Must-Try Iconic Restaurants in Salt Lake City: A Culinary Journey Through Time

Salt Lake City is a treasure trove of culinary delights, each establishment steeped in rich history, local pride, and unforgettable flavor. From time-worn diners nestled in scenic canyons to legendary burger joints and subterranean pizza paradises, the city offers a food experience that’s equal parts nostalgic, flavorful, and deeply rooted in Utah’s unique character.

So, loosen your belt and bring your appetite—here are the must-try, can’t-miss, “wait, we have to go back there again” restaurants in Salt Lake City. And hey, if you're hoping to work up an appetite between bites (or walk off your food coma afterward), don’t forget to check out City Sights Salt Lake City Tours—because no visit to the capital is complete without diving into its history, architecture, and one-of-a-kind culture with the folks who've been showing it off longer than anyone else.

Ruth’s Diner: Canyon Comfort with a Side of Sass

Tucked away in the lush greenery of Emigration Canyon, Ruth’s Diner is the kind of place that feels like it was plucked out of a storybook—if that storybook featured a no-nonsense cabaret singer who decided to trade in her feather boa for a spatula and a trolley car. Established in 1930 by Ruth Evans, this diner is one of the oldest operating restaurants in Utah, and its origin story is every bit as flavorful as its menu.

Ruth herself was a larger-than-life figure, known for cooking with a cigarette dangling from her lips and not-so-gently reminding guests to mind their manners. The original location was in downtown Salt Lake, but in 1946, she moved the operation to a decommissioned trolley car nestled in Emigration Canyon—and the rest, as they say, is delicious history.

Today, Ruth’s is famous for its “Mile-High Biscuits,” and no, the name isn’t just clever marketing. These fluffy giants are baked with a tenderness that defies logic and altitude. Locals swear by them, slathered in sausage gravy or just dripping with butter and jam. And if you sit out on the patio in the summer, surrounded by cottonwoods and canyon breeze, you might just convince yourself to cancel the rest of your plans.

The menu leans into comfort food with serious flair—think meatloaf with chipotle ketchup, crab cake eggs benedict, and a killer chicken fried steak that could double as a weighted blanket. Plus, the cocktail list is surprisingly robust, and Sunday brunch here feels more like a sacred ritual than a weekend meal.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a fifth-generation Salt Laker, Ruth’s is always worth the winding drive up the canyon.

Crown Burgers: Reigning Supreme in Utah's Fast-Food Kingdom

If there were a Mount Rushmore of Salt Lake City eateries, Crown Burgers would be carved in granite, wearing a paper burger hat and wielding a spatula like a scepter. Since opening its doors in 1978, this locally owned mini-chain has been serving up the most regal of burgers: the mighty Crown Burger.

What makes a Crown Burger so legendary? In a word: pastrami. A glorious heap of thin-sliced, peppery pastrami piled high atop a quarter-pound beef patty, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and their famed fry sauce. It’s a burger so iconic that it sparked a pastrami-on-burgers trend throughout the entire state—and no one does it quite like the original.

The Greek-American family behind Crown Burgers (shoutout to the Katsanevas and Katzourakis clans) brought a touch of their heritage to the fast-food scene, blending diner-style comfort food with Greek specialties. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the gyro, the souvlaki, or a side of rice pilaf—but really, you came for the burger, and you know it.

Order the namesake with a side of extra-crispy fries and a generous dollop of Utah’s beloved fry sauce (yes, it’s a thing, and yes, you will love it), and wash it all down with a root beer or orange whip.

There are multiple Crown Burgers locations around town, each one a little different, but all proudly carrying the family torch. It's the kind of fast food that sticks with you—in memory and, possibly, in waistband.

Red Iguana: Mole Magic & Mexican Mastery

You know a restaurant is special when the locals willingly stand in line during snowstorms for a table. Red Iguana is that kind of place. Located just west of downtown Salt Lake, this colorful, family-run institution has been dazzling taste buds with complex, soulful Mexican cuisine since 1985.

Started by Ramon and Maria Cardenas, whose family had been in the restaurant business since the 1960s, Red Iguana built its cult following one plate of mole at a time. Today, their children run the restaurant, but the secret recipes and fiery spirit remain unchanged. The place is loud, lively, and full of the smells of roasted chiles, simmering spices, and decades of culinary love.

Let’s talk mole—because that’s what you're really here for. Red Iguana offers not one, not two, but seven different moles, each made from scratch and completely distinct in flavor, texture, and aroma. Mole Negro, the crown jewel, is rich, dark, and slightly sweet, made with dried chilies, nuts, chocolate, and fruit. It’s the kind of dish that makes you stop mid-conversation and just stare at your plate in awe.

Not into mole? (First, are you sure you’re okay?) Don’t worry—the menu is a greatest hits compilation of regional Mexican specialties: cochinita pibil, chiles rellenos, carnitas, and enchiladas that burst with flavor and authenticity. Portions are generous, the margaritas are strong, and the service is as warm as the tortillas.

