The epicenter of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) is the Salt Lake Temple in downtown Salt Lake City. This 10-acre complex includes a place of worship, two visitor centers and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The Utah restaurant scene has evolved to accommodate visiting Mormons from around the world, so travelers can find a variety of restaurants within five minutes of the LDS Temple Square.
Red Iguana operates three locations in Salt Lake City, including the original restaurant five minutes west of the temple. Appetizers include chili con queso and bay shrimp quesadillas. Diners can order Mexican specialties such as chicken tacos and chimichangas. House specials range from marinated chicken with chiles serranos to steak a la ranchera. The kitchen accommodates seafood lovers with grilled albacore tuna and tiger prawns. The gift shop sells shot glasses, stickers and aprons with the Red Iguana logo.
Red Iguana
736 W. N. Temple St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
801-322-1489
rediguana.com
Bambara serves weekday lunch and nightly dinner five minutes northwest of the temple. Diners can start with yellowfin tuna tartare and crispy fried calamari. Main courses include bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin and goat cheese gnocchi. The kitchen prepares blueberry trifles and profiteroles for the dessert menu. The 3 for $33 Dinner Special combines a salad, daily entree and sorbet for value-minded guests. Club Bambara is a 35-seat lounge with an extensive cocktail menu and soft lighting. Groups can choose from three banquet rooms for their private events.
Bambara
200 S. Main St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-363-5454
bambara-slc.com
Tucanos Brazilian Grill is located five minutes south of the Salt Lake Temple. Guests can eat at this casual restaurant for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. The kitchen prepares grilled dishes made with ingredients ranging from pineapple to beef brisket. Diners can also order skewers of lobster and shrimp. The dessert menu includes sweet dishes such as Brazilian flan and creme brulee. The bar serves pomegranate mojitos, Brazilian caipirinha and other specialty cocktails. The Tucanos Birthday Club offers free birthday meals and special discounts to its members.
Tucanos Brazilian Grill
162 S. 400 W.
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-456-2550
tucanos.com
Cucina Toscana offers dinner Monday through Saturday only five minutes south of the temple. Diners can start their meals with cannelini bean soup and other appetizers. The kitchen specializes in pasta entrees such as farfalle papalina and spaghetti carbonara. The menu also features hearty main courses such as chicken breast roulladine and salmon filet. Large groups can host parties and meetings in the 50-seat Limonaia Garden Room. The restaurant recommends advanced reservations due to limited seating in the main dining room.
Cucina Toscana
307 W. Pierpont Ave.
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-328-DINE (3463)
cucina-toscana.com
