City Guide 2022 

Page 4 of 7

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• Courtesy Photo
• Myungrang Hotdog

Trending on the Wasatch
Taste buds want what they want.
By Alex Springer

Once diners along the Wasatch Front get wind of a new foodie trend, it's not long before that trend becomes a full-blown social media event. Luckily, we've been blessed with a few restaurateurs who understand the writing on the wall when it comes to Utah food trends. From jaw-dropping Korean corn dogs to mouth-watering Indian fusion, here is what's hot in the world of Utah food.

Korean Corn Dogs
It started slowly when neighborhood Korean joints started floating the idea of Korean corn dogs on their menus, but that only added to the mystique of this apex snack. Korean corn dogs start in the same way as their American cousins—dip hot dog in batter, deep fry, repeat—but there are a few variations that make them so memorable. They usually get a dip in some crispy panko breadcrumbs before frying, along with a liberal sprinkle of granulated sugar once they've emerged from the fryer. We're starting to see versions made with potato cubes, squid ink and nacho cheese sauce as well. Notable purveyors of Korean corn dogs include Myungrang Hotdog (11428 S. Parkway Plaza Drive, Ste. 300, South Jordan, 801-790-7776, myungrangamerica.com), Yummy's Korean BBQ (multiple locations, yummysutah.com), and SanFran Burrito N Fryz (3390 S. State, Ste. 35, South Salt Lake, 801-419-0227, sfburritout.com)

Birria Tacos
Though birria tacos—cheesy, meaty tacos served up with a steamy bowl of consommé—have been a part of Mexican cuisine for decades, it's only recently started to become a hot ticket item here in Utah. We're to the point where you can get birria made with beef and even plant-based versions with jackfruit but look no further than El Cabrito (956 W. 1000 North, SLC, 801-363-2645) if you're after traditional birria made with goat meat. If goat meat is still a little gnarly for you, birria tacos made with beef can be found at Santo Taco (910 N. 900 West, SLC, 801-893-4000, santotacos.com), La Casa del Tamal (2843 S. 5600 West, Ste. 140, West Valley, 385-266-8729, lacasadeltamalutah.com) and Red Tacos (1077 S. 750 East, Orem, 801-362-2338). Regardless of how you enjoy your birria, you'll find something nearby to satisfy your cravings.

• Derek Carlisle
• Mr. Charlie's Chicken Fingers

Fried Chicken
When all those fast-food places were engaged in a grand Twitter melee about whose fried chicken sandwich was best, a kind of poultry renaissance was born. Of course, locals in the know would tell you that the Nashville hot chicken at Pretty Bird (multiple locations, prettybirdchicken.com) already had this contest wrapped up. That didn't stop a deluge of fried chicken restaurants—both local and national—from setting their sights on Utah. If you're after chicken fingers, it's all about Mr. Charlie's Chicken Fingers (multiple locations, mrcharlie's.com)—they offer grilled or fried chicken strips, thick slices of Texas toast and golden-brown crinkle cut fries. We've also had a few national establishments open like Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (multiple locations, raisingcanes.com) and The Crack Shack (912 E. 900 South, SLC, 385-715-0250, crackshack.com).

Bubble Tea
Most local Vietnamese spots have dabbled in boba drinks for years, but lately we're seeing coffee shop-style locations opening up all over the place. These spots have doubled down on the whimsical nature of drinks filled with squishy balls of tapioca and started adding new flavors to the mix. Places like Space Tea (1085 S. State, SLC, 385-528-0141, spaceteaslc.com) whip up signature drinks such as soft serve, honeydew lemonade, matcha and chocolate cream cookies. If you absolutely can't get enough of slippery and chewy textures, you can check out Meet Fresh (3390 S. State, Ste. 32, South Salt Lake, meetfresh.us). They've got an excellent selection of milk teas with all the black sugar boba you can handle, and they specialize in Taiwanese desserts called bao bing which are packed with chewy taro balls and silky grass jelly.

• Josh Scheuerman
• Curry Pizza

Indian Fusion
Utah's Indian food scene is well established—we have plenty of great options for those after traditional Indian fare. Perhaps it's this strong foundation that has prompted restaurateurs to open delicious eateries that take all the flavors of Indian food and repackage them into dishes like tacos, pizza and fried chicken. For example, Tandoori Taqueria (3540 S. State, South Salt Lake, 801-590-9473) has a taco menu that pairs pozole with tikka masala served up on a warm buttermilk naan tortilla. Fans of Mexican and Indian food will recognize their favorite flavors, but when they all come together you get something completely unique. We've also got Curry Pizza (multiple locations, currypizzaonline.com) that applies the same principal to pizza—the honey curry pizza is another great example of complementary flavors that come together in a fantastic way. One of the most creative examples of this Indian fusion can be found at Curry Fried Chicken (660 S. State SLC, 801-924-9188). Here, you can get some of the best bone-in fried chicken in town spiked with a smokey blend of curry spices that make you rethink every previous fried chicken experience you've had. For burritos, you can check out Curry Up Now (152 E. 200 South, SLC, 801-953-0156, curryupnow.com), a California import that whips up tikka masala burritos and deconstructed samosas.

