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Best Chilaquiles
Lucky’ s Iron Door Roadhouse
This restaurant is the best-kept secret on the southwest side of the valley (well, no longer—because we are shouting it from the roof top). As the all-ages South Valley offshoot of Lucky 13, burgers are king here, but their brunch menu is the chef’s kiss! Maybe it’s the chilaquiles’ fresh-made salsa and chips that set this place apart. Whatever it is, Lucky’s Iron Door Roadhouse’s portions are huge, and this dish is a must-try on their brunch menu. 3754 W. Center View Way, West Jordan, 801-878-9439, luckysirondoor.com
2. Red Iguana
3. Penny Ann’s Cafe
Best
Photogenic Dishes
Table X
Bust out your phone; take those photos— these dishes are Instagram worthy! Chef Mike Blocher outdoes himself every course. The pottery itself consists of art pieces (done by local artist Clark Marshall with CM Ceramics). The presentation of each dish is as beautiful as it tastes. It seems almost a pity to eat it. 1457 E. 3350 South, SLC,
385-528-3712,
tablexrestaurant.com
2. Sapa Sushi Bar & Asian Grill
3. Tona Sushi Bar & Grill
Best Breakfast Burrito
Beto’ s
Mexican Food
Whether it’s a pre-work trip for something that will keep you satisfied until dinner or a late-night trip that will keep you satisfied until breakfast, Beto’s breakfast burritos are the stuff of legend. The sheer amount of burrito you get for the price is staggering, and once that piping hot heap of eggs, cheese and your preferred breakfast meat hits your mouth, it’s impossible to be in a bad mood. Multiple locations, betosmexicanfood.com
2. Alberto’s Mexican Restaurant
3. Rancheritos Mexican Food
Best Breakfast Sandwich
Central
9th Market
In the scant year-and-change since it opened its doors, Central 9th Market has impressively shaken up the local sandwich scene and emerged as an important retail anchor in the burgeoning mixed-use neighborhood south of downtown. Its signature breakfast sandwich—a waltz of gooey cheese, crisp pork and runny egg yolk held by two thick slices of wood-fired focaccia—is a triumph, and one that more than rewards those patient enough to navigate the ongoing construction on 900 South (pro tip: take the train). 161 W. 900 South, SLC, 385-332-3240, central9th.com
2. Over the Counter Cafe
3. Astro Burgers
Best Quiche
Eva’ s Bakery
Eva’s is known for many things, but their crown jewel is the quiche. The texture and taste are what make it award-winning! It’s so rich and appealing, you’ll want to order a second slice to go. And we promise, we will not judge you. It may seem impossible, but they somehow make it light and creamy while simultaneously making it thick and filling. It’s hard not to order it every time you are at Eva’s. 155 S. Main, SLC,
801-355-3942, evasbakery.slc.com
2. Coffee Garden
3. The Dodo
Best Eggs Benedict
Finn’s Café
Legend has it that a hungover Wall Street broker brought us eggs Benedict. In 1894, at New York City’s Waldorf Hotel, Lemuel Benedict ordered himself two poached eggs on top of buttered toast, with bacon and hollandaise sauce. The head chef loved the idea and immediately added it to his menu. It later morphed into what we now know as a breakfast staple with Canadian bacon on an English muffin. Finn’s serves it with their own tasty hollandaise sauce and a side of hash browns. 1624 S. 1100 East, SLC,
801-467-4000, finnscafe.net
2. Market Street Grill
3. Ruth’s Diner
Best Pancakes
Penny Ann’s Cafe
Penny Ann’s Cafe is no stranger to the breakfast categories in Best of Utah polling—their “Heavenly Hot Cakes” are a light and airy sour cream pancake that are larger than the plate it’s served on, it seems, and are a favorite for a sweet lover’s breakfast. Penny Ann’s is a cozy and inviting breakfast and lunch spot that keeps patrons rolling through the door time and time again. Multiple locations, pennyannscafe.com
2. Lazy Day Cafe
3. Eggs in the City
Best French Toast
Kneaders
Bakery & Cafe
Kneaders’ bakers slice two thick pieces of their chunky cinnamon bread and dip it into an egg wash with seasonings to create their awesome French toast. Their homemade caramel syrup, side of whipped cream and fresh strawberry on top make it unbelievably delicious. Or order the French Toast Feast Family Kit to take home and create a family breakfast for five with 10 slices of Chunky Cinnamon French toast, 10 strips of bacon, whipped topping, sliced strawberries and caramel syrup. Bonjour to that! Multiple locations, kneaders.com
2. The Park Café
3. Gourmandise
Best Crêpes
Monsieur Crêpes à La Maison
Nestled in Sugar House is a charming branch of European cooking that’s been delighting locals with its tasty and authentic offerings. A labor of love from French chef Maxime Ambeza and his wife, Raysha Carrasco, their crispy crêpes make superb vessels for a variety of fillings, from the sweet (such as the Nutella, strawberry, banana and chocolate-filled “Champs-Elysees”) to the savory (the brie, prosciutto, tomato and spinach-filled “Versailles,” for example) to the hummus-and-spinach-filled vegan variety. It’s hard to find one that isn’t positively délicieux. 1617 S. 900 East, SLC, 787-358-9930, monsieurcrepesut.us
2. Dali Crepes Catering & Café
3. Annie’s Cafe
Best Bacon and Eggs
Penny Ann’s Cafe
Simple pleasures are the building blocks of good living, like the smell of hot coffee in the too-early morning, butter melting on hot toast or hotcakes and a few strips of perfectly crisp bacon on a plate with eggs cooked just the way you like them. For a decade, the unassuming Penny Ann’s Cafe, at 1810 S. Main, just south of downtown SLC—and its sister locations in Draper and Taylorsville—have been slinging classic breakfast fare to a faithfully hungry clientele, building a repudiation for hearty down-to-earth cooking that’s the perfect way to start the day, seven days a week. Multiple locations, pennyannscafe.com
2. The Park Café
3. Over the Counter Cafe
Best Chicken and Waffles
Pig & a Jelly Jar
There are two types of breakfasters: those who are careful to maintain separation between the wet and dry items on their plate; and those who prefer to mash everything together and cover the whole pile in a blanket of maple syrup. For the latter crowd, make your way to Pig & a Jelly Jar for an intoxicating tower of waffle, chicken, egg and maple that sticks to the ribs and leaves you smacking your lips all day. Multiple locations, pigandajellyjar.com
2. Hub & Spoke Diner
3. Mark of the Beastro
Best Breakfast
in the Canyon
Ruth’s Diner
The early bird gets the worm, and that’s especially true making a trip up Emigration Canyon for a table at Ruth’s Diner. Get there early as locals flock to the converted trolley-car-turned-diner hub year-round, but especially in the fall for a breathtaking view of the turning leaves. The patio is a peaceful place to enjoy the fluffy biscuits and housemade raspberry jam, or any number of their delicious breakfast options. 4160 E. Emigration Canyon Road, SLC, 801-582-5807, ruthsdiner.com
2. Silver Fork Lodge & Restaurant
3. Emigration Brewing Co.
Best Casual Brunch
Weller’s Bistro
Want to feel transported to Europe? Thirty-five minutes north of Salt Lake City—blink—and you’re there! Specializing in German food, Weller’s never disappoints. Their brunch specials are typically amazing—from the Monte Cristo sandwich to a Mediterranean brunch tart to a fully stuffed breakfast strudel. The Bee Sting cake is extra special. And they know how to make the perfect eggs Benedict. Pair it with one of their outstanding wines or a flavorful bloody mary, and your brunch is complete. 197 N. Main St., Layton, 385-888-9531, wellersbistro.com
2. Eggs in the City
3. Piper Down Pub
Best Special-Occasion Brunch
Sunday’s Best
Not only does Sunday’s Best offer something for every indecisive soul in your party, they do everything to the max. Eggs benny meets a BLT, biscuits come with chorizo gravy, fried chicken comes on caviar buns and even their “truck stop breakfast” features house sausage. Chase it with an espresso martini, customizable mimosas, a beignet ... even an oyster. At Sunday’s Best, you can have it all. 10672 S. State, Sandy, 801-441-3331, brunchmehard.com
2. White Horse Spirits & Kitchen
3. Grand America Laurel Brasserie and Bar
Best Biscuits and Gravy
Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade
Sweet Lake’s menu includes a lot of great ways to enjoy their namesake biscuits—as French toast, as sandwich bread, as dessert. But the finest expression of these mammoth, from-scratch (like everything else on the menu) biscuits is when they’re paired and smothered in Sweet Lake’s divine house gravy. The generous portions are likely to fill you up before you finish, and whether or not you keep eating anyway is between you and your taste buds. Multiple locations, sweetlakefresh.com
2. Hub & Spoke Diner
3. Over the Counter Café
Best Bagel
The Bagel Project
Ever hear someone from New York or New Jersey say they can’t have a bagel outside of the East Coast? They’ll tell you water is the secret ingredient, and everywhere else just isn’t the same. But according to The Bagel Project, transplants of the Garden State themselves, that’s all phony—it’s all about fresh ingredients and attention to detail. To order like a true East Coaster, order a “caw-fee” and say “baconeggandcheese” as fast as you can. 779 S. 500 East, SLC, 801-906-0698, bagelproject.com
2. Rich’s Bagels
3. Feldman’s Deli
Best Huevos Rancheros
The Park Café
Locals will tell you that The Park Cafe’s huevos rancheros (served as a Saturday special) are just as good as any Southern California Mexican restaurant, if not better. You can add roasted pork for just a few dollars (do it!). They offer a housemade tomatillo salsa if you don’t want the red. Even big eaters leave satisfied with the portions given. The Park Cafe is worth any wait there might be, and you know you will want to come back for more. 604 E. 1300 South, SLC,
801-487-1670, theparkcafeslc.com
2. Tres Hombres Mexican Grill and Cantina
3. Eggs in the City
Best Muffin
Little America Coffee Shop
Little America’s award-winning executive chef Bernhard Götz and his staff are famous for creating made-from-scratch comfort foods. Their moist, flavorful and sumptuous muffins are available in blueberry, banana nut, cranberry, fruit and bran varieties (with bran being famous and frequently asked for). Muffins can be ordered with breakfast until noon and some are available on a limited basis later in the day. Within the grandeur of the historic Little America Hotel, The Coffee Shop is the perfect casual setting for delicious eating. 500 S. Main, SLC, 801-596-5708, saltlake.littleamerica.com/dining/the-coffee-shop
2. Picnic Cafe
3. Coffee Garden
Best Beignet
Thirst Drinks
What 20-year-old do you know who could open a business while attending college full-time? There’s not many who could, and not many who could succeed as successfully as Thirst Drinks’ Ethan Cisneros, who co-founded the soda shop in 2016 while a sophomore at the University of Utah. The dirty soda business is a good one in Utah—Thirst now has five locations where they offer treats such as their ever-popular beignets. These can be sprinkled with powdered or cinnamon sugar, but on Wednesdays, they dip them in the flavor of the week.
