10 Best Casual Restaurants in Salt Lake City
The top 10 best casual restaurants in Salt Lake City are The Copper Onion, From Scratch, White Horse, Blind Rabbit Kitchen, Franklin Ave. Cocktails & Kitchen, Spitz Mediterranean Street Food, Bricks Corner, The Bayou, Salt & Olive, and SLC Eatery. Casual dining in Utah’s capital presents popular plates such as Wagyu Beef Stroganoff, Detroit-Style Pizza, and Street Cart Döner. Restaurants here are known for sourcing high-quality ingredients directly from nearby Mountain West farms and ranches.
Casual dining spots in Salt Lake City sit inside downtown storefronts, within restored buildings, and on neighborhood corners. The kinds of casual dining restaurants featured here consist of New American bistros, lively gastropubs, global street food eateries, and dedicated pizzerias. A meal at a casual restaurant in Salt Lake City averages $35 per person.
The number 1 casual restaurant in Salt Lake City is The Copper Onion, which is famous for its central downtown location, a consistent farm-to-table menu, and an engaging open kitchen design. Spitz Mediterranean Street Food delivers a quick and affordable meal with a focus on customizable wraps and bowls. SLC Eatery creates an upscale evening experience with a roaming dim sum-style cart offering creative small bites. For those with diet restrictions, From Scratch offers gluten-free pizza crusts for sensitive diners, and Spitz Mediterranean Street Food prepares plant-based bowls for vegan guests.
The top casual restaurants in Salt Lake City are listed below.
10 Best Casual Restaurants in Salt Lake City are listed below.
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1
From ScratchFast Casual Pizza American Italian Takeout Pickup American (New) PizzeriaFrom Scratch is a locally-owned, independent restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City that prepares all of its food in-house. The menu includes pizzas, pastas, salads, and a signature hamburger, with many items cooked in a wood-fired oven. The restaurant mills its own flour with a hand-made Austrian flour mill.- Item Prices 297
- Average Item Price $12.09
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining, American
Type of Food:American, Italian
Signature Dishes:Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Grilled Salmon
Margherita Pizza
Location:62 E Gallivan Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States
Special Feature:An in-house Austrian flour mill is used for milling flour, and a wood-fired oven is used for cooking many of the dishes.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant makes all of its food items from scratch, including bread, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, butter, and apple jam.
What Sets It Apart:From Scratch's dedication to making every component of its dishes in-house, from milling flour to curing pastrami, distinguishes it from other restaurants.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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2
White HorseWhite Horse is a modern American brasserie and bar located on Salt Lake City's Main Street. The establishment offers a menu of small plates, sandwiches, and entrees, with a raw bar that features a rotating selection of fresh oysters.- Item Prices 7
- Average Item Price $22.03
Type of Restaurant:Bar, Brasserie
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:Bison Short Ribs
Steak Sandwich
Duck Breast
Location:325 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Special Feature:A raw bar with oysters shipped directly from farms ensures tide-to-table freshness.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant provides a lively, brasserie-style atmosphere combined with a creative, upscale menu.
What Sets It Apart:White Horse is part of the Bourbon Group, a respected local restaurant collective, and is known for its high-quality food and cocktails in a central downtown location.
Operating Hours:Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Price:$30 to $40 per person
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3
The BayouThe Bayou is a bar and restaurant that brings Cajun and Creole cuisine to Salt Lake City. Established in 2002, it is known for its extensive beer list, featuring over 400 options, and a menu of classic Louisiana dishes. This establishment is for adults 21 and over.- Item Prices 113
- Average Item Price $12.33
Type of Restaurant:Bar, Cajun/Creole
Type of Food:Cajun, Creole
Signature Dishes:Gumbo
Bayou Burger
Po Boy Sandwich
Location:645 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Special Feature:The restaurant offers one of the largest beer selections in Utah and has its own app for navigating the extensive, real-time beer menu.
