Restaurants near downtown SLC
The following are restaurants that I have been to and would recommend. These restaurants are a little more expensive than the next section of restaurants. Some of them are more pricey than others, so I would recommend checking the menu before you go. A few of these would only be considered for special occasions.
- My favorite is Sea Salt because it has authentic Italian food. It is an upscale restaurant on 1300 South. I lived in Italy and it is the most authentic restaurant I have found to Italian food.
- Cheesecake Factory downtown is loved by everyone I have talked to. Many international students love this place too! It has a great selection and many things to choose from.
- The Roof & The Garden Restaurants downtown are unique because they overlook Temple Square. The Roof is more expensive than The Garden.
- The Melting Pot is also another expensive restaurant. They offer a unique experience because they melt cheese or chocolate, and then you dip your dinner or dessert into the pot.
- Sawadee Thai Restaurant is an excellent restaurant if you like Thai food. The restaurant makes you feel like you're in Asia.
- Caffe Molise Italian Restaurant is another Italian restaurant which offers excellent food downtown.
- Red Iguana is a Mexican restaurant and is very popular among Utahans. If you like Mexican food, you have to try Red Iguana.
- Squatter's Pub and Brewery offers a more relaxed feeling, but is highly rated among restaurants in Utah.
- Blue Lemon has something for everyone. It's got a good variety and is more relaxed and kind of like a cafe.
- The Pie Pizzeria-Underground is close the The U and seems like a hole in the wall, but it has great pizza! It has a history and people have drawn all over the walls. It's also cool because it's completely underground.
- Settebello is a restaurant that offers Neapolitan style pizzas. They're really good, plus there is a Gelateria next to the restaurant, so you could have an Italian night.
- PF Chang's Chinese Restaurant is so delicious, but a little expensive. It's got good Chinese food!
- Rodizio Brazilian Grill is one of the most expensive restaurants, so I would only go for a special occasion. It is a meat lovers' dream! The waiters bring out different kinds of meats and you can choose which ones you want and which you don't want. It's an all you can eat situation, so go hungry!
More affordable options
- Texas Roadhouse is more affordable, but it is still delicious. I haven't eaten anything there I haven't liked. Their steaks are amazing!
- California Pizza Kitchen has a large variety of pizzas. You can also create your own.
- Cafe Rio is a cafe with a relaxed feeling, but everyone loves their burritos. It is a Mexican inspired restaurant.
- Olive Garden claims to be Italian, but is more American Italian. It offers great pastas with all you can eat breadsticks and soup or salad.
- Chili's is a good American casual dining restaurant. They've got a good variety of food.
- Ihop is known for their breakfast foods. You can go for breakfast or you can eat breakfast for dinner.
- Cafe Zupas offers great soups, salads, and paninis (hot sandwiches). Most of the girls I know love this place, but the guys don't seem to love it for some reason.
- Robintino's is an American-Italian restaurant for a good price. It only has one location in Bountiful.
- Costa Vida is similar to Cafe Rio. It is Mexican inspired and it is a relaxed beach themed restaurant.
- Chick-fil-A is fast food, but a little more high class. They've got good food.
- In-N-Out Burger is something you have to try, at least once. It's a fast growing hamburger joint that's gaining a lot of popularity.
