Salt Lake City’s downtown restaurants have undergone a remarkable change in the last decade. Traditional steakhouses once dominated the scene. Now the area has transformed into a vibrant culinary playground with creative chefs and global flavors.
The city’s food renaissance aligns perfectly with its tech boom. Salt Lake City earned the nickname “Silicon Slopes” and drew talented chefs from all over the country. The downtown area now boasts 24 outstanding restaurants that cater to every budget. Diners can find quick $10 meals or indulge in upscale dining where entrées exceed $30.
Takashi stands as Utah’s premier destination for sushi enthusiasts. Italian food connoisseurs will appreciate Valter’s Osteria’s exceptional dining experience. The Copper Onion’s commitment to local ingredients has made it a downtown staple. Downtown Salt Lake City’s dining scene offers innovative dishes and energetic atmospheres that will exceed your expectations, whether you want a casual lunch or plan to celebrate a special occasion. Let Metropolitan Shuttle guide you.
Urban Hill
Urban Hill shines as one of the brightest new additions to downtown Salt Lake City’s dining scene. This culinary powerhouse opened its doors in December 2022. The Kirchheimer family runs this gem in the revitalized Post District, adding to their success story that includes the popular Hearth and Hill in Park City.
Urban Hill signature dishes
Chef Nick Zocco brings his New Mexico roots to Urban Hill’s menu. You’ll find delicious southwestern touches throughout the dishes. The menu features green chile honey, blue corn grits, and New Mexico red chili sauce that add unique flavors to each creation.
The wood-burning flame grill serves as the cornerstone of Urban Hill’s cooking style. This Argentine-inspired feature creates amazing dishes. The ember-roasted carrots with feta and New Mexico red chili sauce stand out as a dish you shouldn’t miss, according to regular guests.
The restaurant draws seafood lovers with its stellar selections. The Pacifico Striped Bass ($ 38.00) comes with an achiote spice crust on Carolina Gold rice with scallion yuca, cashew, and pickled onion. The Wild-Caught Halibut ($ 52.00) pairs beautifully with asparagus, baby carrots, and caviar.
Meat enthusiasts have plenty to choose from. The Pork Chop Milanese ($ 40.00) arrives as an impressive bone-in cut with exceptional potatoes on the side. Premium choices include a Bison Ribeye ($ 70.00) and a 20-oz. Creekstone Farms Dry-Aged Ribeye ($ 110.00).
The starter menu deserves your attention. The Peekytoe Crab Ravioli ($ 25.00) combines Blue Hill Bay crab-stuffed pasta with vodka sauce and crispy Calabrese. Guests rave about the skillet rolls that come piping hot with churned herb butter – they’re “well worth the carbs”.
Urban Hill ambiance and design
The prominent Denver architectural firm Semple Brown created Urban Hill’s stunning 7,200 square foot interior and 1,900 square foot patio. High ceilings and natural elements blend urban materials with cozy touches throughout the space.
The L-shaped dining room wraps around an open kitchen that creates an exciting atmosphere. Guests watch chefs prepare oysters and cook steaks over the live fire grill. Comfortable brown leather couches fill both low booths and high-tops, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed feel.
The main dining area seats 190 people and includes two private dining rooms. One room features a soapstone-clad fireplace, while an inviting quartzite-topped bar welcomes guests. A custom 2,500-bottle wine room showcases the restaurant’s impressive beverage selection.
Local artist Samantha daSilva’s commissioned paintings enhance the space perfectly. The design creates intimate areas within the larger space while keeping an energetic atmosphere.
Urban Hill pricing
This upscale dining destination offers prices that match its quality ingredients and experience. Appetizers start at $ 16.00 for coal-roasted beets and go up to $ 25.00 for the Peekytoe Crab Ravioli.
Main course prices range from $ 29.00 for the Fire-Roasted Squash to $ 110.00 for the 20-oz. Creekstone Farms Dry-Aged Ribeye. Most guests choose from popular entrees between $ 36.00-52.00, including the Roasted Chicken ($ 36.00) and Pacifico Striped Bass ($ 38.00).
