City Guide 2025 

Page 7 of 8

• Courtesy photo
• Mahider Ethiopian Resturant & Market’s Taste of Mahider

Best of Utah Dining
Across a wide range of styles and traditions, here are our readers' favorite restaurants.
By Aimee L. Cook and Alex Springer

BEST AFRICAN
1. Mahider Ethiopian Restaurant & Market
When your mouth gets bored and lonely, a remedy can be found at Mahider. Offering authentic dishes with often surprising seasoning combinations, Mahider might also provide you with your next new comfort food. Large enough to feed its broad customer base, it's is also small enough to make you feel like you've just personally discovered it.
mahiderethiopian.com

2. Kafe Mamai
After quickly becoming one of Salt Lake's most popular food trucks, Kafe Mamai finally opened a brick-and-mortar store in 2023. Since then, Chef Abudujannah has been showing off his Kenyan roots with a menu that fuses African and Carribbean food. Anyone looking for primo jerk chicken or crispy sambusas need look no further than Kafe Mamai.
kafemamai.com

3. Balabe
A Senegalese-focused food truck, Balabe offers dishes like jolof rice and mafe, a peanut butter stew packed with root veggies. Balabe also has its signature mafe poutine, which blends a traditional Senegalese recipe with the Canadian dish. Balabe's vibrant menu and welcoming service makes it a must for those craving African comfort food.
IG: @balabeslc

BEST AMERICAN DINER
1. Ruth's Diner
In a mere six years, Ruth's Diner will be 100 years old. This is a restaurant that has served almost 10 decades' worth of Utah diners, and it's not showing any signs of stopping. With mile-high biscuits, an excellent woodsy patio and a chocolate malt pudding to die for, Ruth's Diner may just be the best American diner in the country, let alone Utah.
ruthsdiner.com

2. Vertical Diner
A good American diner is all about welcoming vibes and stick-to-your-bones classics. Vertical Diner has both of those characteristics in spades, but its plant-based bent and culinary creativity have turned this place into something different altogether. Vertical Diner has helped us to think differently about what diner food is, and our community is all the better for it.
verticaldiner.com

3. Over the Counter Cafe
This Millcreek cafe is based on the old-school diner vibe, but has elegantly taken that sensibility into the modern age. It's perfectly suited to the hip neighborhood in which it finds itself, and the bustle of regulars and newcomers alike can attest to the quality of Over the Counter Cafe's food and service.
overthecountercafeslc.com

BEST BARBECUE
1. Pica Rica BBQ
This well-regarded St. George restaurant is known for big portions, which come accompanied by an absolutely masterful set of sides, including mac 'n' cheese, potato salad and Spanish rice. With St. George being a popular day-trippin' location for Salt Lakers, this spot's built a dedicated clientele of locals and those willing to travel a bit for some amazing BBQ fare.
picaricabbq.com

2. Pat's Barbecue
Pat's has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1993, earning rave reviews for its flavorful dishes, reliable quality and friendly service. Known for its welcoming, family-friendly vibe, it's not uncommon to see a line out the door. You will receive top-notch customer care and excellence in every detail. Pat's BBQ is a favorite year after year.
patsbbq.com

3. Charlotte-Rose's Carolina BBQ
Serving up southern BBQ the way it was intended: paying attention to flavor, not calories. Get the pulled pork sandwich with or without slaw, or give the redneck brisket tacos a try. Combination plates are a great way to try a few. Pro tip: Get a piece of the chocolate cornbread; you will leave with zero regrets.
crcbbqut.com

BEST BRAZILIAN
1. Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
Gostoso Demais! A good Brazilian steakhouse—or "churrascaria"—will change the way you look at meat, with its frenzy of tableside offerings, sizzling hot and cut fresh from a skewer. And nobody has done it better for longer on this side of the equator than Rodizio Grill. Pro tips: put some farofa on your feijoada; try the chicken heart; and never say "no" to the grilled pineapple.
rodiziogrill.com/salt-lake-city

