22 Best Sugar House Restaurants

Sugar House is one of Salt Lake City’s favorite neighborhoods (with the cutest name, we might add) and it’s not hard to figure out why. Home to leafy streets lined with bungalows, a city park with rolling green hills, stunning mountain views, and clusters of awesome restaurants spread throughout the neighborhood, Sugar House is always a fun place to be.

While some may argue that a few of the restaurants we chose are technically across the street from Sugar House’s boundaries, you aren’t complaining about an extra fried chicken or ramen location, are you? Without further ado, here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Sugar House.

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22. Burgers Grilled Right

If a burger is what you’re after, head to BGR. This trendy establishment is located just off of Wilmington Ave and is such a cozy, clean place to enjoy a meal. Plus, the menu here is so fun! You can either order from their Masterpiece Menu for a uniquely delicious burger, like the Korean BBQ or pretzel bacon cheeseburger OR if you’re feeling adventurous, you can create your own burger, incorporating all your favorite toppings. We think every side at BGR is great, but tend to go for their garlic fries, tater tots, or grilled asparagus. No matter which burger or sides you choose, BGR will have you coming back for more.

21. Original Pancake House

We love love love breakfast food and The Original Pancake House offers a variety of menu options that are comforting, filling, and tasty all at the same time. Located on 2100 South, The Original Pancake House meets all of your breakfast needs. Whether you’re a sweet or savory person in the AM, you’ll find just what you’re looking for. The Original Pancake House offers all the classic breakfast foods we know, love, and crave, but elevates them to new delicious heights. We especially love the Sourdough Pancakes, the Hawaiian Pancakes, the Pecan Waffle and Nutella Crepes, and the beloved Apple Pancake. Among many Sugar House restaurants, this place offers breakfast food your heart, and your stomach, desires!

20. Cubby’s

Cubby’s now has multiple locations throughout the state, including a Sugar House restaurant, and for good reason. This has become one of our classic American go-to’s, whether we’re in the mood for a sandwich, a burger, or a salad. And not just any salad! Forget limp greens and generic dressings—these salads are big, flavorful, and come topped with things like tri-tip steak and lemony chicken. We love the wild rice and kale salad, especially as the weather starts to turn colder. It’s cozy and nourishing, with a base of warm rice complemented with apples, chicken, and goat cheese. We also love the Buffalo bleu cheese fries—they pack the perfect amount of Buffalo flavor when you want something greasy (fries!) but don’t feel like eating a whole plate of fried chicken.

19. Spitz

Spitz is one of the places we love to frequent when we want something fast and flavorful, and lucky for us, we don’t have to brave parking downtown because there is now a Sugar House location. Their doners are stuffed with a variety of flavors like tangy olive and pepperoncinis, crunchy onions and romaine, and creamy garlic aioli and tzatziki. Try the street cart doner if you’re torn between options. Don’t sleep on the sweet potato waffle fries either—get them loaded with aforementioned toppings (try the street cart fries with “the works”), or get them plain if you want a crunchy waffle fry with Spitz’s “secret seasoning” to dip in their garlic aioli.

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18. Hanaya Poke

We love Hanaya when we need a Sugar House restaurant that is fresh and full of veggies. You can choose one of their pre-made bowls, or you can build your own. We recommend starting with the Hana rice, which is made with coconut milk and green tea, making it slightly sticky and creamy. Once you choose your base, add your choice of fresh proteins. We love the tuna (both spicy and regular) and salmon, but they also offer cooked seafood, meat, and tofu. After you hone in on what protein you want, it’s the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure adding whatever other toppings you’d like. Options range from crab or seaweed salad to mango chili and cabbage, crunchy tidbits like fried onions and a sauce to flavor the whole bowl (we love the classic shoyu!). Don’t forget to add ginger and wasabi for a sushi-esque taste and say yes to the miso on the side, or add a spam musubi for an extra salty snack.

