Whether you’re only visiting Utah or are here to stay, there’s no question that you’ll be impressed with the Beehive State’s high-quality eats. Although difficult to narrow down a succinct list when there’s an abundance of fantastic fare available, the following 13 restaurants have made names for themselves and, undoubtedly enough, deserve the attention of your eager taste buds.
Advertising itself as Mediterranean street food, this casual Salt Lake City joint is most famous for its döner kebab. Started in 2005, Spitz has since become a household name. Not a fan of the kebab? The restaurant’s various locations also offer salads, garden bowls and falafel balls.
A classic Utah weeknight special, the Navajo taco takes on whole new meaning at Black Sheep Café in Provo, where Native American flavors rock the appetites of hungry visitors. You really can’t go wrong here, but make sure you don’t leave without trying their perfectly sweet hibiscus lemonade.
A popular Salt Lake City establishment, the Copper Onion serves brunch, lunch and dinner. An American restaurant with a variety of irresistible flavor combinations (think balsamic lamb riblets and ginger-cardamom ice cream with almond streusel), this restaurant is consistently packed.
A bit more out of the way in the quaint town of Midway (and also Park City), this Mexican restaurant boasts the best unlimited salsa bar around. Top it off with a slice of their out-of-this-world tres leches cake and you know it’s a sum of money well spent.
A quintessential Salt Lake City landmark, the Pie Pizzeria is not only known for its thick-crust, hearty pizza, but also for its urban, underground atmosphere. With multiple locations and endless delicious combinations, this place is iconic.
If you find yourself much farther South and in need of nourishment after a long day hiking at Zion National Park, try Xetava Gardens Café for some healthy (and potentially vegan) fare that hits the spot every time.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Utahan who hasn’t at least heard of Ruth’s Diner. Come for the food but stay for the location, which overlooks Salt Lake Valley from Emigration Canyon.
The best pizza you’ve ever eaten you say? That’s the word on the street for this Vernal pizzeria. Although still largely unknown, but its ridiculously appealing thin-crust pizzas, this won’t be the case for long.
Eva’s is an Italian-inspired joint in Salt Lake City with offerings ranging from “tamarind-glazed chicken lollipops” with peanuts and cilantro to spinach and potato gnocchi in a sauce of white wine cream. People talk about Eva’s like the type of best friend you can rely on.
It’s a drive-in with a made-to-order menu that’ll send your dopamine levels through the roof. Started in 1956, Roy’s Burger Bar only gets better with time. Loyal fans drive from far and wide for its burgers, fries and shakes.
Located in Springville in southern Utah County, Ginger's Garden Café takes the stigma out of health food. In fact, its offerings will make you a dedicated health enthusiast! Here, delicious vegetarian, vegan and raw food options are readily available.
Vietnamese inspired food has taken the U.S. by storm and now, Utah is no exception. Oh Mai! in Salt Lake City (and various other spots in Utah) offers filling sandwiches for cheap prices. The really good news? You’ll leave feeling fresher than when you came in.
Now with multiple locations, Settebello is one of downtown Salt Lake City’s best restaurants. Maybe it’s the sleek, modern ambience offset by powerful pizza combinations and fresh ingredients. Whatever it is, you won’t be disappointed.