2. Braza Grill
The churrasco experience of enjoying a never-ending cavalcade of grilled meats as they are presented to your table is always memorable, but Braza does a lot to ramp things up. It's a restaurant that understands its concept to the letter, so the quality of the food and the friendliness of the service really complements each visit.
brazagrillutah.com

3. Tucanos Brazilian Grill
A big part of the Brazilian steakhouse concept is variety, and this is where Tucanos really shines. Brisket, sirloin, sausage and pork loin are all on the menu, but Tucanos' selection of poultry and seafood makes it stand out. It helps that the food on parade at Tucanos is delicious; the team really knows their way around a grill.
tucanos.com

BEST BREAD BAKERY
1. Vosen's Bread Paradise
Visit Vosen's downtown location, or catch them at the Downtown Farmer's Market, for the best bread money can buy. You'll find staples like sourdough rounds, French baguettes and rolls, but their niche is German loaves and pastries. Think more varieties of rye than you've ever seen in your life alongside salt pretzels, bratwurst buns and croiliners—a cross between a croissant and a berliner—filled with raspberry jam or maple.
vosen.com

2. Table X Bread
As the bakery arm of a prestigious Millcreek restaurant, Table X Bread has made national waves. In 2024, this bakery was nominated as a semifinalist for a James Beard Award for Best Bakery, and the team has continued to create consistent, delicious loaves and smaller pastries. On top of that, Table X Bread offers a deli menu so bread enthusiasts can fully experience the magic on display here.
tablexrestaurant.com

3. Great Harvest Bread Co. (Holladay)
Great Harvest is the kind of place that isn't stingy about its samples at all. Visitors can expect a thick, healthy slice no matter what type of bread happens to be on display. Great Harvest locations also have a big old dish of butter and a bottle of honey on hand for these occasions, so every visit truly is a treat.
greatharvestutah.com

• Courtesy photo
• Park Cafe’s mushroom, sausage, and cheese omelette

BEST BREAKFAST
1. The Park Cafe
The Park Cafe understands that to create comfort, there's no use in reinventing the wheel. Instead, perfect the way it turns. Hot coffee pipes in pots, eggs are fried to yolky perfection and placed atop a warm bed of hash browns, onions and peppers. Berry preserves sit proudly on every table, just waiting to coat warm sourdough toast. This isn't a place you visit once and forget about; you come back again and again.
theparkcafeslc.com

2. Eggs in the City
Get your fix for whatever you are craving at Eggs in the City. From trendy dishes like the cinnamon roll pancake to the classic huevos rancheros, a stop here for breakfast is a great way to kick your morning into high gear. Good and consistent quality is the order of every day.
IG: @eggsinthecity

3. Ruth's Diner
This iconic diner housed in a historic trolley car up Emigration Canyon has been slinging some of the best breakfasts since 1930. Go for the heavenly mile-high biscuits and homemade jam or the chicken fried steak benedict. Stay for the views.
ruthsdiner.com

BEST BREWERY FOOD
1. Red Rock Brewing (Fashion Place Mall)
When you have delicious beer already in hand, the good folks at Red Rock Brewing know that there's something else that may enter your thoughts: food. On this, they've got you covered. Red Rock at Fashion Place offers full plates of goodness plus smaller items. What complements a glass of beer better than some beer-battered pickle chips or blistered shishito peppers? Well, spiral cut fries! Or roasted Brussels sprouts. Or multiple other delightfully-noshable treats.
redrockbrewing.com

2. Squatters Pub Brewery
Squatters has been in the pub business for long enough to completely subvert the expectations of what a pub menu should be. Sure, you get chicken wings, burgers and sandwiches, but they're just so much better than they have any right to be. Squatters has even expanded its menu to include heartier entrees like bacon-topped meatloaf and sherry-braised pork shank.
saltlakebrewingco.com/squatters

3. Bohemian Brewery
There aren't many local brew pubs that make you feel like you're about to embark on a daring adventure, which is why Bohemian is such a hit. Not only are you getting some of Utah's finest locally-brewed ale on tap, but you're also getting some of the state's best brats, pierogies and spaetzle. Coupled with the brewery's Bavarian aesthetic, Bohemian Brewery is always ready to set diners up for a memorable experience.
bohemianbrewery.com