• Courtesy Photo
• Donut Boy

Utah's Doughnut Dynasty
The sooner you find a local doughnut shop, the sooner you find your bliss.
By Alex Springer

Though larger metropolises have Utah beat in sheer number of doughnut shops, we make up for our lack of quantity with an excess of quality. This is a state that likes sugar on top of its sugar, so if a doughnut shop wants to thrive here, it has to deliver the goods. These doughnut purveyors know the basics backward and forward—there is no shortage of glazed, filled, raised, cake or frosted doughnuts—but each has developed a signature offering that makes them a destination in and of themselves. Read on for an all-star list of Utah's finest doughnut joints.

Fresh Donuts and Deli
In a perfect world, small neighborhood doughnut shops like Fresh Donuts and Deli would be on every street corner. The smell of sweet sugar glaze and deep-fried dough hits your nose as soon as you open the door, and their fully stocked display case is enough to brighten anyone's morning. There's not a bad doughnut on the menu, but it's the apple fritter that makes this place a required stop for local doughnut lovers. How good can an apple fritter be, you ask? For starters, the sheer size of the fritter allows for more of that sugary, apple-y goodness to sink into the nooks and crannies of the fritter. Once you take a bite, you get a perfect balance of flavors that would rival even the most sophisticated of French pastries.
2699 S. State, South Salt Lake, 801-467-8322

Banbury Cross Donuts
It's a safe bet that you can credit at least 70% of downtown Salt Lake's productivity to the doughnuts at Banbury Cross. The high-rise fluff of their raised doughnuts is legendary for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and for making the contents of every box look too good to eat. The MVP of their raised doughnut game is the cinnamon crumb, which is bedecked from top to bottom in a buttery cinnamon crumble that gleefully sticks to your lips with every bite. If cake doughnuts are more your thing, the sweet and slightly spiced applesauce doughnut will do the trick nicely.
705 S. 700 East, SLC, 801-537-1433

• Courtesy Photo
• Donut Boy

Donut Boy
This colorful West Valley doughnut shop is all about variety. All the doughnut standbys are available, but Donut Boy is on the map for its selection of creative gourmet doughnuts like carrot cake, key lime and mango filled. While their regular menu of doughnuts offers plenty of variety to chew through, Donut Boy likes to mix things up around the holidays with themed doughnuts to match any national celebration. If you're the type of person who associates doughnuts with partying, then Donut Boy is the place for you.
2194 W. 3500 South, West Valley City, 385-528-0782,
donutboyutah.com

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• The Big O Doughnuts

The Big O Doughnuts
Just because someone is sticking to a plant-based diet doesn't mean they should have to give up on doughnuts. The team at Big O have perfected their vegan doughnuts—they come in small and large sizes, and all of your favorite flavors are present. Not only does Big O give traditional doughnuts a run for their money, but they also pride themselves on inventive flavors like lemon curd infused with lavender tea. Whether you're vegan or not, you'll find something delightful at Big O.
248 W. 900 South, SLC, 385-770-7024

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• Donut Star

Donut Star
Donut Star began as a fairly basic bakery until the team built it into something incredibly special. Their traditional doughnut recipes ensure high-quality desserts no matter the time of day, but they've lately started to develop their expertise into the realm of sourdough bread and breakfast sandwiches. If you've never had bacon, eggs and cheese served up on a glazed doughnut, you're missing out. Owned and operated by longtime doughnut enthusiasts and thought leaders, Donut Star stands out for its perky pursuit of a doughnut's full potential.
213 E. 12300 South, Draper,
801-790-2615,
donutstarcafe.com

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• Lehi Bakery

Lehi Bakery
It's common knowledge that the shape of a doughnut greatly impacts its flavor. It's this logic that spurred Lehi Bakery to create the square doughnut. While doughnut purists may balk at this symmetrical sweet, it's definitely worth the trip to neighboring Utah County to give it a try. Once you're in the door and have stocked up on these elusive square doughnuts, you can also try their buttermilk bars, which are oh-so-delectable when dunked in a cup of cold milk.
172 W. Main St., Lehi,
801-768-9544,
lehibakery.com

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• Dunford Bakers

Dunford Bakers
One of the oldest bakeries in Utah, Dunford is our local heavy hitter—it's not hard to find Dunford doughnuts in any supermarket or gas station throughout the Wasatch Front. Perhaps one of the reasons it's gained such a staunch following and solid presence is because their cake doughnuts are just about as good as you can get. The chocolate frosted chocolate cake doughnut is always a good bet—a thick layer of chocolate frosting coating a soft, fudgy doughnut is a chocolate lover's dream. Of course, their white cake doughnuts with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles are also fantastic. For cake doughnut fans, it doesn't get much better than Dunford.
8556 S. 2940 West, West Jordan, 801-304-0400,
dunfordbakers.com

Ten Under $10
Wallet-friendly ways to stretch your dining out dollars.
By Alex Springer

It's hard to be a locovore on a budget these days—but it's not impossible. We've scoured the Wasatch Front for the best budget eats that will leave body and soul well satisfied. Not only is every item on the following list locally made and satisfying to both body and soul, but they're all under $10. Let's dig in, shall we?