Multiple locations, thirstdrinks.com
2. Pig & a Jelly Jar
3. Mama Africa
Best Cinnamon Rolls
Village Baker
When your freshly baked bread is among the best made in Utah and your multitude of cookies and cakes—even pizza pies—have already put you on the map, it’s hard to choose just one good item. But when you do, choose the giant, slathered with cream-cheese icing, made-from-scratch (and raisin-free for those who care) cinnamon roll. Just perfect. And as perfect: Ask about Village Baker’s cinnamon roll wreath for Christmas! Multiple locations, villagebakerfood.com
2. Sill’s Cafe
3. City Cakes & Cafe
Best Fried Egg Rolls
La-Cai Noodle House
This restaurant opened in 1996, and foodies immediately raved about La-Cai’s pho. The slurping experience can be made even more delicious (if that’s possible) by ordering the crispy Vietnamese egg rolls as an appetizer or side. At La-Cai Noodle House, they have a secret way to cook them so that the dough is slightly bubbly when you take a bite, making them crispy and tender at the same time. They’re the perfect addition to any soup or salad offering. 961 S. State, SLC, 801-322-3590, lacainoodlehouse.com
2. All Chay
3. The Pearl
Best Sliders
Beehive Distilling
Not only is Beehive Distilling making some of the best gin in Utah, but their chic, casual bar is a great place to grab a beer or cocktail. Now, they’ve even cracked the code on the perfect bar bites to add to their already near-perfect space—jumbo sliders, at an affordable price. The three options include al pastor with grilled pineapple, carne asada with all the fixings and vegan Korean BBQ-glazed tofu. 2245 S. West Temple, SLC, 385-259-0252, beehivedistilling.com
2. Poplar Street Pub
3. Post Office Place
Best Pretzel
Bohemian Brewery
The servers at Bohemian Brewery have an amazing sales tool when it comes to the house pretzels—and that’s the pretzel itself. When the giant piping hot pretzel goes out to a table, dangling in mid-air on a stand, every head in the room turns a bit, eyes opened wide, brains talking to bellies, saying something like: “Maybe we could split one at our table.” They’re delicious, Bohemian pretzels are. And with all due respect to the other food items and craft beer made here, the pretzels are the stars of this show. 94 E. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale, 801-566-5474, bohemianbrewery.com
2. Weller’s Bistro
3. Bewilder Brewing Co.
Best Momo
Cafe Shambala
Tibetan Buddhism speaks of a kingdom called Shambala wherein the worthy traveler may find beauty and enlightenment. After you make the sojourn up the Avenues to the tables of Café Shambala and order their momos, you may just find a new world opens up to you. Steamed or fried and filled with beef or their signature vegetable stuffing, Shambala’s dumplings are a feast for the peripatetic palate. 382 E. Fourth Ave., SLC, 801-364-8558,
cafe-shambala.business.site
2. Himalayan Kitchen
3. Kathmandu Grill
Best Poutine
Ice Haus
The origins of the Canadian delicacy known as poutine are hotly debated. One restaurant owner, the late Jean-Paul Roy, insisted his restaurant, Le Roy Jucep, in Drummondville, Quebec, invented poutine—hot french fries dotted with fresh cheese curds and brown gravy—and it was the first to add it to their menu. There’s no argument in Utah, where this neighborhood bar in Murray carries on the tradition. Stop in for a bloody mary and weekend brunch or just supplement your dart game with a tasty snack of bacon-wrapped brat bites and hot poutine for a great hangover cure. 7 E. 4800 South, Murray, 801-266-2127, icehausbar.com
2. Diversion Social Eatery
3. Prohibition
Best Nachos
Porcupine
Pub & Grille
Nachos, like pizza, are hard to screw up completely—but with a little extra effort, they can become a work of culinary art. The venerable après-ski venue at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon serves up their tortilla chips with a mountain of tomato, olives, scallions, cilantro, guacamole, sour cream and jalapeño under a blanket of melted cheddar jack. Even if you pass on the optional black beans or chicken, this architectural marvel pushes the definition of “appetizer” to the limit. 3698 Fort Union Blvd., 801-942-5555, Cottonwood Heights, porcupinepub.com
2. Gracie’s
3. Lake Effect
Best Brats
Bewilder Brewing Co.
There’s no law saying that a brewpub has to have a good brat on the menu, but that food item just seems to go hand-in-hand with a great, housemade craft beer. At Bewilder, there’s not just one brat, there’re three, with English, German and Italian variations, along with seasonal chorizo. Why select a single option when the house sausage platter’s an option? Maybe even get a little crazy and add some quail eggs to the mix for maximum barroom snackage?
445 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City,
385-528-3840, bewilerbrewing.com
2. Beer Bar
3. Ice Haus
Best Charcuterie Board
Sicilia Mia
You get what you pay for with Sicilia Mia—top quality and authenticity. This dish is meant to be an experience, not just an appetizer. Aside from a gorgeous charcuterie board, the ambiance is something special and will have you wanting to savor every bite. The pride in their food shows and has you wanting to come back to try everything on the menu. Multiple locations, siciliamiautah.com
2. The Ruin
3. Bodega and the Rest
Best Tapas
Eva
The brilliance of the “small plates” concept is that you can try many different things in a single meal—but then you encounter a place like Eva where you can still end up with FOMO even if you sample half the menu. You can revel in the piggy delights of the “Oink Oink Oink” trio of pork belly, pork loin and bacon-wrapped garlic, but does that mean you skip the amazing tri-tip bruschetta? The sauteed Brussels sprouts with hazelnuts and cider vinegar are a revelation, but what about charred beets with goat cheese? Choices, choices—and not a one of them is a bad one. 317 S. Main, SLC, 801-359-8447, evaslc.com
2. Café Madrid
3. Mint Tapas and Sushi
Best Burger
Lucky 13 Bar & Grill
For the umpteenth year in a row, Lucky 13 hits it out of the park with Utah’s undisputed best burger in town. Their location across from Smith’s Ballpark make it the perfect pregame stop before a Salt Lake Bees game. Up for a food challenge? Polish off in one hour the Big Benny—a foot-tall burger built with 28-ounces of ground chuck, topped with house-smoked bacon, ham, cheddar, Swiss and caramelized onions—and they’ll pay you $200. 135 W. 1300 South, SLC, 801-487-4418, lucky13slc.com
2. Crown Burgers
3. Proper Burger Co.
Best French Fries
Lucky 13 Bar & Grill
Long dominant in the Best Burger category, Lucky 13 displays equivalent proficiency in its preparation of french fries, crafting the perfect complement to its signature entrees. Choose your intensity level with the Cajun and rosemary-garlic options, or stick to the classic, traditional recipe for a savory treat, fried to crisp perfection. 135 W. 1300 South, SLC, 801-487-4418, lucky13slc.com
2. Bruges Belgian Bistro
3. Crown Burgers
Best Meatloaf
Ruth’s Diner
Served in thick, rich slices, Ruth’s signature meatloaf has a sumptuous, buttery tenderness that is enhanced when accompanied by mashed potatoes, gravy and veggies. If you crave meatloaf for lunch, it’s also available in burger form on a bun with provolone cheese and barbecue sauce. Ruth’s large courtyard patio offers a variety of seating choices and plenty of shade with a canopy of leafy trees. “People come here to find comfort,” says co-owner Tracy Nelson. 4160 Emigration Canyon Road, Emigration Canyon, 801-582-5807, ruthsdiner.com
2. Whiskey Street Cocktails & Dining
3. Franck’s Restaurant
Best Comfort Food
The Bayou
Pull up a barstool, friend, or grab a table in the back. The crawfish is frying, the potatoes are mashing, the band is tuning up and whatever kind of beer you like, they’ve got it. That’s the implicit promise of The Bayou, the State Street staple just south of downtown where the hot food, cold beer and good vibes are guaranteed to fill your belly, feed your soul and get you through your worst days and best nights. 645 S. State, SLC, 801-961-8400, utahbayou.com
2. Moochie’s Meatballs & More
3. Red Rock Brewery
Best Cuban Sandwich
Beltex Meats
One customer says they drive three hours to buy a Cubano at Beltex—it’s that good! Most people think Beltex is just a butcher shop, but carnivores are secretly spreading the word about the classic island sandwich served on a freshly baked crusty roll, home-style pickles, their own fermented meats and made-in-store condiments. You can opt for them to make the sandwich (until they run out of bread) or bring home any one of their great meat offerings for a charcuterie board later. 511 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-532-2641, beltexmeats.com
2. Even Stevens
3. Red Rock Brewery
Best Deli Sandwich
Caputo’s Market & Deli
It’s not easy to make a splash with a seemingly simple dish. By virtue of its ubiquity—who hasn’t made a sandwich at some point?—many can honestly say that they make a pretty good sandwich, but only a few have a claim to true greatness. At the top of that vaulted class is Caputo’s Market & Deli, the stalwart pioneers of Pioneer Park (and 15th and 15th). From its namesake “Caputo”—a sensory ballet of fine meats, oil and vinegar—to its takes on classics like the muffuletta, meatball and hot pastrami, the simple sandwich has never been more sumptuous. Multiple locations, 801-531-8669, caputos.com
2. Feldman’s Deli
3. Grove Market & Deli
Best French
Dip Sandwich
Even Stevens
Although not served in the classic French dip-style and indeed known as the Pot Roast Dip on the Even Stevens’ menu, this sandwich pleases no matter what. Perhaps it’s the bite of the jalapeno jelly or that the turkey pot roast is as juicy as it gets. One dip into the au jus, however, and you’re escorted to Avenue Victor Hugo on your first bite. Multiple locations, evenstevens.com
2. The Copper Onion
3. Piper Down Pub
Best Reuben Sandwich
Feldman’s Deli
The Reuben is one of those items that any deli worth its salt needs to be able to hang its hat on, so it’s no surprise that Feldman’s Deli offers up a paradigm of the form. Whether your preference is traditional corned beef, pastrami or a combo of the two (or even turkey for those laying off on the beef), it combines with melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut and creamy thousand island dressing on grilled rye for a sandwich that’s comfort-food bliss from the first bite to the last. 2005 E. 2700 South, SLC, 801-906-0369, feldmansdeli.com
2. Weller’s Bistro
3. Siegfried’s Delicatessen
Best Seafood Sandwich
Freshies
Lobster Co.
