The past several years, my father and I have made annual (and sometimes twice annual) pilgrimages to the genealogy capital of the world: Salt Lake City. While I can talk on and on about the amazing genealogical discoveries and connections we’ve made on our trips*, what I really want to share are some of the amazing restaurants we’ve found in SLC.
Best known for its appearance on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives TV show but already famous with locals, the Red Iguana is everything you want in a Mexican place: crisp salty chips, spicy salsa and fresh guacamole, sassy waitresses and out-of-this-world food. The wait can be long (though a midweek late lunch is usually no more than a 10-15 minute wait) but it’s worth it. My dad’s favorite is the Camerones Sonora with big juicy shrimp swimming in garlic and butter. On our last visit, we both devoured the Chicken Enchiladas Suizas with GF molé negro. They were the bomb! Don’t forget the margaritas - Ramon Jr.’s Caddie is our favorite. Be sure to ask for the free molé sampler plate to try all 7 (or is it 9?!) molé sauces.
Valter’s serves authentic traditional Tuscan food in a lively white tablecloth setting. I always expect to see a proposal at a nearby table though never have! The Tutta Pasta di Valter pasta sampler served tableside is very popular (though not gluten free ). I love the Pollo della Casa (tender chicken breast sautéed with capers, lemon & mushrooms) and my dad loves the veal scaloppine but the real reason you dine at Valter’s is Valter himself. It’s like dinner theatre watching him flit around the restaurant inspecting plates as they come from the kitchen and greeting guests. He’ll treat you like a long, lost friend and regale you with stories about Mama from the old country. It’s not to be missed! Be sure to reserve a table or prepare for a long wait.
We return to Copper Onion every trip because it is just that good! The Steak Salad, Copper Onion Burger and Cast Iron Mary’s Chicken are all favorites but my dad still can’t stop talking about the Wagyu Beef Stroganoff years later. Our first visit we sat at the chef’s counter and watched the kitchen staff perform their magic. Be sure to make reservations for dinner but you can usually walk in for a table at lunchtime. (I just read about their new companion bar next door, the Copper Common, with a full bar and limited menu - must try that next time!)
Siegfried’s Delicatessen serves heaping plates of traditional German fare in a casual setting. There’s always a queue and limited seating but you’ll be rewarded for your perseverance. I usually opt for Brats, fried potatoes and sauerkraut but the goulash is awfully tempting. There’s also a small grocery store, so you can stock up on German delicacies while you’re at it. 
