Are you visiting Salt Lake City on business, for skiing, visiting family or just passing through on the way to one of Utah’s stunning National Parks? If so, you may be looking for the best restaurants in Salt Lake City with something for everyone. Well, I’ve got a story to tell you…
So a vegetarian and a gluten free person walk into a bar in Salt Lake City…just kidding. Well…not really. I do happen to be vegetarian and my good friend whom I was visiting does have gluten sensitivity. Plus, we both do enjoy a nice adult beverage from time to time. Okay, okay, me more than her probably. LOL
Wondering what the best restaurants are in Salt Lake City that have something for everyone?
Are there even bars in Salt Lake City? What if I’m traveling with someone who is vegetarian or gluten free? What are some great restaurants that are fun and can make everyone happy?
I’ve got you covered! I got the inside scoop from a local and I’ll tell you my top 5 best restaurants to try in Salt Lake City that are sure to have something for everyone. I think you carnivores will be quite happy too!
#1 – Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City for Breakfast
1624 1100 E. Salt Lake City, UT 84105
First stop breakfast! Finn’s Cafe is a beautiful family owned and operated cafe located in the hip area of Sugarhouse in Salt Lake City. It was started in 1952 by Norwegian immigrants who came to Utah for the wonderful skiing.
They serve Scandinavian inspired food with an American flair. This is not your typical 50’s cafe or diner. It feels classier and more refined than that. From the moment you enter you will see what I mean.
This small cafe is lined with large oval windows, has light colored wood ceilings, tables and floors with some retro glass blocks added in for additional light. It’s so bright and cheerfull. There’s even a little gnome (troll?) to welcome you when you come in!
They also have a great patio surrounded by a lush flowering hedge. No staring at a busy street or parking lot on this patio.
Order some hot LavAzza coffee served in Finn’s signature mug.
Next, they have a wide menu with your favorite breakfast and lunch staples . If your a more adventurous eater try some Scandinavian specialties like poached red trout with Finn’s tartar sauce, wienerschnitzel and eggs or Jule Kake French toast.
I ordered the waffles which were are a little thinner, crispier and sweeter than Belgian waffles. It comes with lingonberry jam and sour cream.
I skipped the sour cream and opted for the artfully sculpted butter shaped into what looked like raspberries to me, but you make your guess. 😄 Lingonberries maybe??
The classic omelette with hash browns was my gluten free friend’s choice. A tasty and relaxing way to spend the morning!
#2 – Sunday Brunch at Ruth’s Diner
4160 Emigration Canyon Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
Next stop, Sunday brunch! Ruth’s Diner is an amazing brunch spot in Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City. Although they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner too.
This delightful spot has a fabulous back patio where you can gaze up at the surrounding canyon, sip some delicious mimosas and enjoy live music. This place was one of the highlights of my trip!
Ruth’s Diner has been open since 1930 and at this location since 1949 when Ruth moved a trolly car up to Emigration Canyon and started serving beer and burgers to under age frat boys.
The salty, cigarette loving, gun toting, chihuahua owning Ruth started out as a feisty cabaret singer who turned to flipping burgers and eventually opening her own diner. The rest is history!
Sit in the back garden under the lovely old tree, sip a delicious mimosa and get treated with Ruth’s legendary, complimentary biscuits and homemade raspberry jam as you move to the beat of the live band. Heaven on a plate!
Sorry, my gluten free friends, you will miss the delicious biscuits, but your friends will be happy to take yours. LOL
Along with my mimosa, I had a tasty cinnamon role French toast with orange cream cheese florets. If you are gluten free try one of Ruth’s delicious cheesy omelets, Benedicts or hashes. Breakfast is served most of the day from 8am to 4pm.
# 3 – Lunch at the Blue Iguana
165 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Then lunch! If you are looking for a hip spot in downtown Salt Lake City, hit up the Blue Iguana for lunch or dinner. It’s located in the heart of downtown near Temple Square.
They have a great lower courtyard patio with umbrellas and string lights where you can sit and relax, nibble some tasty chips and salsa and sip any number of delicious margaritas (I chose the peach) or step inside the colorful and art filled inside dining room.
This place is very refreshing and I’m not just talking about the margaritas. 😂 They have a great selection of vegetarian and gluten free options on the menu.
I’m so used to going places where they only have one or two options for me, so this place was great.
Next, I was excited to have a veggie chimichanga, which is rarely a choice for me since they are mainly made only with either chicken or beef.
My friend had the rice and avocado enchiladas which was not only vegetarian (I might be rubbing off on her 😂), but also gluten free. Healthy and delicious!
There are also many options to satisfy my carnivores out there from carne asada to carnitas or even burgers and steak fries if you are not in the mood for Mexican food.
# 4 – Dinner at The Bayou
645 S State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Lastly, if you’re looking for a fun night out on the town for dinner and some great cold beer, head over to The Bayou!
It’s also located in downtown Salt Lake City. They have a little parking lot at the business next store that you can use for free in the evenings if you have trouble finding parking.
I’ve been coming to this place for over a decade and it is my favorite place to have a burger (veggie for me) and a beer or a local cider (Made in Utah, Hive cider is my fave!).
It’s a hip and funky Cajun place with brick walls, exposed pipes, dim lighting, neon signs and Mardi Gras beads strung up on the ceiling.
They have a huge beer menu along with wine, cocktails and fun mocktails if you happen to be the designated driver. See my friend’s delicious mocktail below.
Be careful if you drink in Salt Lake City. The legal limit for alcohol is lower than in other states.
Take the Trax downtown or Uber it instead and leave the car at your hotel. Your best friend wants you to stay safe and jail free!
I had a delicious veggie burger with cajun spices and pepper jack cheese.
Burgers are served with sweet and savory mix of regular and sweet potato fries that are so hot, crispy and yummy.
I couldn’t finish them all and took them back to the hotel, only to eat them for a late night snack later while watching TV.
My friend’s favorite is the red beans and rice which is gluten free.
You can also try crawfish, gumbo, jambalaya, muffuletta or even the alligator if you want to live on the edge. 😏
# 5 – Bonus Restaurant in Park City!
322 Main Street Park City UT 84060
Bonus restaurant! If you happen to venture out of Salt Lake and head to Park City, Red Banjo Pizza is a great affordable option for lunch or dinner.
This family joint has been in business for 60 years and serves up made from scratch pies which include regular, gluten free or cauliflower crust.
The pizza is great and served with a twist. Literally! The pizza is served with a slice of lemon. Never seen that before!
I had the classic margarita pizza and it was divine! I just love fresh mozzarella and basil. What a wonderful combination!
My friend opted for a gluten free, pick your own topping pie. Delish!
Besides pizza, Red Banjo also has pasta, sandwiches and salads plus a full bar. I like my pizza with a little vino!
I knew Red Banjo Pizza would be good because it was packed with locals and tourists alike! The local junior sports team was celebrating the end of their season and the 20 somethings girls next to me were advising their guy friend on his latest Tinder choices. Women can be brutal! Yikes!
It’s a small place stuffed with olympic skiing memorabilia and of course, red banjos on the walls. 😄 Plus, in nice weather there is a small rooftop terrace, although they weren’t seating up there when I went.
I hope you enjoyed my food tour of Salt Lake City! Stay tuned for my next post on fun things to do in and around Salt Lake City.
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For more restaurant recommendations, check out my post on the best restaurants in Long Island, NY. Planning your Winter Cruise? Find out which cruise line has the best food.
If you’d like to plan a trip to Salt Lake City check out some of my planning posts for flights, packing and paying for your trip with miles. Never stop exploring!