Even in landlocked Utah, it’s possible to enjoy a delicious Maine lobster roll. Freshies Lobster Co. uses chunks of lobster lightly tossed in mayonnaise and served on a split-top bun. The lobster meat and accompanying bun are shipped fresh to Utah from the Maine shore. Lobster can be added to any menu item for $4.50 an ounce. Among the side choices are coleslaw, caprese salad and brown butter organic corn. 356 E. 900 South, SLC,
801-829-1032; 1915 Prospector Ave., Park City, 435-631-9861, freshieslobsterco.com
2. Colossal Lobster at HallPass
3. Red Rock Brewery
Best BLT
Lucky 13 Bar & Grill
Located just down the road from the ballpark featuring America’s game is this tavern and restaurant, with a menu that plays to an American palate. Burgers, salads, apps, wraps ... all are represented on Lucky 13’s expansive food menu, along with classic barroom sandwiches like the house-smoked BLT. While the burgers here are no stranger to good press, this spot’s BLT is deserving of attention, as well. 135 W. 1300 South, SLC, 801-487-4418, lucky13slc.com
2. Central 9th Market
3. Over the Counter Cafe
Best Meatball Sandwich
Moochie’s
Meatballs and More
Moochie’s famous sandwich originates from handmade meatballs bathed in flavorful housemade marinara sauce and layered under provolone cheese. The sandwich bun is freshly baked onsite. Fresh grilled mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, cheeses, lettuce, and tomato make great add-ons, along with jalapeno fry sauce. The seasoned french fries are a must, but don’t miss the sweet potato fries, onion rings, potato salad, mac ‘n’ cheese, and cheese curds. Multiple locations, moochiesmeatballs.com
2. Caputo’s Market & Deli
3. Chop Shop Park City
Best Fried Chicken Sandwich
Pretty Bird Chicken
If there’s one way to get the millennials on board with your new concept, it’s best to make your signature dish Instagrammable. Pretty Bird accomplishes that to perfection with their chicken sandwich, served with eye-popping slaw and housemade sauce piled high on a buttered bun. They’ve been slinging so many chicken sandwiches that new stores have popped up in Sugar House, Park City and Midvale. Multiple locations, prettybirdchicken.com
2. Cluck Truck
3. Mr. Charlie’s Chicken Fingers
Best Flatbread Pizza
Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria
It’s right there in the name! Duly certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), Sugar House’s Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria is Utah’s premier proprietor of authentic Neapolitan-style flatbread pizza. Built for folding or fork-and-knife dining, these crispy, delicate pies (gluten free and keto substitutions available) are expertly topped with fresh, exciting ingredients that jump off the bread and dazzle the tongue. The menu is attraction enough, but add in the breezy, garage-style patio that opens onto Monument Plaza, lit at night by Flatbread’s historic, spinning marquee—a holdover from its Granite Furniture past—and you get a dining experience second to none in Salt Lake City. 2121 S. McClelland, SLC, 801-467-2180, flatbreadpizza.com/salt-lake-city
2. Slackwater Pub & Pizzeria
3. Level Crossing Brewing Co.
Best Cheesesteak Sandwich
Moochie’s
Meatballs and More
For two decades, Moochie’s Meatballs and More has dominated the Philly cheesesteak scene in the Beehive State. There’s no wrong choice on their signature sub line, but Moochie’s Classic is what keeps patrons coming back time and again. Don’t forget to lather up your sub with their addicting Jumpin’ Jalapeno Sauce. Multiple locations, moochiesmeatballs.com
2. DP Cheesesteaks
3. Vito’s in Bountiful
Best Banh Mi Sandwich
Oh Mai
Sandwich Kitchen
A banh mi is a delicious blend of Vietnamese ingredients and spices stuffed in a French baguette. And it seems that no one in the state does it better than Oh Mai Sandwich Kitchen, which offers 12 varieties at every location. Starting from humble beginnings, Oh Mai has stretched its reach to seven locations across the Salt Lake Valley. There’s also gluten-, nut- and MSG-free options. Multiple locations, ohmaisandwichkitchen.com
2. Little Saigon
3. All Chay
Best Deep-Dish Pizza
Bricks Corner
Talk about coming onto the pizza scene with a bang. Bricks Corner was the 2021 Best Pizza selection after just a year in the market. They’re known for their Detroit-style pizza, which is a thick layer of crust topped with layer upon layer of pizza toppings. We recommend the “Sausage King of Chicago,” which is lathered in red sauce and stacked with Italian sausage and pepperoni. 1465 S. 700 East, SLC, 801-953-0636, brickscornerslc.com
2. Chop Shop Park City
3. Umani food truck
Best Margherita Pizza
Settebello
Pizzeria Napoletana
Forget “deluxe,” “meat lovers” and any of the overly busy pizza flavors that opt for quantity over quality. True aficionados know that less is more, and none demonstrate this axiom better than the Margherita at Settebello. Among the oldest, traditional pizza styles, this pared-down combination of tomato, cheese, basil and oil is all you need when it’s done right and doing pizza right is exactly what Settebello does. 260 S. 200 West, SLC,
801-322-3556, settebello.net
2. Lucky Slice Pizza
3. Pizza Nono
Best Dumpling/Gyoza
Yoko Ramen SLC
The gyoza at Yoko are not only the most perfectly delicious bite, but they’ve got a special something, too. The most memorable thing about them is the lace-like webbing of batter connecting each of the lovely, glistening dumplings on the plate. The lace provides a delicate crunch that embellishes the experience of eating them. 473 E. 300 South, SLC, 801-876-5267, yokoslc.com
2. David’s Kitchen
3. Little World
Best Gluten-Free Pizza
Slackwater Pub
& Pizzeria
Most gluten-free substitutions have all the taste and half the charm of a piece of cardboard, despite many eateries’ good-faith efforts at culinary inclusion. But at Slackwater, those on a wheat-free diet need not lower their expectations, as a great deal of care—and presumably a little dark magic?—go into producing a pie that everyone at the table will want a second slice of. Multiple locations, slackwaterpizzeria.com
2. Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
3. Bricks Corner
Best Thai Curry
Chanon Thai Café
It’s undeniable that Chanon Thai has some of the best Thai food in the city. And no matter what your favorite dish is, you can’t go wrong with their curries. Even if you’re stuck on red, yellow or green curry dishes, every now and then, check out their rich massaman, or their kaffir lime-studded panang. You can thank us later. 278 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-532-1177, chanonthaislc.com
2. Sawadee Thai Restaurant
3. Chabaar Beyond Thai
Best Custom/Gourmet Pizza
The Pie Pizzeria
Since its debut in 1980 in the basement of a pharmacy at the University of Utah, The Pie continues to fire up tasty Italian flatbread for the hungry masses all along the Wasatch. Still providing a convivial campus “underground” atmosphere for their handmade pizzas, it remains a magnet for students, families, friends and dates to savor a specialty pie or build their own with any combination of meats, seafood, veggies and fruit. Multiple locations, thepie.com
2. Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
3. Slackwater Pub & Pizzeria
Best Hot Pot
Hero Hotpot
The true spectacle of a hotpot restaurant is alive and well at Hero Hotpot. If it can be boiled, grilled, sauteed or fried, you can bet you can find it during a visit to this Salt Lake Chinatown mainstay. On top of the delicious food, Hero Hotpot’s staff is great at showing newbies how to hotpot, so there’s really no excuse not to try this place. 3390 S. State, Ste. 33, SLC, 801-906-8573
2. Ombu Hot Pot
3. Royal Hot Pot & BBQ
Best Bibimbap
Korea House
As one of Utah’s longest-operating Korean restaurants, Korea House has introduced scores of local diners to the wonders of bibimbap. It comes with your choice of protein—don’t overlook the stir-fried kimchi, however—and perfectly captures the flavorful magic of this traditional dish. Of course, no Korean meal is complete without the side dishes known as banchan, so come hungry. 145 E. 1300 South, Ste. 207, SLC,
801-487-3900, koreahousesaltlake.com
2. Stun Cube
3. Myung Ga Restaurant
Best Dragon Roll
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
Accolades must be given to sushi chef Peggi Ince-Whiting. Trained by a sushi master in Tokyo, Ince-Whiting knows her sushi. Try the two dragon rolls on the menu—the original and the red dragon roll—as they are as different as rice and nori. 1080 E. 1300 South, SLC, 801-487-3525, kyotoslc.com
2. Fat Fish
3. Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Best Pho
Pho Tay Ho
Want authentic pho? A bowl that rivals all the others? Want to almost cry because the pho is so good? Want it prepared by a family-run business? This is your place. The mix-ins are fresh, and they do not skimp on the Thai basil, either! The rare-beef pho is truly mouthwatering, though you can’t go wrong with any pho here. 1766 S. Main, SLC, 385-240-0309, photayho.com
2. Little Saigon
3. La-Cai Noodle House
Best Katsu
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
