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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown

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22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Blue Iguana - Salt Lake City restaurant
1. Blue Iguana - Salt Lake City
4.4
Awesome(628)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 31 times today
Purchased from the Red Iguana family in 1998, the Blue Iguana Restaurant has provided patrons with delicious, authentic Mexican food for over two decades. From day one, the only goal for Blue Iguana was to create a menu rich with traditional, old-world recipes while pushing the culinary envelope and creating new, one-of-a-kind Mexican cuisine.Trained by the culinary artists of Chihuahua, our head chef, Chef Castillo, cooks up some of the most mouth-watering and unexpected Mexican cuisine outside of his homeland. After he learned closely guarded recipes created in the tradition of generations-old Aztec cuisine, Chef Castillo began applying these techniques to create everything from classic Mexican dishes to modern cuisine.Our restaurant is warm, inviting, family-friendly, and full of energy. Dining at the Blue Iguana is more than a meal—it’s a journey back in time to the tastes and sounds of old-world Mexico.
A photo of Monarca restaurant
2. Monarca
4.7
Exceptional(444)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 30 times today
We are MONARCA! A Mexican bistro, we constantly change our menu with our chef new creations as Ceviches, Enchiladas, Steaks and other specialties. Our bar specialize in Tequila and Mezcal, awarded best Restaurant Bar 2023 in Utah, our mixologist always innovating using spices and flavors that hardly can find anywhere else. We are MONARCA, right in heart of Downtown Salt Lake City a few blocks from temple square. Bienvenidos!
A photo of Caffe Molise restaurant
3. Caffe Molise
4.7
Exceptional(3471)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 55 times today
Occupying the historic Eagles Building on the corner of 400 South and West Temple street downtown, Caffe Molise opened in 1993 serving lunch and dinner daily. Featuring daily specials for lunch and dinner, with made-to-order appetizers, fresh and imported Italian pastas, main dishes and delectable desserts, we have been a fixture of Salt Lake City for 30 years. Staff favorites include our Ravioli con Zucca, the Arista, and Pappardelle al Sugo.Peruse our award-winning wine and drinks menus including our seasonal craft cocktails. When the weather is warm, enjoy our outdoor patio. Seating is limited; we request that guests keep dining to a 2 hour limit. Reservations are recommended; walk-ins are welcome. We are also available for curbside pick-up and gift card purchase. Cheers!
A photo of Matteo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
4. Matteo Ristorante Italiano
4.8
Exceptional(429)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Salt Lake City
Booked 41 times today
Matteo Ristorante Italiano is a place where the authentic flavors of Modena, Italy come alive. Reviewers rave about the 'very authentic from Grandma's kitchen' dishes and the 'extensive wine list'. The chef, Damiano Carlotto, uses family recipes and techniques to create a warm, comforting, and soul-warming culinary journey. The homemade pasta and traditional Italian dishes also add to the authenticity of the place.
A photo of Cucina Toscana restaurant
5. Cucina Toscana
4.7
Exceptional(1131)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Salt Lake City
Booked 12 times today
Cucina Toscana has been Salt Lake's premier Italian restaurant for over a decade. Known for its authentic Northern Italian menu, the restaurant offers homemade pastas, rich sauces, and a variety of entrees expertly paired with regional wines. Guests can also enjoy private dining in three elegant rooms, perfect for intimate gatherings, corporate meetings, or grand celebrations. Whether planning an event for 2 or 100 people, Toscana ensures a memorable experience with its inviting ambiance, impeccable service, and exquisite cuisine.
A photo of Lupessa restaurant
6. Lupessa
4.2
Awesome(604)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 28 times today
Italian Graffiti is a haven of authentic Italian cuisine. The reviews rave about its 'original recipes, true to the Italian tradition', 'homemade' feel and 'hand crafted pasta highlighting local produce'. The atmosphere is also praised, with diners noting the 'luxurious and tasteful' decor, and the service is consistently lauded as 'excellent'. The overall experience is described as 'relaxed', 'special', and 'great', indicating that it is a genuine Italian dining experience.
A photo of Salt and Olive restaurant
7. Salt and Olive
4.5
Awesome(161)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Salt Lake City
Booked 23 times today
Salt & Olive Pizzeria/Cocktails now open in Salt Lake City.
A photo of Osteria Amore restaurant
8. Osteria Amore
4.8
Exceptional(1496)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Salt Lake City
Booked 23 times today
Osteria Amore came to life because we believe in the power of food to change your day, or in our case, change your life. Owner Eduardo Daja has been working in restaurants since he was a teenager growing up in Italy, and his time in culinary school only strengthened his passion for food. After culinary school, Ed stayed in Bologna to work at a family-owned restaurant. He moved to Utah eight years ago, and found himself missing his first love, food. For the past three years, Ed has been managing an Italian restaurant while also maintaining a career in tech and finally made the life-changing decision to open his own restaurant. That big decision was made possible for Ed when he met Marco Cuttaia, Osteria Amore’s executive chef and partner. Ed’s training in Bologna, considered the food capital of Italy, and Marco’s upbringing in Palermo, known for its incredible street food, bridge northern and southern Italian culinary tradition in a way that’s never been done in Salt Lake City.
