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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown

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22 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Matteo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
1. Matteo Ristorante Italiano
4.8
Exceptional(645)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Salt Lake City
Booked 52 times today
Matteo Ristorante Italiano is a place where the authentic flavors of Modena, Italy come alive. Reviewers rave about the 'very authentic from Grandma's kitchen' dishes and the 'extensive wine list'. The chef, Damiano Carlotto, uses family recipes and techniques to create a warm, comforting, and soul-warming culinary journey. The homemade pasta and traditional Italian dishes also add to the authenticity of the place.
A photo of Blue Iguana - Salt Lake City restaurant
2. Blue Iguana - Salt Lake City
4.5
Awesome(684)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 32 times today
Purchased from the Red Iguana family in 1998, the Blue Iguana Restaurant has provided patrons with delicious, authentic Mexican food for over two decades. From day one, the only goal for Blue Iguana was to create a menu rich with traditional, old-world recipes while pushing the culinary envelope and creating new, one-of-a-kind Mexican cuisine.Trained by the culinary artists of Chihuahua, our head chef, Chef Castillo, cooks up some of the most mouth-watering and unexpected Mexican cuisine outside of his homeland. After he learned closely guarded recipes created in the tradition of generations-old Aztec cuisine, Chef Castillo began applying these techniques to create everything from classic Mexican dishes to modern cuisine.Our restaurant is warm, inviting, family-friendly, and full of energy. Dining at the Blue Iguana is more than a meal—it’s a journey back in time to the tastes and sounds of old-world Mexico.
A photo of HandoSake Sushi restaurant
3. HandoSake Sushi
4.5
Awesome(62)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
HandoSake is Downtown Salt Lake City’s original Japanese hand-roll bar, serving fresh, made-to-order hand rolls, premium nigiri, and authentic Japanese cuisine. Our menu features high-quality fish flown in weekly, crave-worthy appetizers like crispy rice and rock shrimp, and a full bar offering signature cocktails, premium sake, and Japanese whiskey. Enjoy a vibrant, modern atmosphere with occasional live music and DJs, creating the perfect setting for date nights, business dinners, or casual gatherings. Whether you’re dining in, taking out, or ordering delivery, HandoSake delivers the freshest sushi experience in downtown Salt Lake City. Discover why we’re the go-to destination for sushi lovers, hand-roll enthusiasts, and fans of true Japanese dining.
A photo of Monarca restaurant
4. Monarca
4.5
Awesome(505)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 22 times today
We are MONARCA! Best of State 2025. A Mexican bistro, we constantly change our menu with our chef's new creations, such as Ceviches, Enchiladas, Steaks, and other specialties. Our bar specializes in Tequila and Mezcal and was awarded Best Restaurant Bar 2023 in Utah. Our mixologist is always innovating, using spices and flavors that you can hardly find anywhere else. We are MONARCA, right in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City, a few blocks from Temple Square. Bienvenidos!
A photo of Caffe Molise restaurant
5. Caffe Molise
4.6
Exceptional(3573)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 54 times today
Occupying the historic Eagles Building on the corner of 400 South and West Temple street downtown, Caffe Molise opened in 1993 serving lunch and dinner daily. Featuring daily specials for lunch and dinner, with made-to-order appetizers, fresh and imported Italian pastas, main dishes and delectable desserts, we have been a fixture of Salt Lake City for 30 years. Staff favorites include our Ravioli con Zucca, the Arista, and Pappardelle al Sugo.Peruse our award-winning wine and drinks menus including our seasonal craft cocktails. When the weather is warm, enjoy our outdoor patio. Seating is limited; we request that guests keep dining to a 2 hour limit. Reservations are recommended; walk-ins are welcome. We are also available for curbside pick-up and gift card purchase. Cheers!
A photo of Cucina Toscana restaurant
6. Cucina Toscana
4.3
Awesome(1197)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Salt Lake City
Booked 7 times today