Peggi Ince-Whiting—one of very few female sushi chefs in the industry—brings vast knowledge and experience (more than 30 years) and exquisite attention to detail. So, you know the katsu is going to be top notch—the perfect ratio of protein to breading made crispy without it drying out. 1080 E. 1300 South, SLC, 801-487-3525, kyotoslc.com
2. Itto Sushi
3. Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food
Best Bulgogi
Ombu Grill
Bulgogi, a type of Korean barbecue, can include a variety of meats, but they all share the commonality that the name bulgogi derives from—literally, fire meat. Most often however, it’s beef that’s the centerpiece and, in these parts, the best beef bulgogi is found at Ombu Grill. Thinly sliced, marinated beef glistens in the juicy serving dish and just begs to be savored slowly. But who can do that? Multiple locations, utahombugrill.com
2. Bumblebees BBQ & Grill
3. Cupbop
Best Dim Sum
Red Maple
Chinese Restaurant
Served any day of the week, not just the traditional weekend service, the dim sum offerings at Red Maple enhance Taylorsville’s ethnic food map creds. Enjoy tasty little servings of pork bun, shrimp dumpling, turnip cake, sticky rice plus many more nuggets, and don’t be afraid to try the beef tripe or chicken feet. Or abstain if you must—leaving more for us! 2882 W. 4700 South, Taylorsville, 801-747-2888, redmaplechinese.com
2. Hong Kong Tea House
3. New Golden Dragon
Best Chicken Satay
Sawadee Thai Restaurant
Any meat eater who likes their protein on a stick would love this dish. It’s a traditional offering throughout Southeast Asia that can come in pork, beef, goat, tofu or chicken. Sawadee (their name means “hello” in Thai) grills and chars the meat on a skewer, only after it’s been marinated with spices. Then it’s dipped in a tasty peanut sauce at your table. To quote one social-media post: “The chicken satay was the best I ever had—big juicy pieces of chicken in a not-so-sweet peanut sauce.” 754 E. South Temple, SLC, 801-328-8424, sawadeethaiutah.com
2. Aroon Thai Kitchen
3. Chanon Thai Café
Best Spider Roll
Takashi
Spider rolls are some of the most popular on any sushi menu. It’s usually breaded or battered soft-shell crab, rolled with the chef’s choice of vegetables like cucumber, avocado, daikon sprouts and spicy mayonnaise. The name comes from the legs of the crab’s molted shell, which stick out from the sides of the roll, making it look like a spider. Chef-owner Takashi Gibo consistently presents a beautiful plate and terrifically precise, mouthwatering roll every time. But it’s not surprising as he and his restaurant have been named the “best” for years! 18 W. Market St., SLC, 801-519-9595, takashisushi.com
2. Itto Sushi
3. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
Best Pad Thai
Tea Rose Diner
Located in an unassuming, but welcoming storefront location in Murray, Tea Rose Diner lives up to its website’s billing as the best Thai food in Utah. And there’s no way that it could claim such without an excellent pad thai, which is found here every day but Sunday. The ingredients are simple(ish): stir-fried thin rice noodles, egg, carrot, bean sprouts, green onion, cilantro, ground peanuts. But when combined by the talented kitchen staff at Tea Rose, the house pad thai becomes a sublime treat indeed. 65 E. Fifth Ave., Murray, 801-685-6111, bestthaifoodinutah.com
2. Sawadee Thai Restaurant
3. Skewered Thai
Best Bento Boxes
Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar
There’s nary a wrong choice to be made when ordering at one of Tsunami’s eateries, be it something from the wide-ranging a la carte sushi menu or selecting a house teriyaki burger. Tsunami’s bento boxes are a solid choice, and a nice play on the traditional style of Japanese bento boxes, with rice, proteins and vegetables offered in proper, tasty proportions. Multiple locations, tsunamiutah.com
2. Fat Fish
3. YellowFinn Sushi Bar & Grill
Best Hawaiian Barbecue
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food
For the uninitiated, it’s been too easy for too long to think the only barbecue is that which comes from Texas. Or Memphis. Or South Carolina. Or Kansas. But ... Hawaii? You Bettah believe it! It didn’t take long for the vision of Kimo and Kalani Mack, Mo’ Bettah founders, to cement itself as a Utah barbecue powerhouse, behind such flavorful ‘cue as kalua pig and pulehu chicken. Mo’ Bettah is love, family, life. Multiple locations, mobettahs.com
2. The Salty Pineapple
3. Moki’s Hawaiian Grill
Best Brisket
Pat’s Barbecue
Those in the know understand that smoked brisket requires patience and artistry, but the 12 hours of cooking time are worth it. The brisket at Pat’s boasts the telltale red “smoke ring” that tells you folks know what they’re doing, as the seasoned beef stays wonderfully moist beneath the snap of the seasoned crust. You can get it as part of a meal, but then again, you might not want to fill up stomach space with anything else. 155 W. Commonwealth Ave., South Salt Lake, 801-484-5963; 2929 S. State, South Salt Lake, 385-528-0548; patsbbq.com
2. R&R Barbeque
3. SugarHouse Barbeque Co.
Best Ribs
Pat’s Barbecue
As perhaps nature’s most perfect meat, it’s almost impossible to completely screw up ribs, especially slathered in barbecue sauce. You know the ribs at Pat’s Barbecue are an apex example of the form because you don’t want any condiments getting in the way—just a perfectly dry-rubbed exterior with a bit of crunch, a bang of smokiness and a succulently juicy interior. When you’re finished, you can bet those bones will be bare. 155 W. Commonwealth Ave., South Salt Lake, 801-484-5963; 2929 S. State, South Salt Lake, 385-528-0548; patsbbq.com
2. R&R Barbeque
3. Salt City Barbecue
Best BBQ Pulled Pork
R& R Barbeque
Utah is blessed with fantastic barbecue around town—Pat’s, Kaiser’s and SugarHouse are all top notch and worthy of this award—but it’s R&R Barbeque that’s thrived lately. In the last decade, they’ve grown from their downtown hub to 11 locations spread across Utah and Idaho. You can even watch the #TankNote Utah Jazz with a R&R pulled pork sandwich in hand at their Vivint Arena location. Multiple locations, randrbbq.com
2. Bam Bam’s BBQ
3. Salt City Barbecue
Best Indian Curry
Himalayan Kitchen
Whatever your go-to Indian (or Nepalese) curry is, you will find it in its finest form at Himalayan Kitchen. Whether you’re reaching for the steaming copper bowl of classics like coconut curry, aloo mattar or chana masala, or naan heaped with nutty navratna korma or creamy malai kofta, Himalayan Kitchen will deliver the goods. The daily lunch specials also feature three curries. Get your spice on here. 360 S. State, SLC, 801-328-2077, himalayankitchen.com
2. Curry in a Hurry
3. Saffron Valley Indian Restaurants
Best Biryani
Mumbai House (formerly Bombay House)
What’s more comforting than a mound of warm, toasty rice? A mound of warm, toasty basmati rice rich with spices, aromatic herbs, ginger and garlic, one studded with the sweetness and surprising texture of golden raisins and cashews. At Salt Lake City’s Mumbai House, you can either go all veggies, or include lamb or chicken. 2731 E. Parleys Way, SLC, 801-581-0222, mumbaihousecuisine.com
2. Saffron Valley Indian Restaurants
3. Himalayan Kitchen
Best Calzone
Italian Village
To the non-Italian, a calzone is just a folded and stuffed piece of pizza, a hand-held pie of sorts. To the Italian Village crowd, it’s a bender. Since 1968, this old school diner has been pleasing patrons with affordable fare reminiscent of childhood. There are 21 kinds of pizza (or pick your own toppings) or just the simple pizza bender—stuffed with ham, pepperoni, sausage and cheese (or any three-item combo) for $7.99. It takes up half a dinner plate and ordered with the simple iceberg dinner salad (lettuce, a carrot slice, two tomato slices and thick dressing), you’ll be ready for a nap. 5370 S. 900 East, Millcreek,
801-266-4182, italianvilliageslc.com
2. The Pie Pizzeria
3. Slackwater Pub & Pizzeria
Best Chicken Tikka Masala
Saffron Valley
Regardless of whether you visit any of Saffron Valley’s locations (Sugar House, South Jordan, Riverton and in the SLC Avenues), the chicken tikka masala s always a delicious experience. With a perfectly balanced range of flavor, this tikka masala is a prime example of Indian comfort food, and the consistency of deliciousness no matter where or when you order it speaks to an extreme level of talent. Saffron Valley has long had the market cornered on this dish. Multiple locations, saffronvalley.com
2. Himalayan Kitchen
3. Kathmandu Grill
Best Ravioli
Caffé Molise
Decades of taste-bud damage wrought by mothers serving their families ravioli from a can—and way too many did (or do) —is quickly undone when one delves into a serving of the best ravioli in town at Caffe Molise. The ravioli ai funghi is egg pasta filled with wild mushroom and mozzarella, and it not only resets the taste buds but opens the door to Caffe Molise’s more expansive and delicious pasta offerings. 404 S. West Temple, SLC, 801-364-8833, caffemolise.com
2. Michelangelo’s on Main
3. Valter’s Osteria
Best Gnocchi
Per Noi Trattoria
