Welcome to Moab—an adventurer’s paradise, and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Utah! A true foodie finds a way to make food a top priority on any trip, and Moab should be no exception. The food scene between Arches and Canyonlands isn’t especially extensive, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find incredible Moab restaurants.
After sampling bites across the entire Moab area, we’ve put together this guide that includes the best of everything to be found in this stunning desert town. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Moab, read on. We’ve got you covered.
6. Moab Rainbowls
When you’re in the mood for something filling yet light and snacky, Moab Rainbowls is exactly where you need to be. This plant-based food truck is relatively new to Moab and offers fun vegan offerings that anyone can enjoy with an inclusive community to match. Their menu includes shareable snacks like nachos, and tasty bites like toast and waffles, but the absolute highlight of this darling food truck is their smoothie bowls. The Purple Haze is everything you could ever want in a smoothie bowl—a light and refreshing base topped with a heaping pile of salty-smooth peanut butter, cacao nibs, fruit, and crunchy granola. As if that weren’t enough, its rich, creamy texture is made possible by their house-made coconut milk. One bite will have you believing that Moab Rainbowls is one of the very best Moab restaurants.
Moab Rainbowls
5. Moab Garage Co.
Oh, Moab Garage Co., one of the best restaurants in Moab. It is well known amongst locals for its coffee (they serve La Barba, a local roaster from Salt Lake City) and small, dog-friendly patio, but the breakfast is all the more reason to stick around. This easy-going, fast-casual spot is the perfect place to kick back before an adventure, with a breakfast menu that features everything on the sweet to savory spectrum. If you’re looking for something light, their specialty toasts are always a hit, and if you’re in the mood for something more filling, their McLovin’ Breakfast Sandwich, Smothered Mother Burrito, or Croque Madame should do the trick.
Moab Garage Co.
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4. Doughbird
Great fried chicken has a special place in heaven, and that’s exactly why Doughbird has a special place on this guide. Though most Moab enthusiasts know Doughbird for its fresh, quirky donuts (and they are pretty tasty), what brings us back again and again is their fried chicken sandwich. Made with crispy chicken thigh—as any great chicken sandwich should be—and topped with their house-made slaw and tangy pickles on a pillowy, soft bun, there’s a reason this sandwich alone makes Doughbird one of the best Moab restaurants. After a long day on the trail, it’s pretty dreamy to sit down with a hot, juicy, fried chicken sando and perfectly seasoned waffle fries. Name a better combo…we’ll wait.
Doughbird
3. Quesadilla Mobilla
Not many quesadillas are nearly an inch thick, but Quesadilla Mobilla’s are, and they’re just as delicious as they are filling. This small food truck on the side of Moab’s main highway is always packed with people, and for good reason! It’s one of the best restaurants in Moab for a larger group, especially a group with a wide variety of preferences. Every quesadilla is stuffed with just the right amount of cheese and filled to the brim with fresh toppings. The sweet and spicy is a tried-and-true favorite, loaded with roasted sweet potato, spinach, red bell peppers, black beans, and green chiles. The name is fitting—it’s the perfect combo of sweet and spicy, and makes for an insanely satisfying bite that is certain to keep you full after your day in the national park.
Quesadilla Mobilla
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2. Antica Forma
You might not expect to find incredible Napoli-style pizza in the middle of the desert, but Antica Forma has some of the best in the state. The spot is one of the best Moab restaurants and is totally unassuming. It could be easily missed if you weren’t looking for it (part of the charm!). Although the menu at Antica Forma is expansive, you are here explicitly for the pizza. Every basic element of their pizza, from the crust to the cheese, is made thoughtfully and without shortcuts. Their 24-hour fermented dough is tender and chewy, and their milky mozzarella is stretched in-house every day. Arguably the best part of the pizza is their sauce—no frills here, just beautifully glossy and tomato-forward. This is why the margherita at Antica Forma is so delicious, but we also love the La Nonna or the Pizza Primavera. Your best option? Order several pizzas and share as a table.
Antica Forma
1. 98 Center
Without question, 98 Center tops our guide to the best restaurants in Moab. It’s worthy of repeated visits and is worth every second of the drive to Moab. Aside from their unique Vietnamese fusion menu, 98 Center works to create a community in Moab focused on sustainability to support local farmers and artisans. Their locally sourced ingredients shine through in every dish, and are part of what makes their food stand out. The environment at 98 Center matches their mission, with a warm, friendly staff and laid-back indoor and outdoor dining options. Part of the beauty of this hidden gem is that their menu isn’t just unique to Moab, but unique to the state of Utah. It’s only accurate to tell you that everything from the pho to the philly is delicious, but their lemongrass pork banh mi and kimchi deviled eggs (don’t think, just order) are easy favorites. And don’t forget to snag a Yuzu Limeade. It is distinct, refreshing, and light—the perfect complement to an amazing meal on a hot day in Moab.