Located in the 100 year old historic Firestone Building, Cucina Toscana is Salt Lake City’s longest-running Italian restaurant, serving authentic Tuscan cuisine for over 30 years. Conveniently across from Pioneer Park and near The Gateway, Delta Center, and Salt Palace Convention Center, we offer a refined yet inviting dining experience.Led by Executive Chef Memmo, who has been with Cucina Toscana for 28 years, we are known for house-made pastas, rich sauces, and an award-winning wine list, earning the OpenTable Diner’s Choice, DiRoNa, and Wine Spectator Awards. Guest favorites include Carbonara, Lasagna Bolognese, Ossobuco Piemontese, Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes, and Gnocchi Arrabbiata.Guests can experience the Cucina Aperta, our traditional open kitchen, or choose a quieter, more intimate space. With three private dining rooms for events up to 150 guests, impeccable service, and timeless Italian flavors, Cucina Toscana remains Salt Lake City’s premier fine dining destination.
A photo of VENETO restaurant
7. VENETO
5.0
Exceptional(835)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 4 times today
VENETO is a dining experience that brings to life the history, culture, and traditions of a region in Northeastern Italy. It's a warm, enlightening setting that leaves bodies, minds, and spirits nourished through quality, handmade cuisine — best shared in good company, with love.Our menu honors year-round classical favorites and seasonal specialties from the region of Veneto, with ingredients coming from Italy and the finest local purveyors. But it's the experience around those elements that you won't forget.Being at VENETO is like being in Amy & Marco's home. It's a warm, inviting environment curated with one-of-a-kind antique European furniture and accessories, from the hundreds-year old Italian sofa in the dining room to the Italian marble in the restrooms. We want you comfortable, relaxed, and immersed in Italian culture as you ponder the menu, soak up new knowledge, and enjoy inspired conversation along the way.
A photo of Sol Agave - Salt Lake City restaurant
8. Sol Agave - Salt Lake City
4.5
Awesome(184)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Salt Lake City
Booked 38 times today
Our dream began in late 2014, long before we became the "Best Mexican Restaurant in San Juan Capistrano". It began inside a 17- foot food truck with the burning desire to change the way guests perceived food truck cuisine to be we have always believed that Mexican food should be MORE! More complex, modern, enjoyable and healthier for our bodies.
A photo of Salt and Olive restaurant
9. Salt and Olive
4.6
Exceptional(200)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Salt Lake City
Booked 28 times today
Salt & Olive Pizzeria/Cocktails now open in Salt Lake City.
A photo of Kyoto Japanese Restaurant restaurant
10. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1300)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Salt Lake City
Booked 28 times today
A Salt Lake City icon, Kyoto has delighted literally generations of diners. This cozy restaurant gives the feel of a bit of Kyoto Japan in the Rocky Mountains. Kyoto specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine. House favorites include the Ebi Tempura and Steak Teriyaki. Kyoto is also known for its Sushi Bar. Patrons may either dine at the Sushi Bar or order sushi from a Japanese style booth.Kyoto Japanese Restaurant was opened by Sam & Yoshiko Tada in 1984. Sam (a native of Kyoto Japan) brought his culinary skills & Yoshiko managed the accounting and service. Both Sam & Yoshiko still participate in the day to day operations of Kyoto.

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Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown

Discover a treasure trove of authentic dining experiences in the heart of Downtown, Salt Lake City, Utah. This curated selection of eateries showcases the best of local and international flavors, where tradition meets innovation in every dish. Each restaurant promises a unique ambiance, from cozy and intimate settings to vibrant and quirky atmospheres, all deeply rooted in the essence of authenticity. These establishments are celebrated for their use of fresh, local ingredients, and seasonal menus that evolve to offer bold and masterful flavors. The dining scene in Downtown Salt Lake City is a vibrant mix of old and new, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking genuine culinary delights. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food with a craft cocktail or exquisite Italian cuisine with homemade pasta, these restaurants will provide an exceptional and memorable dining experience. Prioritize your palette and reserve a table to indulge in the true tastes of Downtown, Salt Lake City.

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