BEST CHINESE
1. Mandarin
For nearly 50 years, this culinary treasure in Bountiful has provided consistently delicious food and a diverse menu that fills you up without weighing you down. Their servers are bright, informed and have great suggestions based on what you have liked in the past. This iconic spot is a community staple, and you need it in your mouth right now.
mandarinutah.com

2. Shanghai Café
Shanghai Café has served the Salt Lake Valley for over 27 years, offering freshly-crafted Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The restaurant recently expanded the menu to include Thai entrees. True to tradition, dishes and sauces are made from scratch with the freshest ingredients, inspired by generations of family recipes.
shanghaicafeslc.com

3. Hong Kong Tea House
Great dim sum offerings are the star of the show at this primarily Cantonese eatery. Steamed buns, Shanghai dumplings and the Dim Sum Platter are all contenders for favorites, be sure you arrive before 3 p.m.; after that, you are on your own to order from the extensive entrée menu.
IG: @hongkongteahouse_

BEST FINE DINING
1. Urban Hill
Urban Hill's Executive Chef Nick Zocco was recognized as a finalist this year for Best Chef by the James Beard Foundation, though taking home a Best Fine Dining win by thousands of Best of Utah voters ekes out those honors in our book. Zocco ascribes a touch of brilliance to his creations, and it's no surprise that Urban Hill has shot up into the top-tier lists of restaurants in Utah so quickly.
urban-hill.com

2. Antica Sicilia
The ambiance at Antica Sicilia matches the elevated dishes you will enjoy here. After a remodel a short time ago, the restaurant exudes the fine dining allure that matches the rest of the experience. Tableside salad and pasta service is always a hit, and the authentic Italian cuisine brings joy to the belly.
anticasiciliautah.com

3. Table X
The seasonal tasting menu is the centerpiece of the Table X experience, crafted to highlight the freshest local ingredients. Post-pandemic, the chefs streamlined their offerings to focus exclusively on tasting menus. Guests can select from five or seven courses, with optional wine pairings available for an additional fee. Each dish is a testament to care and creativity, like the house-made sourdough with cultured butter.
tablexrestaurant.com

BEST FRENCH
1. La Caille
Take one serving of Pyrenees estate, add a soupçon of Loire valley and a dash of Utahn ingenuity, and you have La Caille Restaurant. The experience begins before you enter the manse by strolling through its sumptuous grounds. Inside, La Caille presents French decor that, while whimsical, isn't overdone, a bar and a winery that feature regular offerings as well as La Caille's own Estate Chareau Rose and Enchante.
lacaille.com

2. Laurel Brasserie & Bar
Featuring neighborhood-joint vibes without the neighborhood, Laurel Brasserie and Bar inside The Grand America Hotel serves European-inspired cuisine without all the fuss. Try the pigs in the blanket or the French onion soup, and chase it with one of the craft cocktails on the menu.
laurelslc.com

3. Delice Bakery & Café
Here, you will find desserts crafted with fine ingredients that deliver something special. Craving something savory? They have just the thing to satisfy that too. At Delice, they combine premium local and imported ingredients to bring the flavors of Europe to Salt Lake. Try a quiche, panini or pecan roll, or maybe all three.
delicebakeryslc.com

• Courtesy photo
• The bratwurst plate at Siegfried’s Delicatessen

BEST GERMAN
1. Siegfried's Delicatessen
Nothing embodies the phrase "sehr gut" better than this casual deli/import store located within the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Whether it's the meats, the spaetzle, the sauerkraut or the pastries you're after, you will neither leave this venerable establishment disappointed, nor will you go unfilled. Seriously, how lucky can we be to have had this treasure in our midst since 1971?
siegfriedsdelicatessen.com

2. Weller's Bistro
There is just something comforting about German food. Whether it's schnitzel or perfectly salted pretzels with whole-grain mustard and beer cheese, you can't help but feel that a warm hug was just served to you from the kitchen.
wellersbistro.com

