10 Best Utah Restaurants

Utah is famous for funeral potatoes, specialty soda shops, pastrami burgers, Navajo tacos, ice cream shakes, fry sauce, Utah honey, Dutch oven dinners, and green Jell-O. Utah’s most famous food, Funeral Potatoes, are a cheesy, creamy casserole dish with crushed cornflakes, traditionally served after funerals to bring comfort to grieving families. 

Specialty soda shops like Swig and Sodalicious offer unique, custom drinks, such as The Heartbreaker and Shark Attack, which have become a Utah phenomenon. Pastrami burgers, especially from Crown Burgers, feature a quarter-pound patty topped with pastrami, Thousand Island dressing, and other fresh ingredients. 

Navajo tacos are made with fry bread instead of tortillas and are piled with toppings like beef brisket, chili, cheese, and more, reflecting southeastern Utah’s Navajo influences. Ice cream shakes in Utah, like those from Iceberg Drive Inn, are known for the thickness and creamy texture, often served with chunks of real fruit. Fry sauce, a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise, is a beloved dipping sauce in Utah, often served with fries, burgers, and other fast food items. 

The Utah honey, produced by the state's diverse bee population, is a sweet local product found in farmer’s markets and grocery stores. Dutch oven dinners are a Utah tradition, a popular cooking method for everything from stews to baked goods. Green Jell-O, often made with lime, pineapple juice, cottage cheese, and whipped cream, is a quirky but beloved dessert that is a staple in Utah's food culture. 

The state dish of Utah is Jell-O, which has been declared the official state snack in 2001. Jell-O, especially lime flavor, has become a cultural staple in Utah, even earning the nickname "the Jell-O State" in 1996 by Salt Lake Magazine. The gelatin dessert, created in 1897 by Pearle Wait, who experimented with gelatin, has deep roots in Utah culture. The connection was further cemented and even highlighted during the 2002 Olympics, when a pin featuring green Jell-O was created to honor the Olympians and local traditions. Utah also celebrates funeral potatoes, a cheesy potato casserole often served to comfort grieving families, which has become a beloved dish throughout the state. 

The average cost of a meal in Utah depends on the type of restaurant. A single meal at a budget restaurant typically costs around $10 to $15, while a meal at a high-end restaurant can range from $30 to $70 or more. Group meals can range from $40 to $100, depending on the number of people and the type of restaurant. The cost of fine dining in Utah county ranges from $75 to $100 per person in high end restaurants like Spencer's For Steaks & Chops, The Yurt, and Christopher's Prime Steak House & Grill. 

The most popular fast-food restaurants in Utah are listed below:

• McDonald's: The most popular fast food in Utah, known for burgers, fries, and breakfast options, with 113 locations.
• Domino's Pizza: Renowned for customizable pizzas and delivery services, ranked as the second most popular fast-food chain in Utah.
• Chick-fil-A: Famous for chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and lemonade, ranked third among Utah’s fast-food preferences.
• Crown Burgers: Utah-based chain celebrated for signature cheeseburger topped with spiced pastrami, and a local favorite.
• Subway: Offers a variety of customizable sandwiches and salads, with 211 locations in Utah.
• Wendy’s: Known for fresh hamburgers, Frosty desserts, and baked potatoes, with 80 locations in Utah.
• Pizza Hut: Features a range of pizzas, pasta, and wings, with 71 locations in Utah.
• Taco Bell: Specializes in Mexican-inspired fast food, including tacos, burritos, and nachos, with 73 locations in Utah.
• In-N-Out: Popular for fresh burgers, fries, and milkshakes, with 13 locations in Utah.

The newest restaurants in Utah are listed below:

