The speed at which new restaurants and breweries are popping up in Salt Lake is enough to make your head spin and your mouth water. New favorites compete with Salt Lake classics to make the selection of dining options in Salt Lake City broader than ever. To help you find the best eats, we’ve scoured Yelp to determine which establishments come out on top.
Takashi
From the atmosphere to the edamame, Takashi is one of Salt Lake’s finest eating establishments. Don’t let Utah’s landlocked status deter you, the fish here is fresh and the servers are always happy to make expert recommendations from the sushi menu. Arrive early to secure a table!
Lucky 13
If a burger is what you crave, Lucky 13, the local biker bar located next to the ballpark, has some of the best burgers in town. An expansive beer list and delicious cocktails compliment their perfectly seasoned burgers. The fried pickles are a favorite and for a true taste of Utah, order some classic or Cajun fries with fry sauce. The wait can be long here on weekends, but the service and food is generally quite speedy.
HSL
For a swanky night on the town, make moves to eat at HSL. Featuring an always evolving menu, highlighting seasonal flavors, HSL offers contemporary American cuisine, paired with an eclectic wine list and delicious cocktails. The restaurant makes every effort to include locally sourced and organic ingredients in mouthwatering (and often unlikely) combinations.
Harbor Seafood & Steak Company
For a special occasion or for the seafood lover, this unsuspecting restaurant provides classy service, the freshest fish, and a romantic atmosphere. In the summer months, a quaint patio lures diners outdoors with an intimate setting. The delicate crab cakes should not be missed! Knowledgeable servers can offer expert wine pairings or cocktail recommendations.
Read Sandra L.'s review of Harbor Seafood & Steak Company on Yelp
Curry Fried Chicken
With a quaint red awning and a tiny patio, Curry Fried Chicken on State Street may go unnoticed by the cars whizzing past. Step inside amid the jangling of door bells and inhale the exotic aromas of Curry Fried Chicken. The atmosphere and staff are equally welcoming and it’s fun to explore the menu here. An awesome option for a quick meal or easy takeout, the curry fried chicken plate (complete with a crisp salad, lentils, and savory potatoes) is a favorite among locals. From the tantalizing and crispy fried chicken to the incredible shawarma wraps, this is a diner that shouldn’t be skipped.
Read Stef A.'s review of Curry Fried Chicken on Yelp
Roots Cafe
For brunch or breakfast, Roots, in East Millcreek, is powered by locally sourced ingredients and passionate foodies. On the menu: delicious smoothies, comfort food, healthy options, or hearty classics. We recommend trying one of their fresh pressed juices!
Read Taylor D.'s review of Roots Café on Yelp
T.F. Brewing
You would be amiss if you paid a visit to Salt Lake City and failed to visit one of the many new breweries popping up around town. Many of them partner up with local food trucks and bar goers can sample a different cuisine each night of the week while they enjoy their food truck food and a beverage at the bar or outside on a patio. Templin Family Brewing has an eclectic yet delicious number of brews on tap and an excellent atmosphere to chill, talk, or meet people.
Read Leonard A.'s review of T. F. Brewing on Yelp
Mazza Cafe
For Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s difficult to beat perennial favorite, Mazza. With three locations across the valley, this locally owned institution has been serving up authentic dishes like falafel, shwarma, and kababs since 2000. Peep the libations menu for one of the largest selections of Middle Eastern beer and wine in America! We highly recommend the sampler platter to savor as many flavors as you can.
Saola
With a convenient location in Cottonwood Heights at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon, this is the perfect spot to stop for an apres ski meal. Specialty phở, craft cocktails, a mouthwatering collection of banh mi sandwiches, and a sushi bar all await those with a passion for exotic flavors. This newly opened restaurant originally functioned as a delivery service, but the popularity of the food has inspired the new dining area, open seven days a week.
Chile-Tepin
While it’s hard to bypass the consistent top 10 placeholder Red Iguana, Chile-Tepin, located downtown, is a great place to stop for authentic Mexican flavors. Inspired by family recipes handed down over generations, the moles and molcajete at Chile-Tepin are savory and delicious. Sample modern, Mexican cocktails or creative margarita combinations with your fare.
Read Chris P.'s review of Chile-Tepin on Yelp