the State Fair Best Fort Union Philly Best French Best French Fries Best Fried Chicken Best Frozen State of Mind Best Greek Best Greek Pantry Best Gyros Best Hop & Go Best Hospital Food Best Huge-Portions Restaurant Best Ice Cream Super-Sandwich Best Indian Best Inexpensive Best Italian Best Japanese Best Jazzy Gyro Best Jerky Jocks Best Late-Night Best Latino Flavors Best Lava Rock Meal Best Lentils Best Local Beer Best Lofty Cuisine Best Lunch Judgment Best Man vs. Food Challenge Best Margherita Pizza Best Mexican Best Middle-Eastern Best Mimosa Menu Best Moab Pizza Best Mobile Meal Best Mormon Gelato Best New SLC Restaurant Best O-Town Cajun Best O-Town Hooch Best O, Canada Sports Pub, eh Best Ogden Restaurant Best Old Homey Dining Best Old World Charm Best Old-World Meat Pies Best Park & Ride Cafe Best Park City Chef Best Park City Restaurant Best Pizza Best Plate Lunch Best Potato Chips Best Potstickers Best Powdered PB Best Quintessential Utah Cheese Best Raw Bulk Best Reason to Get Canned Best Ribs Best Rice Breads Best Romantic Best Salads Best Salsa Best Sandwich & Chips Best Sandwich With a Side of Quirk Best Sandwiches Best Schnitzel With Spaetzle Best Seafood Best Secret Rendezvous Best Sexy Sammies Best Slider Best Soup Experiments Best Soups Best South Valley Patio Dining Best Southern Valley Restaurant Best Spicy Lunch Buffet Best St. George Restaurant Best Steaks Best Sushi Best Sushi On-the-fly Best Taste of Summer in the Winter Best Thai Best Tom Kha Best Tribute to the Soybean Best Unique-to-Utah Eatery Best Urban Cafe Atmosphere Best Vegan Dishes Best Vegetarian Best Vegetarian Value Best Veggie Sandwich Best Vietnamese Restaurant Best Vindaloo Best Western Valley Restaurant Best Wholesome Sliced Bread Best Wine Festival Best Wine Selection

Best Middle-Eastern
Mazza
Mazza could be an acronym for: My adorable zesty zaftig antipasto. The name suggests meze or mezze, which refer to an array of appetizers and small-plate offerings in Lebanese and Middle Eastern dining. But Mazza can also refer to the complete mazza dinner table, similar to a Scandanavian smorgasbord. It’s possible to have both small-plate and smorgasbord experiences at Mazza. Just ask owner Ali Sabbah, whose small falafel empire at 15th & 15th enlarged in 2007 to include a full-service restaurant at 9th & 9th. Both menus feature not only falafel but many traditional Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes, such as shawarma, musakhan, lamb and rice dolaa, maghmoor, kebabs, dips, sandwiches and salads. There’s even a wide-ranging wine list with extensive selections from Lebanon, Morocco and Greece. By the way: Mazza in Hindi means “fun.” So here, you can have your mazza and eat it, too. 1515 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-484-9259; 912 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-521-4572, MazzaCafe.com
2. Cedars of Lebanon
3. Cafe Med

Best Big Love Diner
Merry Wives Cafe
Whether seeking an extra wife, a little curious about fundamentalist Mormons or simply passing through, the Merry Wives Cafe holds something of a captive market when it comes to accessible local cooking in the polygamous twin-city capital of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz. Go into the heart of FLDS-ville and restaurants are not always welcoming, but at the Merry Wives, friendly staff typically wearing the trademark polygamy get-up—long dresses, hair piled up—let their fresh, delicious sandwiches and raspberry lemonade bear testimony for their solid cooking and, possibly, their larger community. 625 N. State, Hildale, 435-874-1425

Best Inexpensive
Blue Plate Diner
Blue Plate’s recession-proof menu has held up well in a year when many knew not from whence their next unemployment check would come. Most can get in and out of the Blue Plate without dropping more than $10 per person for a burger or breakfast order. But here’s a moneysaving tip: Skip the meal and just order a robust $3.99 chocolate shake. Made with real ice cream, topped off with way more whipped cream than anyone needs, it’s a complete meal in itself. Overcompensation is just the Blue Plate way. You get a lot of lip-smacking goodness for your hard-earned money. 2041 S. 2100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-463-1151, TheBluePlateDiner.com
2. Bayleaf Cafe
3. Scaddy’s

Best Breakfast
Blue Plate Diner
Blue Plate’s omelets, benedicts, corn pancakes and biscuits with gravy are, to borrow Ben Franklin’s line, proof that God loves us and wants to see us happy. Vegans as well as meat-eaters can find plenty to choose from to start their days. With its nostalgic 1950s décor and upbeat waitstaff, Blue Plate fills rumbling stomachs each morning with wholesome comfort food, and puts a smile on their waking-up faces. 2041 S. 2100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-463-1151, TheBluePlateDiner.com
2. Ruth’s Diner
3. Eggs In the City

