New Holladay food hall amongst latest food openings

It’s been a busy old month since the last roundup of new openings in Utah; if you’ve managed to snaffle your way through all twenty in the weeks since, well, in short order: what’s wrong with you? I salute you. Can I join you? Yes, yes, stop with the blathering, you’re here to unearth what’s next to eat. Here it is. Oh that burrito? You’ll need to keep reading to find out…

Block Party 2700

It’s been a long time coming, but the national embrace of food halls is finally starting to catch hold here in Utah. As with most trends, our big-city cousins are typically five to ten years ahead of us. If you’re still new to the party, here’s the quick 101 on food halls: a big space, chopped up into unique kitchens, each focused on a specific type of food. Grab one of this, two of that, sit in and enjoy in a communal dining room.

Speaking of parties then, residents of Holladay this week toasted the opening of what you might argue is SLC’s first true food hall. HallPass was for sure the first to hit the Beehive, but Block Party is the first in Salt Lake county to really champion a mix of disparately owned vendors.

Anyway, the food hall at 4044 S 2700 E on the site of the former Granato’s Deli in Holladay is home to several options if you swing on by:

• Elephant Press Cafe – pastries from Fillings & Emulsions, hot and cold drinks
• Santo Tacos – Mexican cuisine
• Over the Coles – BBQ with a variety of in-house smoked meats, fresh sides, and sauces
• Granato Gourmet Market – hot pizza and pasta, sandwiches, salads, and dessert
• Self-serve Marketplace

You can see the full list of menus here. Block Party is the first of many food halls you can expect in these parts over the next 12 months. I’ve rounded up everything you can expect here.

4044 S 2700 E, Holladay, UT 84124
blockparty2700.com

Brocheta

This one appears to be a new food option inside one of Shades Brewery locations; either the South Salt Lake tap room, the new downtown location, or perhaps both? The brewery itself mentions the newer downtown location, reviews cite SoSL. At any rate the interesting new food option is the work of Ida Villasana, who has partnered with the brewer to offer a range of Latin flavors to pair with the unique suds at Shades. Think chimichurri crowned chorizo dogs and sweet corn cobs doused with cotija and pico. Certainly beats the boring old brewery burger.

154 W Utopia Ave, South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(435) 200-3009
shadesbrewing.beer

Capt Remo

Canton Soifua is the name behind this seafood-focused food truck now roaming SLC streets. I briefly mentioned this one in last month’s roundup, but details where scant on the ground. That still seems to be the case as the business gears up. For now you can follow along on Instagram here, and also here’s a little snippet over on Google:

“Sharing our love for fresh fish and all the ways to enjoy it. Poke bowls, fish tacos to garlic shrimp and some seasonal specials. Know the source of your fish and where it comes from to gurantee a high quality Grade A fresh product that our customers will keep coming back for. Cook what is in season to enjoy the many diiferent ways fish is served up in the islands. Captain Remo is not just a name but a fishing vessal out of the Honolulu harbour. Its not also just a FV, Captain Remo is the owner of our food establishment. Captain Remo is not just an owner, He’s a legend. From the harbours of Honolulu to American Samoa to San Diego and back to Honolulu. Fishing the whole of the Pacific Ocean to bring you the best!.. Boat to Bowl..Lessgoo!!”

Emigration Cafe

Perhaps the number one cause of “what do you know about…” emails I’ve received over the last few months is this new spot. Opened in the former One-O-Eight space, and Sea Salt before that, the casual cafe is Scott Evans‘ latest venture.

Emigration Cafe functions as a contemporary all day cafe offering a counter service breakfast, full service lunch and full service dinner. The menu features Roman style wood fired pizza, salads, sandwiches and mains. A careful glance over the veggie resplendent plates and ingredients shows a nod and a wink to one of Evans’ chef-crushes, Yotam Ottolenghi.

