10 Restaurants in Salt Lake City You Shouldn’t Skip!

Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains on the edge of Utah’s famous Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is a unique and charming city that deserves more attention than it gets. It’s the largest and most populous city in Utah, and is notably more progressive than the conservative-leaning state, with a large LGBT community and a prominent Pride celebration every year. 

With important cultural sites like significant pilgrimage destinations within the Latter Day Saints (LDS) community, a natural history museum with over 5k artifacts, and the two-story shopping and dining destination that is City Creek Center, there’s plenty to do and see in SLC! 

And the food scene is no different -- underrated and totally amazing!

Today we’re going to take you through some of the best restaurants in Salt Lake City, including:

• Classic American cuisine for when you just need a burger
• Breakfast and brunch joints where you can start your day off right
• Even a food court that’s slinging some of the best bites in SLC

So let’s get to it!

PS -- Here at GiftYa, we’re proud to partner with restaurants and attractions in Salt Lake City and all over the country. We’ll let you know if you can share the love for any of the restaurants on this list by texting or emailing a convenient GiftYa digital gift card to your favorite Salt Lake native or visitor… or, you can learn more about GiftYa Select, which lets your recipient choose their brand from the beginning! As always, Giftya digital gift cards can be redeemed a variety of ways for maximum convenience, like using it like any other e-gift code, connecting it to a credit card you carry anyway so you never forget to use it, swapping it for another merchant, trading in for a physical Visa gift card, cashing out with Zelle, and more! 

But now, on to the main course… the top restaurants in SLC.

1 - The Copper Onion

The Best Place In Salt Lake to Grab A Bite When You Are In the Mood for Classic American Cuisine

111 E Broadway | Downtown | thecopperonion.com

The Copper Onion is far and away one of the most popular restaurants in Salt Lake City with thousands of customer reviews and a 4.3 rating it’s easy to see how it's become a favorite for locals and travelers alike. Since its inception in 2010 the Copper Onion has strived to deliver a warm and approachable dining experience for everybody. You can check out their menu to see all the classic American style dinners they are serving up 7 nights a week. And also be sure to take a look at their wine and cocktail menus!

“I came here about 3 years ago and I've been dreaming about this place since. Finally got to go back and it was still just as amazing. The bone marrow is so delicious. Could be a meal

On it's open but I couldn't stop eating.” - Yelp Review 

2 - Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade

A Great Place in Salt Lake City to Grab Breakfast or Lunch

54 W 1700 S | Ballpark | sweetlakefresh.com

So Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade actually has a pretty incredible story on how it started. The owner Hasen Cone started their journey by hand-squeezing fresh mint limeade down at the farmers market way back in 2006. And it quickly proved to be a massive hit with the local customers. 

Crowds gathered to watch him squeeze fresh limes, and use organic cane sugar and fresh mint leaves to shake up one of the most refreshing summer beverages around. After years of popularly shaking, Hasen and his wife Teri have taken their approach to fun, artisan food to the next level by opening the most unique brunch spot in town.

“Sweet Lake offers a solid menu with a fun twist! Am I still dreaming about the last biscuit I had there? Yes. Do I want to swim in their home made jam? Also, yes. Sweet Lake is a cute and quaint little spot providing excellent food options!” - Yelp Review 

3 - Red Iguana

Serving Authentic Mexican Recipes from the Family Cookbook Since 1985

736 W N Temple | Fairpark | rediguana.com/locations/red-iguana

There are a few Red Iguana locations around SLC, but this one is affectionately called “the OG” because it’s the original, where it all began. For over 30 years, the family-owned restaurant has been sharing what are now award-winning recipes from their own Cardenas family cookbook. The result?

According to the owners… “over 7 complex and rich mole sauces, jalapeño, cucumber and mango margaritas and Killer salsa. Yep.”

“Ok, I've been several times and never reviewed. Trying to gate keep it a bit cause it's always so busy. But so worth the wait and I'm not one to wait for a table, not my jam.. since I went last a week or so ago craving spicy Mexican I can't stop thinking about it.” - Yelp Review 

4 - White Horse

Trendy Cocktail Bar Serving American Fare That Makes a Great Breakfast or Brunch Destination

325 S Main St | Downtown | whitehorseslc.com

Voted the Best Place to Eat in Salt Lake City according to Yelp’s Elite top reviewers,  White Horse is a can’t miss spot if you’ll be grabbing breakfast during your stay. 

The name of the White Horse comes from a prophecy proclaimed in 1843 by LDS founder Joseph Smith, Jr: that the Saints would go ‘to The Rocky Mountains, where they would become a great and mighty people,’ which he figuratively identified with the white horse in the Bible’s Book of Revelation. You can get into more of the religious significance of the name and the speculation surrounding the prophecy, but we’ll just focus on the food.

Be sure to try fan favorite options like the bison short ribs, steak sandwich, duck breast, or truffle grilled cheese. 

“Wow! What an incredible experience our work team had at White Horse. Some of the freshest cocktails and entrees I've had in a while. Gorgeous environment. Perfect location to grab a drink and some apps after working downtown. The homemade chips with egg yolk was surprising delicious. The top item for the whole table had to be the Brussel Sprouts (I'd never thought those words would come out of my mouth). They are known for their seasonal French Onion Soup. Highly recommend the Clams and Spaghetti as well. Moscow Mule was one of the tastiest I've found in the SLC area.” - Yelp Review 

5 - Slackwater 

Trendy Locally Owned Pizza Spot That’s Got Kid, Gluten-Free, and Vegan-Friendly Options

684 S 500 W | Peoples Freeway | slackwaterpizzeria.com

Does your beer vocabulary need a little brushing up? Then you’re in the right place with this one.

