Bambara (Hotel Monaco, Salt Lake City; tel. 801/363-5454; www.bambara-slc.com): An ideal setting for a romantic meal, this popular restaurant brings a host of influences to the table, from Asian to Cajun. The Utah corn bisque is delectable, and the filet mignon with roasted shallot-cabernet sauce melts in your mouth.
Tuscany (Salt Lake City; tel. 801/227-9919; www.tuscanyslc.com): Located in a quaintly elegant setting at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains and owned by the 7[pr]4[dp] Utah Jazz shot-blocking legend Mark Eaton, Tuscany resembles an Italian mountain lodge. The Northern Italian cuisine is tempered with Western influences, resulting in delicious dishes such as oven-roasted filet of salmon with pancetta-pesto crust served with toasted vegetable couscous.
Glitretind Restaurant (Park City; tel. 435/649-3700; www.steinlodge.com): Located in the elegant Stein Eriksen Lodge, this equally stylish restaurant is possibly the best dining experience in the entire state. The Glitretind serves innovative meals that change with the seasons but always incorporate local game. Plus, it all comes with views of the spectacular Wasatch Mountains.
Zoom (Park City; tel. 435/649-9108; www.zoomparkcity.com): Gorgeous black-and-white photos of Hollywood luminaries from the Sundance Film Festival grace the walls of this classic Park City spot. And why not? It's owned by Robert Redford. Choose from the seasonal menu of salads and delicious burgers to pasta, seafood, and ribs.
Painted Pony (St. George; tel. 435/634-1700; www.painted-pony.com): The Painted Pony is the best restaurant between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City -- though its vibe is more California than Utah: The creative menu includes subtle twists on familiar dishes, such as seared ahi with wasabi aioli.
Cafe Diablo (Torrey; tel. 435/425-3070; www.cafediablo.net): Looks can be deceiving. What appears to be a simple small-town cafe in a converted home is in fact a very fine restaurant -- among southern Utah's best -- offering innovative beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian selections, many created with a Southwestern flair.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
