Favorite Utah Bloggers and Their Favorite Places to Eat

As a food fanatic myself, one of the most frequently asked questions I get asked is “What’s your *favorite* place to eat?!” Little known fact: it’s one of my favorite questions to ask, too. There’s nothing like connecting over food with a friend, let alone someone who lives/breathes/eats all things food. This list is coming at you from some of my most very favorite bloggers- all with origins or ties to my lovely home state of Utah- ALL of which are foodie crazed, sweet (and savory) toothed women! They’re recommending restaurants near and far, inconspicuous and gaudy, upscale and hole-in-the-wall. We hope that you’ll see a few of your favorites on here, and hopefully find a new place or too. Enjoy!

Cake By Courtney– Courtney Rich: The Porch

Mint Arrow– Corrine Stokoe: Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana 

Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana is easily my favorite restaurant. I’ve admittedly never actually been to Italy myself, but numerous people I know who have visited and even lived in Italy say this is the closest you will get to authentic Italian pizza on the American continent. It’s also kind of a taste of home away from home for me! I grew up in the Salt Lake area and ate at Settebello seriously at least once a month up until we moved to Orange County two years ago. When I got here and discovered Settebello had a location in Newport Beach I almost died of foodie/homesick happiness. My favorite pizzas are the margherita DOC (with creamier buffalo mozzarella than just the regular margherita), the cappriciosa which is not on the menu in Newport but they’ll gladly make for you if requested, the panzanella salad, and if you’re lucky enough to dine in Salt Lake, the gelato will change your life. Ask the somewhat grumpy looking old man behind the counter what’s freshest. Whatever it is, that’s what I order.

Well Traveled Wife– Emi Rigby: Farm : Table

This tiny walk-up restaurant is where we take all of our visitors in San Francisco. In a city full of brunch spots with wait lines wrapped around the block, this small place is a refreshing break from the hyped restaurants. A simple and fresh menu changes weekly depending on what’s in season, but you cannot go wrong here! Don’t miss the fancy toast and a cardamom milk steamer on a foggy morning.

Kristin Andrus: Takashi

Takashi in Salt Lake City is one of my favorite restaurants. I love the fresh fish and refreshing combinations of the various rolls. My go to order is the azakura appetizer, asparagus appetizer, mango salad, sunshine roll, ceviche roll, and strawberry fields roll. You won’t feel like you’re in Utah when you step foot in the amazing restaurant. Beware, waits are long so go for lunch or get there right when it opens at 5:30.

Two Peas and Their Pod– Maria Lichty: Spitz

Spitz is one of my favorite restaurants because I love the casual atmosphere and the fresh and flavorful food. I always order the veggie Doner basket. The salad and sweet potato fries are topped with tzatziki, feta, olives, cucumber, tomato, peppers, pepperoncinis, crispy garbanzo beans, fried pita bread, falafel, and hummus. All of my favorites in one basket! The service is quick and I love sitting outside on the patio when the weather is nice.

Muncher Cruncher– Megan Smith: Joyride Taco House

Downtown Gilbert is one of my favorite places when it comes to food. The options are endless, but Joyride Tacos is pretty hard to beat. Of course, their selection of tacos is divine. However, my favorite menu item is the Ensalada Fila with the tinga chicken added to it. You won’t regret it. Promise.

Ashley’s Fresh Fix– Ashley Reeves: Kneader’s Bakery & Cafe

I love the kneaders salads! In particular the fresh turkey bacon avocado salad is everything! It’s a quick healthy hearty salad and you can even go through a drive through in some locations! Love the healthy options.

The Vintage Mixer– Becky Rosenthal: East Liberty Tap House

We have a lot of ‘favorite’ spots in Salt Lake but I must say we’ve been frequenting East Liberty Tap House the most lately.  We walk to this fun little hot spot on the weekends for a casual family meal. Their food is always on point and the atmosphere is laid back enough for us to bring our little guy with us for a relaxed patio meal. Their list of wine and beer is extensive and weather I’m in the mood for a juicy burger or a light seasonal salad I know I will enjoy what I ordered. East Liberty Tap House is our family’s local place for a tasty meal out, whatever the occasion or no occasion.

