Heather King

For years, chefs in Salt Lake have been painstakingly building a thriving food scene. Forged by transplants lured by epic snow, an agricultural heritage that spans seasons, and a willingness to take creative risks as big as Utah’s western spirit, talented restaurateurs and their teams are making a name for the City of Salt—host of the 2002 and 2034 Winter Olympic Games—and America is beginning to take notice. Each year, Salt Lake City restaurants earn national and global accolades thanks to a growing list of Utah chefs who showcase the state’s talent and tenacity. That regular recognition among the country’s best reflects the city’s hard-earned culinary excellence. From authentic representations of worldwide cuisine to neighborhood dining destinations, the city’s food-centric identity has matured into something to remember—and then to savor repeatedly. Salt Lake chefs draw inspiration from international flavors while honoring the region’s agricultural heritage with menus that transition through the seasons with delicious results. Here are the Salt Lake City spots you shouldn’t miss. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Salt Lake City🏨 The best hotels in Salt Lake City🏜 The essential guide to Utah This guide was last updated by Heather King, a writer based in Utah. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

A night here feels like stepping into a space that understands mood as much as it understands flavor. The lighting is low but well placed, the design layered with velvet and polished metal.  Felt’s strength lies in the cohesion of the food and cocktail programs that speak fluently to each other and reinforce the other’s creativity. Whether spirit-forward or bright and citrusy, drinks arrive balanced and precise. A casual drink can easily turn into a full evening. The culinary offerings are a study in technical precision with respect to ingredients and genuine playfulness with flavors. The staff has an easy command of both the drink and food menus, offering suggestions that prove to be sincere and knowledgeable. At Felt, the atmosphere draws you in, the cocktails intrigue you, and the food ensures you’ll return.  The vibe: The vibe strikes a refined and stylish balance. One table could be a couple leaning into candlelight, while another is filled with friends gathered around small plates. Solo customers are perfectly content at the bar, watching the choreography of the cocktail program unfold at the open bar that acts as both an anchor and a theater for the space. Conversations flow easily across tables, and the bar hums with activity as bartenders craft drinks. The food: Shareable small plates lead the dining experience, encouraging exploration of a variety of proteins and snacks. Look to the raw bar menu for a luxury seafood moment. Even simple items like roasted vegetables,

Tuk Tuks’ culinary prowess lies in delivering filling and satisfying Thai flavors with a nuanced amount of heat and freshness. They also serve authentic Lao cuisine, an anomaly in the city.  Each of the three Tuk Tuks locations serves up spectacular food, so diners can frequent them regularly and enjoy a wide range of dishes from the menu. It’s the place you’ll enjoy the best iterations of tom ka soup and pad Thai in Utah. Those noodles are a reliable favorite tossed with egg, bean sprouts, scallions, and your choice of protein and finished with crushed peanuts and lime for brightness—without the cloying sweetness usually found in American renditions. For something richer, the drunken noodles bring serious personality. Wide rice noodles are stir-fried with Thai basil, mushrooms, bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, and onions, resulting in a slightly smoky, deeply satisfying dish. For those craving Thai cuisine that’s flavorful, fresh, and unapologetically bold, Tuk Tuks delivers every time with an experience that feels seamless and upbeat. The vibe: Tuk Tuks' atmosphere mirrors the spirit of Thai street food that inspired the menu, but in an elevated environment—different in each of the three locations. Vibrant murals, neon accents, and an upbeat playlist bring energy and excitement to a meal. Service is friendly and efficient, and everyone is happy to guide newcomers through spice levels or recommend a favorite dish. The food: This Southeast Asian cuisine is what sets Tuk Tuks apa