• Mi Buena Vida: Mexican restaurant offering authentic flavors, vibrant decor, and a welcoming atmosphere. Located at 533 S 1750 W Ste D-4, Springville, UT 84663.
• Ve La Thai Fine Dining Restaurant & Wine: Fine dining Thai restaurant offering an exclusive wine-pairing concept with authentic Thai cuisine. Located at 3414 E 7800th S, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.
• HandoSake: Japanese hand roll bar in Salt Lake City offering sushi-themed menus, craft cocktails, beer, and sake in a chill atmosphere. Located at 222 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
• Slice House by Tony Gemignani: Pizza restaurant by 13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani. Offers a menu featuring New York, Detroit, Grandma, and Sicilian-style pizzas, along with local craft brews and natural wines. Located at 1332 Foothill Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.
• Tilly's Charcoal Chicken: Australian-inspired new restaurants in Utah county from the team behind Five5eeds. Serves quick, nutritious meals inspired by local chicken shops in Australian suburbs. Located at 1764 Uinta Way Ste F, Park City, UT 84098.
• Dumplings Company: Restaurant specializing in diverse dumplings, including chicken, pork, lamb, bison, and vegan varieties. Features masala dumpling soup, chili dumplings, rice bowls, fried noodles, wings, and drumsticks. Located at 4041 S 700 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84107.
• Eggs in the City: Breakfast spot known for a great ambiance, indoor decor, and outdoor patio. Offers some of the best egg dishes in Salt Lake City. Located at 2795 South 2300 East, Millcreek, Salt Lake City, UT.
• Parea: One of the best new restaurants Salt Lake City, this Greek café offers cozy casual dining with café bites and grab-and-go options. The menu highlights gyros inspired by Manoli’s pop-ups. Located at 320 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.
• Deadpan Sandwiches: Sandwich spot in Salt Lake City offering inventive handhelds with bold flavors, house-made meats, and unique condiments. Located at Woodbine Foodhall, 545 West 700 S #106, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.

Fancy restaurants in Utah recommend making reservations but it is not required. Fancy restaurants like Plated Dreams, Table X, Tiburon Fine Dining, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Brabo Pizza, Mumbai House, and The Capital Grille may or may not require reservations. However, reservations for fancy restaurants in Utah are highly advised during peak hours or peak season, which can be made online or by phone.

Yes, the best places to eat in Utah are kid-friendly, and these establishments often have children's menus and family-friendly atmosphere. Notable options for the best places to eat in Utah for families include Blue Iguana (Mexican, 165 South West Temple Street, Salt Lake City), Cafe Trio (Italian, 6405 South 3000 East, Salt Lake City), Christopher's Prime + Sonoma Wine Bar & Grill (Seafood, 110 West Broadway, Salt Lake City), Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (Steakhouse, 20 South 400 West #2020, Salt Lake City), Maggiano's Little Italy (Italian, 3920 W Terminal Dr Concourse B, Salt Lake City), Black Bear Diner (American, 771 E University Pkwy, Orem), Rodizio Grill (Brazilian steakhouse, 4801 N University Ave Ste 710, Provo), and Chunga's (Mexican, 180 S 900th W, Salt Lake City).

Yes, the local Utah restaurants are worth trying, with a mix of cozy cafes and upscale dining options available. Utah and Salt Lake County feature some of the best local food and locally owned restaurants in the state. Notable options include Savage Fish in Orem, specializing in traditional Hawaiian poke bowls; Communal in Provo, known for farm-to-table dishes made from locally sourced ingredients; and Black Sheep Cafe in Provo, offering southwestern-inspired dishes influenced by Navajo and Hopi cuisine. Bombay House in Provo provides an immersive Indian dining experience, while Station 22 in Provo serves classic American diner comfort food. Pago offers seasonal, farm-to-table fare, and Beltex Meats specializes in sandwiches made with house-cured meats. Oak Wood Fire Kitchen in Draper is known for wood-fired pizza, Burr Trail Grill in Boulder offers locally sourced beef and lamb, and Little Wonder Cafe in Richfield provides homestyle cooking in a cozy setting.

Restaurants in Utah that serve vegan food include Cannery Creamery, Curry Pizza, Good Earth Natural Foods, and Roots Café. Cannery Creamery, located in the History Cannery Building in North Ogden, offers four vegan ice cream flavors, which are mint choc chip, coconut vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate coconut cookie. Curry Pizza in Bricknell serves vegetarian curry dishes that can be made vegan, as well as vegetarian pizzas on cauliflower crust and vegan-friendly samosas, all made in-house. Good Earth Natural Foods, a market in Riverdale, offers fresh produce, organic options, vitamins, and other groceries, including non-vegan items. Roots Café in Millcreek provides vegan wraps, salads, and vegetarian dishes that can be veganized by substituting eggs with polenta, alongside a juice bar and milk alternatives for hot drinks.