1709 E 1300 S suite 108, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
emigrationcafe.com

Gordos Tacos and Beer

Another buzz-generator (based off the number of folks look for info on our site) is this newly opened spot along 9th East. Once home to Cous Cous (and I think Bajio Mexican Grill before that?) is Gordos Tacos and Beer – a new Mexican restaurant in Murray. The menu is concise and wallet friendly, offering, err tacos and beer.

5470 S 900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
(801) 783-7616

De Los Muertos Mexican Kitchen

In comparison then, this new spot opening in Sugar House did so with a hush and whisper; possibly due to the restaurant still slowly hiring and tooling up. De Los Muertos in Sugar House slots in neatly between Traeger nation HQ and SOMI. Outside a colorful bedecked patio beckons for those warmer months, and inside, a menu by chef and owner Aza Torres is build around Monterey style burritos. Grab a napkin if you choose the doused birria tacos pictured above.

215 Wilmington Ave Suite 104, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
(801) 869-1006

Flavas by Maria’s Kitchen

This one opened up in February, so here by way of completionism. This new food truck operates from the Ogden area and reckon they have the “best birria tacos as well as burritos, nachos, elote cups.”

JJ Donuts

This one from our what’s new, blow by blow Instagram account, newinutah. Remember to follow along there if you want the bleeding edge of what’s new, the moment it breaks.

15 US-89, North Salt Lake, UT 84054
(385) 399-7399

Laziz Kitchen

Pitching up in Midvale’s old Curry Up Now (survived by the lone downtown location in SLC now) is the second outing for this Lebanese favorite of many. Here’s the full presser from the company:

Laziz Kitchen is excited to announce the opening of its second location! This time, they’re setting up shop in the southern end of the valley located at 1076 Ft Union Blvd, Midvale. New partners to Laziz Kitchen/Laziz Foods Group, the Netto and Hannon family, are looking forward to welcoming fans of the eatery and new customers alike with the same delicious food and an inviting atmosphere.

“We are excited to be expanding the Laziz Kitchen brand with the addition of our Midvale location,” said John Netto. “Laziz Kitchen is a local favorite rooted in a fresh and fun atmosphere, good food, community engagement, and a strong passion for bringing culinary diversity to Salt Lake City.”

Laziz Kitchen will hold a ticketed soft opening on Wednesday, May 18th, and will open for regular business on Thursday, May 19th, 2022. They invite guests to enjoy the modern take on not-so-traditional Lebanese cuisines with a family-friendly atmosphere. Come for the Zaatar Roasted Veggie Bowl, famous Hummus, fried Cauliflower Florets, or the ever-popular Lamb Burger. A kid’s menu will be coming soon to this location.

“With Utah being the fastest-growing state in the country and also the youngest state by age, it’s so exciting to grow the Laziz Kitchen brand into new corners of our community,” said Co-founder of Laziz Kitchen, Derek Kitchen. “Laziz Kitchen has been and will always be a place of inclusion and warmth for all people. When you come to Laziz, we want you to feel like you’re coming home. We pride ourselves on being a place that is welcoming and inclusive for all.”

Also worthy of note, if you haven’t been in a while, the menu has evolved quite a bit since their initial opening in the Central 9th.

1076 Fort Union Blvd,Midvale, UT 84047
lazizkitchen.com

The Paleta Bar

This one according the Trib’s Stefene Russel, accordingly, “Utah’s first location for New Mexico-based ice pop shop The Paleta Bar in Provo (1283 N. University Ave.).” Be sure to signup to the Trib’s weekly Utah Eats newsletter here for weekly Utah food updates from their team.

1283 N University Ave Suite 101, Provo, UT 84604
(801) 691-1879

Poke And Sushi Hut

Would it even be a real new restaurant roundup without mention of boba, poke or fried chicken? No. No it wouldn’t Enter stage left then, this new hopeful to Main Street’s bustling streets. Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the menu does exactly what the name says on the tin, at wallet friendly prices too. Poke bowls run $10-$14 with maki sushi starting from $6.49 for a basic Cali roll.