• Courtesy Photo
• Hot Dogs at Nana's Sonoran

1. Hot Dogs at Nana's Sonoran Hotdogs
There was a time when any local who wanted to dive into the overstuffed, bacon-wrapped glory of a Sonoran hot dog had to road trip down to Arizona. Thankfully, the Ledezma family had the beneficence to bring Sonoran hot dogs to Utah via their food truck called Nana's Sonoran Hotdogs. Their truck typically operates outside of Latino's Furniture in West Jordan on Fridays and Saturdays, but at the rate they're going, we'll likely start seeing more from them in the days to come—here's hoping, anyway.
7659 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan, 623-210-7320

2. Hand Pies at Pie Fight
Whether you're after savory pies stuffed with mushrooms and bacon or sweet pies loaded with lemon and blueberries, Pie Fight has you covered. This local bakery in the 9th and 9th neighborhood has a walk-up window to accommodate local shoppers with a sugar rush to keep them energized. For around seven bucks, you can get hand pies crafted with a textbook-perfect, buttery crust that manages to be flaky while keeping all those bodacious fillings safe inside. Any place that makes reasonably priced pie on the go is more than welcome in our local food scene.
937 E. 900 South, SLC 385-222-5373
thepiefight.com

3. The Otter Space at Space Tea
Milk tea packed with black sugar boba pearls has taken the local coffee shop ecosystem by storm as of late, and Space Tea is where you can get some of the best. Granted, they stack the deck by loading their milk teas up with soft serve and other goodies. Their signature drink, known as Otter Space, is a great example. You get the caffeine rush of a good milk tea along with a saccharine chaser of soft serve ice cream and black sugar boba. Caffeine plus sugar equals energy to spare—just snag another if you feel yourself starting to crash.
1085 S. State, SLC 385-528-0141
spaceteaslc.com

4. Doughnies at Mad Dough
Just when you think that doughnut innovation had come as far as it could, a place like Mad Dough completely shifts the paradigm. From a foundational perspective, their signature doughnies bear a lot of similarity to the traditional filled doughnut. But once you try them, you realize that there is so much more to chew on. The dough is impossibly pillowy and the fillings provide a wallop of nuanced flavors like strawberry balsamic and their flagship Boston cream. Forget what you think you know about doughnuts before trying this place out.
807 S. 800 East, SLC801-358-3295,
maddoughslc.com

5. Kimchi Rice Balls at Bumblebee's
Bumblebee's is a bastion for East-meets-West fusion, and nothing on their menu represents that fusion as well as the kimchi rice balls. They're ideal for those who think they have tried deep fried versions of everything—spicy kimchi is incredible once it's been battered and deep fried. It's got a strong enough base flavor to complement the density of fried batter, and when you put the two together, it's pure magic.
Multiple locations,
bumblebeeskbbq.com

6. Lemon Pancakes at Lazy Day Café
When you're craving a pick-me-up while sticking to a food budget, it's time to check out the lemon pancakes at Lazy Day Café. Not only are these pancakes large and cooked to golden-brown perfection, but they're spiked with just enough lemon flavor to make them feel inordinately fancy. These fluffy, flavorful pancakes are enough to give classic French pastries a run for their money.
2020 E. 3300 South, Ste. 23, Millcreek, 801-953-0311
lazydaycafe.net

7. The Curry Cup at Curry in a Hurry
The combo meals at Curry in a Hurry are among the city's finest representations of curry, but when you need something quick and cheap, it's all about the curry cup. You can choose chicken, lamb or veggies as the base for your curry—regardless of your pick it's the legendary sauce that makes this dish stand out. For big flavor that doesn't put a dent in your wallet, hurry up and order a curry cup.
2020 S. State, SLC, 801-467-4137,
ilovecurryinahurry.com

• Courtesy Photo
• The Crispy Tender Roll at Pretty Bird

8, The Crispy Tender Roll at Pretty Bird
Pretty Bird's Nashville hot chicken has become a fan favorite across the state, but their full-fledged entrees can be a bit pricey. Thankfully, devotees of spicy fried chicken can get their fix at a fraction of the price with the crispy tender roll. It's a generously sized chicken tender, made as spicy as you can handle, stuffed into a soft, buttery roll. Once you dig into one of these, you may feel the need to open up your wallet for some larger fare—don't say we didn't warn you.
Multiple locations,
prettybirdchicken.com

