Often referred to as the Crossroads of the West, Salt Lake City is home to many outstanding activities for those who enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. From the Natural History Museum and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts to the Red Butte Garden, the Great Salt Lake, and the Little Cottonwood and City Creek Canyons. But the city is also home to incredible Michelin-star-worthy dining that you'll want to check out.
While there are several upscale restaurants to choose from, none currently have a Michelin Star. This isn't because they aren't worthy, but because currently Michelin only has a few locations in the U.S. that have a Michelin Guide, and Salt Lake City is not one of them. (Fun fact – Utah does have Michelin stars but they are for travel destinations.)
The Beehive State may not currently have a Michelin Guide, but if Michelin did create one, these are some of the top restaurants with Michelin-star-worthy dining in Salt Lake City that would likely make the cut.
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Michelin-Star-Worthy Dining in Salt Lake City
If you look into Michelin Stars in Utah, you may notice that the state did earn three Michelin Stars- but surprisingly, they’re not for restaurants. Since the original Michelin Guide was designed for travelers, it included information about hotels and other destinations as well. The restaurant portion quickly gained popularity, but you can still find hotel recommendations on the Michelin site.
In 2018, Utah became the first U.S. state to receive three Michelin Stars, but for its National Parks, not restaurants. Like the Michelin Restaurant Guides, the Michelin Travel Guides also include a three-star rating system for travel destinations. Even though Salt Lake City hasn’t specifically been recognized for its restaurants or tourist destinations, there are many reasons to visit the city. It’s home to many delicious high-class restaurants.
If Michelin decided to create a guide for restaurants in Salt Lake City, here are some of the restaurants that could make the list:
- Table X
- Valter’s Osteria
- Log Haven
- HSL
- Bambara Salt Lake City
With a growing food scene and farm-to-table movement in Utah, there are numerous restaurants in Salt Lake City that offer a unique twist on some American as well as international classics. Let's take a closer look at what makes each restaurant unique.
Table X
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From the cozy, rustic atmosphere to the impressive cuisine, Table X is one of the top restaurants in Salt Lake City. While Table X is a modern American restaurant, the concept and menu are unique enough to make it indistinguishable from other similar restaurants.
Table X is a luxury restaurant that still manages to feel warm and welcoming. With a distinguished tasting menu to provide guests with the full dining experience, the talented staff carefully crafts each menu item.
All of the food at Table X, from the bread to your main course, is made fresh in the kitchen and they source many of the ingredients from their own garden. When you visit for dinner, you can choose from the five or seven-course tasting menu. You'll find items such as the Mushroom and Rice Soup, Grand Teton Leg of Lamb, or the House Made Campanelle Pasta. Due to the quality service and excellent cuisine, Table X was a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award.
Valter’s Osteria
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This upscale Italian restaurant in Salt Lake City is one you don't want to miss. Valter's Osteria manages to offer both a relaxing ambiance and a vibrant, lively atmosphere. The restaurant is meant to be a modern version of a Tuscan retreat, and you’re nearly transported to Tuscany when you walk through the doors.
When you visit Valter’s Osteria, you can enjoy a meal and a drink at the full bar or book a private dining experience for a more intimate meal. This restaurant focuses on authenticity and sharing meals with friends and family.
Start your night with a Caesar Salad for Two or a Chopped Agnelli Salad Per Vittorio. On the menu, there’s a wide range of soups, salads, pasta, and other traditional meals. You can try the Spaghetti Carbonara with homemade pancetta in an egg, cream, and parmesan sauce. You can also try one of the recommended dishes, such as the Pasta Al Forno Vera or the Risotto of the Day.
Log Haven
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From the beautiful views to the intimate atmosphere, Log Haven is the ultimate destination if you're looking for a romantic dinner in Salt Lake City. Even the history of Log Haven is as romantic as the atmosphere of the restaurant.
Over 100 years ago, L.F. Rains created the hideaway for his wife as an anniversary gift. After being sold and purchased several times, Margo Provost decided to turn the building into a restaurant in 1994. Numerous local publications have rated Log Haven as the Most Romantic Restaurant in Utah.
While Log Haven is an excellent place for private events and weddings, you can also stop by for a delicious dinner. Led by Executive Chef Dave Jones, there are numerous shared plates, entrees, and sides on the menu. You might enjoy the Tuna Tartare with miso-sesame tuile and seaweed salad or the Jalapeño Queso Fresco Crab Cakes with lime, avocado, and mango salad. Your evening wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the Maple Crème Brûlée or Warm French Chocolate Cake for dessert.
HSL
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Before opening this restaurant, the owners of HSL opened Handle in Park City, Utah. HSL combines the best parts of the first restaurant with some new offerings and a different experience catered to the crowd in downtown Salt Lake City.
Unlike some of the higher-class restaurants in the area, HSL offers a laid-back feel without a specific dress code. Their focus is on creative American cuisine, wines, and cocktails. Everything on the menu at HSL is sourced locally with many organic ingredients. At HSL, the staff is also able to cater to specific dietary restrictions. Melissa Gray and Cody Derrick of City Home Collective came up with the concept of HSL; the restaurant’s team also includes Executive Chef Briar Handly and Meagan Nash.
Many of the items on HSL’s menu change with the seasons. During the fall, you might find items like the Duck with slow-roasted cabbage or the Lamb with summer root vegetables and watercress.
Bambara Salt Lake City
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The vibrant atmosphere and excellent service make Bambara Salt Lake City a restaurant worthy of recognition. However, the delectable cuisine is what makes Bambara an unforgettable experience.
When you dine at Bambara, you'll enjoy a memorable experience no matter the occasion. They offer a wide range of small plates, entrees, and craft cocktails. Bambara Salt Lake City is located in the luxurious Hotel Monaco.
Some of their signature items include the Coffee Crusted Rocky Mountain Elk or the Scallops a la Plancha with butter pecan puree and quinoa. All of the menu items at Bambara are based on the local flavors of Salt Lake City.
Most Luxurious Restaurants in Salt Lake City
Whether you’re local to Utah or passing through Salt Lake City, you’re likely looking for some delicious restaurants to stop by. Some of the best destinations and restaurants are located in this vibrant city. A trip to Salt Lake City has everything you could ask for, from beautiful scenery to top-quality restaurants.
If you’re looking for Michelin Star Restaurants in Salt Lake City, there isn’t a Salt Lake City or Utah Michelin Guide yet, but some of the restaurants on this list could make it in the future.
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