3. Bohemian Brewery
You may think Bohemian Brewery is just known for great lager beer. If you have not explored the food menu as well, here is your invitation to do so. This eatery prides themselves on serving old-world dishes mixed with modern classics. Try the roast pork with homemade bread dumplings and sauerkraut.
bohemianbrewery.com

BEST GREEK
1. Manoli's
As a James Beard Award semifinalist and winner of this category last year as well, Manoli's continues to dominate for a good reason. From seasonal shareable bites that appeal to all types of eaters to house-made soft-serve ice cream, you can't go wrong with anything on this menu. All dishes are made from scratch.
manolison9th.com

2. Greek Souvlaki
Are you a fan of "red" sauce? If so, get your gyro on here. There are many gyros to experience in Salt Lake, but not all are created equal; each eatery has its own spin on the classic handheld, and Greek Souvlaki brought the gyro to Utah in 1972. Fries with fry sauce are also a must here for obvious reasons.
greeksouvlaki.com

3. The Other Place Restaurant
This eatery is iconic for good reason. Serving traditional Greek cuisine consistently since 1986, it draws crowds every day. Classic like the gyro and Greek Souvlaki are must-haves, but if you are feeling a bit nostalgic, order the liver & onions.
theotherplacerestaurant.com

BEST INDIAN
1. Mumbai House
When you walk into Mumbai House, you are met with delicious aromas that will simply make your mouth water. They boast a tasty lamb dhaba and chicken curry that use old traditions in preparation of these dishes. The dark, intimate space and welcoming service makes it a great place for a romantic date.
mumbaihousecuisine.com

2. Bombay House
Ever since 1993, Bombay House has been keeping residents of Provo supplied with textbook examples of classic Indian cuisine. It's the kind of Indian restaurant that really leans into the versatility of Indian food—from its protein-based dishes to its vegetarian entrees, Bombay House excels at creating a little something for everyone.
bombayhouse.com

3. Saffron Valley
Lavanya Mahate, founder of Saffron Valley, brought her recipes, spice blends, and passion for cooking to the Utah food scene in 2011 when she launched her first café in South Jordan. Today, there are five locations at which one can enjoy her delicious curries, dosa and tikka masala.
saffronvalley.com

BEST ITALIAN
1. Sicilia Mia
"When Sicilia Mia first opened in 2014, there was nobody with a traditional Italian menu," chef Giuseppe Mirenda told City Weekly in 2024. "We kind of raised the bar a bit for everybody to follow." That's certainly an understatement, as Sicilia Mia's delectable offerings—from arancinette appetizers to seafood to house-made meatballs and, of course, plenty of amazing pasta—continue to delight diners a decade later.
siciliamiautah.com

2. Café Molise
Caffé Molise, located in downtown Salt Lake City, serves authentic Italian dishes inspired by Italy's Molise region. This full-service restaurant combines fresh, local ingredients with regional specialties. Dine indoors in the cozy dining room or enjoy the beautiful garden patio. Try the lasagna—it is traditionally prepared, full of Italian sausage and beef. Don't miss live jazz every Friday evening featuring The John Flanders Trio.
caffemolise.com

3. Fratelli Ristorante
Fratelli means "brothers" in Italian, and that is who has run this authentic Italian restaurant in Sandy since 2007. Pete Cannella is in the kitchen making sure their grandmother's sauces are cooked to perfection, and Dave Cannell is front of the house, greeting longtime customers. Dishes are scratch-made using several ingredients imported from Italy. Try the traditional spaghetti with meatballs.
fratelliutah.com

• Courtesy photo
• Sapa

BEST JAPANESE
1. Sapa
Traditional dishes share space with amazing fusion cuisine—and a gorgeous setting—at Sapa. Whether your taste runs to classic sushi rolls or nigiri offerings, or you like getting adventurous with a squid salad, or you want to try out something like wok-seared filet mignon, Sapa combines all of the best Asian flavors under one roof. You can even have an "all you can eat" sushi roll experience during mid-week happy hour.
sapabarandgrill.com

