Salt Lake’s Best New Restaurants and Bars

Welcome to our rolling list of all the best, new restaurants opening around Salt Lake!

March 2026

Salt Lake’s food and drink scene is always growing. Here are the latest openings worth trying.

Located in a historic building in downtown Salt Lake City and inspired by East Coast oyster houses and classic martini bars. Heads up, it’s 21+ only.

Part of Salt Lake’s current pizza surge, you’ll find classic New York-style slices at this Marmalade neighborhood spot. Even better, they serve alcohol and are open until 11 p.m. daily.

A few miles south, across from Liberty Park, Via Veneto Pizzarium is slinging Roman-style pizza al taglio (by the cut). The slices are rectangular, and sold by weight, so it’s perfect for trying a bunch of different flavors.

A Sicilian-inspired restaurant that opened last week, a block away from Via Veneto. Come here for the pasta and stay for the Sicilian desserts like torta setteveli (a layered chocolate and hazelnut cake).

Another day, another coffee shop — we can never have too many. Ten is located at 636 S. 200 W. (attached to Momomaru), and brings a bit of L.A. vibes to Salt Lake City. They offer coffee, matcha, and bagel sandwiches.

February 2026

This month's restaurant feature is a story of what's old is new again, with the revamping of familiar favorites and fresh faces popping up in shuttered spaces.

The triumphant return of a legendary sandwich shop, Grove Market and Deli has reopened after a monthslong closure, following the sale to a new owner. Go here for a cold-cut sandwich as big as your face and a massive hot sauce selection.

From coffee truck, to brick and mortar, and back to coffee truck again, Old Cuss has officially put down roots in Downtown SLC. The cafe on Pierpont Avenue serves up specialty lattes, vegetarian sandwiches, and fresh pastries. Try their classic black currant latte.

This taco shop brings a taste of Los Angeles flavor to Murray; executive chef Luis Perez is Michelin-recognized for his Mexican restaurant in Santa Ana. La Lola's blue-corn tortillas are made in house daily.

New brunch alert! The Brick opened recently in the old Cafe Niche space (another former breakfast spot) on 300 South. Their menu lists classic breakfast items and sandwiches. Looks like they're dipping their toe in the dinner scene, too.

Italian-Japanese fusion hits Downtown on 200 South, where Laziz Kitchen used to be. Gossip comes from the chefs behind Mint Sushi and Tapas (a personal favorite) and Carmine's. They're positioning it as a speakeasy, so check out their cocktails.

Another blending of cultures, Killa Nikkei brings together Peruvian and Japanese cuisine in the building that formerly housed Current Fish & Oyster. This spot still serves seafood, though, with a focus on ceviches and sushi rolls, plus Peruvian classics, like lomo saltado and anticuchos.

January 2026

The latest restaurant openings in Salt Lake are all about comfort food and cozy coffee shops.

Maven District has a new bakery, soft opening this weekend from 9 a.m. to sold out. Bury me in layers of croissants.

A one-stop shop for Vietnamese food and coffee in a refurbished bank in West Valley.

After announcing their first Utah location this past summer, Cali-based Sidecar Doughnuts is finally open for business.

Previously a mobile coffee cart, Mecca opened a brick-and-mortar in the Granary District.

Southern-style cooking in West Jordan including fried catfish and chicken and waffles.

A cool looking coffee shop in Lehi. They offer Baby’s Bagels and housemade syrups with flavors like ube, Luxardo cherry, and cozy cabin (I’m intrigued).

December 2025

Salt Lake has a fresh batch of openings this month, each one leaning into a specific specialty. What a great excuse to try something new.

A family-run bakery in Lehi dedicated to focaccia. Expect thick, crispy-edged bread with a pillowy interior, offered in rotating flavors that range from sweet cinnamon to savory tomato pesto.

Located at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon is a Himalayan-inspired mountain bar serving up dishes from The 14 Peaks, craft cocktails, and local beer. Visit them for their soft opening today from 4-11 p.m.

Momomaru specializes in fresh hand rolls, made to order. They’re hosting a soft launch with limited seating, so plan to arrive early to snag a spot.

Award-winning food writer Darby Doyle declared 2025 the year of the seafood tower. Enjoy one lakeside at Daybreak’s Lake Break. The vibe is giving Bravo’s “Below Deck,” in the best way.