Sweet treats range from $ 9.00 for an Ice Cream Trio or Affogato to $ 13.00 for the Chocolate Souffle. The Banana Cream Pie comes with salted caramel and chocolate chantilly at $ 12.00.
Special events at Urban Hill provide great value. Their Valentine’s Day prix fixe dinner featured a multi-course meal at $ 90.00 per person, with optional wine pairing at $ 45.00.
Urban Hill chef background
Executive Chef Nick Zocco’s impressive background powers Urban Hill’s success. He spent nine years in Las Vegas as sous chef at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill and under Chef David Walzog at the exceptional SW Steakhouse in the five-star Wynn Resort.
Zocco moved to Salt Lake City in 2017, starting at Tupelo before Brooks Kirchheimer recruited him in 2021. He joined the team a full year before Urban Hill opened to build his team and create the menu while helping run Hearth and Hill’s kitchen.
His New Mexico heritage shapes his cooking style, which shows in his bold southwestern flavors and ingredients. His unique culinary approach earned him several honors:
- James Beard Foundation 2024 Best Chef finalist nomination
- James Beard Foundation 2025 Best Chef semifinalist
- Salt Lake Magazine’s 2024 “Most Outstanding Restaurant of the Year” Award
Zocco believes in local and sustainable sourcing. Urban Hill’s summer menu typically features produce from about six local farms. His philosophy includes mentoring, teaching, and community leadership-values that match the James Beard Foundation’s mission.
The chef creates an environment that makes shared creativity possible. He shaped everything from kitchen development to menu concepts by bringing his vision to life from an empty lot to the finished restaurant.
His first James Beard recognition in 2024 brought Urban Hill into the spotlight, helping it become a standout in Salt Lake City’s dining scene despite being relatively new.
Oquirrh
Oquirrh (pronounced “Oak-er”) sits in downtown Salt Lake City’s food scene. This chef-driven gem has changed the area’s farm-to-table movement. The New American restaurant takes its name from the mountain range west of Salt Lake Valley and draws loyal customers with its creative take on familiar dishes.
Oquirrh seasonal menu highlights
Chef Drew Fuller changes his menu often. He stays true to local ingredients and what’s in season. Each visit brings something new as the kitchen puts unexpected spins on American classics.
Dishes that keep customers coming back:
- Milk Braised Potatoes ($ 14.00) – The restaurant’s star dish uses heirloom potatoes cooked in milk until it creates delicious curds. The kitchen team adds alliums and whey vinaigrette. New guests might skip this simple-sounding dish, but regulars call it “quintessential comfort food” because of its smooth texture and rich milk curds that taste like cheese.
- House Sourdough Bread ($ 7.00) – A thick slice comes with house-made butter, sea salt, and shaved radish. The bread has a light crispy crust and stays soft and chewy inside.
- Chicken Pot Pie ($ 21.00) – This isn’t your typical comfort food. The kitchen team cooks chicken confit in duck fat with fennel, mushrooms and mirepoix in light creamy gravy. A fried drumstick pokes through the puffed pastry crust.
- Market Fish ($ 35.00) – This dish changes with the seasons and shows Fuller’s cooking skills. One version had grilled fish with soy glaze, clams, dashi made from chicken broth and clam juice, bok choy, mushrooms, and sesame seeds.
The kitchen team makes pasta in-house too. Radiatore Pasta ($ 26.00) comes with wild mushrooms and braised beef. Canestri Pasta ($ 17.00) features Amatriciana sauce and burrata.
The dessert menu stars Normal Ice Cream from Alexa Norlin’s company. The Choco Taco ($ 9.00) stands out with its house-made waffle taco filled with horchata ice cream, dark chocolate dip, and chocolate pearls.
Oquirrh ownership and story
Chef Andrew (Drew) Fuller and his wife Angelena run Oquirrh together. Drew leads the kitchen while Angelena manages the front of house. The couple met at The Copper Onion, one of Salt Lake City’s first fine dining spots.
Drew worked at several top Salt Lake City restaurants. His time at Pago, HSL, and Copper Onion shaped his New American cooking style. Utah gives him room to experiment: “Utah is a unique spot. It doesn’t have a distinct style of cooking, so it lets us do almost whatever we want with the menu”.