2. Takashi
This eatery has reigned supreme time and time again, and for good reason. Fresh seafood is the star of the show here, but there is so much more to this sushi. The perfectly crafted technique and plating make the food here almost too beautiful to eat. Not a sushi fan? No worries, try the flank steak.
takashisushi.com

3. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
For over 30 years, celebrated sushi chef Peggy Ince-Whiting has been creating some of the best sushi in the state. Classic Japanese dishes are also fan favorites here, try the Tonkatsu made with crispy fried pork or any of the Sukiyaki dishes, steamed yam noodles in a sweet soy sauce.
kyotoslc.com

BEST KOREAN
1. KOU-Korean BBQ Of Utah
The Korean BBQ experience is interactive, allowing customers to cook the meat themselves on grills built into the tables. The dining experience at KOU goes a step further with offerings of high-quality bulgogi, pork and chicken. The communal dining atmosphere is exciting and enjoyable here. Plus, they offer a discounted all-you-can-eat happy hour price until 4 p.m.
thekou.com

2. KPOT Koren BBQ & Hot Pot
Korean BBQ and Hot Pot hit the Utah food scene fast and furious. This hands-on all you can eat experience brings the cultural flavors of Asian hot pot and Korean BBQ. There is just something so satisfying about gathering around a hot pot and cooking your own meats, seafood and veggies.
thekpot.com

3. OMBU Grill
Offering a cool vibe, a tableside grill inserted center stage for your group to cook your selections, and an array of sauces to enhance any veggie or protein. Try the short ribs and the thinly sliced meats that cook so quickly you won't want to look away. Also, enjoy the variety of banchan—each one is worth seconds.
utahombugrill.com

BEST LATIN/SOUTH AMERICAN
1. Arempas
For lovers of Venezuelan food, this laid-back eatery offers authentic and delicious food options. Along with their specialties like arepas and cachapas, there are also many vegetarian options. Arempas features large portions, which makes it well worth the price, and practically guarantees that if you go, it will not be your last time. Open until 10 p.m., so it even makes it a great late-night bite to eat.
arempas.com

2. Las Botellas
This Latin-inspired eatery offers elevated food with a side of fire dancers. Blacked-out windows give way to an ambiance that allows you to enjoy the moment, with the only distractions being the smoky cocktails and fun vibes. Serving an array of dishes from tacos to tomahawks.
experiencelasbotellas.com

3. El Rocoto Peruvian Restaurant
Taste the vibrant flavors of Peru at this authentic Peruvian eatery, from savory ceviche's loaded with fresh seafood to hearty lomo saltado and flavorful arroz chaufa.
facebook.com/elrocotorestaurant

BEST MEXICAN
1. Red Iguana
This family-run Mexican restaurant is best known for its different kinds of mole. It is genuinely the closest moles to Puebla or Oaxaca you will find in Salt Lake City. There are also gluten-free options and a kid's menu. This is a great place for your next birthday party or family outing.
rediguana.com

2. La Casa Del Tamal
Award-winning Mexican food brings in the crowd at this West Valley restaurant. Family-owned and operated, this eatery brings the flavors of Mexico to life. Enjoy a variety of tamales and birria tacos and wash them down with a delicious Cerveza.
lacasadeltamalutah.com

3. Chile-Tepin
Named after the chile-tepin pepper, this award-winning eatery uses the smoky pepper in many of its sauces and dishes. Recipes handed down through generations bring classics to your table, like chile relleno and the show-stopper molcajete.
chile-tepin.com

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN
1. Mazza
For more than 20 years, Mazza has been a dazzling gem in the community as the go-to Middle Eastern cuisine. A must-try during any Mazza visit is the Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs, seasoned and braised in their signature tomato pomegranate sauce. Along with the impressive food fare, Mazza has an extensive imported wine and beer list.
mazzacafe.com

2. Laziz Kitchen
The name is Lebanese for "tasty and lighthearted," and the food here delivers just that. Serving up modern Mediterranean dishes like falafel wraps and hummus allows for a guilt-free addition of zaatar fries to any meal.
lazizkitchen.com