A Bountiful Kitchen– Si Foster: Chungas 

I first found out about Chunga’s from my friend Janis, who lived in Mexico City for three years with her husband, who is of Hispanic descent.  I asked Janis where THEY love to eat Mexican food (because I thought they would know of a great off the radar place).  She told me one of their go-to, casua spots to eat food that reflects Mexico City cuisine is Chunga’s in the Rose Park area.  The people that own and operate this little restaurant are from Mexico City. I’ve tried several menu items, my favorite is the Tacos Al Pastor, which Janis also recommends 🙂 Also love their chips and guac, served with house made salsas. Tips for dining here: The patio is nice on a warm weather day and go early for dinner, they often run out of menu items!

Simply Sadie Jane– Sadie Sabin: Cubby’s Chicago Beef

Cubby’s is the ultimate fast delicious hearty food spot for the entire family! My kids love the mac & cheese, my husband is obsessed with the burgers, and I could eat the tri-tip steak salad literally every single day. When I was doing my Paleo cleanse, this salad was a weekly must! Take off the cheese, double the dressing (that just happens to be Whole30 approved) and you’ve got yourself a hearty Paleo feast! Date night, lunch, or a quick pick up for a last minute dinner at home…Cubby’s is it!

Pretty Providence- Sarah Skaggs: La Beau’s

I’ve been going to Bear Lake every summer with my family since I can remember. I look forward to La Beau’s fresh Raspberry shakes as much as I do going to the lake itself. Garden City is known for their raspberries – they even celebrate them with a festival each year (Raspberry Days!). Those fresh raspberries with real ice cream – mmm! There is nothing more delicious after a day of boating, swimming and laying in the sun. If you’re feeling adventurous, the walk-up restaurant serves lots of other shake flavors, but I always opt for the classic.

Six Sisters Stuff– Stephanie Laoiza: TLT Food

Anytime friends or family come into town, we recommend TLT Food in Westwood. Formerly known as The Lime Truck, their food was so popular (it won Food Network’s Food Truck Challenge!) that they opened up a restaurant. It’s considered “new american” cuisine, and it is a delicious fusion of a few different types of food from America, Asia, Mexico, and Greece. We always highly recommend the Short Rib Quesadillas, the Carnitas Fries, and the Brussels Sprouts.

Hey Grill, Hey– Susie Bulloch: Bam Bam’s BBQ

I love Bam Bam’s because you have a chance to taste REAL Texas BBQ right here in Utah from a champion pitmaster. Lots of pepper, lots of real wood smoke, lots of tender and delicious meats. Always go for the brisket, and order both a slice of lean and fatty so you can compare and find your favorite (mine is the fatty, hands down!) Also, my off-menu favorite is the “Ty-Fecta” which is all 3 sides (beans, cole slaw, and potato salad) in one dish. Don’t forget the sauce! The thinner, vinegar sauce is bomb on the pulled pork; the sweeter, red BBQ sauce is heaven with the brisket. If you’re stopping in for a quick lunch, the smoked turkey sandwich is always a solid choice. Don’t forget the pickles and onions!

Whole Sisters– Nan & Nicole: Honu Seafood and Pizza

This was an easy choice when asked to share our all time favorite restaurant. We discovered this hidden gem on our last trip to Maui. The restaurant is called Honu Seafood and Pizza. Our server had convinced us to try the Ahi Bruschetta appetizer as our main meal. It comprises fresh ahi tuna, edamame puree, olowalu tomatoes, flax seed toast, topped with 20 yr old balsamic that was to die for! It was so amazing that our last night in Maui each of our family members ordered their own plate as their dinner choice. This will forever be the best thing we have ever eaten in our entire life, not kidding!

Completely Delicious– Annalise Sandberg: Miguel’s Baja Grill

Miguel’s Baja Grill is an oasis among mediocre tourist trap eateries in Moab, Utah and my favorite place to take friends when they come to town. They have the best margaritas and fish tacos, and I absolutely adore the fun open air dining area. Despite the fact that the ocean is hundreds of miles away their seafood is fresh and fabulous.