Drew became a James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef in the Mountain region in 2023. He was Utah’s only nominee that year. This recognition put Oquirrh on the map of must-visit downtown Salt Lake City restaurants.
COVID-19 hit the restaurant hard. The Fullers got creative and offered take-home meal kits for pickup at their front door. This helped them stay open and keep their customer connections strong. Their website says: “An infinite thank you to the many people that have helped us along the way”.
Oquirrh pricing
The restaurant’s prices match other quality downtown spots. Here’s what you’ll pay:
Small plates start at $ 7.00 for House Sourdough Bread and go up to $ 14.00 for their famous Milk Braised Potatoes. The Oquirrh Salad costs $ 14.00 and comes with whole leaf lettuce, garden sprouts, buckwheat, and toasted sunflower seed vinaigrette.
Main dishes range from $ 17.00 for Canestri Pasta to $ 57.00 for a 10-oz. N.Y. Strip Steak with ‘French Onion’ jus, cippolinis, greens and cheesy sourdough croutons. Popular choices include Beer Steamed Mussels ($ 23.00), Market Fish ($ 35.00), and “Chicken” Fried Duck Breast ($ 34.00).
Desserts cost around $ 9.00 for items like the signature Choco Taco.
Oquirrh location and vibe
You’ll find Oquirrh at 368 E 100 S in downtown Salt Lake City, where Vertical Diner used to be. The small space feels both special and welcoming.
The restaurant serves dinner daily from 4:30-10:00 PM and weekend brunch from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM.
The cozy interior has wafer board floors in reddish-brown, navy blue baseboards, and wainscotting. Local artist Gerry Swanson’s bright paintings of flowers and hearts bring life to the walls. This creates a mix of upscale dining in a casual, artistic setting.
The kitchen and dining room flow together without walls. Angelena puts it this way: “The restaurant is very small. There isn’t a space dividing the front of the house from the kitchen, so there is nowhere to hide”. This setup brings the staff closer together.
The Fullers support local artists by showing their work on the walls. Customers can buy pieces right off the wall, and new artists rotate in every three months.
The restaurant’s mission sums it up best: “At Oquirrh, we strive to represent the people and Valley landscape that we love. Our mission is to contribute to the community with the finest in dining service and food with the support of local artisans”.
Caputo’s Market & Deli
Caputo’s Market & Deli has been the life-blood of downtown Salt Lake City’s food scene for the last 25 years. This family-owned Italian specialty market and deli stands apart from the city’s fine dining spots. Tony Caputo started this culinary gem in 1997, and now his son Matt runs the business. Matt has grown the operation while staying true to its Italian heritage.
Caputo’s best sandwiches
The downtown location’s deli counter serves some of the city’s most popular sandwiches:
- The Caputo – Their signature sandwich combines mortadella, salami, provolone, and fresh mozzarella with roasted red peppers, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar on ciabatta. Locals often call it “the perfect Italian sandwich.”
- Meatball Sub – House-made meatballs in marinara sauce with melted provolone on a fresh-baked roll make this a lunch favorite.
- Southern Italian – This bestseller brings together prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and basil with extra virgin olive oil on ciabatta. The simple combination packs amazing flavor.
- The Destroyer – Big eaters love this massive sandwich that stacks capocollo, mortadella, salami, provolone, roasted red peppers, and house dressing on a crusty roll.
The portions here are generous. Most sandwiches cost between $10-15, and many customers find half a sandwich fills them up nicely.
Caputo’s market offerings
The deli counter is just the start. Caputo’s shines as a world-class specialty market with unique features:
Their cheese program truly stands out. Utah’s first cheese cave sits in the downtown location, where more than 200 artisanal and rare cheeses age carefully. The cheesemongers give free tastings and help customers discover everything from local Utah cheeses to rare European varieties.
Caputo’s chocolate program has earned national recognition. You’ll find over 300 craft chocolate bars here – more than anywhere else in the country – sourced from around the world. Customers can learn about bean-to-bar chocolates at monthly tasting events.
