Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Salt Lake City | Upscale Mexican Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Salt Lake City | Upscale Mexican Food

• Cafe Guanaco — Mexican · rated 5/5: Stepping into this vibrant sanctuary, the air is thick with the comforting aroma of toasted masa and melting cheese, immediately transporting guests to the heart of El Salvador. Skilled hands rhythmically shape thick, handmade pupusas that arrive at the table golden and bubbling, perfectly paired with the refreshing crunch of tangy curtido and the bright zip of house-made salsa. It is a soulful retreat where the warmth of traditional hospitality and the rich flavors of Central American heritage create a dining experience that feels both deeply authentic and wonderfully communal.
• Epic Brewery — American · rated 4/5: This industrial-chic sanctuary invites guests into a world of bold experimentation, where the air is perfumed with the rich, roasted aromas of dark malts and oak-aged spirits. Velvety imperial stouts like the legendary Big Bad Baptist offer deep, complex layers of chocolate and coffee, while vibrant hazy IPAs and crisp Mexican-style lagers provide a refreshing, sun-drenched counterpoint. It is a sophisticated haven for craft enthusiasts, where every pour celebrates the artistry of the barrel and the daring spirit of modern brewing.
• Antojitos Luna — Mexican · rated 4/5: Bustling with the energy of a neighborhood gathering spot, this vibrant eatery fills the air with the irresistible aroma of toasted corn and slow-simmered meats. Hand-pressed tortillas and savory snacks are crafted with a devotion to tradition, inviting guests to linger over plates piled high with authentic flavors and bright, zesty salsas.
• Karamba — Mexican · rated 4/5: Karamba pulses with an electric, high-energy atmosphere where shimmering lights and a rhythmic beat invite guests into a world of pure celebration. The space transforms into a vibrant playground for milestones, offering tailored birthday experiences that range from spirited group gatherings to the exclusive luxury of VIP bottle service at plush, private tables. It is a destination where the corks never stop popping and every moment feels like a grand event, ensuring that every guest leaves with the glow of an unforgettable night.
• Aces High Saloon — American · rated 4/5: Aces High Saloon invites guests into a spirited, rustic retreat where the aroma of sizzling carne asada and melted cheese fills the air. The kitchen masterfully bridges the gap between zesty Mexican street food and classic American comfort, serving up everything from sauce-smothered burritos to jus-soaked French dips in a space that feels both timeless and energetic. It is a destination for those seeking bold, soul-warming flavors and a lively atmosphere that captures the heart of a true neighborhood hangout.
• Panderia Flores — Mexican · rated 4/5: The air at Panaderia Flores is thick with the sweet, comforting scent of toasted cinnamon and warm yeast, drawing passersby into a vibrant space where rows of golden-brown pastries line the wooden shelves. Soft, pillowy conchas with their signature sugar-crusted patterns sit alongside flaky empanadas and traditional sweet breads, each bite offering a nostalgic taste of artisanal craftsmanship. It is a soulful neighborhood sanctuary where the simple joy of a fresh-baked roll and a steaming cup of coffee transforms a morning routine into a cherished ritual.
• Taqueria 27 — Mexican · rated 4/5: Vibrant and social, this modern haunt elevates the humble avocado into an art form with its rotating "Guacamole of the Day" and smoky roasted blends served alongside warm, salt-dusted chips. The air hums with energy as guests share plates of sizzling queso fundido and charred street corn, creating a communal dining experience defined by bold textures and zesty, sun-drenched flavors.
• Santo Taco — Mexican · rated 4/5: This vibrant taqueria pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the smoky aroma of charred carne asada and the enticing sizzle of al pastor on the grill. The kitchen transforms fresh ingredients into bold masterpieces, ranging from the deep, spice-laden warmth of slow-cooked birria to the bright, citrus-kissed crunch of their celebrated Wednesday seafood specials.
• HandleBar — American · rated 3/5: HandleBar hums with a laid-back, pedal-powered energy, inviting guests to kick back in a space where industrial charm meets the comforting aroma of sizzling hashes and freshly griddled melts. The kitchen turns out soul-warming plates like zesty chilaquiles and towering burgers layered with creamy avocado, offering a bold fusion of classic diner staples and vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors. It is a welcoming sanctuary where the morning-after fog lifts over plates of rich biscuits and gravy or a hearty Denver Patty Melt, perfect for hungry locals and weekend adventurers alike.
