I get this message often: “We are visiting Utah. Where should we eat?” I’ve had to share my favorites so often in messages that I decided to just make a post out of it! But first, here’s something you need to know about me and my recommendations: I’m not a food blogger. I’m not a chef. I’m not pretentious or overly picky. I like all kinds of food at all price points, but I generally prefer things that feel fresh. On this list, I’ve tried to recommend places that feel more unique to Utah even if some of them have spread a bit outside our borders.

Also, I’m ALWAYS looking for new places to try, so add your favorites in the comments!

Where to eat in Utah: Sit-down restaurants

Brooke’s Favorite Sit-Down Restaurants:

Sol Agave: This is one of my all-time favorites. Everything we’ve tried is delicious, but the sea bass over rice, sugarcane filets, and lobster enchiladas are particular favorites. Don’t leave without the butter cake! (American Fork and Salt Lake)

Franklin Ave.: Another that tops my list for their inventive menu and consistently great food. We’ve loved everything we’ve tried. Must be over 21 and have ID to eat here. (Salt Lake)

Midway Mercantile: I love going here on my birthday! Another place where everything we’ve tried is a home run. Don’t leave without getting dessert. (Midway)

Beaumont Bakery: I love this place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We’ve had all kinds of entrees and have been happy with every one but the citrus salad is a favorite. You MUST get the peanut butter, coconut, chocolate chip cookie. You will never be the same. (Milcreek)

The Tree Room: This is a high-end dining experience that is pricey but worth it if you like fine dining and a little adventure with your food. (Provo)

Log Haven: The ambiance is unbeatable here and the food is excellent, but it’s not cheap, so plan to enjoy every bite. (Milcreek)

Slackwater: This pizza place is a newer favorite with unique pizzas and great salads. It’s an easy win for the whole family. (multiple locations)

Mina: We loved everything we ate at this small, newer Italian restaurant, but the star was the Mozzarella made at our table with tomatoes and balsamic. (Salt Lake)

Back 40: This place has one of my favorite dishes ever–roasted vegetables with balsamic glaze and jalapeno goat cheese—don’t worry, the rest of their menu is pretty down home cookin’, so there is something for everyone. (Heber)

Manoli’s: If you love Greek food, this will knock your socks off. So many fun dishes with a Mediterranean twist. (Salt Lake)

Takashi: If sushi is your thing, it doesn’t get much better than this! Gourmet and special in every sense of the word. (Salt Lake)

Tsunami: This is another sushi spot our family loves that also has something for everyone…even non-sushi eaters. (Multiple locations)

Sapa: This place is great for the sushi and non-sushi lovers. The rolls are fun and delicious and their full menu is just as good. (Salt Lake)

Hearth and Hill: This is a family favorite because the menu is delicious and fun but ideal even for picky eaters. (Park City, Sugarhouse)

Five Seeds: If you can get into this breakfast spot in Park City, do it! It’s always full because it’s that good. (Park City)

Black Sheep Cafe: This little spot in Provo has a really unique menu that is different from most eateries. It’s casual, hearty, and full of flavor. (Provo)

Bombay House: If you love Indian food, this place is a must. It’s been a Utah staple for years and is still so good! (Salt Lake)

The Dodo: If you want a place that everyone will love, this is it. A few favorites are the smoked turkey sandwich, cajun pasta, and the lemon shrimp salad. Don’t leave without dessert. Their caramel coffee cake and banana cream pie are to die for. (Sugarhouse)

Chanon Thai: There are lots of good Thai spots in Utah, but this is one of the best. (Salt Lake)

La Casa Del Tamal: This Mexican restaurant is authentic and flavorful and always packed. The birria tacos are what they are known for, but everything we’ve tried is excellent. (Salt Lake City, West Valley City)

The Pie Pizzaria: If you love a good, hearty, pizza with a thick crust and lots of cheese, you will be in heaven here. The classics are always a great option, but we love the BBQ chicken and Strawberry balsamic too. (Salt Lake for best ambiance, but multiple locations)

Nomad East: This pizza spot also has one of my all time favorite salads. We love their family salad and “Children of the corn” pizza. So different and so delicious. (Salt Lake)

Crowdsourced Favorite Sit-Down Restaurants:

Junah (Salt Lake) “Best food I’ve had in SLC.”

Goat Head (Salt Lake) “Seriously the best breakfast burrito I’ve ever had!”

Tandoori Taqeiria (Salt Lake)

Galeano’s Ristoranti Italiano (Salt Lake) “The osso buco was out of this world here!”

Market Street Grill (Salt Lake and multiple locations)

Red Iguana (Salt Lake and multiple locations)

Tuscanos (Salt Lake and multiple locations)

Sawadee Thai (Salt Lake)

Mumbai House (Salt Lake, Park City, Toole)

Penny Anne’s Cafe (Salt Lake and multiple locations)

Gary’s Asian Bistro (Salt Lake)

Sego Restaurant (Kanab) “Sego in Kanab is craveable!” Be sure to make a reservation because it’s a small place and they are always busy.”

Taggarts (Morgan) “Beautiful drive! Great cheesecake!”