Best Family-Made Pizza
Freestyle Pizza
Ex-New Yorker Steve Magnetti and his wife, Kris, are living his dream—owning and running a pizzeria. While Beaver is a town of pizza traditionalists—heavy on the pepperoni—the Magnetti’s offer variety alongside the classics, notably the pizza that bears their surname. The Magnetti features an alfredo-sauce base topped with chicken, artichokes, mushrooms, onions, garlic and olives. With reasonably priced hand-tossed pizzas—an 18-inch pizza costs about $15—Freestyle is a great reason to visit Beaver. 53 N. Main, Beaver, 435-438-0404

Best Southern Valley Restaurant
Fratelli Ristorante
Not that long ago, this award would have almost had to go to a franchise restaurant. There simply wasn’t much else in the suburbs. Now, suburban diners have many choices, but their top choice is Fratelli Ristorante, a family-run eatery specializing in classic Italian fare in a setting with contemporary flair. From spaghetti and meatballs to Tuscan steak to bucatini carbonara to tiramisu, Fratelli Ristorante tickles the fancy of Southerners. 9236 Village Shop Drive, Sandy, 801-495-4550, FratelliUtah.com
2. Tiburon
3. Bohemian Brewery

Best Western Valley Restaurant
Q4U
“Call the dogs in, put the fire out, the hunt’s over.” That’s the Q4U slogan and yes, the hunt for deliciously messy barbecue ends here. Since 1996, Q4U owners T (The Sultan of Sauce) and Becci have been keeping it real with authentic, slow-smoked BBQ and by treating customers like they were part of their ever-expanding family. Succulent ribs slathered with homemade sauce, slow-cooked beef brisket, tender, juicy pulled pork … those are just a few Q4U specialties. But the flavor doesn’t end with the meat, thanks to Becci’s sensational sweet potato pie and baked cobblers. 3951 W. 5400 South, Taylorsville, 801-955-8858, Q4U.com
2. Red Rooster Waffle Co.
3. Copper Creek Pub & Grub

Best Chef’s Smile
Good Karma’s Houman Gohary
Walk into Good Karma, in an otherwise nondescript strip mall in the foothills of Park City, and chances are you’ll be greeted by the warm smile of chef Houman Gohary. It’s as if he’s welcoming you to his home, a restaurant rich in the subtle smell of spices and cooking from Gohary’s kitchen. Some of that warmth is extended through what his Website describes as “Indo-Persian cuisine with passion and integrity.” Just the appetizers alone, particularly the curried potato, scallion and green-pea samosas in a flaky pastry, are to die for. When it comes to the dedication and commitment Gohary brings to his food and his customers, Good Karma redefines the personal touch. 1782 Prospector Ave., Park City, 435-658-0958, GoodKarmaRestaurants.com

Best Brewpub
Squatters
Since launching in 1989, Squatters has perfected the art of the brewpub in Utah. As brewers, founding partners Peter Cole and Jeff Polychronis have come to appreciate the philosophy of authentic, organic, local and small—not only as it relates to beer but also food preparation. There’s a winner for every finicky eater among Squatters savory appetizers, exotic specialties and pub favorites. With award-winning beers as well as a casual atmosphere that says, “Welcome to Utah, and yes, we know a thing or two about brewing beer,” Squatters is a Salt Lake City staple. Multiple locations, Squatters.com
2. Red Rock Brewing Co.
3. Desert Edge

Best Ogden Restaurant
Roosters Brewing Co.
Since 1994, owners Kym and Pete Buttschardt have been putting smiles on the faces of Ogden residents and visitors alike at Historic 25th Street’s Roosters Brewing Company. Roosters has become a community gathering place for folks who love great food, great beer or both. It’s hard to find a better meal starter than Roosters’ “What a Crock,” a blend of eight different cheeses baked with crab, artichoke hearts, spinach and roasted garlic. And, the “Pepper Jack Shrimp” dish is equally delectable. Of course, you’ll want to wash down Roosters’ delicious food with an award-winning brew such as its popular Bee’s Knees Honey Wheat, Polygamy Pale Ale or Junction City Chocolate Stout. 253 Historic 25th St., Ogden, 801-627-6171, RoostersBrewingCo.com
2. Taste of India
3. Zucca Trattoria

Best Park City Restaurant
Chimayo
With such a variety of eye-popping eateries, winning the Best Park City Restaurant award is no small feat. But, through the years, Bill White’s Chimayo restaurant has been a shining star of Main Street, blending traditional Southwestern flavors and ingredients with French-American cooking techniques. The result is an award-winning array of dishes like queso fundido, green pipian seared trout fajitas, mustard seed-crusted salmon, and the wildly popular crown roast of barbecued spareribs with chipotle-pineapple glaze. Of course, no meal is complete without the signature Chimayo margarita. 368 Main, Park City, 435-649-6222, ChimayoRestaurant.com
2. High West Distillery
3. Grappa