A photo of VENETO restaurant
9. VENETO
4.8
Exceptional(778)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
VENETO is a dining experience that brings to life the history, culture, and traditions of a region in Northeastern Italy. It's a warm, enlightening setting that leaves bodies, minds, and spirits nourished through quality, handmade cuisine — best shared in good company, with love.Our menu honors year-round classical favorites and seasonal specialties from the region of Veneto, with ingredients coming from Italy and the finest local purveyors. But it's the experience around those elements that you won't forget.Being at VENETO is like being in Amy & Marco's home. It's a warm, inviting environment curated with one-of-a-kind antique European furniture and accessories, from the hundreds-year old Italian sofa in the dining room to the Italian marble in the restrooms. We want you comfortable, relaxed, and immersed in Italian culture as you ponder the menu, soak up new knowledge, and enjoy inspired conversation along the way.
A photo of Brio Italian Grille - Salt Lake City - City Creek restaurant
10. Brio Italian Grille - Salt Lake City - City Creek
4.1
Excellent(1666)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Salt Lake City
Booked 47 times today
Brio City Creek is a premier Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant in Salt Lake, UT serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine, luxury wines & cocktails-our specialties include premium quality steaks, chops, seafood, made-to-order pasta and flatbreads. If you're looking for the best holiday party venue or restaurant for Thanksgiving, Brio offers easy reservations and catering services to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Brio City Creek is the place to eat in Salt Lake, UT for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Michaelvip
    Los Angeles •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Meme and Pepe are fabulous in the kitchen and have made Cucina Toscana one of the best Italian restaurants in Utah for the past 26 years. Jake is a wonderful manager, overlooking every table, and Rich gave us excellent service. Ellie is a gracious hostess and Luis always welcomes us back. Cucina Toscana is our favorite restaurant in Utah.
    More info
    Cucina ToscanaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Salt Lake City
    •
    4.7
  • Kent
    Utah •24 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food and service was great. We needed a table for 8 and had a reservation. Two tables were put together to accommodate that many but the tables were uneven. So it made it difficult for the people in the middle to be comfortable. No effort was made to try and fix it.
    More info
    Blue Iguana - Salt Lake CityPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
    •
    4.4
  • Jeffrey
    Utah •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We love Café Molise, and we appreciate all that they do to make their atmosphere and food. Excellent. Always a guaranteed win when we take our customers and clients there for lunch or dinner.
    More info
    Caffe MolisePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • Robertvip
    Utah •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Excellent food. Interesting presentations. Authentic cocktails. Will definitely be back.
    More info
    MonarcaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • Brendavip
    Utah •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 13, 2024
    This is a quaint little restaurant with authentic Italian food made by "Mamma" herself. Our waiter was genuinely friendly and helpful; and felt like a long-lost friend by the end of the evening. Get the bread basket. The focaccia melted on our tongues even without the delicious butter. And don't miss the whipped brie. Who knew you could whip brie??? We've already made another reservation to go back.
    More info
    Matteo Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Salt Lake City
    •
    4.8

Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown

Discover a treasure trove of authentic dining experiences in the heart of Downtown, Salt Lake City, Utah. This curated selection of eateries showcases the best of local and international flavors, where tradition meets innovation in every dish. Each restaurant promises a unique ambiance, from cozy and intimate settings to vibrant and quirky atmospheres, all deeply rooted in the essence of authenticity. These establishments are celebrated for their use of fresh, local ingredients, and seasonal menus that evolve to offer bold and masterful flavors. The dining scene in Downtown Salt Lake City is a vibrant mix of old and new, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking genuine culinary delights. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food with a craft cocktail or exquisite Italian cuisine with homemade pasta, these restaurants will provide an exceptional and memorable dining experience. Prioritize your palette and reserve a table to indulge in the true tastes of Downtown, Salt Lake City.

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