9. Pistachio Cake at Biscotts Bakery & Cafe
There are plenty of excellent options to satisfy your sweet tooth at Biscotts Bakery, but the pistachio cake is the one that offers the most bang for your buck. Like all of the cakes, cookies and pastries at Biscotts, the pistachio cake relies on its understated flavors. The creamy texture of its topping along with the soft crumb of the cake hits your tongue like velvet while the pistachio flavors lilt along your tastebuds for an excellent sensory experience.
Multiple locations,
biscotts.com

10. Golden Splendor at Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen
If you ask for a side of mac and cheese at Sauce Boss, a Southern-inspired restaurant on the edge of Draper, you'll get a funny look. That's because calling their Golden Splendor mac and cheese is a bit like calling a filet mignon Salisbury steak. This stuff is gooey, melty and rich to an almost absurd degree. You can get it as a side to one of Sauce Boss's signature dishes, but there's absolutely no sin in ordering it all by itself.
877 E. 12300 South, Ste. 203, Draper, 385-434-2433,
saucebosssouthernkitchen.com

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• Takashi

The Delicious Dozen
Salt Lake's essential eateries curated by City Weekly's dining critic.
By Alex Springer

ESSENTIAL ASIAN
Oh Mai
Skip the sandwich chains and try an overstuffed banh mi from Oh Mai. If aromatic broth and miles of slippery noodles are calling your name, the pho at Oh Mai is sure to satisfy.
Multiple locations,
ohmaisandwichkitchen.com

Itto Sushi
You can get your fill of Japanese favorites like katsu don and flavorful toknkotsu ramen, but Itto is all about the sushi. Check out the sushi vampire with its spicy baby lobster tail or the sweet and savory Romeo and Juliet roll.
Multiple locations,
ittoutah.com

One More Noodle House
With a dizzying array of different broth, noodle and topping combos, don't let One More Noodle House's unassuming name throw you off. Their house-made noodles and fiery flavor combinations make this noodle bar one of South Salt Lake's finest.
3370 S. State, Ste. N5, South Salt Lake, 801-906-8992,
onemorenoodlehouse.com

Takashi
A downtown sushi bar with unmatched class and a stellar list of cocktails, Takashi is where you go when you need to make an impression. The creativity and technique on display makes Takashi one of Salt Lake's premiere sushi destinations.
18 W. Market Street, SLC,
801-519-9595,
takashisushi.com

Tonkotsu Ramen
A cozy ramen bar that prides itself on flavor combinations both traditional and off the wall—check out the WTF for an unfiltered blast of delicious pork flavors. Fans of more conventional ramen will also find plenty to slurp on at Tonkotsu.
1898 W. 3500 South, Ste. 10, West Valley City, 385-202-5241,
tonkotsu.us

FAV Bistro
FAV Bistro brings an eclectic mix of traditional Thai favorites and innovative fusion dishes to its menu. A fan favorite is the massaman poutine which melds the peanutty flavor of massaman curry with some carb-loaded poutine.
1984 E. Murray Holladay Road, Holladay, 801-676-9300,
bestthaifoodinutah.com

ChaiYo Thai Togo
Those looking for some high-quality Thai takeout will love ChaiYo. Fans of the curry rainbow are sure to find exactly what they're looking for, but don't overlook the ChaiYo fried rice, a stir fry that combines a little bit of everything for a dazzling dish.
3804 S. Highland Drive,
Millcreek, 801-890-0036

Hong Kong Banjum
A franchise with locations all over Korea, Hong Kong Banjum presents an excellent opportunity to snag Korean favorites that aren't as readily available stateside. The jajangmyeon, with its thick noodles and savory black bean sauce, is a comfort food powerhouse.
3513 S. Constitution Blvd., Ste. 100, West Valley City,
385-900-8607,
paiksnoodleut.com

Cup Bop
It started out as a fleet of food trucks, but Cup Bop has officially taken Utah by storm. Its fast casual take on traditional Korean bibimbap, its spiciness spectrum and its enthusiastic approach to Korean food has made it a local favorite.
Multiple locations,
cupbop.com

The Angry Korean
The Angry Korean starts with traditional Korean favorites and extends those rich flavors into the realm of tacos, loaded fries and their signature Korean cheesesteak sandwich. It's a perfect gateway into the nuances of Korean flavor.
11587 S. District Drive, Ste. 300, South Jordan, 801-307-8300,
theangrykorean.com

• Courtesy Photo
• Gourmandise

ESSENTIAL BAKERIES
Gourmandise
Utah's own slice of France, Gourmandise specializes in tradition. Buttery croissants, crisp almond cookies and luscious slices of marzipan cake strut their stuff wherever these bakeries are found.
Multiple locations,
gourmandise.com