The grocery section features Italian imports next to local products. The shelves hold:
- House-made pasta sauces and fresh pastas
- Imported olive oils, vinegars, and specialty condiments
- Artisanal salts, spices, and hard-to-find cooking ingredients
- Local honey, jams, and preserves
Matt Caputo’s dedication to quality shows. Food & Wine magazine ranked Caputo’s among the “Best Food Artisans in America,” and Bon Appétit called it one of the country’s best specialty food shops.
Caputo’s pricing
Your money goes far at Caputo’s compared to other downtown Salt Lake City restaurants. Most people spend $12-20 for a filling meal:
- Half sandwiches: $7-9
- Full sandwiches: $11-15
- Salads: $8-12
- Coffee drinks: $3-5
- Cheese: $8-40 per pound, depending on rarity
- Chocolate bars: $6-20 per bar
The market has products at every price point, from everyday items to special treats. Monthly tasting classes give great value at $25-35 per person, with plenty of samples and expert knowledge included.
Caputo’s downtown SLC location
The flagship store at 314 West Broadway (300 South) occupies a beautiful historic building. Exposed brick walls and bustling energy fill the space. Hotel guests and locals find it an easy walk for lunch or specialty shopping.
The downtown spot welcomes customers Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM but closes on Sundays. Lunch rush hits between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM on weekdays. The line moves quickly though, and the food makes the short wait worth it.
A few tables dot the indoor space, with extra outdoor seating in warm weather. Downtown workers often grab food to go, while visitors take sandwiches to nearby spots like Pioneer Park or the Gateway shopping district.
Beyond great food, Caputo’s hosts regular events downtown. Wine dinners, cheese classes, and chocolate tastings draw crowds. These popular events fill up fast, so book ahead.
Caputo’s gives downtown Salt Lake City visitors a perfect lunch spot and a place to grab gourmet treats for hotel picnics. This slice of Italy sits right in Utah’s heart.
Takashi
Takashi shines as the brightest star of Japanese cuisine in downtown Salt Lake City. This restaurant has gained national recognition for its outstanding sushi. You’ll find devoted fans lining up outside its doors at 18 W Market Street just to grab a seat.
Takashi sushi specialties
The restaurant’s menu blends traditional Japanese dishes with creative specialty rolls that make it stand out among downtown SLC restaurants.
Chef Takashi Gibo’s signature sashimi dishes show his expert touch with flavors:
- Tai Tomatillo ($ 22.00) – Sea bream with Takashi’s house tomatillo sauce
- Kampachi Balsamic ($ 22.00) – Amberjack that pairs perfectly with yuzu-balsamic sauce and jalapeños
- Tuna Tataki ($ 20.00) – Seared tuna with citrus-onion sauce and fresh chilis
The specialty rolls have built quite a following with creative options like:
- Strawberry Fields ($ 8.95) – Customers love this roll based on review photos
- Yellow Submarine ($ 11.00) – This roll shows up in most top roll lists
- Magic Dragon ($ 13.50) – One of the most captured and talked about items
The “T&T roll” ($ 10.50) packs yellowtail, albacore, salmon and green onion into a deep-fried package. It comes with their famous “hotter than hell dipping sauce”.
New guests should try the omakase dining option. Chef Takashi creates a customized multi-course feast based on your budget. Two people can enjoy this chef-selected experience for about $ 100.00.
Takashi dining experience
The restaurant’s interior shows a fresh take on Japanese esthetics. Unlike traditional spots with subtle decor, Takashi mixes things up. A metal fish hangs above the sushi bar while Japanese paper lanterns cast warm light over the tables.
Guests can choose between the lively sushi bar or regular tables. The sushi bar lets you watch expert chefs work their magic. They sometimes share special treats like crispy fish skin in rice vinegar – something Takashi calls “my favorite part of the fish”.
The menu goes beyond sushi with excellent cooked dishes. Dinner plates range from $ 21.00 for vegetable stir-fry to $ 36.00 for surf and turf with braised pork ribs and saikyo-miso sablefish. Each plate includes miso soup and your choice of rice.
