Amazing food, amazing ambiance and amazing service in an amazing location sometimes come with an amazing price, and many of Salt Lake's most romantic restaurants are also the most expensive. Many of us can't or shouldn't spend $100 or more on dinner for two. Don't despair - you can still take your date out for a memorable dinner with inspiration from this list of inexpensive romantic dining ideas for the Salt Lake City area. The key to inexpensive romantic dining is thinking of ways to add something special to the evening without spending a lot of money.
1. Live Music
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Live music, especially if it's on the mellow side, adds something special to any dining experience. Lots of local restaurants offer live music, and you can check the Deseret News, Salt Lake Tribune and City Weekly for listings. Here are some moderately priced but potentially romantic Salt Lake restaurants offering live music:
2. Patio Dining
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Patio dining can definitely add something special to a romantic evening. A few good choices for moderately priced patio dining are Aristo's, Asian Star and The Desert Edge Brewery at The Pub.
3. Private Room
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Lots of moderately-priced Japanese restaurants have enclosed booths or small private rooms where you can take off your shoes and enjoy a quiet meal with your sweetheart. There's something a little sexy about sushi, too - it's exotic and looks beautiful on a plate. One of my old favorite Japanese restaurants is Kyoto in Sugar House; one of my new favorites is Water Moon in Draper. Call the restaurant ahead of time to make sure a private booth is available.
4. Park City's Main Street
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A trip to scenic Park City and a stroll up and down Main Street add something special to a romantic evening. Keeping in mind that restaurant meals are about 15-20 percent more expensive in Park City than in Salt Lake City, some good picks for moderately priced Park City Main Street dining are Cisero's, Bistro 412 and Bangkok Thai on Main. Skip dessert at the restaurant and stroll to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for something sweet.