Edna’s Market and Grille (Lehi & Provo)

Mastra (American Fork)

Oishi Sushi Bar and Grill (Park City)

Blue Fish Sushi Bar & Restaurant (South Jordan)

Oteo (Pleasant Grove)

Blue Iguana (Salt Lake)

Pago (Salt Lake)

Cultivate Craft Kitchen (Draper)

Yuki Yama Sushi (Park City)

Caffe Molise (Salt Lake)

Setto Bello (Salt Lake)

Napolis (multiple locations)

Copper Onion (Salt Lake)

Archibald’s (Gardner Village)

Stoneground Italian (Salt Lake)

Chicken in the Kitchen (Provo)

Maddox (Brigham City & other locations)

The Rusted Spoon (Perry)

Tifiny’s Creperie (St. George)

La Casa Del Tamal (Mulitple Locations)

Jammy (SLC)

Pizzeria 712 (Orem)

Sicilia Mia (SL)

Sakura Hibachi Steakhouse (SL)

Matteos (SLC)

Market Street Grill (Multiple Locations)

Where to eat in Utah: FAST-CASUAL

If you prefer to walk up and order, Utah has you covered. So many great, fast-casual options here! Again, trying to recommend places that are more Utah-based, though some have expanded beyond our borders or come from nearby states. I didn’t add any of the national chains, but we have all those too :).

Brooke’s Favorite Fast-Casual Restaurants

Pizzeria Limone: I could eat here every week. The Pera Pizza and the Burrata Pizza can’t be beat, and their salads are excellent too! (multiple locations)

Flower Child: If you love healthy but delicious food, this one is for you. We loved it in Arizona and were thrilled when it opened up in Utah! (Salt Lake)

Cafe Rio: If you are visiting here, you have to get a sweet pork salad or burrito with the creamy cilantro dressing. It’s what keeps people coming back again and again. (multiple locations)

Santorini’s: a fast-casual Greek spot our whole family loves. My favorite is the lemon chicken salad, and my boys love the gyro and fries. Fast, fresh, and healthy. (multiple locations)

Village Baker: If you are looking for a good sandwich on the most delicious bread or a heavenly pizza, this is it. A particular favorite of teens! (multiple locations)

Nosh: Their large Mediterranean sampler plate is one of my all-time favorite dishes! Everything is so fresh and so good we go back again and again. (Park City)

Plates and Palates: The curry chicken salad, blue cheese and pear salad, and lemon chicken pasta salad are some of my favorite lunch entrees. They also offer them in catering sizes, which makes hosting so easy. (Bountiful)

Kneaders: Their all-you-can-eat French toast with strawberries and whipped cream is something all my kids love! If you need an affordable but delicious breakfast out, you will love it. (multiple locations)

Cubby’s: This fast-casual spot has a kale and wild rice salad and sweet potato fries I crave consistently. They really can’t be beat. An awesome lunch spot! (multiple locations)

Aubergine: If you love fresh and healthy food, this is the place for you. So many bowl and salad options that are all delicious and make you feel good. (multiple locations)

Kitchen 88: If you are craving hearty, fresh food with a casual feel, this is a great option. Try the tri-tip, Peri Peri chicken, or any of the sandwiches. (multiple locations)

Zulu Grill: This one is totally underrated, but we love it. Their chicken, salads, and sandwiches are all delicious and fresh. (multiple locations)

Rich’s Bagels: Their Asiago cheese bagel with jalapeño-orange cream cheese is legendary. They also make great bagel sandwiches! (Salt Lake)

El Cenote: This food truck has incredible street tacos, tortas, and all kinds of authentic goodness! (based in Kaysville but travels)

Crowdsourced Favorite Fast-Casual Restaurants

Crown Burger (Salt Lake and multiple locations)

Cafe Zupas (Salt Lake and multiple locations)

La Casita (Springville)

Sagato Bakery and Cafe (Midvale) “It was delightful! Several varieties of meat pies, fish and chips, and delicious desserts!”

Chicken Salad Chick (Pleasant Grove) “Amazing and new to the hood. My favorite is sassy Scotty, broccoli salad and grape salad.”

Nano’s Bagels (Sandy) “Hands-down the best bagels and bagel sammies west of NYC.”

The Bagel Den (Heber and Provo)

Delice French Bakery and Cafe (Salt Lake)

Lucky’s Iron Door Roadhouse (West Jordan)

Contento Cafe (Salt Lake)

Hanks Bistro and Brew (Eden)

Gourmandise (Multiple Locations)

El Mexsal (Provo)

Freshies Lobster (SL & Park City)

Hires Big H (SL)

Olive Press Cafe (Heber)

Arempas Venezuelan Cuisine (Provo)

Backdoor Burgers (Provo)

Lola’s Street Kitchen (Midway)

Taqueria 27 (multiple locations)

Pretty Bird (multiple locations)

J. Dawgs (Provo and multiple locations)

Chubby’s (multiple locations)

Caswell’s Kitchen Food Truck (Davis County)

Cheryl’s Bagels (Bountiful)

Shirley’s Baker and Cafe (Provo)

Seven Brothers (Multiple locations)