17. O’Falafel Middle Eastern Cuisine

It would be easy to write off O’Falafel Middle Eastern Cuisine—an unassuming beige restaurant at the edge of Sugar House— at first glance. We know so many middle eastern places that are hit or miss, serving floppy greens, unripe tomatoes, and lackluster hummus. But O’Falafel is a hit, serving all the classics and then some. They offer appetizer sampler platters so you can try a variety of dips and dishes. Of course the smokey, creamy baba ghanouj and hummus doused in a pool of glistening, yellow, olive oil are classics and the perfect pairing with some fluffy pita bread. The foul is a fun dish that you don’t always see on the menu at middle eastern places: lemony, garlicky fava beans simmered down to a stew-like texture. We love the tin meals, where you can split the protein (we love the chicken and gyro), served atop plump yellow rice and romaine with a dollop of tzatziki on top. A little food here goes a long way, making it one of the best restaurants in Sugar House if you’re feeding a crowd.

16. Hub And Spoke Diner

We love a local, cozy diner, and even more so when the food is slightly more elevated than your normal diner fare. Hub and Spoke has classic diner offerings, like biscuits and gravy, french toast, and pancakes, but they also have a few special dishes on their menu. We recommend trying the Kentucky Hot Brown, which is one of their most popular menu items. This dish comes in a hot skillet with a mound of house-brined smoked turkey that’s doused in bechamel sauce with bacon, tomatoes, Swiss cheese, toast, and an egg. They also have a list of specials which change about every two to four weeks. Their eggs benedict dish is another slam dunk, and you can choose between classic, pulled pork, or crab. Sometimes they have benedict specials, like pulled pork jalapeno—the succulent pork and spicy Hollandaise make this a memorable dish and another top recommendation.

15. The Dodo

The Dodo is an eclectic diner in Sugar House with a mural of a dodo on the wall, neon lights, and a section of the restaurant that serves as a mini sports bar. Menu items are hit and miss, but we recommend the Smoked Turkey Sandwich, Beef Stroganoff, or the off-the-menu Dirty Bird Salad. What we really recommend though is that you come here for dessert after choosing another Sugar House restaurant from this guide. The desserts are made in-house daily, and they’re open until 10 p.m. most days, so you have plenty of time after your dinner to grab a huge slice of pie to top off your night. The Toll House Pie is their most popular dessert (get it warmed up with a scoop of ice cream on top), but the Banana Cream Pie (add caramel sauce!) is an absolute must. A thick graham cracker crust filled with a creamy cheesecake-like base and loaded with banana pudding (with cold slices of fresh banana mixed in) almost teeters off the top of the pie. You might as well bring friends so you can try as many flavors of pie as your heart desires at one of the best restaurants in Sugar House.

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14. Somi Vietnamese Bistro

If you’re in Sugar House and in the mood for pho, but you think maybe you also want vermicelli, spring rolls, or a rice bowl, this is the place for you. In addition to classic and delicious pho—think clear broth, ribbon-like strips of meat, and crunchy bean sprouts—they also offer a hearty vermicelli bowl. Go for the boneless short rib (one of their most popular vermicelli bowls) cascading over a bed of rice noodles; stay for the bonus crispy spring roll that comes with your vermicelli, accompanied by crunchy daikon and carrot salad.

13. Kimi’s Chop And Oyster House

You know how in romcoms, there’s always a business meeting or date night at a fancy seafood restaurant with sky-high ceilings, dark wood finishings, icy wine glasses, and shiny tin platters of oysters? Kimi’s Chop and Oyster House is where to go if you want that vibe in a Sugar House restaurant. The presentation of the food is immaculate: everything is evenly spaced and topped with beautiful finishings. The oysters are exactly how we want our oysters to be: cold, faintly briny, and furnished with cocktail sauce and horseradish. The golden beet carpaccio was fresh and flavorful, with delicately sliced beets, goat cheese, crunchy pepitas, and honey champagne gastrique. We also recommend the blue crab meat cakes for something classic and simple—each cake is crunchy with silky crab meat inside and served with sweet corn and baby pepper relish.

12. Finn’s Cafe

We never judge a restaurant solely based on its vibe or interior, but in addition to being one of the best restaurants in Sugar House, Finn’s also has one of the best atmospheres. True to its Scandinavian roots, the restaurant is airy and full of natural light, with light wood ceilings, floors, tables, and chairs. The restaurant feels warm, cheery, and serene with a menu to match. Go for the classic Scandinavian breakfast which comes with poached red trout, tartar sauce, eggs, hash browns, and toast. It’s light while being hearty and filling. The Norwegian waffles are another classic, with hints of cardamom and served with sour cream and lingonberries. Or if you’re looking for something classic, the eggs benedict are never a bad choice. We come here year-round but always look forward to visiting on a chilly, snow-filled day to achieve peak hygge!