November 2025

If there’s one thing Utahns do best, it’s line up for a hot new opening, and this fall has given Salt Lake plenty of reasons to show up. Here are a few of the latest food and drink spots around town.

This viral coffee shop from Orem has officially landed in Salt Lake City, and the opening drew quite the crowd. I’ve got my eyes on their house made banana bread syrup.

A longtime West Valley favorite known for their birria tacos and tamales, La Casa Del Tamal is now open in Salt Lake City’s growing Post District.

You’ll also find Azúcar’s newest location inside La Casa Del Tamal. This coffee bar is for the city slickers who want to grab some morning caffeine before heading into work.

Located in Salt Lake City’s Chinatown, this tea chain specializes in jasmine tea, but peeps in the Google reviews are also raving about the matcha.

The Latin-Caribbean inspired pastries at Amarza Bakery are worth the drive to Riverton.

October 2025

There are good times brewing in Salt Lake this October.

The new Sugar House brewery bringing much-needed neighborhood bar vibes with an eye for sustainability — it uses a high efficiency brewing system that wastes less water and energy than traditional methods. Plus, they have a pinball machine!

This new spot in the Gallivan Center brings a punk attitude and is serious about its daily movie nights — I mean, how many bars have their own Letterboxd account?

A coffee shop/gift boutique is exactly the type of everything-you-need destination you expect to find in the Milk Block. If your love language is gift giving, this is the place for you.

Calling all train aficionados! Restaurateur Lavanya Mahate is taking over the old Stanza space downtown with over 8,000-square-feet dedicated to Indian cuisine and the “golden age of railway travel.”

September 2025

Salt Lake has seen an influx of new coffee shops lately, each with its own unique twist. This month’s roundup goes out to all the caffeine addicts out there.

Located next to the big apricot (peach/mango/booty) sculpture in the Marmalade neighborhood. They open at 6 a.m. which is earlier than most in Salt Lake and they’ve got a pool table!

Mother is a coffee shop by day, bar by night, filling the space previously occupied by Alibi. It offers great vibes and great drinks. (21+)

This food truck serves up Mexican snacks, drinks, and coffee. Keep an eye on their Instagram to track where they’ll be parked each day.

A true family affair, Brickyard Coffee is situated next to Brickyard Bar, owned by the founder’s dad. Don’t miss their pastries (supplied by Lone Pine Bakery) including a cinnamon roll as big as your head.

August 2025

Salt Lake’s dining scene is ever-evolving, with old favorites shuttering their doors and new spots popping up. This month, there’s everything from French-Italian fare to mouthwatering tacos for you to discover.

Seemingly overnight, the place that used to be The Big O Doughnuts, and then 9th Street Coffee and Donuts, is now a French/Italian restaurant. It offers specialities like beef bourguignon, escargots, and steak with Cafe de Paris sauce.

Move over smashburgers, this Millcreek spot serves up gigantic burgers piled high with toppings. Try the La Bangkok: a Hawaiian bun loaded with pork belly, Thai chili mayo, Asian slaw, and soy-caramelized onions. ICYMI, burger joints have serious staying power in Utah.

This sandwich shop, already a favorite at Gardner Village, opened a second location in Trolley Square. And these guys know sandwiches, they won Best of State for the best bakery sandwiches.

Sunday’s Best is a great place to brunch hard for special occasions. This Sunday, Aug. 24 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., they’re hosting a fundraiser for Main Street employees impacted by the fire at their rooftop bar, Sunday School. Tickets can be purchased online.

Seriously good tacos in the Ballpark neighborhood. Of course the tacos are where they shine, but also try the al pastor quesadilla (aka gringa de al pastor) or the loaded asada fries.

July 2025

Lots of new openings in Salt Lake this month, from ramen to taco trucks, and even an exciting comeback featuring the iconic Lion House rolls 👀

Utah has been booming with new ramen restaurants lately including UT Craft Ramen in Midvale. They’re celebrating their grand opening this Friday and Saturday (Aug. 1-2) with an exclusive ramen made with A5 wagyu flown in from Japan.

An Italian lunch spot by the people behind Matteo in Downtown Salt Lake City. Try their paninis or mix-and-match pastas. They also offer beer and wine.

A taco truck tucked inside a parking lot in Kearns (4095 Sam’s Blvd.) that I found courtesy of my TikTok feed. The lines get long so be sure to get there early to secure some carnitas.

