Eat The World: Salt Lake City

Utah isn’t exactly known for its ethnic cuisine, but there are some gems here. I love going out to eat, to taste different cusines. It gets me excited to visit new cultures and travel to new locations. Follow along for my favorites in the Salt Lake Valley. For a fun date night in Salt Lake, check out my post here. If you are looking for more restaurant recommendations see here.

Let me know in the comments what other local ethnic restaurants I should check out!

1. Thai:
   • Chabaar– The owner Anny grew up in Thailand and owns several Thai restaurants in the valley, including next on the list Tea Rose Diner. Located in Midvale Chabaar serves up classic Thai foods. Try their brunch menu which mixes Thai and American breakfast flavors. Delish!
   • Tea Rose Diner– Located in Murray, their top selling items are the massaman and the pad thai. Try their spring rolls or lettuce wraps for a starter.
2. Vietnamese:
   • Oh Mai– Try the pork Bahn Mi, it’s delicious. Guy Fieri reviewed this restaurant on a trip to Utah. For a more traditional Bahn Mi they have a cold cuts sandwich with pate, jamon and all the veggies. They also have an assortment of Pho if you are in the mood for a comforting bowl of soup.
   • Somi– Located in the Sugarhouse neighborhood of Salt Lake. Elevated Vietnamese dishes are served here, the honey walnut shrimp is divine. They also serve Pho and a variety of noodle dishes. They do have a vegetarian menu as well. Accepts reservations
3. Mexican:
   • Red Iguana– Often named the top Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake City. This place has a reputation for their many moles. You can even order mole to go. Expect a line, this place is popular!
   • Santo Tacos– Located in downtown, the tacos here melt in your mouth. They have the popular birria tacos as well as some delicious fish tacos. A casual joint for a really good taco.
4. Japanese:
   • Takashi– Located in downtown Salt Lake, one of the best sushi restaurants in town. You will definitely need a reservation here. Try the strawberry fields roll, with fresh escolar fish and strawberries. Yum!
5. Spanish:
   • Cafe Madrid-Located in Holladay, this restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Make reservations for dinner. Tapas are delicious here. Jamon, fried brussel sprouts and a variety of Spanish cheeses.
   • Mar Muntanya– Elevated Spanish food. This is a newer restaurant in downtown Salt Lake. They specialize in the Catalonia and Basque regions of Spain on their menu of tapas.
6. Italian:
   • Fratelli– Located in Sandy about 25 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. This is a family owned and operated restaurant. I love their creamy carbonara pasta, as well as their lasagna.
7. French:
   • Gourmandise– Gourmandise, has a couple of locations, one downtown and one in Draper. This French bakery does pastries really well. The Kougin Aman is so good. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the french onion soup!
   • Francks– Located in Cottonwood heights area, near the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. This delightful restaurant does a really creative meatloaf with blueberry reduction that is delish. The chef is creative and uses fresh in season ingredients, so the menu is always changing. Make reservations.
8. Greek:
   • Manoli’s– Manoli’s does elevated Greek food, and they do it well. The service is always spot on. They have a variety of Greek meats and seafood plates. The dolmades, stuffed grape leaves, are delicious.
9. Venezulan:
   • Venezuela Mia– Located in a Sandy strip mall, this small place opened a few years ago. Try the Cachapa which is a corn like patty filled with melty cheese and sausage. It come with fried pork bits on the side with sour cream and a green salsa.
10. Peruvian:
    • Puro Peru– Located in Sandy. Steaks served with french fries are good here. If you have never tried Inca Cola, order a 2 liter bottle of this golden colored soda.
    • Contigo Peru– This West Valley restaurant does Peruvian just like your abuelita used to cook. Recommended is the Ceviche, with fresh fish, citrus and sweet potato.
11. Indian:
    • Saffron Valley– Has several locations throughout the valley, South Jordan, Downtown and Sugarhouse to name a few. The coconut korma and the butter chicken are two of my favorites. They also offer cooking classes at some of their locations. This is a fun date night or girl’s night out idea.
12. German:
    • Bohemian Brewery– Located in the Midvale neighborhood of Salt Lake city this brewery serves up all the German specialties, schnitzel and even a giant pretzel with a side of beer cheese.
13. Lebanese:
    • Mazza– This middle eastern restaurant does hummus well, also try the labneh, a creamy yogurt served with tomatoes and cucumbers. They have an assortment of meat skewers as well. Locations in Sandy and the Sugarhouse area.
14. Native American:
    • Navajo Hogan– One word, Indian Fry Bread! Well I guess that’s three words. Get your fry bread covered in a variety of toppings. This hole in the wall place does pillowy fluffy fry bread so well.
15. Ethiopean:
    • Mahider– Serves up traditional Ethiopian food, like Sambusa’s which are a pastry stuffed with meat and served with a jalapeno sauce. They have a whole VEGAN section on their menu, for those of you who don’t partake of the animal products.

I hope this made you hungry, it sure made me hungry to write about!

– Beck

Disclaimer: Some of the links on my site are affiliate links. You will not pay more to purchase through them, however I may earn a small commission. As always the products I recommend I have personally purchased and recommend. Thank you