3. Alhambra Shawarma
From food truck to brick-and-mortar, the flavors that made this eatery a fan favorite remain. Signature shawarma in your choice of beef, falafel or chicken with a side of two aiolis—one is spicy for those spice-lovers—gives this saucy handheld a spot on any table. Pro tip: Don't sleep on the fries.
toasttab.com/online/alhambrautah

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• Courtesy photo
• Hires Big H

BEST OLD-SCHOOL DRIVE-IN
1. Hires Big H
Founded in 1959, the period in which American drive-ins enjoyed their greatest cultural cachet, Hires offers all the expected (and desired) menu items of its kin: burgers, dogs, ice cream, root beer and chili. And, in theory, you could go to Hires and not order fries with a side of fry sauce, but what fun would that be? This place is authentic, the real deal.
hiresbigh.com

2. Iceberg Drive Inn (3900 South)
Iceberg has expanded its brand into a successful franchise that operates in three states, but locals will always remember its very first location in Millcreek on 3900 South. It was here that owner Lamar Sorensen gave us the first Iceberg way back in 1960. Since then, it's become known for its nostalgic vibes, good burgers and extra-thick milkshakes.
icebergdriveinn.com

3. Millie's Burgers
This beloved burger joint has been a part of downtown Sugar House for over 40 years. Dozens of restaurants have come and gone in that time, but there is something about Millie's that has kept locals coming back for generations. It's safe to bet that something has to do with the Millie's glacier, a dessert that combines soft-serve ice cream with a slushy snow cone to spectacular effect.
facebook.com/milliesburgers

BEST ROMANTIC
1. Log Haven Restaurant
If your idea of a romantic setting includes a 100-plus-year-old lodge, stone fireplaces, vintage windows, plush Persian rugs, linen place-settings, dining patios, waterfalls and stone walkways meandering through a curated natural mountain setting, then run—don't walk—to book a table at Log Haven. Long considered one of Salt Lake's finest for any occasion, Log Haven deserves its vaunted reputation.
log-haven.com

2. Antica Sicilia
Italian food and fine dining are romantic enough as it is, but when a place like Antica Sicilia combines them with such aplomb, you've got something very special. This is the kind of place to stage a dramatic splurge and take advantage of the Italian three-course meal. Remember not to skimp on the wine.
anticasicilia.com

3. Caffe Molise
When dinner is merely the jumping off point to a romantic evening of theater or opera, Caffe Molise has you covered. Its menu is inspired by Italy's Molise region, which means you'll find plenty of classic regional dishes and a complimentary wine list to match. There is no greater romance than that of one's relationship with pasta, and few local restaurants understand that as well as Caffe Molise.
caffemolise.com 

BEST SALT LAKE VALLEY PIZZA
1. The Pie Pizzeria
Honest question: How many current University of Utah students wanted to enroll there because it was so close to The Pie's location? I'm sure the answer wouldn't be surprising at all. With its solid track record of consistency, seasonal pizzas and world class dine-in vibes, The Pie has been—and will hopefully continue to be—one of our local comfort-food fixtures for years.
thepie.com

2. Bricks Corner
When Josh Poticha brought his brand of Detroit-style deep dish pizza to Utah in 2021, locals collectively found out what we were missing. Bricks Corner combines a gourmet sensibility with enormous, shareable slabs of deep-dish pizza that are beautiful examples of pizza craft. On top of that, Bricks Corner's drink menu and hip vibes make it among the coolest of Sugar House hangouts.
brickscornerslc.com

3. Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
Adding "pizzeria Napoletana" to your restaurant name is a bit like throwing down a gauntlet. Naples takes its pizza very seriously, and committing to that level of craft is a bold move. Settebello is one of the local Napoletana spots that seems to take their pizza artisanship seriously enough for the Napoli crowd, and it's been where Utahns go to get their wood-fired pizza fix for years.
settebello.net

BEST SEAFOOD
1. Current Fish & Oyster
Chef Zach Wojdula's seafood steals the spotlight, and trust us—it's worth the hype. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are the stars here, and the vibe is all about classic technique with a modern twist. Plus, you won't feel guilty, because everything's crafted with sustainability and healthy choices in mind. Our go-to? The seafood platter and ceviche—total game-changers.
currentfishandoyster.com