Find this coffee trailer/vintage clothing rack at 2224 S. 600 E., conveniently located along the S-Line Trax/bike path.

The Garden Restaurant, formerly Nauvoo Cafe, has reopened inside the Joseph Smith Memorial Building after being closed for two and half years for renovations. Even better, they brought back the beloved Lion House rolls. Consider this my official petition that they bring back Lion House pies, too.

June 2025

A much-loved staple at Salt Lake festivals and farmers markets, Eats Bakery recently opened a brick and mortar where the old Nostalgia Cafe used to be. They serve the most delectable donuts and cinnamon rolls, Wednesday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A bodega and non-alcoholic bottle shop in Salt Lake City. As someone who doesn’t drink and loves gourmet food items — I really appreciate this store. They also carry local brands like Mountain Born Creamery and Milk Honey Yogurt.

The newest food hall and Utah’s first bar hall is open in Sugar House. Featuring old faves and new faves like Cannella’s, Publik Coffee, Pizza Bar, and Birdhouse. What’s nice is it’s open until midnight (serving food until 10 p.m.).

Joe Dygert has been a barista in SLC for 18 years and is now experimenting with a donation-based coffee project out of his apartment. Schedule a 15 minute appointment through Google Calendar and try the peanut butter latte.

Gluten-free ice cream in irresistible flavors like matchacha and milky hokkaido. Open Tuesday-Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday) and noon to 10 p.m. (Friday and Saturday).

Mensho is not-your-average chain, it’s a cool chain, originating out of Tokyo. Known for its high-end ingredients—like A5 wagyu, fresh daily noodles, and local produce—it’s being hailed as some of the best ramen in Utah.

May 2025

The library has always been one of my favorite third spaces, and now it’s even better with a new Hugo Coffee Roasters inside the Main branch. Grab a cup of joe and your current read, and head upstairs to the freshly renovated rooftop.

Serving vegan baked goods inside Izzy apartments on 556 E. 2100 S. They’re best known for their cinnamon buns, which come in all sorts of flavors like cookie butter and Oreo mudslide.

From the team that brought us Urban Hill and Hearth and Hill comes Hill’s Kitchen. This casual dining restaurant also offers frozen meals and ice creams to grab-and-go.

Sobe Eats is coming in hot with a new brunch spot in Murray. Try the concha french toast or the birria chilaquiles.

Authentic Creole food in South Salt Lake, in the spot formerly occupied by Old Cuss Cafe. Try the shrimp po boys and the fluffy cornbread, then come back on Fridays for their gumbo.

So happy to have Star of India back at their new Main Street location in Downtown SLC. Try the coconut curry and garlic cheese naan.

April 2025

While not a new restaurant, Baby’s Bagels is rolling out a fresh new concept with a weekly pizza pop-up every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. until sellout. Whole pies only, for now. Bonus: They got a liquor license, so you can enjoy a glass of vino with your pie.

This is not your mother’s brunch spot, unless, of course, your mother is punk rock. With specials like The Cultist and Children of the Corn, this edgy eatery occupies the former home of Koko Kitchen.

The old Bourbon House is now home to Repeal, a live jazz and cocktail bar by the owners of Prohibition. Reservations are live, with a grand opening set for Tuesday, April 29.

Operating out of the pick-up window at Pretty Bird in Sugar House, these guys are real coffee connoisseurs. They use a cold drip tower with remineralized water to make fresh cold brew everyday. And their secret menu aerocano is creamy and velvety smooth.

March 2025

Pete Souvall is known for slinging sweet treats around Salt Lake through Bedlam Baking Company, and he’s now added coffee to the mix. Find Bedlam Coffee in front of The Stockist on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A great place to kickback, sing karaoke, and drink Kava. Kava is a traditional beverage from the Pacific Islands, enjoyed in both ceremonial and social settings, and is known to have a calming effect on the body.

Snowmobile Pizza in Central 9th has added a SnowmoBAR. It’s a bright, neon, '80s apres-ski party, AND it’s one of two places in Utah that carries Beer Zombies.

The latest food hall and first bar hall to hit Salt Lake is located in the old Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House building. It features a collection of local favorites like Publik (coming soon), Proper Burger, and Cannella’s.