• Taste of Red Iguana — Mexican: This lively outpost bursts with the vibrant colors and spirited energy of a traditional Mexican market, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted chiles and simmering spices. Velvety moles in a kaleidoscope of flavors take center stage, draped over tender meats and served alongside warm tortillas that invite diners to savor every complex, smoky note. It is a soulful celebration of Oaxacan-inspired heritage, offering a fast-paced yet deeply authentic journey through the bold and storied heart of Mexican cuisine.
• Red Iguana 2 — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered chilies fill this lively destination, where the spirit of authentic Mexican tradition pulses through every corner of the bustling dining room. Velvety moles, layered with decades of family heritage and complex spices, take center stage alongside sizzling plates that celebrate the bold, soulful flavors of Mexico.
• Empanada Co. — Mexican: This vibrant neighborhood gem invites guests into a space filled with the irresistible aroma of buttery, hand-crimped pastries baking to a perfect golden crisp. Inside each flaky shell lies a world of bold, savory fillings that pair beautifully with zesty house-made sauces, offering a soulful and handheld dining experience that celebrates the art of the perfect pocket.
• Rio Grande Cafe — Mexican: This bustling sanctuary captures the soul of the borderlands, blending historic charm with a vibrant energy that pulses through its sun-washed dining room. Guests gather over overflowing plates of zesty, slow-simmered classics and sizzling platters, finding a welcoming retreat where the bold heat of hand-pressed chilies meets the cool, citrusy refreshment of a perfectly salted margarita.
• La Casa Del Tamal — Mexican: The air here is thick with the nostalgic aroma of steamed corn husks and slow-braised chilies, drawing guests into a lively space that celebrates the soulful heart of Mexican comfort food. Each hand-folded tamal reveals a treasure of tender masa and vibrant fillings, creating a sensory journey that honors tradition through every savory, spice-kissed bite.
• El Rocoto — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the zesty tang of fresh citrus define this lively Peruvian escape, where the air is thick with the aroma of searing wok-fired meats and piquant rocoto chilies. Diners gather around tables laden with crystalline ceviches and velvety, spice-kissed stews, savoring a bold fusion of flavors that captures the spirited heart of Andean tradition.
• Monarca — Mexican: Monarca unfolds like a golden sanctuary where the rich heritage of Mexican flavors is elevated through a lens of modern refinement and artistic presentation. Guests are swept away by a sensory journey of hand-pressed heirloom corn, complex moles, and the smoky allure of artisanal mezcal, all served within an atmosphere that hums with the elegant energy of a royal court.
• Roctaco — Mexican: This high-energy urban haunt transforms the traditional taco into a global masterpiece, where the air is thick with the scent of charred meats and exotic spices from every corner of the map. Hand-pressed tortillas serve as the canvas for a "freestyle" culinary journey, layering bold international flavors and vibrant textures into handheld works of art that defy convention.
• Muertos Cantina — Mexican: Vibrant murals and the soft glow of candlelight transform this spirited space into a festive sanctuary that honors the rich traditions of Mexican culture. The kitchen sends out plates of soul-warming fare where smoky chilies and bright citrus dance on the palate, perfectly paired with artisanal tequila infusions and hand-shaken cocktails. This lively cantina captures a sense of spirited celebration, inviting guests to linger over bold flavors in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and electric.
• Un Cafecito Coffee House — Mexican: This sun-drenched neighborhood gem invites guests into a world of aromatic bliss, where the deep, earthy notes of premium roasted beans harmonize with the cheerful hum of a community in motion. Whether cradling a velvety, perfectly frothed cappuccino or indulging in a flaky, house-baked treat, every visit feels like a cherished ritual designed to slow down time and awaken the senses.
• Mi Buena Vida Express — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the rhythmic sizzle of the grill set a festive stage at this lively eatery, where the essence of the "good life" is captured in every quick, flavor-packed bite. Zesty citrus and smoky chilies dance across the palate in a celebration of sun-drenched tradition, offering a spirited escape for those craving authentic warmth and soulful seasoning on the go.
