Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Southwest Utah

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Southwest Utah? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Painted Pony

4.8

4.8 (3245)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

St. George

About the restaurant

A culinary island in Southern Utah, the Painted Pony brings a touch of class--and intriguing flavors--to St. George. The restaurant, tucked away in Ancestor Square, is exceptionally clean and cozy, with contemporary art, fresh flowers, and -- in the evening -- a top notch romantic atmosphere with subdued lighting and patio dining.

If your surroundings don't clue you in, your first glance at the menu will. Painted Pony is not your standard fare. Contemporary American cuisine evidently doesn't mean just another good steakhouse, and the simply written food descriptions promise something new and intriguing for your palate.

The Painted Pony has perfected the fine art of using fresh ingredients and delicate flavoring. An exceptional wine list, generous portions, attentive service, and reasonable prices will convince you to return to "the Pony" anytime you're in St. George.

Top review

VivianaVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Fabulous dinner and a lovely server named Hannah. She did an excellent job! The dinner was delicious, beautifully plated, and well priced.

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4.7

4.7 (104)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Ivins

About the restaurant

Welcome to Basalt, an elevated steakhouse experience set high above the volcanic rock and golf course greens of Black Desert Resort. Blending sophistication with a warm, approachable atmosphere, Basalt redefines fine dining in southern Utah. Sourcing premium meats from renowned purveyors like UT 47, Heritage Wagyu, and Creekstone Farms, Basalt’s signature offerings include Mesquite Wood-Grilled steaks, a 42-Ounce Tomahawk, and the indulgent tableside Beef Tartare. Each dish is carefully crafted, from Beef Tallow Fries to Milk Bread with Garlic and Herbs, ensuring a memorable culinary adventure.

Complementing the exquisite cuisine is a curated wine selection featuring bold reds, a Coravin by-the-glass program, and craft cocktails designed to enhance the dining experience. With its focus on quality ingredients and luxurious service, Basalt is not just a meal—it’s a story unfolding with every bite.

Top review

Gary

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Servi e was 5 Stars, Food for the Cost was 2 Stars.

Switchback Grille

4.6

4.6 (1268)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Springdale (Zion National Park)

About the restaurant

Nestled at the foot of the Watchman rock formation in Zion Canyon, Switchback Grille Steak & Fish House features hand-selected USDA Prime beef, Certified Angus Beef and a daily fresh fish menu that follows the seasons. Artfully prepared dishes, warm superior service, stunning views of the West Temple and a sophisticated southwest dining room come together for a truly unique dining experience. Additionally, Switchback offers full bar service with the area’s most extensive wine list. Banquet and catering services are available year round as well as a cozy sports grill with all of your pub favorites. No online reservations for party s of over 10 people. ( 24 hours notice required)

Top review

Nuly

Dined 1 day ago

Unbelievable food!!!! The steak was one of the best I’ve ever had. 10/10.

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4.6

4.6 (971)

$31 to $50

American

St. George

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown St. George at the beautiful Advenire, Autograph Collection, wood • ash • rye is a chef driven, award winning restaurant utilizing regionally sourced, fresh ingredients that rotate with the seasons.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 2 days ago

Absolutely delicious!! Lots of gluten free options. Great service.

Nonna Ina Italian Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (355)

$31 to $50

Italian

St. George

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Calleen

Dined 6 days ago

We are from San Diego and go to St George at least twice a year and always stop here for dinner.

Black Sage

4.6

4.6 (194)

$50 and over

American

Virgin

About the restaurant

Welcome to Black Sage at Open Sky Resort, an extraordinary dining oasis near Zion National Park. Helmed by the renowned Chef Charles Parcell, we offer an exceptional culinary adventure. Here, delicious cuisine, captivating Zion views, and serene ambiance converge.

Savor dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients in our tranquil setting. The indoor dining area radiates sophistication with stylish gray tables, elegant black chairs, and deep red accents, complemented by expansive windows showcasing Zion's beauty.

From May 1 to November 1, our outdoor experience awaits. Dine under a canopy with misters for comfort, and as night falls, heaters add a cozy touch for dining under the stars.

Please note, Black Sage is closed for the winter. We eagerly await your visit when we reopen on February 14, 2024. Join us then for a unique blend of refined dining and nature's allure at Black Sage.

Reservations are required and we recommend arriving 20 minutes early for seating.

Top review

DenaVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

The view is amazing! Restaurant is quiet and has a nice mist for hot evenings. The wine I had was delicious, as well as my two dinners and desserts. Staff was very sweet and attentive.

20th Hole

4.6

4.6 (14)

$30 and under

American

Ivins

About the restaurant

Located at the heart of Black Desert Resort, the 20th Hole is the quintessential clubhouse for golf enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. It’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a vibrant social hub designed for relaxation and entertainment. With state-of-the-art golf simulators and a lively bar, the atmosphere is perfect for unwinding after a day on the course or enjoying a game indoors with friends and family.

The diverse menu offers something for everyone, from shareable appetizers like the Cheddar & Pretzel Fondue to hearty handhelds such as the 20th Hole Classic Burger. Indulgent desserts like the Warm Brioche Bread Pudding and creative beverages, round out the experience. Whether dining with friends or enjoying some friendly competition, the 20th Hole is a welcoming space that celebrates the spirit of the game and great company.

Top review

JulieVIP

Dined on Jun 5, 2025

We all had THE best food and Laura was the best and sweetest server, WE WILL BE BACK!

Rusted Cactus

4.6

4.6 (76)

$31 to $50

American

Ivins

About the restaurant

Desert Charm, Inspired Cuisine

The menu at The Rusted Cactus provides unique dishes that capture the flavor of the season. Within the walls, the Lewis and MacKay families hope to create a dining experience with shared plates that will cultivate a love of food, friendship and new flavors.

Top review

JulieVIP

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Wonderful and very last minute, but always amazing. Morgan and Crystal are the best!

Latitude

4.4

4.4 (21)

$31 to $50

American

Ivins

About the restaurant

Nestled within the luxurious Black Desert Resort, Latitude offers a dynamic and diverse dining experience that caters to every meal period with global influences. From sunrise to sunset, guests are treated to a culinary journey blending the flavors of local ingredients with inspirations from world cuisines. Each meal period showcases unique menus: from hearty breakfasts and fresh organic options to elegant evening entrees, all paired with thoughtfully curated signature cocktails and non-alcoholic Zero Proof beverages.

With an ambiance that transitions seamlessly throughout the day, Latitude provides a welcoming space perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a light-filled morning meal, a casual yet sophisticated lunch, or a refined dinner in a setting that evolves to complement the mood.

Top review

GayleVIP

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

Friends and I ordered three different dishes and all had beautiful presentations and tasted scrumptious. Seating was available both inside and outside. Chose outside which was comfortable and picturesque overlooking water. Joy was our server whose demeanor was kind and very attentive.

Dulivia Ristorante Italiano

4.2

4.2 (659)

$30 and under

Italian

Springdale (Zion National Park)

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

ReneeVIP

Dined on Jun 13, 2025

The meal was delicious and the server was very nice. as an Italian I’m a very fussy and this is very authentic upscale italian food.!