Takashi pricing
The restaurant sits in the moderate-to-high price range for downtown Salt Lake City:
Signature Sashimi: $ 20.00-22.00 Specialty Rolls: $ 8.50-13.95 Dinner Plates: $ 21.00-36.00 Specialty Gunkan Maki: $ 8.50-20.00 (for premium options with fatty tuna and truffle)
Quality matches the price point perfectly. Two people can share several rolls and appetizers for $ 60-80. A fancy night out with premium sashimi and specialty items might cost $ 120-150 for two.
Takashi popularity and wait times
Smart planning makes a big difference here. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations for most seats, so lines form outside before opening. Reviews often mention that “there isn’t an evening when the restaurant opens that there’s not a throng of customers lining the sidewalk outside at 5:30”.
Late arrivals go on a waitlist. Peak times on Friday and Saturday evenings can mean waiting over an hour. Regular customers have figured out some tricks:
- Show up 15-30 minutes before opening (5:30 PM on weekdays, 5:00 PM Saturdays)
- Pick weeknights instead of weekends
- Drop by after 8:30 PM when crowds thin out
The restaurant offers limited early reservations through OpenTable. Smart diners grab these spots for special occasions.
The wait might test your patience, but reviews agree it’s worth it. Gastronomic SLC ranks Takashi among “the best in the country,” not just as “one of the finest sushi shops in the whole state”.
Feldman’s Deli
Coast Jewish deli fare just a few miles from Salt Lake City’s downtown core. This family-owned spot has built a dedicated following among locals who crave traditional Jewish comfort food – something rare in Utah.
Feldman’s Deli sandwich options
The New York-style sandwiches here are massive enough to make first-time visitors stare in amazement. Their signature menu features classic Jewish deli favorites:
- The Reuben – A towering stack of house-made corned beef or pastrami with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. You’ll likely need a doggie bag with nearly 10 ounces of meat.
- The Sloppy Joe – This isn’t your typical ground beef sandwich. It’s a triple-decker masterpiece loaded with corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing.
- New York Combo – Layers of corned beef and pastrami stacked high with Swiss cheese and spicy mustard on rye bread.
The deli caters to lighter appetites with half-sandwich options that pair well with their homemade matzo ball or split pea soup.
Feldman’s Deli pricing
The generous portions and quality ingredients justify Feldman’s prices. Full sandwiches cost between $14-18, while half-sandwiches run $9-11. These towering creations often satisfy two hungry people.
Select sandwiches get discounted through daily specials. A bowl of homemade soup costs $5-7, and sides like potato salad or coleslaw add $3-4 to the bill.
The deli’s catering platters feature their signature sandwiches cut into smaller portions – ideal to serve at office lunches or family events.
Feldman’s Deli cultural roots
Janet and Michael Feldman brought their East Coast Jewish deli traditions to Salt Lake City after moving from New Jersey. Their steadfast dedication to authenticity shows in everything from recipes to atmosphere.
They import specialty items like proper Jewish rye bread and genuine half-sour pickles that you can’t usually find in Utah. The place feels just like a classic New York deli, according to many first-time customers.
The menu goes beyond sandwiches to honor Jewish culinary traditions with knishes, latkes, and homemade blintzes. This authentic touch makes it unique among Salt Lake City’s downtown dining spots.
New York memorabilia and photos line the walls, creating a nostalgic vibe that matches the food perfectly. The place turns into a live music venue on certain evenings with local jazz performers – adding extra flavor to the dining experience.