Fillings and Emulsions
Billed as an eclectic Latin bakery, Fillings and Emulsions does pretty much whatever it wants. There are plenty of jewel-toned macarons to sample, along with glossy cakes and caramelized pastries that look much too good to eat.
Multiple locations,
fillingsandemulsions.com

The Baking Hive
A neighborhood bakery that specializes in traditions from the United Kingdom. Sticky toffee cakes, Victoria sandwiches and pavlovas swirled with Chantilly cream proudly hold sway like the Court of St. James.
3362 S. 2300 East, Millcreek, 801-419-0187,
bakinghive.com

Conte de Fee
The name means "fairy tale," which is exactly what you get at this Asian and French-inspired bakery. From their colorful rainbow cake to their boba tea-flavored crepe cakes, everything at Conte de Fee is filled with fluffy, whimsical delight.
7695 S. 700 East, Midvale,
801-987-8112,
contedefeebakery.com

Les Madeleines
The bakery that brought the rich, buttery Breton pastry known as kouign-amann to Utah, Les Madeleines prides itself on tradition. It's a fantastic place to brush up on your French pastry game since everything from eclairs to tarte tatin is readily available.
216 E. 500 South, SLC, 801-673-8340,
lesmadeleines.com

• Sarah Arnoff
• Kaiser's Bar-B-Q

ESSENTIAL BARBECUE
Pat's BBQ
Pat's has been a Utah institution for nearly 20 years, and in that time their menu has evolved to take the best aspects of traditional barbecue and insert them into burgers, sandwiches and even salads. You can't go wrong with any protein on the menu, but that smoked meatloaf is to die for.
Multiple locations,
patsbbq.com

Kaiser's Bar-B-Q and General Store
A little piece of Texas right in Downtown Salt Lake, Kaiser's is the kind of no-frills barbecue that newbies and aficionados alike can get behind. Ribs, brisket and pulled pork are all smoked to perfection onsite, and you can pick up a few roadside tchotchkes while you're here.
962 S. 300 West, SLC, 801-355-0499,
saltlakebbq.com

R&R BBQ
A local barbecue joint that has quickly spread across the Wasatch Front, R&R BBQ is one of Utah's culinary success stories. What began with competition-winning ribs has flourished into a fast casual barbecue spot that never skimps on quality.
Multiple locations,
randrbbq.com

Charlotte Rose's Carolina BBQ
As the genesis point for barbecue as we know it, Carolina barbecue must not be overlooked. The team at Charlotte Rose's takes this barbecue discipline seriously, and fans can find all kinds of vinegar and mustard-based sauces that let the smoked meats stand on their own.
792 E. 3300 South, Millcreek,
801-834-3066,
crcbbqut.com

The Sugar House Barbeque Co.
Our resident Southern-inspired barbecue joint, Sugar House Barbeque combines its own special recipes for dry rubs and sauces with Southern classics like jambalaya and pulled pork mac and cheese.
880 E. 2100 South, SLC, 801-463-4800,
sugarhousebbq.com

• Courtesy Photo
• Lucky 13

ESSENTIAL BURGERS
Crown Burgers
Arguably the inventors of the pastrami burger, one of Utah's comfort food staples, Crown Burgers has built a small fast-food empire along the Wasatch Front. Crown Burgers doesn't skimp on their pastrami, but don't worry—no one will judge you getting a Junior Crown Burger on your first visit.
Multiple locations,
crown-burgers.com

Lucky 13
For fans of over-the-top burgers like the peanut butter slathered Nut Butter Burger, look no further than Lucky 13. This pub turned burger emporium has long been recognized by locals as one of the best places to check out for some cold beer and enormous burgers.
135 W. 1300 South, SLC, 801-487-4418,
lucky13slc.com

Proper Burger
Right next door to Proper Brewing Co. is one of downtown Salt Lake's most inventive burger joints. You can get old favorites like the Plain Jane, but Proper Burger's strengths lie in their more creative offerings like the kimchi and miso-topped Rising Sun Burger.
865 S. Main, SLC, 801-906-8604,
properburgerslc.com

Cotton Bottom Inn
This beloved pub at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon was recently restored by a local restaurant group for one reason and one reason only—the garlic burger. Garlic burgers at Cotton Bottom are events in and of themselves with their gigantic proportions, gooey cheese and melty garlic aioli. It's well worth the price of post-burger garlic breath.
2820 E. 6200 South, Holladay, 801-849-8847,
thecottonbottominn.com

Apollo Burgers
It's the Texas bacon cheeseburger, with its crispy onion rings and hickory barbecue sauce, that puts Apollo Burgers on the list. Its balance of all the classic flavors that make us crave burgers in the first place makes this a go-to destination for local burger fans.
Multiple locations,
apolloburgers.com