11. Per Noi Trattoria

Per Noi Trattoria is a classic Italian restaurant with generous portions of creamy and cheesy pasta and other classic Italian fare right on the edge of Sugar House. This spot is equally great for a date night or a family dinner, thanks to the outdoor patio and moody light, Italian sodas with whipped cream and the extremely impressive bananas foster, served tableside right out of a flaming pan. We recommend starting with the fresh and beautiful prosciutto and melon, and the Aranchini—a large, fried round of rice and peas gently placed on a puddle of bolognese sauce. After that, move on to whichever pasta speaks to your heart. We recommend the butternut squash ravioli with tomatoes, basil, and a creamy sauce, speckled with red strands of saffron. The gnocchi is another crowd-pleaser, especially if you order the sauce sampler, which allows you to try the Creamy Gorgonzola, Pesto, and Tomato Basil sauces. We love a three-for-one deal! Also note that all the pastas, except the spaghetti, are made in-house.

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10. Pho Thin

Pho Thin is not your average pho place. They offer regional variations and additions to your pho, in addition to simmering the clear, flavorful broth for 24 hours. While they serve Southern-style pho (the way you’re probably used to having it, with bean sprouts, lime, jalapenos and basil), we especially love the Northern-style pho, which comes with a side bowl of vinegar and raw white onions. The vinegar is a lovely and stark contrast to the richness of the broth. We love the beef brisket, and adding on the deep-fried dough sticks to soak up all the extra broth. They also serve Normal Ice Cream bars for dessert!

9. Jinya

Conveniently located right off 700 East, Jinya is one of the best ramen restaurants in Sugar House. Jinya’s broths are—as ramen broth should be—umami, rich, and creamy. We love the spicy creamy vegan ramen if you eat vegan, and the Tonkotsu Black is a favorite if you eat meat. This one comes with pork broth and chashu along with garlic oil, garlic chips and fried onions. Their noodles are sturdy and chewy, and the even ratio of noodles to toppings means you get lots of variety and flavor in every bite.

8. Hruska’s Kolaches

What started as a little shop in Provo, Hruskas has now expanded to include a few locations throughout Utah, including one in Sugar House. One bite into a warm, chewy kolache and you’ll understand how lucky we are to have a location so close to us. Kolaches, of Czech origin, are warm pockets of squishy bread, filled with either sweet or savory fillings. Our current savory favorite is the Texas—an all-beef polish dog ensconced in cheddar cheese and pickled jalapenos. Ask for spicy mustard to dip! We also love sampling their seasonal or rotating flavors, like Thai chili pork or veggie curry, and we never leave without grabbing one of their sweet kolaches. Our best advice is to ask which ones are fresh out of the oven because even though they are all made in-house, a hot, squishy kolache trumps a room-temp one every time, and definitely contributes to this being one of the best restaurants in Sugar House.

7. Bruges Belgian Bistro

Bruges has thankfully become a mainstay in SLC with two locations, including one in Sugar House. We’ve been going to Bruges for years, and can honestly say that we’ve never been let down. Their waffles are perfect: slightly crunchy with chewy centers, caramelized edges, and—if you order The Favorite—deep grooves brimming with strawberries and thick, luscious whipped cream. Make it a meal by adding an order of their perfectly golden, thick-cut, twice-fried french fries. You can’t go wrong with the sauces, but we could drink the Andalouse sauce, which only further convinces us this is one of the best restaurants in Sugar House.

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6. Pretty Bird

Sometimes it’s easy to feel sad that Utah’s food scene isn’t Portland’s or that we have to drive to Vegas to eat at a beloved chain like Din Tai Fung, but then we remember we have Pretty Bird and its accompanying star chef and founder, Viet Pham—winner of Iron Chef and former winner of Food and Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef Award. Once you try Pretty Bird, it’ll come as no surprise that Pham is a food celebrity. The chicken at Pretty Bird is crackly, tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful—spicy and a little cinnamony. The accompanying slaw and pickles are crunchy and vinegary and perfectly complement the chicken. We love it best in the sandwich, which is meticulously made. As Pham says, “We start with the bottom bun, and then put sauce on it. Then we put on the chicken, pickles, and slaw and then the top bun. It has to be done in that order, because if you put the slaw on before the pickles, it would not taste right.” Speaking of tasting right, Pham also spent more than three years developing their buns with various bakers and companies before getting the classic bun they have today. Luckily the parking at the Sugar House restaurant is much better than their downtown location, making it even easier to get a quick fix!

