6 Best Restaurants in Southwestern Utah, Utah

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In the southwestern corner of the state, reflecting the pioneer heritage of the region, traditional and contemporary American cuisines are most common, followed closely by those with Mexican and Southwestern influences. St. George and Springdale have the greatest number and diversity of dining options. Around St. George there are a number of restaurants that serve seafood; keep in mind that at nicer restaurants the fish is flown in daily from the West Coast; at the less expensive locales the fish is usually frozen. Because this is conservative Utah, don't presume a restaurant serves beer, much less wine or cocktails, especially in the smaller towns, and don’t be surprised if you are carded no matter what your age. Most restaurants are family-friendly, and dress tends to be casual.

Capitol Burger

$ Fodor's Choice

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. 

Georgie's Outdoor Mexican Cafe

$

This quirky food truck–style café beside Canyons of Escalante RV Park doles out filling and flavorful Mexican and Southwestern standbys, including prodigious chicken or beef burritos with Oaxacan and Jack cheese and house-made green salsa, and seasoned-cod tacos with aioli. There's ample seating on the cheerful patio. Alcohol isn't served, but there is a nice array of zero-booze drinks, from lemonade to horchata.

495 W. Main St., Escalante, UT, 84726, USA
435-826–4782
Known For
  • Flan with weekly rotating flavors
  • Lavender lemonade and other nonalcoholic drinks
  • Colorfully painted outdoor seating area
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon.

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Oscar's Café

$

Prepare for an active day with a filling breakfast, or reward yourself after a long hike with lunch or dinner at this welcoming Southwestern café with a big, inviting patio offering stunning mountain views. The pork verde breakfast burrito and huevos rancheros are hearty and delicious, and excellent lunch and dinner options include flame-broiled garlic burgers topped with provolone cheese and shrimp tacos with a creamy lime sauce.

Recommended Fodor's Video

The Pub

$

Don't be fooled by the name—coffee and tea are the only brews here. Build a sandwich of meat, egg, cheese, and more on a freshly baked bagel, croissant, artisan bread, or one of four flavors of wraps. For dinner, chicken, steak, quesadillas, and tostadas are added to the menu. Enjoy your meal in the spacious dining room or people-watch from the outdoor patio.

Festival-goers, take note: This is the best bet for a late-night bite after the show.

The Rim Rock Patio

$

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.

2523 E. Hwy. 24, UT, 84775, USA
435-425–3389
Known For
  • Pizzas and beer
  • Eye-popping Capitol Reef views from the patio
  • Serves food later than most places in town
Restaurant Details
Closed Nov.–Apr. No lunch

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Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.

$

Creative pizzas and a kicked back atmosphere in a former church make this a great place to replenish after a trek through the canyon. Meat lovers appreciate the Cholesterol Hiker pizza, topped with pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and Italian sausage, but the Thai chicken and rosemary-garlic pies are also delicious. You can also get good pastas, salads, and craft beers.

868 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT, 84767, USA
435-772–3815
Known For
  • Stone-slate pizzas with creative toppings
  • Attractive garden seating
  • Good craft beer list
Restaurant Details
No lunch. Closed Dec.–Feb.

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