Best Indian Bombay House As more Indian eateries dot the Utah landscape, the overflowing parking lots on any Friday or Saturday night outside either Bombay House location will tell you that it’s still on top. From appetizers to dessert, the meals are consistently good. Beverages like mango lassis or rose milk help cool spicy tandoori, tikka masala, curry and briyani dishes, and an order of naan will soak up the leftover sauces. It’s not just the food, however. Bombay House’s waitstaff are in uniform attire, and many of the men wear dark turbans, adding to the exotic experience that keeps Bombay House on top. 2731 E. Parley’s Way, Salt Lake City, 801-581-0222; 463 N. University Ave., Provo, 801-373-6677, BombayHouse.com 2. Himalayan Kitchen 3. Royal India

Best South Valley Patio Dining
Tuscany
Since Rudolph Knudsen established “Knudsen’s Grove” in 1912, the Tuscany setting has been one of the most beautiful dining locations in the city. Tucked away in a heavily wooded lot next to a stream, the outdoor patios beckon one and all in warm weather. Yes, the interior of Tuscany is eye-popping, but the exterior grounds seem to be designed for the romantic in all of us. It’s the perfect place for a wedding, anniversary, or to pop the question. 2832 E. 6200 South, Holladay, 801-277-9919, TuscanySLC.com

Best Coffee House
Coffee Garden
A 9th & 9th institution, the Coffee Garden welcomes coffee drinkers of the world and everything they stand for—which, in Utah, can mean many things. While the 9th & 9th location has survived many a setback—from relocation to road construction—now the Main Street digs are bracing for change as Sam Weller’s Bookstore, in which the cafe is housed, plans a move. But everyone knows not to worry—they’re on solid “grounds.” There is no better place to settle in and enjoy a piping hot Americano or iced chai along with pastries, desserts, quiche, sandwiches, burritos and pasta salads. People-watching and lively conversations with strangers come free of charge. 898 East 900 South, 801-355-3425; 254 S. Main, 801-364-0768
2. Beans & Brew
3. Nobrow Coffee & Tea

Best Vegetarian Value
Shanghai Cafe
The sheer number of vegetarian choices on Shanghai Cafe’s menu is impressive, but this place excels at meat replacements like the ginger chicken, and has the best vegetarian fried egg rolls in town. The prices, substantial portions and fast service make this place an excellent choice for a comfortable, meat-free dinner. 145 E. 1300 South, No. 145, Salt Lake City, 801-322-1841

Best French
The Paris
Bon vivant restaurateur Eric DeBonis is nothing if not passionate about food and drink. He travels the globe seeking the best ingredients and recipes, then treats his Paris customers to them. From the classic Parisian zinc bar to dishes such as escargot, mussels mariniere, salad Lyonnaise, steak au poivre and duck confit with puy lentils, The Paris delivers a serious slice of France with every meal. 1500 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-486-5585, TheParis.net
2. La Caille
3. Franck’s

Best Mobile Meal
Chow Truck
Talk about truckin’! The Chow Truck is, literally, a mobile feast, a screaming yellow food truck with a dragon logo, landing from day to day in various neighborhoods around the Wasatch Front. The brains and talent behind the Chow Truck are “Boss Lady” SuAn Chow and “Chef” Rosanne Ruiz. Chow was founder of Charley Chow and ChowMeinia restaurants, while Ruiz was chef/owner at Sage Grill in Park City and executive chef at Salt Lake City’s Capitol Café. Chow Truck specializes in tacos, sliders, salads and calamari, but this isn’t your typical fast food. Taco options, for example, include coconut-lemon grass chicken, pineapple-ginger pork, spicy beef with cilantro-chile pesto, and panko-crusted tofu. ChowTruck.com

Best Dollar Rita
Mi Ranchito
There’s no reason to wait to imbibe for a full economic recovery when Mi Ranchito on South State serves margaritas for only a dollar. Every day from noon to 11 p.m., diners at this popular Mexican eatery can partake of the concoction of tequila, lime and salt that Jimmy Buffet made so famous back in the ’70s. Make no mistake, these are not high-shelf cocktails, though you can opt for Patron or other popular tequilas. However, for a buck, who cares? They go perfectly with Mi Ranchito’s fare—smart diners skip the combo plates and go right for the muy authentico Mexican specialties. Ole! 9550 S. State, Sandy, 801-233-0571; 396 E. State, American Fork, 801-7566138, MiRanchitoGrill.com

Best Late-Night Bayleaf Cafe In the past year, diners have seen an explosion of new eateries on and off Main Street north of 400 South. Even more of a lucky find is a cafe catering to night owls. On weekends, the Bayleaf Café, open daytime hours during the week, keeps its doors open from Friday at 11 a.m. to Sunday at 9 p.m. It tops the list for late-night diners with its cheesy grits, country-gravy-smothered fries and barbecue shrimp, often served with live music on the side. Most dishes slide in under $10. What more could you ask? 159 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 801-359-8490, Bayleaf-Cafe.com 2. Eva 3. Molca Salsa