From the elegance of Utah’s premier gourmet buffet to the historic home of Brigham Young, Temple Square is home to four award-winning restaurants, suited to fit any mood or occasion. The dining experience at Temple Square dates back to 1914 and the hospitality tradition of the prestigious Hotel Utah. With very distinct options, we’ve gathered all you need to know about dining at Temple Square.
Now through October 5th, show us a favorite moment from your trip to historic Temple Square for a chance to win a complimentary 3-night stay in a Temple Square partner hotel plus $100 for dinner at the Roof Restaurant and more.
Nauvoo Café ($)
The Nauvoo Café is the perfect laid-back spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Located in the lobby of the historic Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the Café is known for its hot-carved sandwiches made with juicy freshly-cooked meat every day. You’ll also find a great selection of salads, soups, desserts and the famous homemade turkey pot pies during lunch and dinner hours. Hot breakfast is served Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. featuring scrumptious omelets and omelet sandwiches, French toast and the best quiche in town.
Lion House Pantry ($$)
Step right into the 19th century by having lunch or dinner in the home of Brigham Young. The house was built in 1856, less than a decade after the Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley! History apart, you will fall in love with Pantry because of the homestyle cooking and traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations. The menu changes daily; all entrées come with your choice of two sides and the world-famous Lion House roll, baked fresh every day. One of the most beloved dishes is the Roast Beef - the same recipe has been used for over 45 years. Plus, everything in the Pantry is made from scratch. For instance, to make the best and freshest mashed potatoes the cooks peel over 31,000 pounds of potatoes every year! Make sure you also try the traditional Sting of the Bee, a German cake filled with pastry cream and raspberry preserves with a honey-almond topping.
The Garden Restaurant ($$$)
If you’re looking for a place to dine with the best views of downtown Salt Lake City and Temple Square, this is the place. The Garden Restaurant is located on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in the southwest side. Enjoy the exquisite new American cuisine in a patio-like atmosphere, with a retractable roof that resembles the original open-air restaurant of the 1900s. The menu is curated to offer the best of fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and traditional entrées with a twist. The fried pickles appetizer is a local favorite, made with a special batter made from scratch daily. We also highly recommend saving some room for dessert for the Salted Caramel Chocolate cake made in their in-house bakery. Walk-ins are welcome but you can also reserve your table online.
The Roof Restaurant ($$$$)
Ranked as one of the most romantic restaurants in the United States and with the best scenic views, The Roof Restaurant is your choice for fine dining in Salt Lake City. The breathtaking views of Temple Square and Capitol Hill as you walk paired with the live piano music are just the beginning of a memorable dining experience. The gourmet buffet is a fusion of international and traditional cuisines, orchestrated by Chef Pedro Mauricio. To him, “the kitchen is an art. Like a photograph, you see something in your mind, and you create your vision. Each day is a new day, and a new chance to be outstanding. I believe in giving 100% to everything I do, in and out of the kitchen.” The acclaimed desserts are everyone’s favorite part of the buffet – especially the crème brulée. Ready to dine at its highest level? Reserve your table today.
Temple Square offers a variety of dining options for locals and visitors in the heart of Salt Lake City. Next time you’re in downtown, try dining at Temple Square! Choose one or all, you are in for a treat.