Best Southwest American Restaurants in Downtown

38 restaurants available nearby

1. Bambara

4.4

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 30 times today

Bambara, nestled in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City within the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, delivers an exceptional dining experience that epitomizes the best of Contemporary American cuisine. Renowned for its seasonal dishes that highlight local fish, game, and vegetables, Bambara offers a menu filled with both innovation and comfort. Guests rave about the "amazing" Bison Wellington and the "perfectly cooked" halibut, celebrating both the creativity and quality of the food. The modern bistro setting, combined with "exceptional service," creates an ideal backdrop for any occasion. As one guest aptly put it, "The food was seriously amazing. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, just lovely." Bambara is a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier culinary experience in Salt Lake City.

2. Monarca

4.7

Exceptional(444)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 27 times today

Monarca, nestled in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City, is a beacon of Latin American culinary excellence. Celebrated for its dynamic and ever-evolving menu, Monarca offers an array of Mexican bistro specialties from ceviches to enchiladas, all prepared with high-quality ingredients that promise an "excellent food" experience with "large portions" and "creative plates," as one diner raves. The restaurant's prowess extends to its bar, awarded the Best Restaurant Bar 2023 in Utah, where mixologists create unique cocktails with hard-to-find spices and flavors. Guests consistently laud the authenticity and innovation of the cuisine, noting it to be "similar to Mexico City" and "always phenomenal." Monarca isn't just a meal; it's a vibrant culinary journey that makes every visit memorable.

3. Eva

4.8

Exceptional(968)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Salt Lake City

Booked 28 times today

Eva, nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Salt Lake City, is a culinary gem that delights with its authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Celebrated for its innovative approach to shared dining, Eva's menu shines with dishes like the grilled lamb chops, which have been described as "the best lamb chops of our lives" and the lobster ravioli that diners insist on ordering twice. Each dish, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, showcases the Mediterranean's rich culinary traditions with a modern twist. Patrons consistently praise the "interesting food choices" and the atmosphere that makes every visit memorable. Whether it's the craft cocktails, the hand-picked wine list, or the engaging small plates concept, Eva offers an exceptional dining experience that encapsulates the warm, communal spirit of Mediterranean dining.

4. Ivy & Varley

4.4

Awesome(878)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Salt Lake City

Booked 11 times today

Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Ivy & Varley are a duo of a modern American bar and restaurant that offers guests an eclectic cuisine. Ivy & Varley boast some of the most unforgettable atmospheres in the city, including the largest outdoor patio that downtown has to offer. Ivy & Varley are 21+ establishments.

A photo of The Capital Grille - Salt Lake City restaurant

5. The Capital Grille - Salt Lake City

4.9

Exceptional(561)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Salt Lake City

Booked 50 times today

Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, The Capital Grille stands out as a premier destination for steak aficionados. Celebrated for its "meticulously prepared" steaks, each piece is dry-aged on-site for 18 to 24 days, ensuring rich flavors and perfect texture. Patrons consistently rave about the "exceptional meal and service," highlighting not only the prime cuts of beef but also the extensive wine list with over 350 selections, perfect for pairing. Whether it's a business dinner, a special occasion, or a casual outing, The Capital Grille promises an unforgettable dining experience with every visit, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the quintessential steakhouse in Salt Lake City.

A photo of Blue Iguana - Salt Lake City restaurant

6. Blue Iguana - Salt Lake City

4.4

Awesome(628)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 32 times today

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City, Blue Iguana stands out as a beacon of authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. With a legacy rooted in the revered Red Iguana family, Blue Iguana has been enchanting diners with its vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere and a menu that marries traditional recipes with innovative culinary creations. Chef Castillo, trained in Chihuahua, masterfully crafts dishes that transport patrons to old-world Mexico with every bite. The restaurant's dedication to authenticity and quality is echoed in glowing reviews, with patrons praising its "AMAZING" food and "fantastic food and kind and helpful staff." Whether it's the tantalizing mole or the perfectly seasoned carne asada tacos, Blue Iguana consistently delivers a "fantastic" dining experience that's "always worth the trip."