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• Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club

ESSENTIAL SPECIAL OCCASION
SLC Eatery
In both its concept and execution, SLC Eatery has continued to defy the expectations of local diners. With a continually rotating menu and a dim sum-style dining cart making the rounds each evening, every visit is a new experience.
1017 S. Main, SLC, 801-355-7952,
slceatery.com

Laurel Brasserie & Bar
Salt Lake's swankiest hotel—the Grand America Hotel—couldn't do without an equally swanky restaurant. Laurel's hybrid of European and contemporary American food and its lush décor make it the perfect spot for a special occasion.
555 S. Main, SLC, 801-258-6708,
laurelslc.com

Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club
Those after a bit of fun and games will absolutely love Flanker. Experts at curating delicious small plates and tasty cocktails, Flanker lets diners engage in virtual golf, karaoke and plenty of other social diversions.
6 N. Rio Grande St., Ste. 35, SLC,
801-683-7070,
flankerslc.com

Carson Kitchen
This Las Vegas import has brought every bit of The Strip's style. Its menu takes its foundation from Southern comfort food, but it's all been reinterpreted to match the excess of Vegas. Make sure to save some room for the glazed doughnut bread pudding.
241 W. 200 South, SLC, 385-252-3200,
carsonkitchen.com

Copper Onion
For decades, Copper Onion has been a Downtown dining institution. Its approachable but hip interior and its classic contemporary American cuisine have made Copper Onion one of Salt Lake's most revered restaurants.
111 E. 300 South, Ste. 170, SLC, 801-355-3282,
thecopperonion.com

Manoli's
Those eager to explore the nuances of Greek food have come to rely on Manoli's for their local fix. It's got familiar favorites like dolmades and keftedes along with less common fare like the braised pork afelia and the seared branzino lavraki. Its locally sourced take on Greek cuisine and its finely curated cocktail menu make Manoli's an excellent spot for a night out.
402 E. 900 South, Ste. 2, SLC, 801-532-3760,
manolison9th.com

• Courtesy Photo
• Gracie's

ESSENTIAL GASTROPUBS
Gracie's
The rooftop patio at Gracie's coupled with its excellent location for downtown people watching makes this gastropub one of the most entertaining spots to grab a drink and a bite in the city. It's also a great spot to take in some live music or watch the game.
326 S. West Temple, SLC, 801-819-7565,
graciesslc.com

Cliff Dining Pub
If you find yourself a bit south of downtown and want a great view of the Wasatch or Traverse mountains, then Cliff Dining Pub has you covered. It's complete with an excellent menu of elevated pub favorites along with a Sunday brunch that is sure to chase away the Sunday scaries.
12234 S. Draper Gate Drive, Draper,
801-523-2053,
cliffdiningpub.com

Strap Tank Brewery
The Outlets at Traverse Mountain is one of the best places in the state to shop 'til you drop, and there's no better place than Strap Tank Brewery to seek out refreshment. They've got a wide range of craft brews on tap, and their dining menu is diverse enough to match. Plus, you can't go wrong with the antique, roadside attraction décor.
Locations in Lehi and Springville,
straptankbrewery.com

High West Saloon
Located in the heart of Park City, High West Saloon is the gastronomic extension of one of Utah's most venerated distilleries. Their award-winning spirits are always worth sampling, and their selection of elevated pub food will be sure to satisfy the most discerning of tastes.
703 Park Ave., Park City, 435-649-8300,
highwest.com

The Garage Grill
If the hot rod aesthetic and extensive cocktail menu don't appeal to the restaurant-lover in you, then the sushi nachos should do the trick. The Garage Grill is ideal for those looking for something low-key and casual that doesn't skimp on quality.
Locations in Draper and Herriman,
thegaragegrill.com

• Courtesy Photo
• Greek Souvlaki

ESSENTIAL GREEK/MIDDLE EASTERN
The Other Place
While you can get an excellent American breakfast at The Other Place, its heart belongs to traditional Greek comfort food. It's the local go-to for Greek favorites like moussaka and pastichio, or even a savory gyro to go for a quick Mediterranean lunch.
469 E. 300 South, SLC, 801-521-6567,
theotherplacerestaurant.com

Greek Souvlaki
This local institution has become a mandatory visit for those seeking true gyro enlightenment. Since the early 1970s, Greek Souvlaki has been perfecting its gyro recipe. The best example of this is the Philly Gyro that borrows a few notes from cheesesteak sandwiches and adds them to the classic gyro lineup.
Multiple locations,
greeksouvlaki.com

O'Falafel Etc.
The name says it all with this longtime Sugar House favorite. The falafel on their famous sandwiches and platters is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Those in the mood for something sweet will also want to check out their homemade baklava.
790 E. 2100 South, Ste. 100, SLC,
801-487-7747,
ofalafeletc.com

