13 Wildly Famous Restaurants In Utah That Are Totally Worth The Hullabaloo

Have you ever visited a restaurant based on all its advertising, only to visit and find it less than amazing? A much better way to get restaurant recommendations is by word of mouth. When everyone you know is raving about a place, it's generally worth the hype! Here are some awesome famous Utah restaurants that are pretty well-known...but totally worth all the hullabaloo.

1. Cliffside Restaurant, St. George

Cliffside Restaurant offers stunning views of St. George, along with impeccable service and a fresh, delicious menu. Whether you're looking for a juicy steak or a crisp salad, you'll find it here. Reserve your table early for the best view.

2. Communal, Provo

Communal is quite possibly the most hyped restaurant in Utah County, but it's earned its reputation. The menu is designed for sharing - communal dining, if you will - and the food is pretty tasty. The friendly atmosphere and excellent service certainly doesn't hurt, either. 102 N. University Avenue, Provo.

3. The Farm Restaurant, Canyons Resort

Snuggle into a delicious farm-to-table meal at The Farm Restaurant at the Canyons Resort near Park City. The food is fresh and tasty, the atmosphere is cozy and the view is fabulous.

4. Hell's Backbone Grill, Boulder

Hell's Backbone Grill has won just about every dining award offered in Utah, and even though it's remote, it's well worth a drive to check this place out! The food is all locally-sourced and much of it is grown or preserved right onsite. It is a seasonal place, to be sure to make sure it's open before you arrive.

5. La Caille Restaurant, Sandy

This restaurant in Sandy looks like it came right out of a fairy tale. The grounds are absolutely stunning, making it a popular spot for weddings. The food is creative, fresh and locally-sourced whenever possible. La Caille isn't inexpensive, but it's well worth the price for a special occasion.

6. Log Haven Restaurant, Salt Lake City

Log Haven Restaurant has a long-standing reputation as Salt Lake City's most romantic restaurant, and you'll see why when you visit. The cozy ambiance is perfect for a special occasion, and the food is so delicious you'll want to come up with even more reasons to be romantic.

7. Maddox Ranch House, Brigham City

Maddox Ranch House opened in 1949, and it's been a popular Utah dining spot ever since. It's best known for its beef - steaks of all kinds, and roast beef (shown here). The dinner rolls are legendary as well. This place is definitely worth the drive to Brigham City!

8. Mandarin, Bountiful

Mandarin has long been a favorite for Chinese Food on the Wasatch Front. The ambiance is beautiful, and you'll find some really remarkable food here. Don't expect typical greasy, over-sugary Westernized Chinese food here; everything is truly delicious.

9. Red Iguana, Salt Lake City

On weekends, the line of people waiting for a table stretches around the building of Red Iguana. It's easily the most popular Mexican food restaurant in the entire state (it has 4.5 stars with over 2,800 reviews on Trip Advisor alone!). The specialty mole sauces are incredible, and you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

10. R&R BBQ, Salt Lake City

Dining at R&R BBQ means waiting in line, especially for lunch, but you don't want to miss this place - it's the best BBQ joint in the Beehive State. We would recommend something to you, but we can't begin to choose just one item. Order everything...or just come back again tomorrow.

11. The Roof Restaurant, Salt Lake City

Located on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, The Roof is a popular spot for young Mormon couples to get engaged. With a view like this, it's likely difficult to find any better spot! The gourmet dinner buffet allows you to get a little bit of everything delicious, including some tasty desserts.

Please note: This restaurant is currently closed for renovations. It is scheduled to re-open in 2025, so stay tuned!

12. Tona Sushi Bar and Grill, Ogden

The Beehive State's best sushi is a best-kept secret for many Utahns. Tona Sushi Bar and Grill is spotlessly clean, with incredible service from knowledgeable waitstaff. The sushi is fresh, creative and oh-so-good.

13. The Tree Room, Sundance

A meal at The Tree Room is an experience, not just dinner. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming, knowledgeable waitstaff, and the food is all paired with the perfect drink (if you drink, take the recommendations - they're spot-on). And yes...there really is a tree in the middle of this cozy dining room!

Of course, we can't list ALL of Utah's favorite restaurants in just one article! Which ones do you think we should include next time?

Looking for somewhere to dine with your beloved? Here are our recommendations for the 15 most romantic restaurants in the Beehive State.