2. Market Street Grill
One of the earliest oyster bar pioneers in Utah, Market Street Grill has continued to set the bar for good seafood in Utah. Whether you're after something lighter like cedar plank salmon or something a bit more indulgent like fresh lobster tails, Market Street Grill's three Utah locations will definitely satisfy that seafood craving.
marketstreetgrill.com

3. Harbor Seafood & Steak Co.
This Sugar House fixture has slowly become a neighborhood favorite for those looking for classic seafood dishes. Its menu features fresh crab, swordfish and lobster, but the "turf" side of its "surf & turf" is not to be overlooked. Harbor gets its Wagyu beef from Montana's Mishima Ranch, making Harbor a local favorite for those in the mood for a splurge.
harborslc.com

BEST SOUL FOOD
1. The Bayou
There are types of food that, due to demographic/geographic quirks, are well-represented on Utah restaurant lists, but soul food and southern cooking in general is a more specialized niche. The Bayou, as the name indicates, pulls its flavors from the Delta, Gulf Coast and the kitchens of Memphis, Jackson and New Orleans. Leave room for the deep-fried Twinkies for dessert.
utahbayou.com

2. Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen
Chef Julius Thompson was born and raised on the tenets of soul food, and he has been good enough to share his own spin on Southern comfort food with Utah diners. From fried chicken to shrimp & grits, the Sauce Boss menu is known for its big flavors and big portions. Each plate comes with an enormous wedge of buttery cornbread that truly makes every dish into a work of art.
saucebosssouthernkitchen.com

3. Big South
As a mobile soul food operation, Big South's menu hinges on po' boy sandwiches and fried seafood. Even though it's a food truck, each portion size is enormous, and the execution behind those large portions is gorgeous to behold. Whether your thing is a huge scoop of spicy cajun pasta or thick filets of fried catfish on a po boy, Big South will make sure you don't leave hungry.
IG: @bigsouthslc

BEST STEAKHOUSE
1. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
With high-quality food and service, this is the place to go for a special occasion like a loved one's birthday and treat yourself to some delicious steak. From the filet to the tomahawk, you cannot go wrong with what you order on their menu. Just be sure not to get caught up in ordering too many appetizers, since the portions are generous, and you should save room for dessert.
flemingssteakhouse.com

2. Ruth's Chris Steak House
When you think of a classic, upscale steak restaurant, it's hard to picture anything that isn't a Ruth's Chris. This national chain of steakhouses has honed its menu and interior space into a steak-lover's prime destination, no matter what location you visit. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as hearing that sizzle of your cooked-to-order steak as it hits your table.
m.ruthschris.com

3. The Capital Grille
There's nothing wrong with a steakhouse sticking to well-established traditions, but The Capital Grille has done a lot to push the boundaries. Coffee-crusted strip steaks, Korean-inspired barbecue glazed bacon and ribeyes prepared with aged balsamic are just a few of the meaty delights that await local diners here. Its presence in City Creek Center makes it perfect for an evening destination.
thecapitalgrille.com

• Courtesy photo
• Various dishes at Takashi

BEST SUSHI
1. Takashi
Ask anyone in Salt Lake, and they'll tell you Takashi is the best in town. If they don't say Takashi, it's only because they haven't been yet. When it comes to fresh fish, inventive rolls and an impressive beverage program, Takashi delivers a masterful blend of traditional Japanese techniques and creative innovation. Must-try dishes include tai tomatillo and spicy mussels with quail egg, followed by their award-winning spider roll and the Forrest Gump.
takashisushi.com

2. Sapa
There are a lot of places to get good sushi, but Sapa is one of the few restaurants that offers a true sushi experience. From the elegant interior design to the beautifully executed menu, Sapa is the kind of restaurant that local sushi fans can embrace with enthusiasm. Even if you're not after sushi, Sapa's grill is always poised to deliver something classy.
sapabarandgrill.com