270 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(385) 867-5100
pokeandsushihut.com

Richie Lush’s BBQ

I waxed lyrical about the Kamas original. Sure, it was off the back off one meal (a rube maneuver I know, but hey, Kamas), but it was easily the best BBQ I’ve eaten in Utah in a half decade. Easily. Anyway, the inaugural location is presently closed for repairs, just as this new spot in Park City opens to welcome guests.

7182 Silver Creek Rd
Park City, UT 84098
lushsbbq.com

Shanasheel Grill

Formerly Ishtar Grill and Shawarma King before that, this Millcreek space is now Shanasheel Grill; it’s unclear if the change in names has changed the ownership or operations, but do let me know. At any rate while you might have spied the name on delivery apps for a while, May is the formal official opening of this Mediterranean spot. The menu reads like my kind of party – big plates of bone in meat atop lusciously layered rice.

3300 S 725 E, Millcreek, UT 84106
(801) 668-2507
shanasheelgrill.com

Sushi Pro

Another mentioned last month, and by way of completion again, another now officially open this month. Sushi Pro is a sushi truck from chef Josh Talley.

4337 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403
(385) 432-0834
sushiproogden.kwickmenu.com

Vivi Bubble Tea

Would it even be a real new restaurant roundup without mention of boba, poke or fried chicken? No. No it wouldn’t Enter stage left then, this new hopeful to SLC’s bustling streets. We  last mentioned this one in December 2021, and it appears the bubble tea shop is now in business

665 E 400 S suite A, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(385) 799-2722
facebook.com/vivibubbleteaslc/

Yoko Taco

This one has been a while coming, last mentioned in October 2020, but the new concept from downtown’s Yoko Ramen is now here. Located in the Granary district, which is a hop and skip from the Central 9th (let me know if you’re getting dizzy) the menu is modern is concise and modern. Tacos run $4-6 and creations include item such as the pork belly with kimchi, fried chicken with salsa and a crispy pig ear with tomatillo salsa.

85 W 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(385) 218-4325
facebook.com/yokotacoslc

Coming soon

Aunty’s Hawaiian Kitchen

Coming soon to Riverton, is this new Hawaiian option.

12544 S Pasture Rd Ste E, Riverton, UT 84096
(385) 296-7065

Bistro Provenance

This one should raise some pulses. Headed to Provo in the coming months a brand new French bistro – a culinary option that is sorely lacking on the Utah landscape. Owned by Chad Pritchard of Oregano Italian Kitchen and Fat Daddy’s Pizza, the menu look set to scratch an itch for many a Francophile; French onion soup, charcuterie, moules frites and confit canard are just a few of the classics set to come to Utah county.

63 E Center StProvo, UT 84601
facebook.com/BistroProvenance

Crave Cookies

Sandy should get a new outlet of this cookie brand soon.

9680 S State St, Sandy, UT 84070
cravecookies.com

Dirty Bird Fried Chxx

Would it even be a real new restaurant roundup without mention of boba, poke or fried chicken? No. No it wouldn’t Enter stage left then, this new hopeful sometime soon to the streets of Clearfield. Pencil May 23rd in your diary for the grand opening . The company serves up fried chicken sandwiches and has existing locations in Ogden and Provo.

846 W Antelope DrClearfield, UT 84015
dirtybirdchxx.com

Dough Miner

Be still my beating heart. No literally, my heart will be still if I indulge here too much. I had to leave the UK and it’s myriad assault of pies, sausage rolls, puddings, and pasties in fear of my own life. But they found me, you can never escape, pasties are now here in Utah. No, not those pasties. Stop it. These are of the Cornish variety, hot water crust pastries, thick and arterially oppressive, stuffed with vegetables and meat. Once upon a time, London Market slung the odd U.K. pie and pasty around these parts, but thankfully for my well being, they’ve been absent from our streets for some time. Until now…

945 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
doughminer.com

Italian Graffiti

A little more info has arrived on this new concept for The Gateway. Here’s the latest press release info and some renders of what to expect:

Italian Graffiti is the first full-scale restaurant by Nice Hospitality, the visionary team behind HallPass and SkinnyFATS. This new venture will offer a contemporary interpretation of classic Italian fare and hand-crafted family recipes from Chef-Partner Marc Marrone’s Italian-influenced upbringing in New York City. Building upon nearly 20 years of experience earned at world-class restaurants across the country, Chef Marc brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Nice Hospitality’s newest venture. Guests can expect to be immersed in the art of vibe dining with Italian Graffiti’s expansive wine menu, open format cooking, daily house made pasta, a full bakery, and dry aged meat program. The area’s first modern osteria will feature floral-inspired decor with one-of-a-kind art installations throughout the dining room, bar, and lounge areas.

“With grandparents who immigrated from Italy, my most cherished family traditions centered around sharing homemade meals together. I want our guests to experience that same gracious hospitality and convivial atmosphere,” says Marc Marrone. “The popularity of HallPass at The Gateway paved the way for this new concept as we feel it has increasingly become a coveted dining and entertainment destination in Salt Lake City.”

Maria’s Mexican Grill

Set to open in the old Geckos space in South Jordan is a second location for Maria’s – the folks behind the popular Mexican eatery in Millcreek. More info.

781 W 10600 S, South Jordan, UT 84095

Nomo Asian Grill

Anther newinutah find, but one with not much info for the time being. Nomo is replacing OMO Korean BBQ on 35th South – a spot that has been host to a rotating roster of restaurants down through the years. The most notable business to operate our of the location was Pho Green Papaya aeons ago; a mighty fine Vietnamese spot missed by many. Many have followed in their foodsteps here, before the recent KBBQ spot, names include Noodles & Chopsticks and El Pariente.

3500 S 2000 WWest Valley City, UT 84119

Mint Tapas

Still rumor, but frankly it’s all over town, Mint Sushi will shortly be making their third appearance at the old Copper Kitchen in Holladay. More details as I have it, and remember, it’s only a rumor until I say it isn’t, or err, they do.

4640 S. 2300 East, Holladay, Utah 84121

Urban Hill

Here’s the latest press release on this one. TL;DR this is the upscale spot from PC’s Hearth And Hill, coming to the newly minted Post District (there’s another for you):

Following the successful opening of their catering outpost and café Hill’s Kitchen in Park City in the spring of 2022, the Leave Room For Dessert Eateries’ (Hearth and Hill) team is excited to continue expansion plans in Utah by announcing the kick off for construction on their next, and perhaps most high-profile to-date restaurant project, Urban Hill—a high-end 7,200 sq. ft. chef-driven concept coming to the new Post District mixed-use development of Salt Lake City at 550 South/300 West. With Utah having the fastest-growing population in the US, the group hopes to deliver on a demand for higher caliber restaurants in the up-and-coming culinary market of Salt Lake with Urban Hill later this year.

The full-service, 190-seat restaurant designed by Denver-based firm Semple Brown will feature a formal dining room showcasing commissioned art by local artists, a state-of-the-art display kitchen, a spacious bar area, plus a 90-seat, 1,500 sq. ft. patio. Urban Hill will present modern, innovative cuisine– much of which will come out of a custom wood-fired grill– a specially curated wine collection, local craft beers and cocktails and more, all within a sophisticated, high-design space.

“We like blazing new trails. In Park City, Hearth and Hill was a pioneer of sorts in the Kimball Junction area, which now is known as ‘the other Main Street.’ We take pride in helping make a moribund part of town vibrant, while being convenient to our associates and guests, and are confident about the same resurgence occurring at Post District,” says LRFDE Co-founder David Kirchheimer.