Find Vietnamese chè in West Valley! Chè is basically like a refreshing dessert soup with coconut milk, fruit, jelly, and tapioca pearls. Perfect for this warm spring day.

Lucky Ones Coffee has a mission to make employment more inclusive by hiring people with disabilities. Find them inside the Marmalade Library; they even have a convenient walk-up window.

From the people behind Koyoté comes a Japanese/Italian fusion restaurant: Junah. The menu features gyoza-shaped ravioli, wagyu ragu, and matcha tiramisu.

February 2025

If you’re down in Orem, try the tacos and burritos at Motel West. The menu is limited, but a standout was the chicken taco — juicy and flavorful!

A new addition to the Pizza Nono family, Market at Nono sells coffee, focaccia sandwiches, and Mount Royal bagels. Don’t miss the cinnamon roll focaccia, it’s unreal.

The latest pop-up at Flanker is the Hidden Boot Saloon, complete with a mechanical bull and giant Dolly Parton mural. I loved drinking my prairie colada out of a tiny dutch oven (garnished with pinto beans!)

This Park City sandwich spot opened a new Salt Lake City location in the old Taco Taco on 500 South. Try the fried cheese curds tossed with chaat masala, mint, cilantro, and scallions, and served with a tamarind chutney dip.

January 2025

Located inside the new Asher Adams hotel (which was the old Union Pacific Depot), this is a great place to go if you’re trying to impress. For the best views of the stunning interior, grab a drink at the upstairs whiskey bar first.

A new KFC has arrived in South Salt Lake, we’re talking Korean fried chicken. Try the honey garlic wings — they’re crunchy and saucy and perfect.

Avenue Bakery in American Fork opened its second location in the Avenues. It’s 100% gluten-free and is also a cutie gift shop.

Serving up the fluffiest cinnamon rolls, Dough Lady just celebrated the grand opening of their first brick-and-mortor shop in Millcreek.

This brunch restaurant is in the old building of Pig & a Jelly Jar (RIP). The portions are huge and they have a self-serve jam bar with flavors like sweet potato chai and mango rosemary.

Located in the Foothill neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Here you’ll find New York-style, Sicilian-style, Detroit-style, and even Grandma-style (pan-fried thin crust) pizzas.

December 2024

The newest to arrive in Salt Lake’s food and drink scene are fantastical and fun and even … dangerous?

Now that Utah’s medieval-themed Evermore Park is closed, where doth one go for fantasy-themed adventure? Enter Thieves Guild Cidery. It’s a new bar in the Central 9th neighborhood that the owners call “chaotic wizard maximalism,” with 3D-printed wall sconces and skulls and a “waterplace” (that looks like a fireplace but is made with LED lights and water vapor). It’s the ideal backdrop to play Dungeons & Dragons.

A sapphic smashburger pop-up? Sign me up! They were last spotted at the Dyked Y2K event on Nov. 16. Keep a close eye on their Instagram for the next one.

Sometimes you just need to eat pretzels for dinner. Stick with the classics (salty or sugary), or try a fun flavor like Gingy (gingerbread, obvs) or Bootlegger (bourbon maple bacon). Don’t forget the dip!

Note: They’re closed Sundays and Mondays

Another addition to Salt Lake City’s Post District, Melancholy is a cozy bar featuring two levels and creative cocktails. Try the “Dirty Work,” with gin and house pickled pepper brine (say that three times fast), or “Right to the Core,” a non-alcoholic cocktail with verjus (a sour grape juice) and green apple and fennel oleo. And don’t miss their book club in January. They’re reading “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.”

This cool hand roll sushi restaurant opened on Main Street in downtown SLC. Try the salmon hand roll and wash it down with an ice cold Sapporo. Save room for the matcha creme brulee with candied lychee.

November 2024

A lot of new restaurants this month, from Salt Lake to Provo and everywhere in between.

A nod to “The Great Bambino” from “The Sandlot,” a classic Utah-made movie. This pizzeria is located right next to the historic Vincent Drug in Midvale, which was a set location for the film. Visit the dessert shop next door for macaron ice cream sandwiches.

A European-inspired bread shop and cafe in the Ballpark neighborhood. Leavity was started by the new owners of Bread Riot Bakehouse. You might have previously tried their bread at Caputo’s or the Salt Lake farmers market.

