The Salt Lake Valley may not seem like the hub of great eats, but there are a surprising number of restaurants and bakeries that have been featured on popular TV shows like Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Cup Cake Wars, and Man vs. Food Nation.
If you’ve ever watched the Food Network and craved a taste of the dishes you see, now you have a chance. Check out this list of Salt Lake City (and surrounding area) eateries that have been featured on the Food Network. If you’re new to the area, heading to these local favorites can help you get familiar with the feel of your new neighborhood.
Main Course
Aristos: Not only was Aristo’s featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives; it’s also recognized as one of the top 100 Greek restaurants in the United States. Guy Fieri indulged in grilled octopus and lamb tacos. You can find Aristos at 224 South, 1300 East in Salt Lake City.
Blue Plate Diner: Located at 2041 South, 2100 East in Sugarhouse, The Blue Plate Diner offers a variety of homemade dishes. They are most well-known for their breakfast dishes and Mexican plates. The restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Dishes that Guy Fieri tried were the corned beef hash, smoked salmon, tamales and pork Chile Verde.
Bruges, Waffles, and Frites: Head to 336 West Broadway, in Salt Lake, to taste what Adam Richman, of Man vs. Food Nation, tasted. Adam indulged in the restaurant’s signature dish, the Machine Gun. The sandwich features homemade lamb sausages, Andalouse dipping sauce, and fries, all loaded on a baguette.
Kobe Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar: In the mood for something hot? Adam Richman tried the Hellfire Sushi Challenge at Kobe Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar on Man vs. Food Nation. Challengers try to eat a range of spicy sushi, starting at a 4 and going up to a 7 (which sits at 400,000 on the Scoville scale). This challenge is not for the weak of tongue. If you want to give it a whirl, head to 3947 Wasatch Boulevard in Millcreek.
Oh, Mai: When Guy Fieri hit Oh Mai, a Vietnamese restaurant located at 6093 South Highland Drive in Salt Lake, he noshed on the popular garlic-butter ribeye steak and Brisket Pho. Guy gave a special nod to the Brisket Pho. The restaurant also serves a variety of baguette subs stuffed with Vietnamese fillings.
Pat’s Barbecue: Pat’s Barbecue was also featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The restaurant serves briskets, chicken, and sausage that’s smoked for 10 hours. Fan favorites at this barbecue joint are the pulled pork, ribs, and burnt ends. You’ll find this restaurant at 155 West Commonwealth Ave in Salt Lake.
Lone Star Taqueria: If you’re in the mood for a tasty burrito, check out this restaurant that was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Featured dishes here included the adovada burrito and the shrimp burrito. The eatery is located at 2265 E. Fort Union Boulevard, just outside of Holladay.
Dessert:
Sweet Tooth Fairy: If you want to taste some award-winning cupcakes, look no further than the Sweet Tooth Fairy. The bakery won the episode with cranberry wine and brie cheesecake cupcakes. They also sell cake bites, cookies, and chocolate covered pretzels. Their cupcake flavors change daily. They have several locations in the Salt Lake Valley including South Jordan, Midvale, and Salt Lake City. You can find the closest store to your neighborhood on their website.
Heaven Cupcake: This sweet bakery was also featured on Cupcake Wars three times, though they’ve never taken home the big prize. They offer an array of cupcakes ranging from vanilla to chocolate peanut butter and lemon. This bakery delivers their goodies, so you’ll need to place an online order or call them.
Sweet’s Candy Company: Featured on Kid in a Candy Store, this confectionary shop offers an array of interesting treats like candy corn and margarita flavored taffy. They’re also popular for their different flavored chocolate sticks. If you want to make a trip out of it, they offer factory tours for free. You’ have to make an appointment, so plan ahead. Check out this fun shop at 3780 W. Directors Row (1100 South) in Salt Lake City.
Get a taste of your new home by checking out some of these featured eateries. You’ll get the chance to enjoy some good food and acquaint yourself with the neighborhood and the people.