Bambara  Nathan Powers makes decisions about food based on sustainability and the belief that good food should be available to everybody. Using a Burgundian imagination, he turns out dishes with a sophisticated heartiness three times a day. 202 S. Main St., SLC,
801-363-5454. $$$ – $$$$

Grand America   Grand America Hotel’s Garden Cafe is one of the stars of the city, and the kitchen makes sure other meals here are up to the same standard. The setting here is traditionally elegant but don’t be intimidated. The food shows sophisticated invention, but you can also get a great sandwich or burger. 555 S. Main St., SLC, 801-258-6708. $$$

HSL  The initials stand for “Handle Salt Lake”—Chef Briar Handly made his name with his Park city restaurant, Handle, and now he’s opened a second restaurant down the hill. The place splits the difference between “fine” and “casual” dining; the innovative food is fine but the atmosphere is casually convivial. The menu is unique—just trust this chef. It’s all excellent. 418 E. 200 South, SLC, 801-539-9999. $$$ – $$$$

La Caille  Utah’s original glamor girl is regaining her luster. The grounds are as beautiful as ever; additions are functional, like a greenhouse, grapevines and vegetable gardens, all supplying the kitchen. The interior has been refreshed and the menu by Chef Billy Sotelo has today’s tastes in mind. Treat yourself. 9565 Wasatch Blvd., Sandy, 801-942-1751. $$$$

Log Haven  Certainly Salt Lake’s most picturesque restaurant, the old log cabin is pretty in every season. Chef Dave Jones has a sure hand with American vernacular and is not afraid of frying. He also has a way with healthy, low-calorie, high-energy food. And he’s an expert with local and foraged foods. 6451 E. Millcreek Canyon Road, SLC, 801-272-8255. $$$ – $$$$

New Yorker  Will Pliler has been in the New Yorker’s kitchen since the get-go. His cooking is a mix of traditional flavors and modern twists. A good example is the BLT salad which had us scraping the plate most inelegantly. Café at the New Yorker offers smaller plates—perfect for pre-theater dining. 60 W. Market St., SLC, 801-363-0166. $$$$

Pago  Tiny, dynamic and food-driven, Pago’s ingredients are locally sourced and reimagined regularly. That’s why it’s often so crowded and that’s what makes it one of the best restaurants in the state. The list of wines by the glass is great, but the artisanal cocktails are also a treat. 878 S. 900 East, SLC,
801-532-0777. $$ – $$$

Pallet  As Portlandia as SLC gets, this warehouse-chic bistro provides the perfect setting for lingering over cocktails or wine and seasonally inventive food, whether you’re in the mood for a nibble or a meal. 237 S. 400 West, SLC, 801-935-4431. $$

Provisions  With a bright, fresh approach to American craft cuisine (and a bright, fresh atmosphere to eat it in), Provision strives for handmade and local ideals executed with style and a little humor. 3364 S. 2300 East, SLC,
801-410-4046 $$ – $$$

Shallow Shaft  A genuine taste of Utah’s old-school ski culture—rustic and refined, cozy and classy. A classic. The excellent wine list offers thoughtful pairings. Alta, 801-742-2177. $$$