Mazza
Those after Middle Eastern food with a bit of fine dining razzle dazzle need look no further than Mazza. Whether you're looking for flavorful starters like muhammara or a marinated kabob platter grilled to perfection, you'll find only good things at Mazza.
1515 S. 1500 East, SLC, 801-484-9259,
mazzacafe.com

Spitz
Banking on the universal appeal of doner wraps and other monsters of Middle Eastern street food, Spitz has turned a flavorful fast-casual concept into a statewide obsession. The housemade doquitos are an explosive fusion of Middle Eastern flavors into an egg roll appetizer, and the street cart fries must be seen to be believed.
Multiple locations,
spitz-restaurant.com

ESSENTIAL ITALIAN
Osteria Amore
With an eye for nuanced Italian cuisine, a wine list to match and an excellent patio near the University of Utah, Osteria Amore has it all. It's fine dining for those who can live without the starched tablecloths and elaborately folded napkins.
224 S. 1300 East, SLC, 385-270-5606,
osteriaamore.com

Valter's Osteria
If you're famous and happen to be visiting Utah, there's a good chance you'll end up here. Everyone from Hugh Jackman to Utah Jazz players know and love Valter's. When you want to pull out all the stops and indulge yourself, there's no place better.
173 W. 300 South, SLC, 801-521-4563,
valtersosteria.com

• Courtesy Photo
• Caffe Molise

Italian Village
This cozy neighborhood restaurant has been serving up traditional Italian favorites like lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs for decades. Its claim to fame is the Pizza Bender, a calzone-like entrée that wraps the good stuff on a pizza in a thin crust before it goes into the oven. Great spot for casual fans of Italian food.
5370 S. 900 East, Murray, 801-266-4182,
italianvillageslc.com

Caputo's
This Italian market and deli whips up the best muffaletta sandwich in the state, hands down. Its other deli favorites that incorporate all the good stuff like Genoa salami, mortadella and prosciutto to fantastic effect are also worth checking out. Plus, if you're in need of any high quality European ingredients for your own cooking, you can score it all here.
Multiple locations,
caputos.com

Caffe Molise
Caffe Molise is at its best when it's serving up its famous paninis, antipasti and pasta dishes for the business lunch crowd Downtown. That's not to say it isn't also a low-key place to enjoy some top-notch Italian fare for dinner—once the sun goes down, their patio is absolutely magical.
404 S. West Temple, SLC, 801-364-8833,
caffemolise.com

• Courtesy Photo
• Red Iguana

ESSENTIAL LATIN
Arempa's
When you're in a post-club haze and in search of late-night sustenance, nothing looks quite as inviting as an overstuffed arepa. The crew at Arempa's are no strangers to nocturnal nourishment, and their generous portions are satisfying enough to get even the most exhausted diner through the night.
350 S. State, SLC, 385-301-8905,
arempas.com

Venezuela Mia
Operating one of the finest grills in town, Venezuela Mia dives deep into Venezuelan hospitality and culture with their larger-than-life cachapas. For the newbie, cachapas are soft corn tortillas folded around melty cheese and whatever grilled meat will suit your fancy. Just remember to come hungry.
9460 S. Union Square, Ste. 104, Sandy, 801-831-6420,
vzlamia.com

Red Iguana
A local favorite for decades, Red Iguana's claim to fame comes from its variety of mole, each of which contains its own rich tapestry of flavors. It may take some time to land on your favorite, but once you do, be prepared to have strong cravings on the regular.
Multiple locations,
rediguana.com

Santo Taco
Santo Taco takes everything you love about street tacos and packages it in a chic space right out of the barrio. Whether you're in the mood for a plate of cochinita pibil tacos or need a monstrous carne asada burrito, Santo Taco will have something to drool over.
910 N. 900 West, Ste. B, SLC, 801-893-4000

La Garnacha
A niche restaurant that specializes in the regional cuisine of Mexico City, La Garnacha is our local source for the pambazo. It's a sandwich dipped in chili sauce stuffed with potatoes and chorizo, and it's excellent. Come for the pambazo, but don't overlook the gorditas and quesadillas.
5418 W. Main St., Herriman, 385-695-5871,
lagarnachautah.com

ESSENTIAL PLANT-BASED
Seasons Plant Based Bistro
Picture your favorite Italian restaurant. Now, picture the same thing without meat, eggs or dairy. Sound impossible? Then you need to check out Seasons Plant Based Bistro. They've put a plant-based spin on classics like baked ziti and even pepperoni pizza, and it all tastes fantastic.
1370 S. State, SLC, 385-267-1922,
seasonsslc.com

Mark of the Beastro
Seitan worship is on the menu at this Downtown vegan diner. In addition to comfort food favorites like mozzarella sticks, burgers and breakfast burritos, Mark of the Beastro has perfected a recipe for plant-based chicken and waffles that perfectly captures the right kind of sweet and savory miracle.
666 S. State, SLC, 385-202-7386,
markofthebeastro.com