Restaurants in Utah that serve gluten-free food include Core Life Eatery, Oh Mai, Joy Luck, Zest Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, and Sugarhouse BBQ. Core Life Eatery offers a mostly gluten-free menu with clear labels. Oh Mai serves gluten-free Pho and rice noodle bowls. Joy Luck provides a variety of gluten-free options with helpful staff. Zest Kitchen is a dedicated gluten-free and vegan restaurant. The Cheesecake Factory has gluten-free pasta, and Sugarhouse BBQ is known for gluten-free sauces and cornbread, with a focus on safety due to Celiac disease.

Yes, many restaurants in Utah offer healthy options, with food safety regulations in place to protect public health, which include training programs, certification, and monitoring to ensure safe food handling and sanitation. Popular healthy spots include Vessel Kitchen, offering flexible, quick meals focused on chicken and grains; LemonShark Poke, serving fresh, customizable poke bowls with ingredients like seaweed salad and tofu furikake; Laziz Kitchen, a Lebanese restaurant known for vibrant, bold flavors in wraps, salad bowls, and platters; and Kao Thai, a Millcreek eatery offering fresh, healthy Thai dishes like papaya salad and Thai ceviche.

Yes, Utah is a good destination for food. WalletHub ranked Salt Lake City as the 30th best foodie city in the United States in 2022, based on factors like food affordability, diversity, and quality. The city ranked No. 139 for affordability but No. 24 for food diversity and quality, with more than 60 bars and lounges, downtown Salt Lake City boasts a lively dining scene. Top spots include White Horse, HallPass, The Copper Onion, and Red Iguana.

The famous cuisines in Utah are listed below:

• Western Cuisine: Hearty comfort foods like roast meats, potatoes, and casseroles influenced by the state's agricultural roots.
• Mexican Cuisine: Tacos, burritos, and tamales with local variations incorporating Utah ingredients like green chile.
• American Comfort Food: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and fried chicken, often served in casual diners or family-style restaurants.
• BBQ: Smoked meats with regional twists, particularly beef and pork, and a variety of sauces and sides.
• Native American Cuisine: Fry bread, stews, and other dishes rooted in Native American history and culture.
• Midwestern Cuisine: Hotdish, casseroles, and corn-based sides influenced by the Midwest.
• Fusion Cuisine: A blend of different culinary styles, including international influences like Asian and Mediterranean flavors.
• Regional Utah Cuisine: Iconic dishes like funeral potatoes, pastrami burgers, and fry sauce.
• Italian-American Cuisine: Pizza, pasta, and calzones, with local variations influenced by Italian-American traditions.
• Chinese Cuisine: Dishes like kung pao chicken, chow mein, and dim sum reflecting the state's growing diversity.
• Middle Eastern Cuisine: Dishes like falafel, hummus, and shawarma, influenced by a growing immigrant community.

The type of food Utah usually offers includes Funeral Potatoes, Fry Sauce, Pastrami Burger, Jell-O, Frog Eye Salad, and unique cheeses like Barely Buzzed and TeaHive. Funeral Potatoes are a cheesy potato casserole. Fry Sauce is a mix of ketchup and mayonnaise, popular with fries and burgers. The Pastrami Burger combines a beef patty and pastrami with fry sauce. Jell-O is a beloved gelatin dessert, Frog Eye Salad blends pasta, cream, and fruits, often served at potlucks. Utah also produces artisanal cheeses like Barely Buzzed, which is infused with coffee and lavender, and TeaHive, rubbed with tea and orange. Amish Chicken is a creamy, baked chicken dish, usually served with mashed potatoes. 

Yes, unique restaurants in Utah county showcase different themes and flavors on the menu such as the Prairie Schooner Steak House, Cafe Diablo, Log Haven Restaurant, Ruth’s Diner, and Table X. Prairie Schooner Steak House in Ogden immerses diners in pioneer history with wagon seating and hearty hand-cut steaks. Cafe Diablo in Torrey offers adventurous dishes like Free Range Rattlesnake Cakes with stunning Capitol Reef views. Log Haven Restaurant in Wasatch Forest provides a secluded retreat with award-winning cuisine near waterfalls. Ruth’s Diner, housed in a historic railcar, is beloved for comfort dishes like deep-fried mac and cheese. Table X in Salt Lake City offers an innovative farm-to-table experience.