Salt Lake City’s restaurant scene has surged in recent years, becoming one of the most compelling in the Mountain West.
New spots blend seasonal Utah ingredients with global techniques, and neighborhoods across the city now offer serious food and drink destinations. These five restaurants highlight what modern SLC dining looks like.
1. Oquirrh
Oquirrh is a chef‑driven restaurant that feels intimate and personal, with a warm, minimalist dining room that puts the focus on the plate. It’s the sort of place where the menu changes often, responding to seasons and local availability.
Dishes lean New American with European influences—house‑made pastas, carefully sourced meats, and vegetable preparations that share equal billing with the proteins.
You might see playful twists on classics alongside more experimental plates, all presented with a practiced but unfussy hand. Thoughtful wine and cocktail lists make Oquirrh ideal for a slow, lingering dinner where you work through several courses and really settle into the evening.
2. Arlo
Arlo, located in the Marmalade neighborhood, brings a quietly sophisticated energy to SLC. The space is cozy and modern, with a neighborhood feel that still works beautifully for special occasions.
The menu is built around seasonal, locally inspired dishes: creative small plates, balanced mains, and desserts that are more than an afterthought.
Expect combinations that highlight Utah produce, regional meats, and global techniques, resulting in plates that feel both comforting and inventive.
The beverage program is equally thoughtful, featuring well‑constructed cocktails and a wine list chosen to complement the food’s nuance.
3. Copper Common
Copper Common is a sleek bar and restaurant that takes classic cocktail culture and pairs it with a food menu that’s far beyond typical bar fare.
The interior is dimly lit and stylish, giving it a slightly urban, big‑city vibe in the heart of SLC.
On the plate, you’ll find shareable snacks, elevated bar bites, and more composed dishes—think oysters, tartares, inventive small plates, and rich comfort dishes with chef‑y twists.
The menu is designed to play well with the drinks, which are the main attraction for many guests.
Cocktails are serious but not stuffy, with a mix of classics, house creations, and seasonal specialties showcasing top‑notch spirits and technique.
4. Laziz Kitchen
Laziz Kitchen offers modern Lebanese and Mediterranean food in a bright, welcoming setting that emphasizes community and inclusivity.
The design is contemporary and colorful, with an atmosphere that feels as good for brunch as it does for dinner with friends.
The menu highlights mezze (small plates) like hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, and labneh, alongside heartier mains such as shawarma, kofta, and grain bowls loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Vegetarian and vegan diners have no trouble finding options here. Flavors are bold but balanced, and the presentation is vibrant, making shared plates the ideal way to explore the menu.
5. Pago on 9th
Pago on 9th is a farm‑to‑table pioneer in Salt Lake City that continues to feel fresh thanks to its tight focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
The space is intimate and stylish, with an emphasis on hospitality and a neighborhood feel.
The menu changes frequently but tends to feature thoughtful salads, inventive small plates, and mains built around whatever is best from local farms and producers at the moment.
House‑made pastas, carefully cooked meats, and creatively handled vegetables are all common sights. Wine is a strong point here, with a curated list that feels adventurous without being overwhelming, and staff who can guide you to pairings that match your tastes.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