7. The Rest

4.8

Exceptional(1023)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 6 times today

Nestled in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, The Rest at Bodega offers an unparalleled Dining Bar experience that transports patrons to a world of rustic charm and sophisticated flavors. Described as a "subterranean gem," this speakeasy-style bar boasts a unique atmosphere with dark wood, taxidermy, and old books, creating the perfect backdrop for its exceptional culinary offerings. Patrons rave about the "world-class" beer can chicken and the "excellent" steelhead trout, with one guest celebrating, "The food was incredible." The Rest's commitment to quality is evident in their carefully crafted cocktails and attentive service, making it a must-visit for an intimate, memorable dining experience.

A photo of Squatters Pub - Salt Lake City restaurant

8. Squatters Pub - Salt Lake City

4.6

Exceptional(180)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Salt Lake City, Squatters Pub has been a beacon of pub culture since 1989. Celebrated for its rich history and award-winning craft beers brewed on-site, this iconic spot offers more than just a meal—it promises an authentic pub experience. Patrons rave about the "cold IPAs" and commend the "unique menu that made it hard to choose." With accolades for both its food, like the "outstanding" caramelized onion hamburger, and beverages, Squatters stands out as a must-visit for its "great food, cool vibes," and exceptionally "attentive and informed" service. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Squatters Pub delivers a slice of Salt Lake City's best in pub cuisine.

9. Taqueria 27

new

4.5

Awesome(1)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Salt Lake City

Booked 5 times today

Taqueria 27 is a locally and veteran-owned restaurant group in Utah, celebrated for its innovative approach to Mexican cuisine. Each location features a talented culinary team that crafts unique daily specials, including a taco of the day, guacamole of the day, cocktail of the day, fish of the day, and dessert of the day. The menu blends traditional Mexican flavors with global influences, offering dishes like pork belly and duck confit tacos. Committed to quality, Taqueria 27 prepares food from scratch using fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. TAQUERIA 27Beyond its culinary offerings, Taqueria 27 is known for its extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals, including exclusive imports hand-selected for their patrons. The restaurant group employs over 100 individuals across five locations along Utah's Wasatch Front, including Downtown Salt Lake City, Holladay, Fashion Place, Lehi, and Eagle Mountain.

10. Trofi

2.8

(9)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Partnering with Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, this downtown Salt Lake City restaurant serves breakfast with floor to ceiling windows and a shaded patio in the summer. Executive Chef Tony Coppernoll curates a menu with a variety of hearty and healthy options to start your day.

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Discover best Mexican / Southwestern restaurants in Downtown

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Our curated selection of restaurants brings you a diverse array of Mexican dishes, from traditional staples like tacos and enchiladas to innovative culinary creations that blend local ingredients with authentic Mexican techniques. Each restaurant in this bustling urban setting is committed to delivering not only mouth-watering meals but also an inviting atmosphere that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Downtown Salt Lake City is known for its dynamic dining scene, and Mexican cuisine plays a significant role in this culinary diversity. Diners can expect high-quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a passion for the nuances of Mexican culinary traditions. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these establishments offer a unique dining experience that combines the warmth of Mexican hospitality with the flair of urban chic. Our focus on expertly crafted Mexican dishes ensures that every meal is not just eaten, but savored. Enjoy a journey through the flavors of Mexico in the heart of Salt Lake City, where authenticity and creativity meet to satisfy your cravings for vibrant and hearty meals.

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Downtown

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38 restaurants available nearby

1. Bambara

2. Monarca

3. Eva

4. Ivy & Varley

5. The Capital Grille - Salt Lake City

6. Blue Iguana - Salt Lake City

7. The Rest

8. Squatters Pub - Salt Lake City

9. Taqueria 27

10. Trofi

Discover best Mexican / Southwestern restaurants in Downtown

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