3. Mint Tapas And Sushi 4 (Sugar House)
Mint Tapas and Sushi is the kind of place that crafts plates of food almost too gorgeous to eat. Chef Soy's professional experience has taken him all over Las Vegas, but it was here in Utah where he and his team fully realized the dream of putting his own creative stamp on a sushi restaurant.
mintsushiut.com

BEST THAI
1. Tuk Tuk's
Though it's hard to rise above all the local talent Utah has when it comes to Thai food, one visit to Tuk Tuk's is all you really need. Sure, fans of traditional Thai food will be able to find great versions of all their favorites, but it's the Tuk Tuk's special menu that will keep you coming back. Pineapple curry fried rice served in half a pineapple? Yes, please.
tuktuks-slc.com

2. Sawadee Thai Restaurant
Thai food has come a long way in Utah, and a lot of that progress is thanks to the team at Sawadee. This award-winning Thai restaurant has built its reputation on an appreciation of Thai classics like massaman short ribs and duck curry. Its vibrant menu, attentive service and consistently impressive execution has made Sawadee a Utah institution.
sawadeethaiutah.com

3. Chanon Thai Cafe
This neighborhood Thai restaurant has charmed Downtown diners for years with its simple, yet effective menu of Thai favorites. Regardless of whether you prefer red, yellow or green curry, Chanon Thai Cafe ensures a gorgeous arrangement of flavors. On top of that, Chanon has become known as one of the local Thai spots that is more than happy to crank the spice levels up—do so at your own risk.
chanonthaislc.com

• Courtesy photo
• The breakfast burrito at Vertical Diner

BEST VEGAN
1. Vertical Diner
Vegan food has made a bold ascent in recent decades, with restaurants of all sorts introducing menu items for the vegan member of your group. But Vertical Diner has made the choice of dining out an easy one for vegans with a menu geared to their needs. From classic fare to an all-day breakfast menu, Vertical gives vegans a place to call their own while giving non-vegans plenty of tasty options to satisfy.
verticaldiner.com

2. Buds
The corner sandwich shop is an important fixture in any neighborhood, so having a plant-based version like Buds does a lot to build community among Utah's plant-based diners. Even if you're not committed to a vegetarian or vegan diet, Buds has some excellently-crafted sandwiches on display. From the fresh-baked bread to the vegan takes on classics like a Philly cheesesteak, it's clear that Buds knows how to vegan-ize deli classic sandwiches.
budsslc.com

• Courtesy photo
• The Ranch Chick’n Sandwich at Sweet Hazel & Co.

3. Sweet Hazel & Co. Bakeshop & Bistro
Regardless of one's reasons for sticking to a plant-based diet, you have to admit that running a bakery on entirely plant-based ingredients is pretty impressive. It's even more impressive when the end product is as delectable as Sweet Hazel's menu. This restaurant has even transcended its origins as a bakery to add savory items like mushroom burgers and breakfast platters.
sweethazelandco.com

BEST VIETNAMESE
1. The Pearl
From the folks who brought you the Alibi, Chef Tommy Nguyen has charmed diners once again, this time with his Vietnamese street food. The pho is awesome, but the pork belly is a qualified craving. Cocktails are not an afterthought at The Pearl; indulge in a well-balanced beverage to further elevate your experience.
IG: @thepearlslc

2. All Chay
This casual Vietnamese eatery has built a loyal following from both plant-based and omnivorous communities because of its commitment to quality. It's one of the best local spots to get flavorful banh mi, savory pho and veggie spring rolls, and it's all vegan. All Chay's secret comes from its technique and execution—the flavors are always finely-tuned and well-balanced.
IG: @allchayrestaurant

3. Mi La-Cai Noodle House
There are a lot of fast-casual Vietnamese spots along the Wasatch Front, and Mi La-Cai stands out because of its fine-dining interior. That's not to suggest that Mi La-Cai is stuffy and inaccessible; it's just a nice place to indulge in some of your favorite Vietnamese classics. Mi La-Cai also has a wide selection of Chinese dishes, and the "Chef's Favorites" section of the menu has more than a few gems from which to choose.
lacaislc.com