7 Best Restaurants in Southwestern Utah, Utah

This cheerful food truck, which doles out superb burgers with imaginative toppings, along with fries and soft drinks, parks in different parts of Torrey (often beside The Chuckwagon hotel)—check their Facebook page for the latest hours and address. Favorites among these over-the-top creations include the burger topped with gooey mac-and-cheese, smoked bacon, coal-roasted green chilies, and whole grain mustard; and another slathered with pulled pork, cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, and barbecue sauce. 

But for a smattering of colorful papel picado (cut paper) flags strung along the ceiling and some neon Mexican beer signs, this unassuming eatery on the east side of Torrey lacks much in the way of ambience. The plates brimming with vibrant sauces, fresh vegetables, and tender steak, chicken, and seafood, however, hint at why this relatively new Mexican restaurant has such a passionate following. Service is friendly and knowledgeable, too.

Husband and husband Joseph Shumway and A. C. Ivory operate this hip artisan ice cream shop adjacent to the Wild Rabbit Cafe and Shooke Coffee Roasters along with the small regenerative farm in nearby Bicknell where they source some of their ingredients. Some of the interesting flavors include dark chocolate–mint, juniper berry, and mango-chili-lime.

Located a little west of town in the middle of Thousand Lakes RV Park, this festive barbecue joint offers chuckwagon-style outdoor seating around firepits. Think elevated comfort food, with dishes like dry-rub smoked pork spare ribs, spiced-rubbed grilled salmon, and chargrilled rib-eye steaks packed with flavor, and delicious side dishes and desserts, too. There's no alcohol served, but you can bring your own.

Try to snag a table on the tree-shaded semicovered patio at this contemporary upscale bistro on the west edge of downtown—it's especially romantic for enjoying a margarita or a glass of cider from neighboring Etta Place Cider. Run by a husband-and-wife team with extensive experience at some of Salt Lake City's top restaurants, this locavore-minded eatery specializes in creatively prepared dishes focused on both "hunted" (elk filet, duck breast) and "gathered" (wild mushrooms, mountain trout) ingredients. 

One of the closest dining options to Capitol Reef National Park, this casual and lively pizza and barbecue place is located at The Rim Rock Inn, which has its own respectable but more expensive restaurant, but The Patio is perfect for tasty, reasonably priced food and beer after a long hike. Save room for the chunky homemade brownie with ice cream.

Torrey's best little source of fair-trade organic coffee and fresh-baked pastries is a terrific go-to for breakfast or lunch before you head to the Capitol Reef. Consider pancakes with fresh fruit, buttermilk biscuits with black-peppered gravy, and bagels with smoked trout and capers. Don't overlook the feathery-light orange–honey blossom and blueberry scones.