Monkeywrench
In addition to its already stellar selection of plant-based comfort food, Salt Lake City is also home to Monkeywrench and its menu of dairy-free ice cream. Many a skeptic has come away from the creamy, flavorful and sophisticated concoctions from Monkeywrench completely rethinking their entire worldview.
53 E. Gallivan Ave., SLC,
monkeywrench-109928.square.site

Yumz Vegan Bakery and Café
Looking for plant-based Mexican food? If so, Yumz has you covered. They do everything from chili verde to quesadillas to warm, gooey birria tacos. They also cover dessert like tres leches cake and Napoleons. For both sweet and savory offerings on the plant-based spectrum, you can't do much better than Yumz.
3490 S. State, SLC, 801-590-8092

Vertical Diner
Salt Lake's plant-based pioneer, Vertical Diner has been doing vegan comfort food for years. Their celebrity-named burgers are always a safe bet, but it's the dude cakes that keep diners coming back. Two giant pancakes topped with signature "sauzage," grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms and fries that get smothered in gravy. Remember, there aren't any calories because it's vegan.
234 W. 900 South, SLC, 801-484-8378,
verticaldiner.com

• Derek Carlisle
• The Pie

ESSENTIAL PIZZA
The Pie
Whether it's game day or Tuesday, the pizzas at The Pie are always picture perfect. Opting for thicker crust with piles and piles of toppings—see The Mountain of Meat for reference—The Pie represents the pinnacle of American pizza evolution.
Multiple locations,
thepie.com

Bricks Corner
Touting slabs of Detroit-style deep dish pizza, Bricks Corner is the place for pizza connoisseurs who think they have seen it all. Not only does the restaurant rely on an unexplored realm of the pizza medium, but they're putting toppings like Italian beef, truffles and Spam on their signature pies—you've got to see (and taste) it to believe it.
1465 S. 700 South, SLC, 801-953-0636,
brickscornerslc.com

Sergio's Pizza
The original Sergio's has been doing business in New York since the mid-70s, so this Utah expansion is a great place to get traditional New York-style pizza and pasta. Their combination specials make them a popular spot to check out for big events, or you can just pop in and snag a slice of whatever suits your fancy.
3537 W. 11400 South, Ste. A, South Jordan, 385-346-1968,
sergiosnypizza.com

Villagio
Serving up both New York and Sicilian pies, Villagio is another local import all the way from the Big Apple. The thick, sauce-heavy Sicilian pies are the way to go here—one slice can usually do the trick for pizza fans of any appetite.
3144 S. State, South Salt Lake, 801-410-4355,
villaggio-slc.com

Pizza Nono
Those after the wood-fired sensibility of a Naples pie will appreciate the nuance that Pizza Nono provides. The simple margherita is a classic, but the Rocket Man and Beehive pies are signature creations that are worth checking out.
925 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-702-3580,
pizza-nono.square.site

• Derek Carlisle
• Mahider Ethiopian

ESSENTIAL WORLD
Mahider Ethiopian
Ethiopian food is all about community, sharing and eschewing traditional utensils, and Mahider is the best place for that experience locally. Traditional Ethiopian stews, greens and other flavorful offerings are on the menu, all of which is served with rolls of spongy injera that is used to scoop up all the goodies on your plate.
1465 S. State, Ste. 7, SLC, 801-975-1111,
mahiderethiopian.com

BFF Turon
The crew at BFF Turon turned their mobile catering business into a storefront that celebrates Filipino flavors and culture. Filipino food doesn't shy away from the acidic, spicy and vinegary flavors that are showcased in their adobo dishes. Some egg-roll style lumpia on the side make this a great way to experience Filipino eats.
8860 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan,
385-557-2909

Saffron Valley
The Saffron Valley empire has become one of Utah's most consistently tasty Indian food experiences. Whether you're checking out Indian street food at their South Jordan location or taking a dip into more upscale dining with their Sugar House spot, fans of curry, samosas and mango lassi will be right at home here.
Multiple locations,
saffronvalley.com

Horn of Africa
This local restaurant captures the flavors of Somalia and East Africa, a cuisine that is defined by its use of pasta and expertly grilled meat. The fettucine here is a great pick—think of the flat noodles you're familiar with topped with bone-in goat meat. It's all served up in a cozy neighborhood spot known for its friendly service.
1320 S. Swaner Road, SLC, 801-908-5498

Feldman's Deli
Utah's prime example of a traditional Jewish deli, Feldman's is our pick for skyscraping Reuben sandwiches, rich matzo ball soup or golden potato pancakes. It's also a great spot for live music on weekends—nothing quite like enjoying towering sandwiches while listening to some local tunes.
2005 E. 2700 South, SLC, 801-906-0369,
feldmansdeli.com