Salt Lake City's food scene surprises first-time visitors. The valley's pioneer roots gave the city its comfort food, funeral potatoes, scones with honey butter, fry sauce on everything, but waves of immigration and a thriving local chef community have layered on authentic Mexican moles, Basque and Pacific Islander cooking, Vietnamese pho, craft breweries, and farm-to-table dining supported by the rich agriculture of the surrounding valleys. A guided food and drink walking tour is the most efficient way to sample it, because a local guide knows which counters are worth the wait and how to navigate a scene in which alcohol laws are unique. The Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour links a series of tasting stops in the downtown core, with commentary on the neighborhoods, buildings and food traditions between bites. You walk at an easy pace, eat enough for a generous lunch or dinner, and leave with a list of places to return to. It is a smart first-day activity, because the recommendations pay off for the rest of your stay, and it works for groups, couples and solo travelers alike.
The wider story is worth a few sentences. Utah is shaped by a large number of residents who do not drink alcohol, and the state's liquor rules, which have loosened significantly over the years, are still more structured than in most places: beer, wine and spirits are sold through specific channels and some restaurants have particular rules about ordering.
Guides handle all this smoothly, and tours that include drinks will explain how the local system works. The result is a dining culture that puts weight on coffee, desserts, soda shops, and creative non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a craft-beer and distillery scene that is better than its reputation.
Dishes to look for in any visit: fry sauce, a mix of mayonnaise and ketchup served with fries, is the informal condiment of Utah; pastrami burgers are a local invention from the mid-twentieth century; funeral potatoes are a cheesy casserole served at church potlucks; and Utah scones are deep-fried dough served with honey butter or powdered sugar. Mexican restaurants in the city are some of its finest, with a long tradition of mole and regional cooking, and the Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian communities add excellent options. Seasonal farmers' markets in summer and fall, including a large Saturday market in Pioneer Park, show off the valley's produce.
Practical sense
Come hungry and wear walking shoes. Tell the operator about allergies and dietary restrictions when you reserve, because tastings are built around set menus. Afternoon and evening tours are most popular, and weekend slots fill quickly in summer and ski season. A tasting walk is also an easy way to see the compact downtown core, the Gateway district and the historic buildings on the blocks around Temple Square without a car. Pair it with a trolley or bus tour for the same day, then return to your favorite stop for dinner.
If you want to extend the food theme, a farmers' market or a brewery visit on another day fills out a delicious weekend. Visitors who like to cook can also take home local honey, jams and chocolate from downtown shops, which make easy souvenirs, and those who want a deeper dive can ask the guide about neighborhood tips for Sugar House and the stretch of restaurants south of downtown.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk through downtown with several tasting stops and commentary on the neighborhoods and Utah food traditions.
Best time
Late afternoon or evening; summer and fall add farmers' markets to the day.
How long
Around three hours; confirm the length when you reserve.
Tips
Come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and flag dietary needs when you reserve.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers and first-timers who want a shortlist of places worth returning to.
- Families
- Best with older children and teens who enjoy trying new foods; check age rules for drink components.
- Couples
- A fun, relaxed date that doubles as dinner.
- Pair with
- A trolley or bus tour earlier in the day, or an evening at the Delta Center.
- Time needed
- About three hours.
Good questions
Are drinks included?+
Tours vary in what is included. Check the details when you reserve, and note that Utah has its own rules for alcohol service.
Can the tour handle dietary restrictions?+
Often yes with notice. Tell the operator about allergies or dietary needs when you reserve.
What local foods should I try?+
Fry sauce, pastrami burgers, funeral potatoes, Utah scones with honey butter, and excellent Mexican and Pacific Islander cooking.
Is it a lot of walking?+
The pace is easy and the downtown blocks are flat, but the blocks are large, so wear comfortable shoes.
Is it suitable for kids?+
Generally yes for older children who enjoy tasting, though some stops may be adult-oriented. Ask the operator.