At the helm of the culinary program is LRFDE Culinary Director Jordan Harvey (Apex at Montage Deer Valley, Zoom, Sweet Basil) alongside Executive Pastry Chef Jessie Rae Nakoneczny (Stein Erikson Lodge, Sundance Resort, The Saltry), who together have already been making waves with their thoughtful cuisine at the group’s flagship restaurant Hearth and Hill and now Hill’s Kitchen. Joining them is Executive Chef Nick Zocco (Tupelo, SW Steakhouse/Wynn Las Vegas) and Sous Chef Kyle Williams (Handle Restaurant, Powder at the Waldorf Astoria) who will oversee the day-to-day at Urban Hill. Together, the all-star team is thrilled to take their culinary skills to new heights while still being rooted in sourcing locally and operating sustainably—two core values of LRFDE—to create an elevated experience for diners of SLC.

“Urban Hill’s proximity to the business district and sports and cultural venues makes it a natural for our first fine-dining restaurant,” adds Leave Room For Dessert Eateries’ Co-founder Brooks Kirchheimer. “We’ve loved the positive response we’ve received from our guests at Hearth and Hill and now Hill’s Kitchen in Park City, and we’re excited by the prospect of helping elevate Salt Lake’s fine-dining scene by bringing this new level of Leave Room For Dessert Eateries to this burgeoning neighborhood.”

Wanda Lee’s Chicken Coop

Expected late Summer 2022 to 2115 South State Street according to their website; which itself uses the exact same layout and design as a certain Dolly Donuts. Oh and it also mentions dolly potatoes and planks too. So I’m guessing a copy and paste web designer, or, more likely, a second concept from the same folks. And yep, that’s the address of the old Busy Bee. Hopefully they grill up a garlic burger in their storied honor!

2115 South State Street
wandaleeschickencoop.com

Previously mentioned with no further update

We’ve written about the following new restaurants in recent posts tracking new restaurants around SLC. We’ve heard no further news on these at this time: 

• Adelaide Restaurant And Bar – last mentioned February 2022
• Angry Korean – last mentioned December 2021
• Apex Brewing – last mentioned January 2022
• Banbury Cross 2 – last mentioned January 2022
• Bistro by Butler – last mentioned January 2022
• Captain D’s – last mentioned March 2020
• Coffee & Tonic – last mentioned June 2021
• Cheryl’s Bagel’s – last mentioned February 2022
• Crane Ramen – last mentioned March 2020
• Eat Italian Graffiti – last mentioned December 2021
• Famous Daves – last mentioned June 2021 
• Fife Brewing – last mentioned March 2020
• Franklin Ave Cocktail & Kitchen – last mentioned April 2022
• Gourmandise American Fork – last mentioned April 2022
• Gyro Shack – last mentioned October 2020
• Hash Kitchen – last mentioned December 2021
• Hearth And Hill – last mentioned December 2021
• Hope Gallery – last mentioned December 2021
• Killer Burger – last mentioned June 2021 
• Las Botellas – last mentioned January 2022
• Lemon Shark Poke – last mentioned October 2020
• The Local Market & Bar – last mentioned December 2021
• Maize Taco – last mentioned January 2022
• Martine – last mentioned October 2021
• Mochinut – last mentioned December 2021
• Mountain Mike’s – last mentioned March 2021
• Noemi’s – last mentioned December 2021
• Nona Bistro – last mentioned June 2021
• Pizza Twist – last mentioned September 2021
• Pizza Nono – last mentioned August 2021
• Quarters Sugar House – last mentioned January 2022
• Recharge Bar & Grill – last mentioned January 2022
• Roll’d Vietnamese – last mentioned December 2021
• Roots Coffee Co – last mentioned March 2021
• Slack Water SLC –  last mentioned June 2021
• Slim Chickens – last mentioned April 2022
• Sol Agave – last mentioned February 2022
• Sushi Squad – last mentioned April 2022
• Tacomania – last mentioned February 2022
• Tea Rose Thai Express – last mentioned February 2022
• Urban Hill – last mentioned December 2021
• Xing Fu Tang – last mentioned February 2022

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Stuart Melling

Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you!  I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC.  I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City  dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.

I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV.   Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune.    I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand.   What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.

Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.