Feldman’s Deli stands out among downtown Salt Lake City restaurants by serving enormous sandwiches and delivering authentic Jewish deli traditions to food lovers seeking genuine cultural heritage.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type | Price Range (Mains) | Signature Dishes | Location | Notable Recognition/Features |
| Urban Hill | New American/Southwestern | $29-$110 | – Pacifico Striped Bass ($38)\n- Pork Chop Milanese ($40)\n- Peekytoe Crab Ravioli ($25) | Post District | – James Beard Foundation 2024 Best Chef finalist\n- Stunning 7,200 sq ft space featuring a 2,500-bottle wine room |
| Oquirrh | New American | $17-$57 | – Milk Braised Potatoes ($14)\n- Chicken Pot Pie ($21)\n- Market Fish ($35) | 368 E 100 S | – James Beard semi-finalist 2023\n- Cozy chef-driven venue showcasing rotating local art |
| Caputo’s Market & Deli | Italian Deli/Market | $11-$15 (sandwiches) | – The Caputo\n- Meatball Sub\n- Southern Italian | 314 W Broadway | – Home to Utah’s first cheese cave\n- America’s largest craft chocolate selection\n- Recognized among “Best Food Artisans in America” |
| Takashi | Japanese/Sushi | $20-$36 | – Tai Tomatillo ($22)\n- Kampachi Balsamic ($22)\n- Tuna Tataki ($20) | 18 W Market Street | – Guests queue up daily before opening\n- Utah’s premier sushi destination |
| Feldman’s Deli | Jewish Deli | $14-$18 (sandwiches) | – The Reuben\n- The Sloppy Joe\n- New York Combo | Near downtown | – Authentic East Coast Jewish deli experience\n- Regular live jazz performances |
Savor Salt Lake City’s Culinary Scene with Metropolitan Shuttle
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Conclusion
Salt Lake City’s downtown restaurant scene has found its identity. The area has evolved from basic traditional fare into a playground of diverse flavors. This transformation mirrors the city’s emergence as a tech hub and cultural hotspot.
Urban Hill serves southwestern-influenced creations while Oquirrh reimagines American classics. These chef-driven venues showcase exceptional talent. Chef Nick Zocco’s James Beard recognition and Chef Drew Fuller’s creative approach highlight Utah capital’s thriving culinary expertise.
The dining scene offers remarkable variety. Takashi serves world-class sushi that matches coastal restaurants’ quality. Caputo’s Market & Deli stays true to Italian traditions with outstanding sandwiches and specialty products. Feldman’s Deli brings authentic East Coast Jewish cuisine with massive sandwiches packed with house-made meats.
Without doubt, these establishments cater to different budgets. A filling sandwich at Caputo’s or Feldman’s costs $15, while a memorable entrée at Oquirrh runs $40. $110 buys you a premium dry-aged ribeye at Urban Hill. This range welcomes both casual diners and special occasion guests.
Make sure you’re hungry when you visit Salt Lake City. These remarkable restaurants show that exceptional dining exists beyond traditional food capitals. Downtown Salt Lake City surprises food lovers with milk-braised potatoes at Oquirrh, artisanal cheese from Caputo’s cave, or perfect tuna at Takashi.
Great cities deserve great food – and Salt Lake City delivers both.
FAQs
Q1. What are some must-try dishes at Urban Hill in Salt Lake City?
Urban Hill’s standout dishes include the Pacifico Striped Bass with achiote spice crust, the Pork Chop Milanese served on the bone, and the Peekytoe Crab Ravioli with vodka sauce. Their wood-burning flame grill also produces excellent ember-roasted carrots.
Q2. How does Oquirrh’s menu reflect its farm-to-table approach?
Oquirrh’s menu changes frequently based on seasonal availability and locally-sourced ingredients. Signature dishes like their Milk Braised Potatoes and ever-changing Market Fish option showcase Chef Drew Fuller’s commitment to reimagining American classics with fresh, local produce.
Q3. What makes Caputo’s Market & Deli unique among Salt Lake City restaurants?
Caputo’s stands out for its combination of an authentic Italian deli and a world-class specialty market. It features Utah’s first cheese cave, the country’s largest craft chocolate selection, and a wide array of imported Italian products alongside local artisanal goods.
Q4. Why is Takashi considered Salt Lake City’s premier sushi destination?
Takashi has earned national acclaim for its exceptional sushi and creative Japanese cuisine. Chef Takashi Gibo’s signature sashimi dishes and specialty rolls, combined with the option for omakase dining, offer an unparalleled sushi experience in Salt Lake City.
Q5. How does Feldman’s Deli bring authentic East Coast Jewish deli fare to Salt Lake City?
Feldman’s Deli recreates the classic New York deli experience with massive, authentic sandwiches like their Reuben and Sloppy Joe. They import specialty ingredients like proper Jewish rye bread and genuine half-sour pickles to ensure authenticity in their offerings.
