Thanks to this site, several years ago, I was given wonderful travel advice for UT. We loved it so much, re are making a return trip. The last time around, I never asked for restaurant recommendations, as it was pretty far down the list of concerns, with Nat'l Parks at the top. When we were there, we were only given recommendations to chain type restaurants, and now am hoping to have some good options before getting out there. Any recommendations for either Moab area, or Salt Lake City [or in between for the drive back]. Thanks!

There are other places on this thread, but Moab is on there too. A bit of controversy, but hey, that's what makes a thread interesting!

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/648590

Deb

Thanks Deb. Obviously I'm not heading to Moab for the food, and so, I suspect the couple choices listed will work fine. I only saw one mention for Salt Lake City, a Mexican restaurant. I'm wondering if anyone has a recommendation for this area.

Here's a thread on Salt Lake City eateries from last year:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-lake-city.cfm

For Moab, there aren't a lot of fine dining options, but for bar food there's the Moab Brewery or Eddie McStiff's (arguably the better of the two is the former) and diner grub at the Moab Diner.

Although it's been a couple of years, we thoroughly enjoyed the Center Cafe in Moab. It's fine dining, but in a casual atmosphere. Much, much better than bar food. We found it to be fine compliment to the incredible scenery!

Lately, my favorite Salt Lake restaurant is Tin Angel www.thetinangel.com. Be sure and save room for the bread pudding! Trio is great for Italian food http://www.triodining.com/.

I read recently that Caputo's does formal dining in the evening now; I've read good reviews on it.

The restaurant at the Hotel Monaco also has a good reputation.

I've enjoyed good meals at Squatters Brewery as well.

Mezza (?sp) at 9th and 9th is good for middle eastern food.

There is fantastic dining in Park City which is 35 minutes away, if you have time.

Thanks so much for the help. I've written down the recommendations, and depending on where we are during as dinner time hits, we will definitely use one of these suggestions.

when are you going, Lois? do you have a preference on type of food or budget?

If you are able to get to Park City, they have the greatest value fine dining that I know of. The key is to visit any time other than peak ski season and check the local paper for 2 for 1 entree coupon/discounts. My favorites are Wahso, Chimayo and Riverhorse..... but there are countless amazing super high end restaurants there that are normally expensive and you can have an incredible culinary experience for a "normal" price.

We are very limited in time, as we will be in Moab for most the trip. We will spend part of the first day, and then, one full day on our last day,in the Salt Lake City area. We have already explored the city before, so with such a limited time constraint, our visit there will be very short. Although the Park City options sound very appealing, I doubt we'll be heading in that direction on this trip.

We are looking for two dinner options, both casual but good quality food. Price is not especially a concern. We are coming early Oct.

early October should be spectacular.... it starts mid-September. It is one of my favorite times of the year with spectacular fall colors. Two other names I've heard of are Franck's and Tuscany. Both seem like high end restaurants. You might check them out online. The chef at Francks used to be at a fabulous French bistro I frequented.

The Thai restaurant in Moab is said to be good for lunch but we felt ripped off at dinner.

Lois,

The restaurant in Hotel Monaco in SLC is called Bambara, outstanding. You will probably need reservations.

I like the Moab Brewery, Eddie McStiff's, The Moab Diner. I think the best, and it's very good, in town is The Desert Cafe. Not inexpensive, but very very good. Inside or outside dining weather allowing. Make reservations for sure.

Hi ncounty! I meant to say hi before I hit submit!!

I'm sorry I missed you over the 4th. I'm not very good about checking my cell. I don't use it much.

When is you next trip up?

Hi Dayle..... I'm sorry we missed each other as well.

Haven't booked my next trip yet; hoping for Thanksgiving or Xmas/NY.

I'm so glad you remembered the name of the restaurant at Hotel Monaco. Do you know anything about Franck's? It's on my radar screen.

I haven't heard of Franck's. Where is it?

I will probably go to CA for Thanksgiving this year and be home for Christmas. Let me know if you are coming up!

ok.....Francks is around Highland and 33rd, I think. He is a European chef and used to be at the bistro at 1300 and 2100.

hmmm.... I was way off. It is at 6263 Holladay. don't know where Holladay is. here is the link: (wonderful french music plays when you open the link, turn the sound on)

http://francksfood.com/indexSWF.html

Oh, I loved that place. The food was excellent, but it sure didn't last long. It sounds like his new place is near the bottom of Big Cottonwood.

Sorry we've highjacked your thread Lois!