What Makes It Special:The Bayou provides an authentic taste of New Orleans in a lively setting, complete with live jazz music on weekends.
What Sets It Apart:Its dual identity as a premier craft beer bar and a dedicated Cajun-Creole kitchen makes it a unique destination in Utah.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PMSunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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4
The Copper OnionOpened in 2010, The Copper Onion is a brasserie-style restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City serving American fare. The restaurant is committed to sourcing ingredients locally and sustainably, with each dish made in-house daily.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining, Brasserie
Type of Food:New American
Signature Dishes:Wagyu Beef Stroganoff
Ricotta Dumplings
Cacio E Pepe
Location:111 E Broadway #170, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Special Feature:The restaurant features an open kitchen with bar seating, allowing guests to watch the chefs at work.
What Makes It Special:The Copper Onion offers a refined yet approachable dining experience, with a menu that balances classic comfort foods with inventive, chef-driven dishes.
What Sets It Apart:Founded by a Utah native and former New York City chef, The Copper Onion brings a metropolitan dining sensibility to Salt Lake City, combining it with a focus on local ingredients.
Operating Hours:Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PMSaturday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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5
Blind Rabbit KitchenThe Blind Rabbit Kitchen is a speakeasy-style eatery located in Park City, offering a menu of American comfort food with a refined twist. The restaurant is known for its burgers, sandwiches, and unique appetizers in an intimate setting.Type of Restaurant:Gastropub, Speakeasy
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:Wasatch Prime Rib Dip
Chef's Favorite Ribeye Melt
Fetuccine Alfredo
Location:1080 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Special Feature:The restaurant has a hidden, speakeasy-style entrance and an intimate, dimly lit atmosphere.
What Makes It Special:The combination of a secretive, speakeasy ambiance with elevated comfort food creates a distinct dining experience.
What Sets It Apart:Its location in the historic district of Park City and its unique speakeasy concept make it a destination restaurant.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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6
Franklin Ave. Cocktails & KitchenFranklin Ave. Cocktails & Kitchen is a cocktail bar and restaurant located in a historic 1891 building on Edison Street in downtown Salt Lake City. The menu features New American cuisine with global influences and is veggie-forward.Type of Restaurant:Cocktail Bar, New American
Type of Food:New American
Signature Dishes:Wagyu Burger
Mushroom Beignets
Mushroom Beignets
Location:231 S Edison St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Special Feature:The restaurant is housed in a historic building that was originally the Franklin Avenue Variety Theatre, known for a secret door that led to an adjoining saloon.
What Makes It Special:The two-level space includes a downstairs area with a moody speakeasy feel, featuring original exposed beams and weathered brick walls.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of a historically significant building, a focus on craft cocktails, and a chef-driven New American menu creates a unique dining destination.
Operating Hours:Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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7
Spitz Mediterranean Street FoodSpitz Mediterranean Street Food offers a modern take on classic Mediterranean dishes, served in a vibrant and casual setting. The menu centers around döner kebab, wraps, salads, and bowls, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.Type of Restaurant:Fast-Casual, Mediterranean
Type of Food:Mediterranean
Signature Dishes:Street Cart Döner
The Medi
The Spitz Gyro
Location:35 E Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Special Feature:The restaurant features a lively, colorful interior with street art-inspired decor, creating an energetic atmosphere.
What Makes It Special:Spitz makes Mediterranean food approachable and fun, with customizable options and a focus on a social dining experience.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of traditional Mediterranean street food with a modern, American-style presentation and a full bar with sangria and craft beer sets it apart from other Mediterranean restaurants.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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8
Bricks CornerBricks Corner is a restaurant specializing in Detroit-style pizza, known for its rectangular shape, thick, crispy crust, and toppings spread to the edges. The menu also includes appetizers, salads, and sandwiches.Type of Restaurant:Pizzeria, Casual Dining
Type of Food:American, Pizza
Signature Dishes:The Randazzo
The Brick House
O.G Cheese
Location:1465 S 700 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Special Feature:The restaurant is one of the few places in Utah that specializes in authentic Detroit-style pizza.