Fluffy clouds of potato dumplings coated in the sauce of choice is the Per Noi Trattoria’s gnocchi experience. The question is which amazing sauce will you choose? The creamy Gorgonzola is about as decadent as a dish can get—but worth every calorie. But the pesto, Bolognese and tomato basil sauces (or a blending of them) also saturate the fresh housemade gnocchi quite nicely at this family-owned SLC restaurant. 3005 S. Highland Drive, SLC, 801-486-3333, pernoitrattoria.com
2. Caffé Molise
3. Veneto Ristorante Italiano
Best Eggplant Parmesan
Per Noi Trattoria
When a restaurant is praised for a food item from its appetizer menu that every other restaurant serves as a main course, you know two things: 1. that the rest of the menu is awesome and 2. that the appetizer itself—eggplant Parmesan in this case—is even more awesome. Get your eggplant awesome on at Per Noi. 3005 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, 801-486-3333, pernoitrattoria.com
2. Valter’s Osteria
3. Siragusa’s Taste of Italy
Best Carbonara
The Copper Onion
Located next door to the Broadway Centre Cinemas in downtown Salt Lake City, this brasserie-style restaurant is owned by Ryan and Colleen Lowder. Their menu—featuring American fare with an extensive wine list—provides simple descriptions for items that will bowl you over in taste. Take carbonara, simply made with pasta, eggs, hard cheese, cured pork and black pepper. What’s different with the Lowder version? A bit of garlic, and love. The pasta is perfectly cooked al dente, the pancetta is just salty enough and the sauce pulls it all together with enough pepper to please the discerning foodie. 111 E. 300 South, SLC, 801-355-3282, thecopperonion.com
2. Cucina Toscano
3. Michelangelo’s on Main
Best Steakhouse Prime Rib
Maddox
Ranch House
The legendary Maddox Ranch House is Utah’s original steakhouse. Their premium beef is hand-selected by skilled staff and aged in the Maddox meat locker. Prime rib is slow-roasted all day long and served in homemade au jus. Other popular entrees include shrimp steak and bison. Located in Perry (near Brigham City), Maddox’s small-town charm includes its pine-paneled décor and ever-gracious service. Each meal begins with a basket of to-die-for rolls, corn pones and raspberry butter. 1900 S. Highway 89, Perry, 435-723-8545, maddoxfinefood.com
2. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
3. Ruby River Steakhouse
Best Lamb Chops
Manoli’s
Chef Manoli Katsanevas and partner Katrina Cutrubis run with lamb riblets rather than the sometimes unpredictable and cumbersome full-size lamb chops at what is now regarded as one of Salt Lake’s very best restaurants. Wise choice, especially since the caper chimichurri that covers those riblets at this modern Greek eatery is ideally suited to meld with the soft lamb, making each bite a memorable gastronomic pleasure. 402 E. 900 South, Ste. 2, SLC,
801-532-3760, manolison9th.com
2. The Other Place
3. Mint Tapas and Sushi
Best Steakhouse Rib-eye
Timbermine Steakhouse
A rib-eye cut comes from the best center portion of the rib portion of the cow. A great rib-eye has a great deal of marbling (fat in between the muscle fibers) to give it that taste. This family-friendly Ogden gem throws down sizzling hot flesh along with a green salad, fresh French bread and a choice of baked potato, steamed veggies, french fries or baby lima beans. It’s an old school menu that aims to please with not just juicy rib-eyes, but New York cuts, prime rib, filets and combo plates with options like lobster tail, shrimp or crab. 1701 Park Blvd., Ogden, 801-393-2155, Timbermine.com
2. Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops
3. Christopher’s Prime + Sonoma Wine Bar and Grill
Best Empanada
Arempa’s
Every culture has some kind of yummy fried dough with a filling of meat, cheese and/or veg. This Venezuelan restaurant offers gluten-free and vegan options of arepas—corn patties or pockets with divine fillings. You can build your own and have it grilled or fried and then pick from a dozen or more fresh ingredients. For those unfamiliar with the cuisine, an arepa is more like a taco with a thicker, soft shell. They also serve (the best!) empanadas—made from corn flour and fried instead of baked—as well as cachapas and appetizers like fried plantains and yuca. Multiple locations,arempas.com
2. Argentina’s Best Empanadas
3. Papito Moe’s
Best Quesadilla
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill
It’s hard to go wrong with a quesadilla, and Cafe Rio does it so, so right. The Mexican restaurant has been a favorite of Utahns since it opened back in ‘97 in the southern part of the state. Whether you choose the chicken, signature sweet pork or fire-grilled steak, you won’t be disappointed. Multiple locations, caferio.com
2. Taqueria 27
3. Tres Hombres Mexican Grill and Cantina
Best Molcajete
Chile-Tepin
Of all the dishes Chile-Tepin could win a Best of Utah award for (and there are many), one must start with the dish that put this downtown Mexican eatery on the map—its molcajete. Picture melt-in-your-mouth carne asada, pollo asado and perfectly cooked shrimp simmered in zippy tomatillo sauce alongside nopales and slices of queso fresco. It’s plenty for two and even better when washed down with a couple Chile-Tepin margaritas. 307 W. 200 South, SLC, 801-883-9255,
chile-tepin.com
2. Maria’s Mexican Grill
3. Mi Ranchito Grill
Best Tacos al Pastor
Chunga’s
Despite operating out of two of the least business-friendly locations imaginable—on Redwood Road just north of 2100 South and adjacent to Interstate 80 in Poplar Grove—Chunga’s has established a strong reputation as SLC’s premier location for al pastor, a tangy, mouthwatering variety of spit-grilled pork marinated in pineapple and spices. Served with little embellishment on a crisp corn tortilla—with a hearty side of rice and beans that perfectly complements the citrus-forward pork—Chunga’s tacos al pastor let the meat do the talking, and it has plenty to say. Multiple locations, chungasslc.com
2. Santo Taco
3. Real Taqueria
Best Tacos
Fácil Taqueria
Fácil is the go-to for damned good gourmet-style tacos with unique locally sourced combinations. The almond and ancho chile salsa gives the local squash and poblano taco a nice kick, while the local mushroom taco with house queso fresco feels like a cheat meal. They also offer fun plays on Nashville hot chicken or smoked brisket tacos, as well as punched up classics, like their Baja style beer-battered fish tacos with refreshing lime crema. 4429 S. 2950 E., SLC, 801-878-9969, faciltaqueria.com
2. Roctaco
3. Lone Star Taqueria
Best Tamales
La Casa Del Tamal
Comfort food at its finest, with four savory and two dessert fillings to choose from. LCDT’s tamales are made from scratch daily, which is evident with the first bite into the light and airy corn dough. The friendly service at LCDT is also worthy of honorable mention, as they make you feel part of the family even on the busiest of lunch or dinner rushes. 2843 S. 5600 West, Ste. 140, West Valley City, 385-266-8729, lacasadeltamalutah.com
2. Red Iguana
3. Victor’s Restaurant
Best Birria Tacos
La Casa Del Tamal
Any lucky enough to have tasted the authentic eats of La Casa Del Tamal will not be at all surprised to see they snagged Best of Utah Readers’ Pick awards. LCDT’s consommé is the revelation that takes their birria tacos to the next level. Packed with flavor without being overly greasy, we often have to stop ourselves from drinking it straight from the bowl. 2843 S. 5600 West, West Valley City, Ste. 140, 385-266-8729, lacasadeltamalutah.com
2. Los Tapatios Taco Grill
3. Santo Taco
Best Menudo
La Puente Restaurant
Salt Lake
What’s not to love about a spicy tomato and chili pepper stew with tripe (cow stomach) serving as the centerpiece protein? Nothing, we say. Formerly served mostly on weekends as a legendary hangover cure, menudo now appears on daily menus locally and even at the occasional area Mexican food drive-thrus. For the best in town, go to the place that’s been notably serving it the longest—La Puente. Que bueno! 3205 S. State, South Salt Lake, 801-281-3272, facebook.com/lapuenteonstatestreet
2. La Casa Del Tamal
3. Julia’s Mexican Restaurant
Best Burrito
Lone Star Taqueria
The winner of multiple food awards and chalking up a visit from Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Lone Star remains a stopping point for smart taste buds and empty stomachs. Fish tacos put Lone Star on the map (well, that, and their funky exterior), but not far behind have been their popular burritos. Fish, shrimp, steak or pork—you can’t choose wrong here. 2265 E. Fort Union Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, 801-944-2300, lstaq.com
2. Alberto’s
3. Red Iguana
Best Made-in-Utah Food Product
Salsa Queen
While we give an address for Salsa Queen, please note that this is the place where the brand does business. Where it’s sold, well, that’s all over the region. If you’ve ever been to Harmons, Smith’s or Fresh Market, you’ve been to a place that sells Salsa Queen’s wares. Salsa Queen is already offering several flavor options and more will likely arrive as time passes. The business has grown from a farmers’ market staple to near omnipresence around the region. National media attention’s arrived, as well, suggesting that this Utah product will be a known entity throughout regions of America soon enough. 2550 Decker Lake Blvd., Ste. 12, West Valley City, salsaqueen.com
