Explore Utah’s Gourmet Scene with 5 James Beard Nominees

Utah is best known for its natural beauty, including several national parks and ski resorts—the Michelin Guide rates the entire state three stars. However, Utah's gourmet food scene is still developing and has yet to produce a James Beard winner, although about 50 chefs and restaurants made it to the semifinals between 2008 and 2024.

Even though there isn't a James Beard award-winning restaurant and chef in Utah yet, getting to the semifinals is terrific. The James Beard Foundation offers several categories for chefs and their restaurants, including awards for the best chef, leadership, and media.

Let's take a look at five Utah restaurants that were nominated for James Beard awards.

20 UT-12, Boulder, UT 84716

Hell's Backbone Grill and Farm has been nominated for a James Beard award several times since 2020. The owners, Chefs Jen Castle and Blake Spalding, source their produce from their farm. It provides many of the ingredients used in crafting their dishes, including farm fresh eggs, fruit, and vegetables. This symbiotic farm-to-table restaurant changes its menu with the seasons and works toward a no-waste system, where everything is used.

Enjoy biscuits with whipped sage butter, followed by a lemon chicken or braised beef main. If you've saved room for dessert, you have to try the chocolate chili cream pot or pumpkin almond bread pudding. Before you visit, check their website for the updated offerings.

402 Harvey Milk Blvd 2., Salt Lake City, UT 84111

A 2023 James Beard nominee for outstanding hospitality, Manoli's Restaurant in Salt Lake is a Greek-inspired eatery that uses locally sourced ingredients in its classic Mediterranean cuisine. Manoli's focuses on small, sharable plates to experience many flavors instead of filling up on one dish.

Dolmas with Greek yogurt is among the classic dishes Manoli's serves. You can also enjoy butternut squash in crispy phyllo dough, charred octopus, and seared scallops. Mains include chicken wings, braised elk, and a lamb burger that pairs nicely with fingerling potatoes. Finish with housemade soft-serve ice cream or Greek donuts in spiced honey syrup for dessert.

1017 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

The SLC Eatery is a wonderful upscale restaurant headed by Chefs Paul Chamberlain and Logen Crew. Both chefs were up for James Beard awards for best chef in 2022 and 2023, making it to the semifinals. Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, the restaurant offers a mouth-watering take on classic recipes.

Feeling brave? Try the raw oyster bar with yuzu mignonette or togarashi cocktail sauce. Starters include cauliflower in caper-date puree or jalapeno shrimp in brown butter remoulade. Also available are delicious dishes, including grilled calamari, mushroom kabobs, and a clam dip with tobiko fish eggs and potato chips.

The state may not have a Michelin Guide for restaurants yet, but it's a matter of time. When it does, the SLC Eatery may bring home a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand designation.

11587 District Main Dr 300., South Jordan, UT 84095

The Angry Korean chefs Young-Ho Kang and Peter Kim were 2023 James Beard semifinalists for best chef. The restaurant began as a food truck before the chefs opened the first brick-and-mortar location in South Jordan.

Serving Korean fusion foods, there are now two locations to visit. All dishes feature traditional Korean flavors combined in unique ways for a delightful dining experience. The menu includes beef bulgogi, steamed pork belly buns, and choices of savory or sweet chicken wings. If you're looking for something a little different, try the japchae sweet potato noodles that include sides of grilled ginger chicken, spicy pork, and seared salmon.

136 Heber Avenue, Park City, UT 84060

The Park City, Utah restaurant Handle serves innovative cocktails you can pair with menu items that contain locally sourced ingredients. Chef Briar Handly was a semifinalist for a "best chef" James Beard award in 2023 with co-owner Melissa Gray, Handle serves delicious new American cuisine.

They divide their menu into hot, cold, hearty, and sweet, which makes it easy to narrow down your selection. Menu items include oysters and grilled onions, hamachi crudo, and cauliflower in sweet chili glaze with sriracha. No matter which starters and mains you try, you'll want to save room for dessert. The whiskey caramel pudding with Chex mix streusel is phenomenal, but if that isn't your thing, try the strawberry shortcake ice cream bar.