What Makes It Special:The unique pizza style, with its caramelized cheese crust and stripes of sauce on top, offers a different pizza experience.
What Sets It Apart:Bricks Corner's dedication to the specific craft of Detroit-style pizza, from the dough fermentation process to the custom-seasoned blue steel pans, makes it a standout pizzeria.
Operating Hours:Monday – Tuesday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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9
Salt & OliveSalt & Olive is a market and cafe that offers sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards, with a focus on high-quality cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and other gourmet provisions. The cafe provides a casual spot for lunch or a light dinner.Type of Restaurant:Cafe, Market
Type of Food:American, Deli
Signature Dishes:Truffle Pizza
Tortiglioni Verde
The Hunter Pizza
Location:270 S 300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Special Feature:The establishment functions as both a cafe and a retail market, allowing patrons to purchase the same high-quality ingredients used in the menu items.
What Makes It Special:Salt & Olive provides a curated selection of gourmet products, making it a destination for food enthusiasts looking for specialty items.
What Sets It Apart:The integration of a retail market with a cafe menu focused on those same products creates a unique, food-centric experience.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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10
SLC EaterySLC Eatery is a contemporary American restaurant that features a dynamic, seasonal menu and an innovative service style. The restaurant is known for its dim sum-style cart that roams the dining room offering small, creative bites.Type of Restaurant:New American, Casual Dining
Type of Food:New American
Signature Dishes:Utah Scones
Tonkatsu
Pork Belly Rice Bowl
Location:1017 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Special Feature:A roving dim sum-style cart offers guests a selection of unique, off-menu small plates in addition to the main menu.
What Makes It Special:The interactive and spontaneous element of the dim sum cart adds a layer of excitement and variety to the dining experience.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of a traditional seated menu with the dim sum cart service model distinguishes SLC Eatery from other restaurants in the city.
Operating Hours:Friday: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PMMonday – Thursday, Saturday – Sunday: ClosedReservations Required
Price:$30 to $50 per person
What Makes Casual Restaurants in Salt Lake City Famous?
Casual restaurants in Salt Lake City are famous for a strong farm-to-table ethos and modern interpretations of Mountain West cuisine. The city's proximity to farms and ranches allows chefs to source high-quality, local ingredients, which is a central feature of the dining experience. This focus on fresh, seasonal produce and meats defines the menus at many top establishments. A defining local creation is fry sauce, a condiment made from ketchup and mayonnaise that is a staple in casual eateries across the state. Restaurants also feature regional ingredients like Utah trout, bison, and local honey, creating dishes that are specific to the Intermountain West. The culinary approach blends hearty, rustic cooking with contemporary techniques.
What Types of Casual Restaurants are Commonly Found in Salt Lake City?
The types of casual restaurants commonly found in Salt Lake City include New American bistros, gastropubs, and spots serving global street food. These different kinds of Salt Lake City restaurants define the local eating experience and reflect the city's diverse cuisines.
- New American Bistros: Venues like The Copper Onion and SLC Eatery focus on chef-driven menus that use local, seasonal ingredients to create innovative American dishes.
- Gastropubs: Establishments such as White Horse and The Bayou pair elevated pub food, including gourmet burgers and regional specialties, with extensive craft beer and cocktail lists.
- Global Street Food: Restaurants like Spitz bring international flavors to a fast-casual format, offering Mediterranean döner, wraps, and bowls in a vibrant setting.
- Pizzerias: Specialty pizza shops like Bricks Corner focus on specific styles, such as Detroit-style pizza, providing unique and focused dining options.
Does Salt Lake City Have an Authentic Casual Restaurant?