2. Laziz Kitchen
3. Beehive Cheese Co.
Best Mexican Bakery
Rancho Markets
Most grocery store chains have an obligatory bakery, where often, the baked goods were created elsewhere. The beauty of Rancho Markets is that everything is made in-house, and there’s a huge variety of Mexican offerings such as churros, conchas in several colors, polvorones (Spanish shortbread), empanadas and tres leches cakes. If you haven’t ever shopped in a Mexican bakery, the protocol is to grab a sheet pan and tongs and fill up your plate to check out at the bakery. They also make fresh corn and flour tortillas daily, without preservatives. All Rancho Market locations have bakeries. Multiple locations, ranchomarkets.com
2. Yumz Vegan Bakery & Café
3. Panaderia Flores
Best Enchilada
Red Iguana
The most famous restaurant in Utah, the Red Iguana is owned by Lucy Cardenas and her husband, Bill Coker. Lucy’s mom and dad, Maria and Ramon Cardenas, opened it in 1965, and since then, it’s built an international following. What’s the secret? Quality and variety! The menu has seven different enchiladas daily, all made from scratch, some with moles—like carnitas enchiladas smothered in mole Amarillo or mango mole; sour-cream chicken versions with mole verde; weekly specials such as New Mexican-style flat enchiladas; and seafood enchiladas drenched in tomatillo sauce. They use the same family recipes that Maria and Ramon introduced to Utah when the family started with their first (now bygone) restaurant downtown, the Casa Grande. Multiple locations, rediguana.com
2. Blue Iguana
3. Chile-Tepin
Best Gyro
Greek Souvlaki
Since 1972, Greek Souvlaki has been a mainstay among the local Greek drive-thru craze in Utah. Numerous local Greek chains feature the signature staple. But the gyro at Greek Souvlaki is just ... classic. They’ve got the white sauce (yogurt, cucumber and garlic) and red sauce (marinated tomatoes and ground beef) down to a science, perfectly complementing the generous proportions of gyro meat and veggies on pita. Multiple locations, greeksouvlaki.com
2. Yanni’s Greek Express
3. Crown Burgers
Best Shawarma
Mazza Cafe
Years ago, after first trying Mazza’s shawarma, we dreamed about the savory lamb and beef dressed in tahini and turnip pickles for weeks afterwards. It is a sentiment that holds true to this day, and while our layman taste buds can’t quite capture the specific herb, there is something in Mazza’s spice blend that sets it apart. Crafting together so many complementary flavors into a single pita pocket is a true work of art. 1515 S. 1500 East, SLC, 801-484-9259, mazzacafe.com
2. Curry Fried Chicken
3. Beirut Cafe
Best Souvlaki
Greek Souvlaki
Greek Souvlaki, also the Best of Utah 2022 winner for Best Gyro, brings home their second gold as Utah’s Best Souvlaki. Their souvlaki sticks are skewered with either grilled chicken or pork, grilled onions and zucchini with some lemon. Each souvlaki platter is served with crispy fries and pita bread. A pro tip is spreading tzatziki on the pita and folding it over a piece of meat and fries for a delicious bite. Multiple locations, greeksouvlaki.com
2. Crown Burgers
3. Yanni’s Greek Express
Best Falafel
Mazza Cafe
While there are many tempting options on Mazza’s menu, especially on the vegetarian side of things, their falafel is hard to resist. Crisp and brown on the outside, the falafel is tender with herbs, chickpeas and fava on the inside. Order them wrapped in a pita for a filling meal, or on rice or a salad so the fried delights can really take the stage. 1515 S. 1500 East, SLC,
801-484-9259, mazzacafe.com
2. O’Falafel Middle Eastern Cuisine
3. Laziz Kitchen
Best Coleslaw
Feldman’s Deli
There are different philosophies about what makes for a great coleslaw, but Feldman’s offers up a version that feels so distinctive you could know it by sight, let alone by taste. The generous scoop that accompanies their signature sandwiches is a chunky blend of cabbage and carrot with an extra-creamy dressing, and a generous dose of black pepper that gives it a great zing, no matter which of Feldman’s other favorites you’re pairing it with. 2005 E. 2700 South, SLC, 801-906-0369, feldmansdeli.com
2. Pretty Bird Chicken
3. Pat’s Barbecue
Best Cobb Salad
The Dodo Restaurant
This staple of the SLC dining scene—alive and kicking since 1981—brings a classic combination of flavors to life in the Chef’s Cobb salad, with mixed greens tossed with Gorgonzola buttermilk dressing, topped with smoked turkey, smoked ham, bacon, tomatoes, boiled eggs and Gorgonzola crumbles. This simple salad has given the world all kinds of variants—not all of them successful. The Dodo’s straightforward approach is a winner. Always has been, always will be. 1355 E. 2100 South, SLC, 801-486-2473, thedodorestaurant.com
2. Café Trio
3. Gracie’s
Best Poke
HANAya Poke
A close cousin to the better-known sushi and sashimi offerings, Hawaiian poke has been surging in Utah in recent years and for good reason. Flavorful dishes, bowls and “burritos” are filled with layers of fresh flavors, herbs, toppings and sauces that are added to a protein base, usually salmon or tuna. Much of the fun of a poke meal is the mixing and matching of sides and condiments to personalize your dish. 675 E. 2100 South, Ste. B, SLC, 385-528-0592, hanayapokeslc.com
2. Laid Back Poke Shack
3. Koino Poke
Best Shrimp Scampi
Caffé Molise
Operating within what was once the home of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Caffé Molise now serves Italian cuisine upon the premises with a stylish flair for the modern as well as the historic. Whether enjoyed indoors or out on their attractive patio, Molise’s shrimp scampi should be sought out and savored. Large, luscious shrimp encircle a generous portion of thick noodles in a juicy, tomato-based sauce. You will not leave hungry! 404 S. West Temple, SLC,
801-364-8833, caffemolise.com
2. Citris Grill
3. Timbermine Steakhouse
Best Oysters
Current Fish & Oyster
Whether you prefer your oysters straight-up or grilled, Current is the ultimate destination to enjoy them. Sustainably sourced, each order of east and west coast offerings is mindfully shucked to avoid grit and sea-debris, giving us mountain-life folk the best of coastal living—minus the airfare. If raw seafood makes you a bit squeamish, the shishito rogue creamery blue cheese grilled oysters will set a craving that will keep you coming back. 279 E. 300 South, SLC,
801-326-3474, currentfishandoyster.com
2. Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar
3. Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House
Best Fish Platter
El Meño’s
When the Paz family opened El Meño’s in 2005, their 1700 South location was a bit of a jaunt from the downtown dining scene. No longer, since more and more dynamite eateries are expanding farther south—bringing in traffic and new customers to this notable Mexican eatery. Here you’ll find multiple fish platter dishes from whole fish to fillet, from grilled to fried—all in the style. Best bet? The classic Mojarra a la Veracruzana (spicy tilapia). 73 W. 1700 South, SLC,
801-486-0873, elmenosslc.com
2. The Bayou
3. Fish Market Park City
Best Fish and Chips
Summerhays Halibut N Chips
Summerhays’ fish and chips are known for their light, crispy batter with the perfect amount of breading. They’re also famous for being hot and delicious. The steak fries are also crisp, and the coleslaw dressing is the perfect mix of tart and sweet. Other popular choices include shrimp and lobster tacos, clam chowder, hush puppies and piccadilly chips. Murals depicting palm trees and beach settings add a coastal authenticity that complements the seafood fare. 4870 S. Highland Drive, SLC, 801-424-9000, summerhayshalibut.com
2. Codspeed at HallPass
3. Grid City Beer Works
Best Chili
Whiskey Street Cocktails & Dining
This bowl of deliciousness is on the menu year-round for good reason: It slaps! No matter the weather, a hearty bowl of the bourbon black-bean buffalo chili is a great way to add some spice to your life, rejuvenate your soul and just eat right. Pro tip: Chili has been known to be very effective in treating hangovers.
323 S. Main, SLC, 801-433-1371, whiskeystreet.com
2. The Park Café
3. Squatters Pub
Best Vegan Burger
Proper Burger Co.
This winner doesn’t have just one vegan burger on offer, but many. Most of their options can be veganized to a delicious extent with Daiya cheese, aioli and, of course, their crispy fried seeds-n-grains patty. Dedicated options include the Indian-inspired Bollywood burger, the vegan chili cheeseburger and, the newbie on the menu, the Italian-ish da Vinci. 865 S. Main, SLC, 801-906-8604, properburgerslc.com
2. Grid City Beer Works
3. Zest Kitchen & Bar
Best Seafood Cocktail
Tres Hombres Mexican Grill and Cantina
Boasting one of Utah’s more colorful restaurant interiors, Tres Hombres has been dishing Mexican fare for so long now that most people have forgotten who the three hombres (Phil, Dan and Andy) were. We haven’t. And we remember so many of their simple but great items—like margarita and chips. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that City Weekly readers also love one of the very basics: the Tres Hombres seafood cocktail appetizer, a memorable blend of Gulf shrimp, avocado, cilantro and the perfect cocktail sauce. 3298 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, 801-486-0054, treshombrescantina.com
2. Mariscos Ensenada
3. La Cocina de Mama Hila
Best French Onion Soup
Desert Edge Pub & Brewery
Tempus fugit. Time flies, indeed. It’s been a half century since Desert Edge Pub & Brewery opened its doors in Trolley Square, pouring Coors for parched college students. They later added food to the equation—including classics that remain on the menu to this day, such as the French onion soup. It’s perfection in a bowl. While the airy-yet-intimate Desert Edge makes its home in a converted streetcar barn in the American West, take one sip of this soup, and you’ll be instantly transported to the banks of the Seine. As the French say: “Mmmmmm!” 273 Trolley Square, SLC, 801-521-8917, desertedgebrewery.com
2. Stella Grill
3. White Horse Spirits & Kitchen
Best Clam Chowder
Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar
For decades, Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar has been the premier spot for locals to shuck and shoot some oysters. It comes as little surprise that they’re also pretty good at filling a hot, steamy bowl of clam chowder, too. Pro tip? Sprinkle in some pepper and a few dabs of Tabasco sauce, then mix it all together, then slurp it down with some fresh baked bread. Multiple locations, marketstreetgrill.com
