Drive back in time through vineyards to 17th century France at La Caille or go modern at Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Ramp up the excitement at the ever trendy Trio Cafe or sip your favorite grape at Lugano's. There's a fine dining match for everyone at one of Salt Lake's Top Ten Most Romantic Restaurants.
La Caille
Photo © Lyndsey B. Kocher
Where: 9565 East Wasatch Boulevard in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
How To Get There: Exit at the 6400 South off ramp from I-215. Head east up to Wasatch Boulevard and follow until the road forks. Take the right fork and continue until you see the Parisian front gates. There are several buildings on the 22 acres. Follow the brick road to the end of the lane.
Call Ahead: (801) 942-1751
Cost: $50 and up.
An authentic 17th century chateau on a working vineyard nestles on 22 acres at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Dine on contemporary french cuisine and sip one of the chateau's signature wines. After dinner, take a walk through the gardens and see if you can find the trained doves.
The New Yorker
What: Steak & SeafoodWhere: 60 West Market Street (350 South)
How To Get There: Take the 600 South off ramp from I-15 and turn left on Main Street. Go to 300 South and turn left. Turn left at 100 West and park in the parking lot at 350 South 100 West. The New Yorker is across the street and downstairs from the Oyster Bar.
Call Ahead: (801) 363-0166
Cost: $25 and up.
The New Yorker is a private club for members, which means you must buy a membership card before you can enter. The membership is good at all Gastronomy restaurants in Salt Lake, including Market Street Grill and the Oyster Bar. The New Yorker is known for the seafood and the elegant atmosphere.
Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
What: Steak and WineWhere: 20 South 400 West at Gateway
How To Get There: Take the 300 South off ramp from I-15 and turn left on 400 West. Gateway is between 300 South and South Temple on 400 West. Flemings is on the north side of the shopping complex.
Call Ahead: (801) 355-3704
Cost: $40 and up. Special Valentines Day menu starts at $98 for two.
Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is Salt Lake's finest steak house. Each entree and side are served and priced separately. Expert sommaliers are on hand to recommend pairings. The clientele is upscale and the decor is reserved. Don't expect a lot of flash and dash. This restaurant is all about the basics - good food and good wine.
Five All's
Photo © Lyndsey B. Kocher
Where: 1458 South Foothill Drive
How To Get There: Exit I-15 on Foothill Boulevard or take 400 South from downtown. Five All's is on the west side of Foothill next to a rug gallery. Park at Foothill Village.
Call Ahead: (801) 582-1400
Cost: $20 and up.
Five All's restaurant is a cozy Old-English cottage where you'll sit by a roaring fire and feast on lamb and steak on pewter ware. The food makes up for the service and the hors d'ouvres are fit for the Queen.
Fresco's Italian Cafe
What: ItalianWhere: 1513 South 1500 East
How To Get There: Exit I-15 at the Sugarhouse exit and take 1300 east north to 1500 South. Then turn east to 1500 East and park on the street.
Call Ahead: (801) 486-1300
Cost: $30 and up.
Reminiscent of a cozy European outdoor cafe, Fresco's Italian serves excellent salads and appetizers. In the summertime, ask to be seated on the outdoor patio for extra starlit ambience. Inside, you're more likely to cozy up to another diner than to your date. Watch your elbows.
The Roof Restaurant
What: Gourmet BuffetWhere: 15 East South Temple in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, 10th Floor.
How To Get There: The easiest way to approach this restaurant is to get off I-15 on 700 East and head north to South Temple. Then go west to 15 East. Park under the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and be sure to get a validation from the concierge.
Call Ahead: (801) 539-1911
Cost: $35 a person. $15 for children 11 and under.
Go conservative at The Roof, a gourmet buffet-style restaurant that overlooks the Salt Lake Temple. Live piano music and an extensive dessert bar are the highlights of this alcohol-free establishment. The tables are small and crowded.
Tuscany
Photo © Lyndsey B. Kocher
Where: 2831 East 6200 South
How To Get There: Exit I-15 at 6200 South and go west about one block. The restaurant is on your left across from The Cotton Bottom bar.
Call Ahead: (801) 277-9919
Cost: $17 and up.
Northern Italian food at a very reasonable price served in a beautiful stone restaurant at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Owned by former Jazz player Mark Eaton, Tuscany features a banquet room and a private club for members. There's no need to valet the car. There is plenty of close parking available for patrons. An excellent wine menu and seasonal options.
The Paris Bistro
What: French Cuisine & WineWhere: 1500 South 1500 East
How To Get There: Exit I-15 at the Sugarhouse exit and take 1300 east north to 1500 South. Then turn east to 1500 East and park on the street.
Call Ahead: (801) 486-5585
Cost: $15 and up.
If Fresco's Italian doesn't appeal to you, go French on the same corner of the 15th & 15th area. The restaurant offers wine dinners and sample menus. Try to go on a week night since parking on the street is limited.
Lugano Restaurant
Photo ©
Where: 3364 South 2300 East
How To Get There: If you're coming from the West, exit I-215 at 2300 East. Take 2300 east south and you'll find Lugano's just past 3300 South on your right. To reach the restaurant from the South, take I-215 northbound and exit on 3300 south. Continue west to 2300 East and turn left. The restaurant will be on your right.
Call Ahead: (801) 412-9994
Cost: $11 and up.
Lugano features a wood-burning oven and an open-air kitchen. The dining area is a small space so you can feel crowded especially if there are large groups. The restaurant is more suited to couples. The oven-fired pizza is excellent. Wine tasting classes are available.
Trio Cafe
What: Traditional ItalianWhere: 680 South 900 East
How To Get There: Exit I-15 at the 700 East exit and go north to 700 South. Turn east to 900 East and turn left to 680 South.
Call Ahead: (801) 533-8746
Cost: $7 and up.
The most casual of our top ten list, Cafe Trio is affordable without losing the atmosphere. Trio serves traditional Italian food and the salads are excellent. Pass on the Trio meatball. The meatball is as large as a softball and the middle is sometimes undercooked. Staff is friendly and casual.