Paréa is located only about a block away from its sister restaurant, Manoli’s, on 900 South. It’s a more casual dining experience than Manoli’s, perfect for a grab-and-go lunch. They also carry an array of take-and-bake dishes.

Pie Party opened their first brick-and-mortar at 3130 S. Highland Drive in SLC! Perfect timing for all your pie and sweet treat needs this holiday season.

This viral, Texas-based chain restaurant opened its first Utah location in Provo. The concept is like a Chipotle but with mac-and-cheese and over 20 toppings to customize it to your liking.

Happy to report, Lenguitas Chamoy is back and taking orders by DM after an extended break. They offer homemade chamoy (and chamoy covered candy) which is a Mexican sauce that’s deliciously sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.

October 2024

This month’s food spots range from fine dining to casual comfort, and everything in between (can you say cheeto sushi?).

An upscale Japanese/Latin fusion restaurant located on Exchange Place in downtown Salt Lake City (formerly Maxwell’s). Some standouts on their menu are the tuna crudo with blueberry habanero jam, wagyu gyoza, and a whole branzino cooked in a salt bed. This goes without saying, but, save room for lava cake.

A Chinese restaurant in Millcreek opened by much-loved chef Gary Lee, formerly of Asian Star. The menu features honey nectar pork, sesame chicken, and a lot of gluten-free and vegetarian options.

This food truck in Bountiful serves up Hawaiian comfort food like loco moco (white rice, meat, gravy, and a fried egg), katsu or kalua pork sandwiches, or your classic lunch plate with meat, mac salad, and rice. Don’t forget to grab a spam musubi and a Hawaiian Sun to wash it all down.

Another stop in Bountiful for sushi and boba, always a winning combo. If you’re feeling crazy, try their cheetos roll.

September 2024

This month in Salt Lake’s food scene we have some old faithfuls and a couple of new kids on the block.

The neighborhood wine room in the front bungalow at Nona Bistro is having their grand opening today, Sept. 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It was our City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta’s food & drink pick for September!

For those who’ve been wanting more third spaces in Salt Lake City, meet Coterie, a bar and coffee shop at 69 E. Gallivan Ave. Most nights they’re open until 1 a.m. and they host weekly jazz nights. 21+ only.

Real SLC foodies know about Aziza, a microbakery known for baklava cheesecake and kunafa pies. While they’re still on a break, they posted that they’ve been working on batches of the viral Dubai pistachio kunafa chocolate bar. Follow their Instagram for updates on how to get your hands on one!

At this point, my entire personality is brunch, so I’m thrilled to have another option in town. Early Owl opened a couple months ago where Chip Cookies used to be on 900 South. They offer a wide selection of omelets, french toast, smoothies, and a cinnamon roll fruit salad which is a cinnamon roll with a side of fruit. A well-balanced breakfast, indeed.

Inside of Bonnie & Clyde’s, behind the bookshelf, you’ll discover Hide & Seek speakeasy. They’re accepting reservations on Resy from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday of their soft opening.

Tacomania in Riverton serves some of the best carne asada tacos I’ve had in Utah, and they recently opened a second spot in West Jordan. Bonus: The WJ location serves breakfast.

August 2024

My brat girl summer entails eating good in the neighborhood. Here’s some new places I’m excited to try — with cuisines from Asia to Colombia.

All-you-can-eat hotpot for a pretty reasonable price ($32.99/dinner or $22.99/weekday lunch) in Salt Lake City’s Chinatown. The self-serve area has a wide selection of fresh veggies, seafood, and prepared food. They do have a time limit of two hours though!

The next time you’re in the 15th & 15th neighborhood, stop by Encanto Restaurant. They serve casual Colombian food, from arepas to salchipapas (french fries topped with hot dogs or sausage).

The newest ramen spot in Salt Lake City, Ramen Ichizu, is located at the bottom level of the Slate apartments. Even if you don’t feel like ramen during a heat wave, come for the dipping ramen — a refreshing way to enjoy a bowl of noods. Heads up, they have limited hours and seating, and no takeout, so come early. Bonus: Their bathrooms are equipped with Japanese toilets with heated seats and a bidet.

Another place that utilizes the retail space below apartments is a boba shop at Capitol Homes apartments. Like the millennial I am, I’m sold on their minimal, aesthetic branding. And I have my eyes on the coconut latte.