2. Freshies Lobster Co.
3. Current Fish & Oyster
Best Pozole
Santo Taco
This flavorful pozole hits your soul. For the uninitiated, pozole (or posole) is a traditional Mexican stew or soup that’s made with hominy, pork and chiles. If you are looking to try a very rich and authentic red pozole, this is the best place. Not that you will have any leftovers, but if you did, they’d be the best! We love that there is an extensive menu and that you can watch your food being made! There’s also an impressive salsa bar where you can dress up your soup. Multiple locations, 801-893-4000, santotacos.com
2. Red Iguana
3. Barrio
Best Vegan Date-Night Dish
Zest’s Spicy Jackfruit Tacos
Spice up your love life with Zest’s habanero-marinated jackfruit tacos made with mushrooms, pineapple, jicama slaw and cilantro. You will not even miss the meat. Zest supports the Downtown Farmers Market and designs its menu around what’s in season. We don’t know how they are able to offer gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free and 85% organic dishes—all without losing any flavor—but they somehow do it. Their Brussels sprouts with that addictive masala almond sauce is a must have! Plus, they create some of the most gorgeous and delicious cocktails in town, including healthier offerings like beet sangria and organic red wine. If that menu doesn’t sufficiently woo your date, then they’re probably not for you. Zest Kitchen & Bar, 275 S. 200 West, SLC, 801-433-0589, zestslc.com
2. Vertical Diner
3. Monkeywrench
Best Specialty/Custom Cakes
City Cakes Bakery & Cafe
Whether you need a cake for a birthday, your wedding day, or for, well, anything, City Cakes can go elegant, playful or classic. Notable cakes have included one blooming with sweet succulents, a tribute to Where the Wild Things Are and even an Arches tribute. These handmade cakes can be made vegan, gluten-free, soy-free or a mix of all three! 1860 S. 300 West, SLC, 801-359-2239; 192 E. 12300 South, Ste. A, Draper, 801-572-5500, citycakescafe.com
2. Fillings & Emulsions
3. Mrs. Backer’s Pastry Shop
Best Decadent Dessert
Gourmandise
Of the countless downtown memories made by residents of and guests to Salt Lake City, a significant number surely included a stop at Gourmandise to sample the mouthwatering, expertly crafted dessert menu. One step through its doors and customers are helplessly lured in by the siren song of the Gourmandise dessert display: flaky pastries; creamy tarts and custards; irresistible cakes. You can’t go wrong—the challenge is stopping yourself from eating them all. Multiple locations, 801-328-3330, gourmandise.com
2. Fillings & Emulsions
3. Twisted Tiramisu
Best Cupcakes
City Cakes Bakery & Café
Just to be clear about this: The category is “Best Cupcakes,” not “Best Vegan Cupcakes.” There is absolutely no asterisk required when it comes to City Cakes’ amazing lineup of vegan and vegan/gluten-free cupcakes, which are so moist and tender, and so packed with flavor, that there’s no need for qualifiers like “ ... considering they’re vegan baked goods.” Try the chocolate, and you’ll never go back. It’s the kind of dessert you save room for. 1860 S. 300 West, SLC, 801-359-2239; 192 E. 12300 South, Ste. A, Draper, 801-572-5500; citycakescafe.com
2. Mrs. Backer’s Pastry Shop
3. Sweet Tooth Fairy
Best Cookies
RubySnap
With 20 cookie varieties baked fresh daily, free samples and a cookie-of-the-month subscription service, RubySnap is pure cookie heaven. Among bestsellers are the “Mia,” a vanilla-bean sugar cookie with buttercream beet frosting, and a traditional chocolate chip cookie from a family recipe. There are also two “monthly special” cookies. RubySnap cookies are even available to buy as dough from the freezer section at Harmons, Whole Foods and Lee’s Marketplace and bake at home. 770 S. 300 West, SLC, 801-834-6111, rubysnap.com
2. Crumbl Cookies
3. Chip Cookies
Best Gelato
Dolcetti Gelato
Every week seems to bring new changes to the 9th & 9th neighborhood (seen the breaching whale yet?!), but at least one thing has stayed the same: The delicious gelato and just-right vibe of Dolcetti. Perfect for older neighbors with a sweet tooth or teenagers on a first date (and serving everyone in between on any given night), the veteran confectioners reliably soar above their competitors with a product and place that nails the sweetness of Salt Lake City. 902 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-485-3254, dolcettigelato.com
2. Sweetaly Gelato
3. Capo Gelateria
Best Macaron
Fillings & Emulsions
Friendly atmosphere at all locations and fun flavor combinations makes Fillings & Emulsions tough to beat. The preserves and gelees hidden in the buttercream filling add a delicious surprise for first-time tasters of these colorful macarons. When stopping in for pastries, we highly recommend grabbing some take-home fare, like a jar of their hot roasted pepper jelly or lemon curd. Multiple locations, fillingsandemulsions.com
2. Gourmandise
3. Les Madeleines
Best Ice Cream
Normal Ice Cream
Soft-serve ice cream tends to play second fiddle to the more posh hand-scooped varieties, so be prepared for something of a paradigm shift at Normal, where bold, deep flavors elevate the ice cream cone to a whole new level. This ain’t your mama’s vanilla-chocolate swirl—this is a “composed” cone, where layer after layer of decadent toppings are added on top of rich, atypical base flavors like brownie batter, Thai tea, horchata, Butterfinger milk, and more, for a taste bud- and eye-popping dessert that borders on a fourth meal. 169 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-244-1991, normal.club
2. Leatherby’s Family Creamery
3. Monkeywrench
Best Locally Made Chocolate Bar
Ritual Chocolate
Chocolate is a luxury and, in its best form, it comes from Ritual Chocolate. Made from organically grown and genetically diverse cacao sourced from farm cooperatives. Ritual brings New World sustainability awareness to Old World chocolate-making. Even unwrapping the magical, origami-like wrapping on a bar is its own little luxury. Factory & Café, 2175 W. 3000 South, Ste. 100, Heber, 435-657-6920; 1105 Iron Horse Drive, Park City, 435-200-8475, ritualchocolate.com
2. The Chocolate Conspiracy
3. Solstice Chocolate
Best Churros
San Diablo Artisan Churros
San Diablo Artisan Churros takes the churro game to a whole new level. In 2016, Scott Porter, an avid traveler to Mexico City, opened shop to bring a new twist on the heavenly cinnamon-stick treat, fresh-filling them with mouthwatering flavors. Along with their brick-and-mortar location, San Diablo offers take-home churro-making kits and catering. Plus, they ship about anywhere in the country. 231 W. 4500 South, Murray, 801-432-0880, sandiablochurros.com
2. Franco’s Churros & Crepes
3. Barrio
Best Cannoli
Sapori Italian Bakery and Cafe
The offerings at Sapori look, smell and taste just like you’d find throughout Palermo or Siracusa. Until husband-and-wife team of Sicilian natives Luca and Azzurra opened shop in 2017, Utah simply never had an Italian eatery and bakery like this one. Ever heard of sfincione, sfogliatella or cartoccio? Right. You’ll find sweet and savory dishes, casserole favorites, pasta, pies and pizza, but be sure to save room for the cannoli. Unbeatable! 325 24th St., Ogden, 385-244-1695, saporibakery.com
2. Carlucci’s Bakery
3. Osteria Amore
Best Éclair
Schmidt’s Pastry Cottage
For decades, Schmidt’s Pastry Cottage has crafted a pleasing array of pastries from cookies and layer cake to brownies and napoleons. Their éclairs deserve special mention, however, as these custard-filled puff pastries pack a pleasing punch in the flavor department. Adorned with a simple flower of frosting on top (or holly berries during the holidays), these little goodies finish particularly well. Multiple locations, schmidtspastry.net
2. Carol’s Pastry Shop
3. Les Madeleines
Best Frozen Yogurt
Ugurt
When your late-night fro-yo craving hits, nothing tops Ugurt near the U of U campus. With a wide selection of Dole Whip flavors and toppings ranging from a DIY cereal bar to fruity boba, candy, stroopwafels, Biscoff cookies, nuts and fresh fruit, there are endless ways to spin your swirl. Dessert trends may come and go, but frozen yogurt at Ugurt is here to stay (and is the perfect encore after a slice at the legendary Pie Pizzeria). 1330 E. 200 South, SLC, 385-232-3752, frozenugurt.square.site
2. North Ogden Yogurt Co.
3. Top It Frozen Yogurt Plus
Best Cheesecake
The Dodo Restaurant
Desserts at the Dodo are the stuff of legend, and their cheesecake is no exception. For years, we’ve come to adore these enormous slabs of traditional cheesecake, whose flavors are known to embrace everything from peanut butter to banana cream. The Dodo has long been Utah’s answer to The Cheesecake Factory, so anytime you’re craving a dairy-centric dessert without having to sift through a menu full of advertisements, take a trip to the Dodo. 1355 E. 2100 South, SLC, 801-486-2473, thedodorestaurant.com
2. Gourmandise
3. Momo’s Gourmet Cheesecake
Best Bread Pudding
The Grand America Hotel
The Grand America’s classic feel and relaxed elegance provides the proper vibe for a post-anything celebration. No meal at the hotel’s Laurel Brasserie & Bar (or Little America Coffee Shop across the street) is complete, though, without at least a split portion of Grand America’s flagship dessert, the bread pudding, made with croissants and topped with rum sauce. It’s more than plenty for a single diner and plenty enough for a pair. Count calories another time. 555 S. Main, SLC; 801-258-6000, grandamerica.com
2. Les Madeleines
3. The Bayou
Best Breakfasts to Go
Apollo Burger
Apollo covers all the fast-food bases with their well-known array of burgers, sandwiches and salads, plus seasonal specialties like chile verde offered during the cooler months of the year. For on-the-go workers, the Apollo breakfasts are a welcome start to the day with wallet-friendly choices ranging from bowls to burritos and plates to platters, even steak and French toast. Hardly fast-food fare, but yes, it is. Your McMuffin-scarfing co-workers will wonder where all those authentic breakfast aromas are coming from. Multiple locations, apolloburgers.com
Best Fried Cauliflower Dish
HSL
While battered, fried and sauced-up cauliflower indeed first got popular in the vegan culinary world as an alternative to fried chicken dishes, it’s since been embraced by omnivore chefs. Many places now offer their takes, but HSL has the best one in the city—prepared General Tso’s style, complete with sriracha vinaigrette and tangy pickled fresnos, it’s a stunner. 418 E. 200 South, SLC, 801-539-9999,
hslrestaurant.com
Best Hot Dog
J.Dawgs
With a simple menu of Polish and beef “dawgs” and their accompanying condiments, J.Dawgs has carved its own special niche into the gastronomic field. Serving in-person diners as well as providing DIY kits for home consumption, they have quietly crafted a Utah original. Even those who may not consider themselves hot-dog hounds may just pine for their provender once they learn the dawgs are made with all-natural meat, the buns are baked fresh daily and the special sauce is a family recipe. Multiple locations,
jdawgs.com
Best Buttered Buns
Rich’s Burgers-N-Grub
What makes a burger stand out from the rest? 100% angus beef? Crave-worthy combinations of toppings? Sides, like huge baskets of steak fries, sweet potato waffle fries and golden onion rings? We’re making an argument for the bun. Buttery and golden, toasty on one side and pillowy soft on the other—trust when we say that once you bite into a bun at Rich’s, no other burger can compare. 30 E. 300 South, SLC, 801-355-0667, richsburgersngrub.com
Best Taco Inspirations
Taqueria 27
Taqueria 27 isn’t your “authentic” Mexican restaurant, nor is it trying to be. T27 is globally inspired with specials that change daily, making each visit as unique as their menu. The mainstay on the taco board are the duck confit tacos, which are prepped with chipotle seasoned duck, roasted corn, squash and peppers. Multiple locations, taqueria27.com
Best Brownies
Brownies! Brownies! Brownies!
