Salt Lake's food scene is having its best moment in recent history. New restaurants are opening at a pace this area has never seen before. We're witnessing big names choose Salt Lake, with chefs taking real creative risks and the result is delicious. Salt Lake even landed multiple James Beard semifinalist nods in 2026 with two of them advancing to the finalist round, proof that the food world is taking notice.
The range here is hard to categorize. You can move from a fast-casual spot that's had a line since day one, to a chef’s table experience that could hold its own against most spots in the U.S., sometimes within the same block. That's what makes eating here memorable, and that's what this list is about.
This blog will update regularly to showcase recent openings, rising newcomers, and the evolving food scene that Salt Lake has to offer.
South Salt Lake's Chinatown keeps delivering, and Hometown Dumpling is the latest reason to make the trip down State Street. The menu is built around xiao long bao (soup dumplings), plus a solid lineup of other fried and steamed dumplings. The pork soup dumplings are the headliner but be adventurous and try different dumplings as visitors mention they have great prices.
Insider tip: Sometimes the line can go out the door! If you haven't been to Chinatown before, put your name down and then make a full afternoon of it, exploring the supermarket and other shops.
1895 E Rodeo Walk Dr Unit B 101, Holladay, UT 84117
The New York institution Magnolia Bakery has arrived in the Salt Lake area, and the lines on opening day made it clear that people are excited. The Holladay Hills location is the brand's only outpost with dirty soda offerings, a Salt Lake touch to complement their other offerings: cupcakes, cakes, cheesecake, pies, cookies, brownies, and the famous banana pudding.
Insider tip: A second location in Salt Lake is planned for fall 2026. Worth the drive to Holladay in the meantime for their buttercream frosting and other treats!
Mira Mira opened June 5th with a Caribbean-inspired menu of breakfast sandwiches and pastries. The space is new and fresh as well: a green tile bar, a mermaid mural anchoring the wall, and an open, unhurried layout that invites you to stay longer than you planned.
Insider tip: Mira Mira was formerly Blue Copper's Marmalade District location. Owners are the same, concept is new, coffee is amazing.
The empanada wave in Salt Lake is real, and Argentina's Cafe is at the center of it. The South American cafe, now open in Central City, serves empanadas baked or fried. Eight varieties are available, from spicy chorizo to mushrooms and brie, priced between $6 and $6.50 each.
Insider tip: The space is set up for lingering, with comfortable seating well-suited for spending some time working or reading alongside your empanadas.
To enter Sushi by Bou, guests walk through a false bookcase in the historic Peery Hotel lobby. What's on the other side is one of the more deliberately constructed dining experiences in the city right now. Three omakase tasting menus are available, and the format is chef-guided, course by course, with craft cocktails, sake, and Japanese spirits rounding out the experience. Sushi By Bou is in a handful of other cities and raises the bar for sushi in Salt Lake.
Insider tip: The reservations are for 60 minutes exactly, so pace yourself accordingly!
Poplar Street Pub has been a downtown staple for years. Their new outdoor space is certainly notable, especially when considering where to spend a summer evening downtown. With fire pits, skyline views, and plenty of room to spread out, the Poplar Street patio makes it one of the best new outdoor spots in the city. If you haven't been in a while, this is a good reason to go back.
Insider tip: Inside Poplar Street Pub, pool games are $1 and 18 televisions for any sports game (Mammoth or Jazz games get priority)!
Hours: The patio is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 1am.
Stay updated with the constantly evolving Salt Lake food scene and don’t forget to check back in for the New & Notable list of the month!