Slackwater Pizza has been bringing artisan pizza and craft beer to the SLC food scene since 2011 -- yes, right out of the peak tumblr twee era, just in case you were doubting their hipster credibility.

Not sure what to order? No doubt, with so many delicious options on the menu. Locals recommend the California Sunrise, Italian Job, or Tikka Masala pizza. 

“The food is delicious, every time, which is why Slackwater is one of our main go-to restaurants.

I love their monthly specials, especially the creative twists on things! Even though they're always busy, we've never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table, and you never feel like you're packed in there, nor like you're being rushed.

We love this place!” - Yelp Review 

6 - Franklin Ave. Cocktails & Kitchen

Locally Owned and Operated Cocktail Bar That’s Open Late Night

231 S Edison St | Downtown | franklinaveslc.com

Grown ups only! This place is 21+, so leave the little ones at home.

However if you do have a valid ID, you’ll be treated to some of the best food that Salt Lake City has to offer. Mushroom beignets, wagyu steak sandwiches, cauliflower steak, steak tartare… there’s something for everyone. 

“Food, service, & vibes were all 10/10! All our drinks were delish (2 little green bags, a paper plane, and a raspberry margarita), the Brussels hit the spot, and our entrees were delightful! I had the steak wagyu and it was 10/10. Cooked to perfection and so tender. The potatoes were great too, but the broccolini didn't add much. Overall, we will for sure visit here again next time we're in SLC! I will add that kids aren't allowed and they check ID's at the door. Something worth noting if you aren't aware how the Utah laws work!” - Yelp Review 

7 - HallPass

Casual Food Hall Downtown with Something for Everyone

153 S Rio Grande St | Downtown | hallpassslc.com

This is the ultimate breakfast, lunch, or dinner option for a group. Allow me to explain: the casual spot has spacious seating and several food counters to choose from, ranging from authentic Greek food to Nashville-style chicken and waffles to healthy food designed to appease the twelve archetypes… and everyone can order what they want and meet back at the table to hang out, watch the game, or enjoy some entertainment. 

“I like this food court! It is located in an upscale mall near downtown SLC. Its close to all the hotels and a great megaplex theater.Hall pass curates a selection of counter service restaurants that will cover all your dining choices.This is a great place to stop in for a bite before a movie at the megaplex. Highly recommend.” - Yelp Review 

8 - Lake Effect

Craft Cocktails & Latin American Cuisine

155 W 200 S | Salt Lake City | lakeeffectslc.com

Looking for something a little bit swankier? Lake Effect might be the answer. With live music daily and an upscale fine dining menu, a trip to Lake Effect is the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable night.

The 21+ only venue is known for their unforgettable aesthetic, creative craft cocktails, and tasty menu options like fish tacos and wagyu skewers. 

“This place is a gem for anyone who loves live music with their meal! The music really enhances the whole dining experience, with jazz downstairs and EDM upstairs during the week across three levels - so cool! The food and cocktails are great, and the rustic interior adds a nice touch. Just a heads up, there's an additional service fee for the live music,. Parking can be tricky, so plan ahead. Friendly staff make the experience even better. Highly recommend for a fun night out!” - Yelp Review 

9 - Carson Kitchen

Downtown Urban Dining That’s Still Somehow Cozy

241 W 200th S | Downtown | carsonkitchen.com

Carson Kitchen is reimagining comfort food, and all of your old favorites have gotten a major glow up! The concept originated in Las Vegas in 2014, and since then chef and restaurateur Corey Harwell and dear friend, the late Chef Kerry Simon have brought their vision of approachable fine dining to Salt Lake City, too.

Enjoy fancied up versions of deviled eggs (with crispy pancetta and caviar), trout (served with yellow curry, ginger rice, and basil), cesar salad (brussels sprouts, parmesan, lardon, and bacon fat croutons) -- and so much more.

“Excellent tapas place in DT SLC. Very savory dishes.Must try the killer shrimp, potbelly, pepperoni flatbread and baked mac and cheese. All excellent. Service was fast and friendly. GM came out to greet us as well.Very impressed and will definitely pass by next time I'm there.” - Yelp Review 

10 - Salt & Olive

Elevated Italian Dining in Salt Lake’s City Center

270 S 300th E | Central City | saltandoliveutah.com

With classy Italian food on the menu, Salt & Olive is a great place to go with a date, for a special occasion, with your friends, or just because! Enjoy delicious truffle pizza, scrumptious steak salad, fresh tortiglioni verde, and more on the menu. 

“Thanks Tik Toc for helping me find this little gem! Chef Neza has introduced me to his take on Italian cuisine! Old school windows, exposed brick, arched ceilings, and black steel decor along with the subway tile come together perfectly! The food, drinks, and service is amazing!! Definitely should be on everyone's must try list.” - Yelp Review 

And There You Have A List of Great Restaurants to Try Next time You Are in Salt Lake City.

We hope you found the perfect spot on our list today, but if you’re still looking for a place that speaks to you, check out the full GiftYa catalog for more dining inspiration. Bon appetit!