Brownies! Brownies! Brownies! (or BrowniesX3) offers a rotating selection of brownies and blondies in flavors such as cookies and cream, salted caramel, peppermint, churro and Butterbeer. Made with high-quality European chocolate, farm-fresh eggs and real butter, they’re enhanced with toppings such as luscious caramel or chocolaty ganache, nuts, candies and sprinkles. There are also plain jane brownies without toppings. Corner and edge pieces, ice cream, hot chocolate and gluten-free options are also available. 1751 S. 1100 East, SLC, 801-738-5997, browniesx3.com
Best Tres Leches
Buono Bakery
This Sandy bakery occupies an unassuming spot in the Union Square shopping center, but Buono Bakery packs a considerable punch. Perhaps best known for cake decoration and catering events, Buono Bakery also happens to make a tres leches cake that will keep you coming back for more. Its cool, creamy texture just melts in your mouth. 662 E. Union Square, Sandy, 801-835-4023, @buonobakeryutah
Best Tiramisu
Conte de Fee
Like everything this Midvale bakery creates, the tiramisu is a fluffy-textured dream. All the familiar notes are there—espresso flavors meld with layers of sweet cream and cocoa powder—but you’d be hard-pressed to find something as luxurious to eat anywhere else. After a few bites, you’ll think you were snacking in a secluded café overlooking the Arno River. 7695 S. 700 East, Midvale, 801-987-8112, contedefeebakery.com
Best Kouign Amann
Les Madeleines
Pastry Chef Romina Rasmussen is often credited with bringing the Breton duchess of dessert known as the kouign amann to Utah. Since its arrival, you can find it pretty much everywhere—not saying that’s a bad thing—but Rasmussen’s team at Les Madeleines remain the undisputed rulers of the kouign amann court. It’s an absolute pleasure to eat—all that buttery, crispy outside texture giving way to the soft, flaky interior. If you’ve never treated yourself to a kouign amann, Les Madeleines is the place to get started. 216 E. 500 South, SLC,
801-673-8340, lesmadeleines.com
Best Vegan Confections
Sweet Hazel & Co.
At local candyland Sweet Hazel & Co., miracles come true for vegans and even gluten-free folks missing their favorite sweet treats. Sweet Hazel veganizes peanut butter cups, “snix” (which can be bought in packs), Crunchies (a riff on Twix) and basics like vegan caramel and edible cookie dough. While most cookie dough shouldn’t be eaten raw, that’s not the case at Sweet Hazel! How sweet it is. 282 W. 7200 South, Midvale, 801-889-1466, sweethazelandco.com
Best Boozy Desserts
Sweet Vinyl Bakeshop
Over the last few years, Melissa Diaz’s Sweet Vinyl Bakeshop has been infusing local craft beer into her gourmet cupcakes. What was a simple delight for her and her friends has quickly exploded into brisk business with most craft breweries, cideries and distilleries offering Diaz’s cupcakes for sale. Look for flavors like lime margarita, monkeys dunkel and even “spent grain” dog treats made with your favorite spent beer grains! @sweetvinylbakesop
Best ‘80s Throwback
Snowmobile Pizza
Pizza has never really lost its cool, but pizza parlors have needed some reinvention as of late. Enter Snowmobile Pizza, a pop culture-savvy slice of 1980s nostalgia with gourmet pizza to boot. Whether you’re popping in for some pizza by the slice or hosting a gathering with one of their 18-inch pies, this Central Ninth pizzeria is a totally rad mix of style and substance. 877 S. 200 West, C-103, SLC,
801-317-8877, snowmobilepizza.com
Best Tandoori Grill
Gurkhas
Though Gurkhas specializes in all things Indian and Nepali, its tandoori grill section is where the restaurant really shines. The mixed grill special arrives with a delectable sizzling fanfare that makes everyone stop what they are doing to watch as it hisses its way to the table. Its bright red hues come from the yogurt marinade and assortment of spices that douses each item, and it’s the best way to dive headfirst into the wonders of tandoori grilling. 3025 E. 3300 South, SLC, 801-755-3499, gurkhas.net
Best Grilled Meal
Catrachos’ Parrillada de Mariscos Y Mas
You’ll find most everything you’re craving in this mouthwatering grill: shrimp, prawns, crab legs, beef, chorizo, chicken, shrimp, onions, jalapenos, fried beans, rice, quesadilla, plantain slices and cheese. It feeds 4 or 6 people. Even after feasting on multiple platters of food, you’ll still be taking boxes of it home. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, check out the best (and most affordable) of Honduran and San Salvadorean fare at this friendly cafe. 3584 S. Redwood Road, West Valley City, 801-906-0911, catrachosrestaurantutah.com
Best Ant-idote to Dull Dining
Cucina Wine Bar
Chef Joey Ferran has a knack for creating dishes that surprise and delight, so while you’re savoring his delicious fare, you may not notice the fire ant on your amuse bouche or the crostini on your salad that’s made from ground crickets (Don’t worry, they’ll let you know first!). But why not? Bugs provide a great source of protein, so eat up! 1026 E. Second Ave., SLC, 801-322-3055, cucinawinebar.com
Best Steak Chain That Locals Love
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Vegetarians better skip to the next paragraph, because this pick is for the carnivores out there. Ruth’s Chris delivers sizzling steaks fresh out the broiler at 500 degrees. Each cut is USDA Prime-certified and served to perfection with butter and spices. They’re most known for the Cowboy Ribeye, a bone-in 22-ounce monster—it’s perfect for a couple to share. Ruth’s Chris is a la carte, so make sure you save room for delicious appetizers such as the sweet potato casserole. Multiple locations, ruthschris.com
Best Peacekeeper
Spitz Mediterranean Street Food
For too long—it’s been mitigating lately—those who eat meat and those who choose a vegan life were not only at odds with each other, but often avoided any eatery occupied by the other. At Spitz, you get the best of all worlds from keto to gluten free to vegan. You may think meat is first at Spitz, but for the sake of world peace, don’t shy from the vegan menu. Multiple locations, spitz-restaurant.com
Best Restaurant Mantra
Lucky Slice’s ‘Pizza ‘til Death’
Lucky Slice is to Ogden as The Pie is to Salt Lake—both got their starts as holes-in-the-wall serving by the slice that since have grown into community staples. They keep things simple on the menu, offering classic New York style-pizza by the slice, but mix things up with appetizers as well as seasonal and specialty pies, too. Lucky Slice now has four locations in northern Utah, plus a roaming food truck that makes its way down south from time to time. They believe pizza is their life calling: Pizza ‘til death! Multiple locations,
TheLuckySlice.com
Best Bacon Sammies
Ogden River Brewing
If everything tastes better with bacon, then double the bacon, and the meal is twice as tasty, right? Sure, you can dabble with bacon-infused Jack Mormon funeral potatoes, add bacon to your cheeseburger or savor the Don’t Go Bacon My Heart burger. But for the big wheel, opt for ORB’s BLTXXL—with eight slices of bacon. Eight!! 358 Park Blvd., Ogden,
801-884-6939, odgenriverbrewing.com
Best Seafood Gumbo
Neutral Ground Lounge
Flavor for days is the first thought that comes to mind when recalling my first bite of Neutral Ground Lounge’s seafood gumbo. Considering it takes days to make, the sentiment feels appropriate. Packed with just the right amount of creole spice this seafood gumbo gets into the depths of your soul the way only NOLA food can. The lovely staff and posh décor are well suited accompaniments to the high level of the cuisine. 2110 W. North Temple, SLC,
801-953-0443, nglounge.com
Best Ramen
Tonkotsu Ramen Bar
Ramen is not the first dish that comes to mind when you think of excess. That’s why the WTF Ramen at Tonkotsu is so special. It’s a Japanese take on a Hawaiian noodle soup called saimin, and it’s loaded with a trinity of Spam, sausage and bacon that gets topped with a fried egg. All of it’s swimming in Tonkotsu’s signature pork broth, so you really get a full spectrum of porcine flavor. This is party ramen at its finest. 1898 W. 3500 South, Ste. 10, SLC, 385-202-5241, tonkotsuramenbar.com
Editor's Note: Over 160,000 votes were cast in the 2022 City Weekly Best of Utah poll. The ballot software used was from Revfluent, Inc. which provided City Weekly a list of "estimated winners." That list was tallied and vetted by City Weekly editorial staffers per our historic rules and published guidelines that are intended to monitor ballot malfeasance. The official City Weekly Best of Utah 2022 results were printed in Salt Lake City Weekly on Nov. 17, 2022 and are republished here online.
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