Favorite Local Food Spots in Salt Lake City

Since there are lots of people coming into town for Alt this week (yay!!) I thought I would highlight my ten favorite foodie places around the Salt Lake City area for those looking for a place to try. Although I'm not originally from Utah and still have many places yet to give a go, these are ones I thought of off the top of my head, and have always come away with memorable experiences. See my entire list and map after the jump...

Forage : My favorite restaurant in Salt Lake hands down. Mac took me here a few weeks ago again for my birthday and it is an overall artistic and enjoyable food experience. If you are a foodie this is a must! It is a smaller place and only open for dinner, a little spendy but you will come away with a very memorable evening. They are taking away numerous awards lately including one of the top restaurants in the U.S.


Les Madeleines : My favorite Bakery! Their specialty Kouing-aman is amazing and sells out fast! It was even highlight on the Food Network. The Carrot Cake Cookie is yummy as well and pretty much everything else. For lunch I enjoy their Sesame Chicken Salad Wrap.

Cucina Toscana : I haven't been to them all but this is my favorite Italian spot in the area. So delicious and the service in impeccable.

Tulie Bakery : Patterned after Tartine in San Francisco this Bakery has more of a modern and minimal fresh and European atmosphere and the yummy bakery items are top notch. I enjoy their Banana Creme Tarts but most things are delectable!

Mazza : If you are wanting something a little different to try-- go for the Middle Eastern cuisine of Mazza. There are two locations and it is really yummy food.

Porcupine Grill : If you like pub food this place is pretty good and a perfect after ski hangout.

Lone Star Taqueria: Quick authentic Mexican food. Their fish tacos and salad are amazing with new fresh fish selections daily, I also often see many skiers and boarders here after hitting the slopes.

Red Iguana Restaurant : Best Mexican food in Utah! There is also a few different locations.

Takashi : Some of the best sushi in town.

Pawit's Royale Thai : Best Thai food I've ever had in Utah. The Gang Kra Lee (Yellow Curry) is really good.

If you end up heading south of Salt Lake City to Utah County here are two other favorites :

Pizzeria 712 : Yummy Pizza, their ham & cheddar panini is incredible and the desserts are yummy too. Although an interesting location, I love the atmosphere.

Communal Restaurant: Delicious food and they are now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Worth a trip for sure with a great designer ambience.


View Salt Lake City Favorites in a larger map

I know I am missing many great spots as I am only limiting this to ten, but add to the list -- what are your favorites? Shout them out in the comments!

(photos all by black eiffel : 1: Breakfast at Communal | 2: Seasonal Vegetable Medley at Forage | 3: Pain au Chocolate from Les Madeleines | 4: Outside of Tulie Bakery)

Communal Restaurant

Last Saturday I was invited to a breakfast tasting along with some other lovely bloggers at one of my favorite local spots Communal Restaurant (see my previous talks of them here) and by jove their brand spanking new breakfast repertoire addition is phenomenal. My husband Mac and I constantly discuss how there aren't many great breakfast options in our local area, but shazam! Communal stepped up and nailed it yet again. If you are looking for a place to dine for a wonderful lunch, dinner date and now cozy breakfast in the Utah County area, Communal remains seated at the tippity-top of my list.



Everything from the delicious housemade granola to the french toast with perfectly spiced apples to the baked farm eggs with tomato & chorizo is down right scrumptious. Although surprisingly, the standout dish for me was their Steak and Farm Eggs with Salsa Verde -- I only say surprising because I am not the biggest meat eater, but wow ... it was A-mazing. Find out more information on their website and check out their newly launched label and web presence-- Heirloom Restaurant Group.

Do you Utah locals or those coming to the Beehive state for a visit want to score a chance at a $50 gift card to dine at Communal? Leave a comment below by Monday December 6th and I will randomly select a winner, and announce on this post & twitter by Tuesday. Thank you Communal for the wonderful experience.

Winner randomly selected and announced : Angela!! Congrats.

Forage Restaurant

Last weekend a friend and I had a girl's night and decided to treat ourselves by going to the lovely restaurant Forage in Salt Lake City. If you are ever looking to go out for a special evening dinner in Salt Lake, I would very highly recommend this place. They have two fixed-price course menus (we went with the 3-course) with options changing depending on seasons and local availability. Chef's Bowman Brown and Viet Pham created flavors that were unique and delectable and as you can see from my phone shots -- there was definitely artful beauty on the plates. It was delightful to have some amuse-bouches and I still can't get over how stunning the 'vegetable garden' first course was. I can't wait to take my husband back for a special occasion.



Forage website | Forage Blog | Located at 370 E 900 S in Salt Lake City.