Mo Bettah’s (Multiple locations)

Burger Bat (Roy)

Burgers and Barley (American Fork)

Paces Dairy Ann (Layton and Bountiful)

Angelica’s (St. George)

Zao (Multiple Locations)

Burley Burger (South Weber & Layton)

Cutlers (Multiple Locations)

Finis Pizza (Vineyard)

Chom Burger (Provo)

Tony’s Burger (Multiple Locations)

Costa Vida (Multiple Locations)

Fueled Kitchen (Draper)

Fresh Fin (SL & Draper)

Spitz (SL)

Brixton’s (Ogden)

Nomad East (SL)

Urban Acre (Orem)

Charlie Chows (SL)

Skillets (SL)

Sweetlake Biscuits and Limeade (SLC)

Thai This Food (West Valley)

Del Barrio Cafe (Midvale and Draper)

JCW Burgers (American Fork)

Egg Break Breakfast & Brunch (SLC)

Mak Mak Thai (Bountiful)

Ernie’s Deli (Orem)

Caputo’s Market & Deli (SL & Holladay)

Way Back Burgers (Pleasant Grove)

Urban Acre (Orem)

180 Tacos (Provo)

Bowl Factory (Springville)

The Smoked Taco (Sandy)

Redmond Farm Kitchen (SL & Orem)

Enrico’s Deli (West Jordan)

Beast from the East Sandwichery (Salt Lake)

Moochies (SL)

Oh Mai Sandwich Kitchen (multiple locations)

Sushi Burrito (Layton)

Asian Cafe (Eagle Mountain)

Roc Taco (SL)

Greek City Grill (Holladay)

Hruska’s Kolache (Multiple Locations)

Culichi Kitchens (Spanish Fork)

The Smoked Apple (Pleasant Grove)

Morty’s Cafe (Multiple Locations)

Monti (Holladay)

Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen

Di Napoli (Orem)

Ti Amo Wood Fired Pizza (Bountiful)

Santo Tacos (SLC)

Rio Sonora (Provo)

Sportelli’s Italian (Provo)

Craving Bistro (Pleasant Grove)

Caputos Market (SL)

Back 40 (Heber)

Mr. Charlie’s Chicken (Murray)

The Bird (Multiple Locations)

Italian Village (Pizza Benders)

Curry Pizza (Lehi)

Ginger’s Garden Cafe (Springville)

Toss’d (Provo)

The Smoked Taco (Multiple Locations)

Bar-Dub Grill (Lehi)

Bar-Dub Steakhouse (Nephi)

Golden Gyros (SL)

The Creamery (Beaver)

The Bambino (Midvale)

Where to eat in Utah: Desserts and Bakeries

Utah people LOVE their desserts and bakeries and ending a meal with something sweet is one thing we do really well.

Brooke’s Favorite Dessert Spots

There is one spot that tops my list for dessert in Utah: BLACKSMITH. It is the best homemade ice cream with the most delicious flavors. You can’t go wrong. You will be back again and again. (Bountiful and Salt Lake)

Ruby Snap Cookies: These cookies are inventive, made with the best ingredients, and always delicious. Don’t miss them! (Salt Lake)

Beaumont Bakery: The coconut, peanut butter, chocolate chip cookie is life changing. We also love the S’mores cookie and key lime tart! (multiple locations)

Hatch Family Chocolates: Home of the state’s best hot chocolate and all kinds of other delicious treats. We love stopping in! (Salt Lake)

Parson’s Bakery: Their blueberry scone is next level and grab a cheesy pretzel roll while you are there. (Bountiful)

Nielsen’s Frozen Custard: There is just something about smooth custard with all the right mix-ins for their famous concrete. This is a forever favorite. (multiple locations)

Twisted Sugar: Their coconut lime sugar cookie made them famous, but I also love their cookie butter oatmeal cookie, their banana cream pie cookie, oatmeal chocolate chip, and their chocolate crinkle cookie. (multiple locations)

Rockwell Ice Cream: Their flavors are so fun and rich. Everything we’ve had is delicious. (multiple locations).

Handel’s Ice Cream: If you love ice cream with huge scoops and full of chunks, you will love this spot. (multiple locations)

Nordstrom Cafe: The white chocolate bread pudding is the best in town. Perfect for a little shopping sweet treat. (Salt Lake, Murray)

Fillings and Emulsions: If you love macarons, these are some of the best! We also love all their savory breads. (Salt Lake)

Tulie Bakery: Their tarts, beignets, and pies are out of this world. Definitely worth the trip! (Salt Lake)

Banbury Cross: Their cinnamon, coconut, blueberry, and maple bars are too good to resist. (multiple locations)

The rest of our favorite desserts come from restaurants: everything at the Dodo, buttercake from Sol Agave, everything at Midway Mercantile.

Crowdsourced Favorite Dessert Spots

Dutchman’s Market (St. George) “Cookies are so good!”

Paletas (St. George) “Gourmet Creamsicles”

Morty’s (St. George) “Great for scones, fries or shakes.”

Delice French Bakery and Cafe (Salt Lake) “Beautiful and tasty French pastries”

Utah’s Best Eats