• Mexitacos — Mexican: Mexitacos pulses with the vibrant energy of a sun-drenched street market, where the rhythmic sizzle of the plancha and the intoxicating aroma of charred chilies draw guests into a colorful, high-energy space. Hand-pressed tortillas serve as the canvas for a symphony of bold flavors, from succulent, slow-cooked meats to zesty house-made salsas that provide a bright, spicy kick to every bite. This lively neighborhood gem captures the soulful essence of authentic street food, offering a spirited escape where every meal feels like a festive celebration.
• Cielito Lindo Cafe — Mexican: Sunlight dances across colorful tiles in this inviting sanctuary, where the rhythmic press of handmade tortillas and the rich aroma of roasting chilies set a soulful tempo. Each plate is a vibrant celebration of heritage, layering bold spices and garden-fresh ingredients to create a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace from the heart of Mexico.
• Top Taco — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the irresistible aroma of charred meats and hand-pressed corn tortillas fill this lively haunt, where every bite celebrates the bold, sun-drenched spirit of street-style dining. Guests gather amidst a buzz of energy to savor tender fillings brightened by zesty house-made salsas, creating a sensory escape that feels like a perpetual neighborhood fiesta.
• Sushi Burrito — Japanese: Vibrant colors and bold textures collide at this high-energy eatery, where the precision of traditional sushi meets the satisfying, handheld convenience of a burrito. Pristine cuts of fish, crunchy tempura, and zesty house-made sauces are tucked into oversized nori wraps, creating a playful fusion of flavors that transforms a quick meal into a sensory adventure.
• Catrachos — Mexican: The air at Catrachos is thick with the savory scent of sizzling carne asada and sweet fried plantains, drawing guests into a vibrant space that hums with the warmth of Central American hospitality. Hand-stretched baleadas arrive pillowy and warm, filled with creamy beans and salty cheese, while colorful platters of crispy tajadas and slow-simmered meats celebrate the bold, soulful flavors of Honduras. It is a lively culinary escape where every bite feels like a home-cooked invitation to discover the rich traditions and sun-drenched spirit of the tropics.
• Las Islitas 2 Utah — Mexican: The air hums with the festive energy of a coastal fiesta, where vibrant decor and the spirited sounds of live music transport diners to the sun-drenched shores of Nayarit. Heaping platters of citrus-cured ceviche and fiery aguachiles arrive at bustling tables, bursting with the bright, briny flavors of the Pacific and the bold heat of traditional chilies. This lively sanctuary pairs oversized micheladas with shared plates of grilled snapper, creating a spirited atmosphere perfect for boisterous family gatherings and weekend celebrations.
• Mariscos Las Islitas De Las Vegas — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the spirited rhythm of live music transport diners to the sun-drenched shores of Nayarit, creating a festive oasis where the energy of a coastal celebration fills the air. Platters of citrus-cured ceviche and fiery aguachile arrive at communal tables alongside ice-cold micheladas, offering a bold symphony of spice and sea that captures the essence of traditional Mexican seafood. This lively destination invites guests to linger over buttery grilled catches and shared feasts, celebrating the rich, salt-kissed traditions of the Pacific coast right in the heart of the desert.
• South City Tacos — Mexican: South City Tacos pulses with a vibrant, urban energy where the rhythmic chop of fresh ingredients and the sizzle of seasoned meats on the plancha create a lively soundtrack for every meal. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle a kaleidoscope of bold flavors, from smoky charred proteins to zesty house-made salsas that burst with brightness and heat. It is a soulful neighborhood haunt where the air is thick with the aroma of toasted chilies, inviting guests to settle in for an authentic celebration of street-food artistry.
• Arempa's — Mexican: Arempa’s captures the vibrant spirit of Venezuelan street food, drawing guests in with the irresistible scent of toasted corn and the lively hum of a bustling kitchen. Golden, griddle-crisped arepas arrive steaming and overstuffed with everything from succulent pulled meats to cool, zesty slaw, offering a soulful dining experience that balances rustic tradition with bold, sun-drenched flavors.
• Blue Iguana — Mexican: Blue Iguana pulses with a vibrant, sun-drenched energy, where bold turquoise accents and eclectic decor transport diners to a lively coastal escape. The air is thick with the scent of charred peppers and fresh citrus as hand-shaken cocktails flow freely alongside plates that celebrate bold, zesty flavors and seasonal ingredients. It is a spirited sanctuary where the rhythmic hum of conversation and the warmth of the atmosphere turn every meal into a festive celebration.