5. Ekamai Thai

Ekamai Thai is one of our favorite Thai restaurants in Salt Lake City, and our favorite Thai restaurant in Sugar House. You can get all the classic curries here, but our favorite dish is the Khao Soi. This noodle soup is made with a curry and coconut milk broth, and topped with chicken (or sub fried tofu to opt for a protein that will really soak up all the delicious flavor of the broth), fried onions, pickled cabbage, fresh shallots, and a nest of crispy dried noodles on top. It’s pretty, but it’s even more delicious. Squeeze some lime on top and you’re ready to dig in. This dish hits every flavor profile. It’s a little spicy, a little sweet, savory, a tad tangy, and incredibly flavorful.

4. Bartolo’s

Bartolo’s is perfect for a date night or a girls’ night out. Their menu is on the smaller side, which we love, and their handmade pastas are the thing to get. The Rigatoni Bolognese is perfectly al dente, chewy, and hearty. The slow-cooked beef and pork bolognese is rich and savory, and the scoop of housemade ricotta dolloped on top of the pasta is the cherry on top. If you want something slightly less rich or vegetarian, the Pistachio Pesto Mafaldine comes with cherry tomatoes, squash, and zucchini and the pesto is made with pistachios and mint, lending a fresh taste to traditional pesto.

3. Mumbai House

Mumbai House is such a Utah classic, it hardly needs an introduction. We’ve never been led astray here—everything on the expansive menu is outstanding, which is why it’s one of the best restaurants in Sugar House. The chicken makhani is a must-order. It’s buttery and rich, with complex flavors and tender chicken. The same goes for the chicken tikka masala, paneer masala, and malai kofta. We also recommend Chettinad Kolee if you want to branch out from the classic dishes and curries. This comforting dish is cooked with chicken, potatoes, and fennel. Whatever you order, try the Peshwari Naan—the balance of the sweet paste in the naan with savory curries and spices is a perfect balance. A mango lassi is a sweet and tart way to wash everything down, and for dessert, the Gulab Jamun soaked in sweet syrup is an Indian classic.

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2. Feldman’s Deli

A Utah classic, Feldman’s Deli describes itself as “New York chic meets ski chalet comfort”—a vibe we can absolutely get behind. Feldman’s offers everything your deli-loving heart could desire, like Matzo Ball Soup with generously sized Matzo, Pierogies, and Kielbasa sausage. Their smoked meat sandwiches are the creme de la creme. Layer upon layer of pastrami or corned beef, crowned with sauerkraut and dressing on Jewish Rye is what a great deli is all about. They also offer an excellent breakfast. Their eggs benny and tangy Hollandaise sauce is some of the best we’ve ever had. If you do find yourself at Feldman’s for breakfast, don’t miss the chance to try Taylor Ham a processed pork specialty that hails from New Jersey.

1. Harbor Seafood And Steak

Our vote for the best restaurant in Sugar House is Harbor Seafood and Steak. Their dishes are simple and classic while still being thoughtful and impeccable. They have their seafood flown in daily and use locally sourced meat. The menu is fairly small and well-curated, so you can’t go wrong. We love the wagyu hanger steak. It’s juicy and tender and almost melts in your mouth. Eat it with the serrano herb butter and the horseradish sauce (because there’s not much that’s better with succulent beef than horseradish!). We also love the burger. It’s what you want your backyard BBQ burger to taste like—simple and no fuss, but fresh with a slight char taste. The tempera onion rings are light and crispy, served in an impressive stack.  All the sides are made to order, and they are all a reminder that veggies should shine just as much as the meat. We recommend the broccolini (wilted, lightly charred, and covered in a creamy sauce) or potato gratin (golden layers of potatoes lightly crisped with bacon and shrimp to add flavor).