One of America’s most prestigious independent film festivals is touching down in Utah for what may be the penultimate time.
Rumors are swirling that Sundance, which is taking over Park City from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2, will relocate after next year. But until then, the festival—which organizers confirmed earlier this week would proceed as scheduled despite the ongoing California wildfires—will offer film industry professionals and film lovers alike its unique combination of film and mountain culture.
The lure of the region also extends well beyond the festival, with 15 diverse ski resorts boasting some of the best snow on Earth. And while Park City dominates in glamour, locals will tell you the best skiing lies just 40 minutes away in the Cottonwood canyons, and the most exciting food scene is in the Salt Lake Valley.
Whether you're seeking a cozy après-ski spot or pursuing a memorable meal between film screenings, here's your guide to Utah's most compelling dining destinations this winter.
HIGH-END DESTINATIONS
Urban Hill
Salt Lake City
Named in Forbes’s 2024 round up of "57 Irresistible Pastas From Restaurants Worldwide" for its cavatelli and widely regarded as Utah's best restaurant, Urban Hill showcases the talents of Chef Nick Zocco, a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s award for Best Chef.
St. Regis Bar
Deer Valley
The journey to this elegant bar is as enjoyable as the destination. Take the tram to the mountaintop establishment, adorned with commissioned realist artwork by Philip Butler, and sit outside to take in the slopeside views.
Firewood
Park City
Centrally located on Park City's popular Main Street, Firewood specializes in open-flame cooking, creating rustic yet refined dishes that capture the essence of Utah mountain dining. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance.
Manoli's
Salt Lake City
This Salt Lake City hotspot recently reopened and serves creative Greek small plates with seasonal ingredients. Reservations are pretty much essential, but if you’re waiting for your table or want a drink after your meal, take a five-minute stroll to East Liberty Tap House, a beloved local bar with great cocktails.
UNDER-THE-RADAR GEMS
Red Iguana
Salt Lake City
This beloved institution offers authentic Mexican cuisine as the ultimate après-ski comfort food. Operating since 1965, it's so popular that it opened a second location just a block away. Keep an eye out for visiting musicians; it's known to be their go-to spot after performances.
11 Hauz
Park City
This Park City gem serves up authentic Jamaican dishes, perfect for a satisfying yet quick lunch. The Jerk Chicken is a must.
The Hog Wallow
Cottonwood Canyon
This cozy pine-surrounded bar at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon offers weekly jam sessions and live music. While positioned near four of the most popular ski resorts, keep an eye out for the bar in heavy snow, as this hole in the wall can be easy to miss.
BARS
High West Saloon
Park City
This saloon, restaurant, and general store is a staple on Park City’s Main Street. Centrally located and housing a local distillery in Salt Lake, the Western saloon is a favorite amongst locals and travelers alike.
Bodega/The Rest
Salt Lake City
While Bodega offers a lively street-level bar experience in SLC, make sure to descend into the Rest, a sophisticated speakeasy tucked underneath, where vintage books line the walls and craft cocktails are served alongside creative tapas. The street also houses a strip of popular bars like Alibi and Post Office Place.
CAFES & COFFEE SHOPS
Five5eeds
Park City
This is the Park City equivalent to trendy New York breakfast spots like Ruby's, complete with an authentic Australian café menu that's worth the morning queue.
Coffee Garden
Salt Lake City
This coffee shop offers exceptional coffee and treats in a (gasp!) WiFi-free environment. With local artwork decorating its walls and a prime location in Salt Lake's charming 9th and 9th neighborhood, it's also conveniently situated close to one of SLC's Sundance theaters.
