It’s probably no surprise we love to try new restaurants here at Female Foodie, and Salt Lake City has some fantastic new spots we can’t stop thinking about. From classic breakfast sandwiches to authentic katsu, our guide featuring the best new restaurants in Salt Lake City has something for everyone. As the dining scene in SLC continues to build momentum, we can’t wait to see what our local culinary geniuses come up with next. Let’s get into it!
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7. La Cevicheria
Stepping into La Cevicheria feels like going on a sunny vacation without paying for airfare. Beachy decor and tropical pop music fill the small, bright building while a giant mural of a blue octopus adorns the outside. Most of the food options here are decent, but for a taste of why they’ve made our guide, you needn’t look further than the restaurant’s name. The ceviche is what truly shines here. Order the Ceviche La Cevicheria—salmon and tuna marinated in lime, tomato, onions, cilantro, cucumbers, and a house vinaigrette—to share and savor each freshly prepared bite.
La Cevicheria
6. Nona Bistro
Follow the neon sign that says “food and drink” to the back of a charming craftsman home to find one of the best new restaurants in SLC. You’ll step into a picturesque little patio filled with plenty of greenery and twinkle lights. It’s the kind of place that feels like a good friend’s backyard and is the perfect setting for an al fresco girls’ night or romantic date. Now, onto the important stuff. Nona Bistro’s menu is seasonal, which we love, but they also have some mainstays that will knock your socks off. We love Nona’s focaccia, roasted potatoes, and the wedge salad for starters. The ribeye steak with chimichurri as a main is *chef’s kiss*. And please, please don’t forget to order dessert! One of each offering to share with the table. Trust us.
Nona Bistro
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5. Katsu City
Get ready for the most authentic Korean katsu experience in the Salt Lake area. Located in an unassuming strip mall, Katsu City is clearly focused on quality food. This is a family-owned and operated eatery where every dish is carefully created and every single offering is homemade—right down to the bread crumbs that coat the pork. Each order comes with a delectable soup to start, and two equally delicious side dishes (especially the radish kimchi). If you want a classic katsu experience, go for the sirloin katsu. If you’re after something with more of a kick, order the spicy pork bulgogi. Need to warm up? Try the udon noodle soup. And lastly, a word to the wise—the portions here are huge so come hungry!
Katsu City
4. Frankie & Essl’s
Sometimes (most times) you just need a breakfast sandwich. And when that time comes, head straight to one of Salt Lake City’s best new restaurants, Frankie & Essl’s. The restaurant itself is modern and minimal, which pairs well with the restaurant’s small menu that packs a punch. Trust us when we say every sandwich is worth trying here. The use of simple ingredients between a buttered brioche bun allows the flavors to shine without distraction. One word of advice: don’t skip the chipotle aioli!
Frankie & Essl’s
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3. Matteo
Matteo is a beautiful blend of sleek sophistication and traditional togetherness, and it’s also one of the best new restaurants in Salt Lake City. Matteo and his team have brought the authentic flavors and hospitality of Modena, Italy to our city—and we couldn’t be more grateful. Dining at Matteo is an experience. The service here is impeccable and the food is (somehow) even more so. Opt in for the table bread service, which costs a small fee per person but is well worth it—the focaccia and ciabatta are perfectly baked and the salted butter is a standalone star. For your main, you really can’t go wrong, but you absolutely must get something for the table that features Nonna’s Bolognese. The flavors in this bolognese sauce are so seamless and recognizable, but there’s something extra special about it. Maybe it’s a secret ingredient, or perhaps just knowing that the bolognese is a cherished family recipe. Whatever it is has us wanting to return again and again.
Matteo Ristorante Italiano
2. Urban Hill
Urban Hill is a jaw-dropping fine-dining addition to SLC’s culinary scene. Located in the Post District, Urban Hill features an open kitchen, wood-fired grill, curated wine selection, expansive lounge, oyster bar, and more in a stunningly modern setting. We’ve yet to try something we don’t like here, so ordering should be easy. If you feel lost, allow us to recommend a few menu items. To start, order the chorizo croquetas or Caputo’s Burrata. For a main, our favorites are the smash burger or the pork chop Milanese. And don’t forget a side or two—the roasted Brussels and warm skillet rolls with herb butter and sea salt are a must. Urban Hill is a true foodies’ paradise that makes every meal a special occasion. There is no doubt that Urban Hill is one of the best new restaurants in Salt Lake City.
Urban Hill
1. Bar Nohm
Drop everything and get yourself a reservation at the best new restaurant in Salt Lake City—Bar Nohm. Bar Nohm, which shares a space with the beloved bar Water Witch, is the definition of a cool neighborhood hangout. The interior is beautifully modern and dripping in Japandi style, but the menu remains the star of the show. Here, you’ll find Asian fusion at its best. All plates are shareable (2-4 people per dish), and while some menu items might seem intimidating, trust us when we say every single offering is outstanding. Take a few friends and order a large sampling of the menu to share. Must-order items include the kimchi rice and the spicy chicken made with wok-fried thigh, perilla, green onion, garlic, rice cake, and yams. A few things to remember before heading to Bar Nohm—bring your ID and leave the kids at home.
Laura
Disappointed to see Lola on here. I’ve been twice this year thinking the first was a one off so I’d try again, it was terrible. Went for a business dinner recently and the pisco sour was half egg white, when a normal one is much less. The tacos didn’t even come with cilantro or sides and the beef was tough. The queso is like a bowl of melted slice cheese with no flavor. Worst part- it was almost $200. Please do better female foodie. This restaurant has fallen apart! You may want to dine again to determine its true worth.
Brooke Eliason
So sorry to hear about your experience. We have dined at Lola multiple times and always had a great experience with fantastic food. We definitely take a lot of pride in our recommendations and plan to revisit again soon. Thanks for reading and thank you for your honest feedback!
Melo
Adding the same; Lola is extremely bland, overpriced and some of the worst service I’ve encountered in UT dining. I was considering the list but seeing Lola #1 made everything else kind of disregarded.
Brooke Eliason
We have had great experiences with Lola time after time. Would love to hear what some of your favorites are in the SL Valley. Thanks for reading!