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Best Authentic Restaurants in Salt Lake City

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74 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Matteo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
1. Matteo Ristorante Italiano
4.8
Exceptional(612)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Salt Lake City
Booked 56 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 Ruth's Chris Steak House - Salt Lake City restaurant
2. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Salt Lake City
4.9
Exceptional(3520)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Salt Lake City
Booked 139 times today
Start your evening the Ruth’s Chris way – over a mouth-watering filet. Sit back and enjoy the most tender, extra-thick, hand-cut Steak you’ve ever tasted, served "sizzling" in butter on a 500 degree plate. Our extensive a la carte menu features fresh seafood, a variety of vegetable dishes, and eight potato selections. Enjoy our warm, elegant atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris genuine hospitality. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining in our state-of-the-art media equipped rooms is one call away. Ruth's Chris Steak House- Salt Lake is independently owned and locally operated. We look forward to serving you soon!
A photo of Caffe Molise restaurant
3. Caffe Molise
4.7
Exceptional(3548)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 43 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 Aker Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4. Aker Restaurant & Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(76)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 20 times today
We are a 21+ establishment, valid ID Required. Indulge in a world of culinary sophistication and vibrant nightlife at our upcoming restaurant and bar. Elevate your dining experience with an enticing fusion of upscale cuisine, meticulously crafted cocktails, and a chic ambiance. Immerse yourself in a haven where exceptional flavors meet refined style. Stay tuned for a culinary journey that promises to redefine upscale dining and unforgettable nights out.
A photo of The Rest restaurant
5. The Rest
4.6
Exceptional(1043)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 18 times today
The Rest is authentic because of its unique ambiance, creative cocktails, and consistently high-quality food. One reviewer says it's 'a cozy setting and a fun place to be', while another praises the 'masterful cocktails' and 'ever-evolving seasonal menu with fantastic bold flavors'. The contrast between the casual upstairs Bodega bar and the intimate downstairs Rest restaurant adds to the unique experience. The food is consistently described as 'superb', with bold flavors and flawless execution.
A photo of Eva restaurant
6. Eva
4.8
Exceptional(1036)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Salt Lake City
Booked 46 times today
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City’s downtown district, Eva is a beloved dining destination known for its bold Mediterranean-inspired small plates and warm, intimate atmosphere. Eva is dedicated to and named after chef Charlie Perry's great grandmother. Eva Coombs passed on her respect for quality ingredients, an emphasis on the nourishing benefits of food and most importantly, the shared pleasure of eating. At Eva, our shared plates promote a communal sense of enjoyment. We have an extensive and varied small plates menu, craft cocktails and hand picked wine list. In addition to being a popular "pre-show" dining venue, Eva provides a "from scratch" dining experience so please plan on approximately an hour and a half for us to execute the best possible experience. We are in the heart of downtown so we love walk-in traffic! We hope to see you soon!
A photo of Bambara restaurant
7. Bambara
4.5
Awesome(3051)
Price: Very Expensive
• Modern European • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
Bambara, located within the vibrant Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, is a modern bistro renowned for its impeccable service and stylish ambiance. Since its inception and through the extensive renovation and re-haul this year, Bambara continues to set the tone for the Salt Lake culinary landscape, consistently ranking as one of the best places to dine.An ideal choice for both hotel guests and devoted locals, Bambara offers the ideal setting for celebrating cherished moments with loved ones, indulging with friends, dining with colleagues, or seeking a pre/post-theater bite. Nestled in a historically significant bank lobby adorned with original arched 10ft windows, this centrally located restaurant boasts a seasonal rotation of dishes that celebrate the local bounty of fish, game, and vegetable.
A photo of Monarca restaurant
8. Monarca
4.4
Awesome(490)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 28 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 HandoSake Sushi restaurant
9. HandoSake Sushi
4.5
Awesome(53)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 9 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 Spencer's For Steaks and Chops restaurant
10. Spencer's For Steaks and Chops
4.2
Awesome(1472)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
Spencer's is one of Salt Lake City's oldest steakhouses that continue to deliver contemporary dishes that surprise the locals featuring Prime steaks. Whether it's to unwind after a long day in the lounge with colleagues over locally crafted beers or to enjoy an evening dinner with friends and family - guests will enjoy signature steaks and seafood, classically inspired cocktails and an extensive selection of wines by the glass.A handsomely appointed private dining room is available for parties up to 35 guests and is perfectly suited for business meetings, company functions and special personal celebrations.

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Discover best authentic restaurants in Salt Lake City

Discover a culinary treasure trove in Salt Lake City with our carefully curated selection of restaurants renowned for their authenticity. From rustic American eateries to genuine Italian bistros, each location promises a unique dining experience that echoes the true spirit of their respective cuisines. Salt Lake City's dining scene is diverse and vibrant, offering food lovers a wide range of flavors and dining atmospheres to choose from. Each restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and impeccable service, ensuring an authentic and memorable meal every time. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these establishments provide not just food, but a genuine taste of cultural authenticity. Perfect for those seeking an authentic dining experience, these restaurants cater to various preferences and dietary needs, making them ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a meal in Salt St Lake City. Dive into the heart of the city's culinary excellence and discover why these eateries are praised for their authenticity and charm.

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