While spring is usually a great time of year to visit your favorite Historic Park City spots without a long wait, it is also prime time to explore nearby Salt Lake City. Weather-wise, the valley is about a month ahead of the mountains, meaning patio dining is already in full swing. Next time you feel like a quick road trip for some incredible food in Salt Lake City, check out these three standout culinary destinations.
Urban Hill
If you haven’t been to Urban Hill yet, it is time to make the drive. Executive Chef Nick Zocco has been racking up awards since opening the space in 2022. In addition to multiple James Beard nominations, Chef Zocco also famously triumphed on “Beat Bobby Flay” with his lump crab chile relleno—a dish you can experience firsthand on the menu.
Aside from the famous chile relleno, other favorites include the Golden Eagle Black Cod, which is Zocco’s personal recommendation. The menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, ranging from fresh crudos to wood-fired meats and precisely prepared vegetables. Furthermore, the refined interiors feature moody lighting, polished finishes and an open kitchen that sets the stage for a memorable meal.
Urban Hill serves dinner nightly, as well as a fantastic weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Local Tip: For a more casual vibe and delicious breakfast and lunch menus, the same ownership group operates a second Hearth & Hill and a Hill’s Kitchen location in the nearby Sugar House neighborhood, making them excellent choices for the best lunch in the valley.
Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar
For the freshest seafood in Salt Lake City, there is no better option than Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar. Market Street has been serving the Salt Lake Valley since 1980 and currently operates three locations in the area, including the original downtown destination. Conveniently, each location features both a family-friendly dining room and a vibrant, 21+ oyster bar.
Best known for their $2 oyster specials on Monday and Tuesday, the downtown location serves brunch, lunch and dinner daily. To start, the seafood charcuterie is the ultimate shared appetizer. From there, you can choose from a massive selection of fresh catches, hand-cut steaks and flavorful pasta dishes. The kitchen also offers a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian options. Just make sure you save room for one of the best dessert menus in town.
Bodega and the Rest
At Bodega and The Rest, you get two distinct dining concepts inside a single location. Upstairs, Bodega serves craft cocktails, sandwiches and tacos in a casual, high-energy setting. Downstairs, however, The Rest offers a subterranean speakeasy vibe complete with dim lighting and rich textures.
Their innovative menu starts with unique appetizers like gochujang salmon bites, grilled halloumi with roasted grapes and miso crab cakes. For your main course, savory entrées include a New York strip, bison meatloaf and beer can chicken. If you prefer daytime dining, they also serve a popular brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday.
Looking for more regional culinary inspiration? Check our Events Calendar daily for upcoming food events, wine pairings and restaurant specials across the Wasatch Front and the Wasatch Back.