Pro tip: Put your name on the list, then slide into the bar area where the full menu is available—with way less wait time and just as much ambiance.

Hires Big H: Time Travel, with a Side of Root Beer

Stepping into Hires Big H is like taking a joyous leap back into the 1950s—jukebox charm, chrome fixtures, carhops gliding between cars, and the unmistakable clink of frosty mugs. Since 1959, this locally loved burger joint has been serving up Americana on a tray.

The star of the show? The Big H Burger—a Utah classic that's juicy, perfectly seasoned, and thoughtfully assembled with fresh produce, melted cheese, and that all-important fry sauce. But what really elevates the experience is the house-made root beer, still crafted using the original family recipe. Served in a chilled glass mug with a creamy head of foam, it’s practically a rite of passage.

Their hand-cut fries are the stuff of legend, crisp and golden with the perfect balance of potato fluff inside. For the full retro experience, order a cherry limeade or a thick malted milkshake. You’ll leave full, nostalgic, and probably craving more.

Hires Big H has stood the test of time, not just as a burger joint but as a cherished gathering place. Whether you're grabbing lunch with coworkers, introducing your kids to your favorite childhood meal, or just craving a taste of the good old days, Hires delivers.

The Pie Pizzeria: Underground Legend with Cheese-Laden Glory

If The Pie Pizzeria had a fan club, it would be standing-room only. And that’s saying something, considering the restaurant itself is literally underground. Located in a basement near the University of Utah, The Pie has been fueling students, professors, and night owls since 1980 with pies so massive and cheesy they should come with a gym membership.

This isn’t your average slice joint. The crust is chewy and golden, the sauce is rich and slightly sweet, and the cheese—oh, the cheese—melts and stretches in dramatic fashion. Watching someone tackle their first slice here is like witnessing a rite of passage.

The menu is loaded with quirky, flavorful options. Try the "Holy Shiitake" (yes, that’s its real name), packed with mushrooms and garlic, or the "Xtreme Veggie" for a surprisingly hearty meat-free masterpiece. The Pie also caters to vegan and gluten-free diners, which means everyone gets to join in the carb-fueled fun.

The vibe? Think low ceilings, graffiti-covered walls, and the comforting hum of laughter and late-night conversation. It’s a little gritty, a lot friendly, and totally unforgettable.

Feldman’s Deli: East Coast Flavor with Mountain West Soul

Feldman’s Deli isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a portal. One step inside and you’re whisked straight from Salt Lake to the streets of Brooklyn or the Bronx, minus the honking horns and parking stress.

Opened by Michael Feldman in 2012, this unassuming eatery on the city’s east side has become a haven for those in search of authentic Jewish deli fare. We’re talking sandwiches piled higher than the Wasatch, hand-sliced pastrami and corned beef, crispy latkes, tender knishes, and bagels so good they often sell out by mid-morning on weekends.

The "Rachel" and "Reuben" sandwiches are local legends, stacked with juicy meat, Swiss cheese, tangy kraut, and Russian dressing on rye that’s been grilled to perfection. Every bite is rich, comforting, and just a little messy—exactly as it should be.

Beyond the food, Feldman’s has heart. It’s a community gathering space, a hub for live music, and a place where you’ll be treated like family whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. Don’t be surprised if you walk out with a new favorite sandwich and a few new friends.

Experience It All with City Sights Salt Lake City Tours

Feeling full yet? Salt Lake’s culinary offerings are just one part of the city’s vibrant culture—and the best way to experience it all is with City Sights Salt Lake City Tours. As the longest-running and most popular tour company in the city for over 44 years, they know Salt Lake like no one else.

Their Ultimate Salt Lake City Bus Tour (https://www.saltlakecitytours.org/ultimate-salt-lake-city-tour/) is a must for first-time visitors and locals alike, offering a rich overview of the city’s most iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, and hidden gems, all led by knowledgeable guides who are equal parts historians and entertainers.

Looking for something a little more theatrical? Hop aboard the Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour (https://www.saltlakecitytours.org/salt-lake-trolley-tour/), a lively, storytelling-driven ride through the city's past, complete with skits, music, and plenty of laughs. It’s perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone who likes their sightseeing with a dash of drama.

And for those wanting a touch of the spiritual? The Tabernacle Choir with Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour (https://www.saltlakecitytours.org/mormon-tabernacle-choir/) pairs a morning tour of the city with an unforgettable live performance by the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

Each tour is carefully curated, thoughtfully paced, and packed with stories you won’t find in guidebooks—plus, they’ll even recommend the best places to grab lunch (hint: it might just be one of the spots above).

So eat, explore, repeat. And when you're ready to truly see Salt Lake City, do it with the team that’s been doing it best for more than four decades: City Sights - Salt Lake City Tours.