Favorite local eats for every mood and moment


Whether it's the sizzle of hibachi flames, the comfort of pasta inside a vintage trolley, or sharing fondue by candlelight, the way we dine shapes our memories just as much as the food itself. In a world that increasingly values experience as much as flavor, eating out has become more than a necessity or luxury—it's a ritual of connection.

According to the National Restaurant Association, more than 60% of Americans dine out at least once a week, and 45% of adults say restaurants are essential to their lifestyle. From special occasions to everyday indulgences, here’s a roundup of my personal favorite local spots, categorized by the kind of meal and mood you might be in.

Sometimes, the best side dish is fresh air. When the weather’s kind, there’s nothing like dining al fresco:

• Trellis Café – My personal go-to for patio dining. Nestled among greenery, the ambiance is as fresh as the seasonal dishes. Ideal for a relaxed summer lunch, but be
  

  Patio dining at Thanksgiving Point’s Trellis café. (Holly Curby/City Journals)
  

    sure to make reservations and tell the amazing hostess, Jenn, I say hello. 
• Cafe Molise – With an elegant courtyard downtown, it's perfect for Italian fare under the open sky. Try the penne di caprino and creme brulee. 
• Silver Fork Lodge – Up Big Cottonwood Canyon, this spot offers rustic charm, a wooden deck and mountain air that makes everything taste better.
• The Terrace Cafe at St. Regis (Deer Valley) – Elegant, upscale and offering panoramic views, their patio is a destination in itself. Guests are transported up to the restaurant in the complimentary funicular which is an experience in itself.
• The Cliff Dining – True to its name, you’ll dine perched above scenic terrain. Great food and even better sunsets.
• Ruth’s Diner – Escape the city into the serene ambience of Emigration Canyon. Check out their website for a schedule of live music on the patio.

If you’re after a unique setting, these places deliver delicious food with a side of novelty:

• Spaghetti Factory – Where else can you enjoy classic spaghetti and meatballs while sitting inside an old trolley car? It's quirky, nostalgic and surprisingly cozy.
• Prairie Schooner – Steak and hearty American fare served in covered wagons under dim lantern light. A nod to Utah's pioneer past, this one’s both tasty and theatrical.
• Billy Buncos – A fun, funky place where you dine under cars suspended above you. The food? Equally creative and satisfying.

If your meal is also a game night or show, these places turn dining into entertainment:

• Good Move Café – Board games and bistro-style eats? Count me in. It’s the perfect spot for casual hangouts, family nights or a low-key first date. 
  

  Desert Star Playhouse serves up a variety of meals with a side of comedy. (Holly Curby/City Journals)

• Desert Star Playhouse serves up a variety of meals with a side of comedy. (Holly Curby/City Journals)

• Desert Star Playhouse – Family-friendly musical parodies in a western-themed saloon.  Get ready to cozy in with your neighbor as you share a pizza or enjoy a good old-fashioned root beer float. 

Whether it's a taste of Israeli cuisine or a club sandwich, here are a couple more must-visits:

• Feldman’s Deli – A standout for East Coast-style deli fare with an Israeli twist. Their pastrami sandwich is legendary, and every entree ordered brings a much-anticipated bite.
• The Coffee Shop at Little America Hotel – Sure, it's the sister hotel to the luxurious downtown Grand America, but their club sandwich? Perfection. Pair it with a walk around the manicured grounds of their neighboring sister hotel for a surprisingly affordable treat in an upscale setting.

Dining out isn't just about convenience. It’s about atmosphere, ritual and the pleasure of sharing space with others—whether that’s with strangers gathered around a teppanyaki grill or loved ones sharing dessert under a starlit patio.

As Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” And luckily, our local food scene is full of places that let you eat well—and live fully.

Want to learn more about how to up your dining at home experience? Check out Holly’s Highlights podcast Season 3 Episode 14. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Have a favorite dining spot or want me to come visit your restaurant? Connect with me at www.hollycurby.com.