Yes, Salt Lake City has authentic casual restaurants, including local institutions like Red Iguana, The Bayou, and From Scratch. Red Iguana has operated since 1985 and is a genuine local landmark, serving a menu of traditional Mexican moles and recipes passed down through generations. The Bayou provides an authentic Louisiana dining experience, serving Cajun and Creole recipes since 2002 in a setting known for its extensive beer selection and live jazz. From Scratch defines its authenticity through its process, milling its own flour and making every component of its dishes, from bread to condiments, in-house.
Do Casual Restaurants in Salt Lake City Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, casual restaurants in Salt Lake City offer easy online reservations through platforms like OpenTable, Resy, and Tock. The Copper Onion, White Horse, Franklin Ave. Cocktails & Kitchen, and From Scratch manage bookings through OpenTable. SLC Eatery and Bricks Corner utilize Resy for securing tables in advance. Blind Rabbit Kitchen uses the Tock reservation system. Many high-volume or fast-casual spots like Spitz, The Bayou, and Salt & Olive operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not accept reservations.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Casual Restaurants in Salt Lake City?
The signature dishes of the best casual restaurants in Salt Lake City range from specialized Detroit-style pizza to refined American comfort food. The following list describes notable food in Salt Lake City.
- Wagyu Beef Stroganoff: A rich and savory pasta dish made with tender Wagyu beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce served over house-made pappardelle. The Copper Onion is known for this specific entree.
- Detroit-Style Pizza: A rectangular, thick-crust pizza with a crispy, cheesy crust and tomato sauce ladled on top. Bricks Corner specializes in this style, with popular versions like The Classic.
- Street Cart Döner: A wrap filled with spit-roasted chicken or beef and lamb, topped with tomato, cucumber, onion, and various sauces. Spitz Mediterranean Street Food serves this as a main item.
- From Scratch Burger: A hamburger made with a house-ground beef patty, aged white cheddar, and house-made condiments on a freshly baked bun. From Scratch is famous for this signature burger.
- Gumbo: A traditional Louisiana stew with a dark roux base, filled with chicken, andouille sausage, and okra, served over rice. The Bayou offers an authentic version of this Cajun classic.
- Ricotta Dumplings: Soft, house-made ricotta dumplings served with lemon, truffle oil, and chives. This appetizer is a well-known dish at The Copper Onion.
What is the Average Meal Price at Casual Restaurants in Salt Lake City?
The average meal price at a casual restaurant in Salt Lake City is $35 per person. A single meal at a fast-casual location or cafe like Spitz or Salt & Olive averages $20. A group meal for two to four people at a mid-range restaurant like Bricks Corner or The Bayou averages $85 total. A meal at a budget-friendly location averages $15 per person. A full dinner with drinks at an upscale-casual restaurant such as The Copper Onion or SLC Eatery averages $50 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at Casual Restaurants in Salt Lake City?
Yes, vegan options are available at casual restaurants in Salt Lake City at venues such as Zest Kitchen & Bar, Vertical Diner, Boltcutter, and Bud's. Zest Kitchen & Bar provides a fully plant-based menu of small plates and entrees. Vertical Diner serves classic American diner food made entirely from vegan ingredients, including pancakes and burgers. Boltcutter offers a menu of vegan street tacos and sandwiches. Bud's specializes in plant-based sandwiches. The Big O Doughnuts creates vegan doughnuts with a variety of toppings. Spitz Mediterranean Street Food provides several vegan-friendly wraps, bowls, and sides.
Do Casual Restaurants in Salt Lake City Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, casual restaurants in Salt Lake City offer gluten-free options at eateries such as The Copper Onion, From Scratch, and White Horse. The Copper Onion menu identifies gluten-free dishes, including grilled fish and salads, and can modify other items upon request. From Scratch prepares gluten-free pizza crusts and pastas. White Horse provides gluten-free buns for its burgers and sandwiches. Zest Kitchen & Bar offers a menu that is entirely gluten-free and plant-based. Spitz Mediterranean Street Food has gluten-free options for its salads and bowls.
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