Brooke Eliason runs a blog called Female Foodie. She loves eating out and shares her favorite places there. She has narrowed it down to her top ten favorites.
Tulie Bakery ( 863 East 700 South // 801.883.9741 )
I will never forget the first time my mother brought me to Tulie Bakery. I was 20 years old and we ordered the fresh mozzarella and tomato panini, one chocolate bouchon, and a fresh berry tart. Little did I know that this little bakery would become the bane of my college income (truth- I have literally tried everything in their case) and my *favorite* bakery in the entire state of Utah. Try their morning bun, fresh fruit tart, and chocolate bouchon.
Even Stevens ( 200 South 414 East // 385.355.9105 )
Eat to give. This new SLC fixation donates a sandwich to a local non-profit for every sandwich sold. They have completely exploded, now hosting locations in Sugarhouse, Draper, St. George, and soon to be opening in Logan and Ogden. Their sandwiches are fresh and deliciously consistent- my entire family is HOOKED (and that`s saying something). Favorite menu items include the undergrad breakfast burrito, sprang chicken, pot roast dip, and mihami vice.
Bruges Waffles and Frites ( 336 West 300 South // 801.363.4444)
If you want the best waffle in Utah, this is the place to get it. Melted butter and caramelized pearl sugar are the perfect combination for an authentic Belgian Liège waffle. Choose from an assortment of toppings including fresh berries, speculoos (my husband`s favorite), crème fraîche, or Belgian chocolate sauce. Now open in downtown SLC, Sugarhouse, Draper, and Provo.
Cupbop Korean BBQ (5 food trucks + locations in Provo & Orem)
Cupbop is Utah`s #1 choice for food trucks because of their unique and delicious menu items, energetic employees, and laughable mantra, 'Shh.. Just Eat!'. This Korean on-the-go serves BBQ chicken, pork, and beef with noodles, rice, and fresh vegetables. You can order your meal in a cup ranging from 1-10 in spiciness. Cupbop is an exciting addition to the SLC food truck scene and posts their schedules for their 5 trucks daily to Instagram.
Finca (327 West 200 South // 801.487.0699)
Be prepared to be smitten by this restaurant the minute you walk in. Their gorgeous interior matches their immaculate menu filled with delicious Spanish tapas and small plates. We love going to Finca for brunch (eggs benny), lunch (amazing selection of salads and sandwiches), and their UNREAL housemade churros. Be sure to order all dipping sauces and a cup of La Barba drinking chocolate.
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana ( 260 South 200 West // 801.322.3556 )
I`ve got a special place in my heart for this family-owned business that I`ve worked for since 2011. My serving job here was initially a ploy for paying bills through college and instead turned into something more. I`ve made the best of friends, eaten enough pizza to cover the entire state of Utah, and truly learned to appreciate what a gorgeous wood-fired oven can do in 60 seconds. I am 100% unashamedly biased and recommend this place to foodies as the BEST pizza you can get in the state of Utah! This restaurant became a reality after owners Mike Brooks and Brad Otton lived in Italy, became enamored with the art of authentic Italian pizza, and decided to bring it back to Salt Lake City (also now in Farmington, Henderson, Summerlin, Oxnard, Pasadena, Marina del Ray, and most recently, Newport). Most of the serving staff have been there for nearly ten years and are extremely knowledgable about the menu. Their #1 selling pizza is the classic Margherita and my personal favorite is the Diavola. Pizza = life.
Spitz ( 35 Broadway // 801.364.0286 )
Spitz is a much needed and refreshing addition to the Salt Lake City restaurant scene. Owner Tanner Slizeski and Josh Hill fell in love with the Mediterranean döner kebab while studying abroad in Europe and brought this creation to SLC in 2013. If my husband were writing this list, Spitz would be his #1 pick! We love this restaurant and even ate here for quick lunch on our wedding day. The street cart döner and sweet potato fries are some of the BEST I`ve had in my life.
Hires Big H ( 425 South 700 East // 801.364.4582 )
My longest standing foodie affair on this list. As a young pup my parents took us kids to Hires on the weekends, usually before a Ute basketball or football game. My dad ate here as a kid. His dad ate here as a kid. Their burgers are no frills- just a classic, darn good burger made of ground chuck hamburger topped with fry sauce, lettuce, tomato, and American Cheese. If you don`t order a Big H with cheese fries and a shake, you are doing it wrong.
Takashi ( 18 West Market Street // 801.519.9595 )
The BEST sushi there is in downtown Salt Lake City. Takashi boasts a fresh and vibrant environment with fish flown in daily and unbeatable rolls. They are constantly packed (always a good sign), employ a staff of friendly and knowledgable servers, and serve delicious innovative sushi. My favorite menu items include the nigiri sampler, crunchy ebi roll, and their house-made panna cotta.
Red Iguana ( 376 North Temple // 801.322.1489 )
If you`re in Salt Lake City for a day and need a guaranteed amazing meal, take your friends and family to Red Iguana. This Mexican restaurant has an enormous menu with a following to match it (two restaurants within a 1/2 mile proximity from each other #word). We have eaten here more times than we can count and love their Puntas de Filete a la Norteña (#1 selling menu item), Tacos Don Ramon, and the Red Iguana combination plate. While you`re looking at the menu, be sure to ask your sever for a side of guac and the sampler of their moles- a small plate of quarter sized samples of each mole they make in house!
You can find more from Brooke at her blog here or Instagram here.
