Today, The Tribune highlights the Top 10 restaurants that were visited by our reviewers in 2008.
It was easy to pick 10 of our favorite restaurants of the year. Each excels at providing diners with well-executed food and professional service. Here's to another batch of great restaurants in 2009.
At Pho Green Papaya , pho -- bowlfuls of delicious spice-inflected beef broth, delicate rice noodles and thin slices of beef, ranging from the familiar (rib-eye and fatty brisket) to the temptingly adventurous (tripe) -- is not only the namesake, but also the house specialty. Many of Pho Green Papaya's other Vietnamese offerings exemplify what I love about Vietnamese cuisine: fresh flavors from fresh ingredients which, when done correctly, can be an antidote for anyone tiring of Thai, but has a passion for Thai basil and lemon grass.
Notable dishes » Fried quail appetizer ($4.50), salt baked sea bass ($10.95).
In the past, Takashi has not been my number one choice -- or even two -- for sushi. But after a revisit, which included spectacular food and impressive surroundings, Takashi has moved to the top of my list. The high-quality fish is neither too cold nor too warm and sushi rice is cooked and seasoned just right. Sushi chefs are professional and precise. You'd be wise to let them make recommendations.
Notable dishes » Tempura-fried shishito peppers ($5 each), sashimi combination (Pacific mackerel, seared albacore, squid and salmon, 10-piece, $13.95; 15-piece, $21.50), torched sablefish ($5.95).
When Chanon Thai Café first opened on this stretch of 900 South and 300 East, it immediately became a hit, thanks to more-than-reasonable pricing and great flavor (a party of six can eat well for about $90). But there were some complaints about awkwardly paced meals, slow check service and long waits to have your order taken. But all that has changed. These folks are just plain nice. No wonder they have such die-hard, loyal fans. Even with a fairly large dinner menu, the kitchen's technique is impeccable. Chanon's spice levels are more Thai than American, which suited us. If you still think you can't handle it, go mild.
Notable dishes » Massaman curry (beef, chicken, pork or tofu, $8.95), tofu tod ($4.95), fried bananas, mango with sticky rice ($4.95).
Though Fresco Italian Café isn't on Italian soil, it pays respect to the culture's variety of flavors, artisanal products and creativity borne from the seasons. It isn't what you would call grandmotherly cuisine. Both Fresco's tiny farmhouse-style dining room and trellised patio are an ideal escape. The small service team's performance is as tight as the tiny venue. They know the menu inside out. Though the menu is concise, I still worry about its consistency in quality. For the time being, though, I'll stay optimistic.
Notable dishes » Robiola cheesecake ($8), lobster herb sauced spaghettini special ($25) heirloom tomato "soup" with buffalo mozzarella tortellini ($10).
I feel confident in saying that Pizzeria 712 is extraordinary. The dining room, with a clean modern feel, is cozy with a wood-fired oven in full view, but not contrived with its color palette and choice of flatware. The menu is concise yet varied, every item triggering a bit of salivation when read and nods of approval when consumed. In other words, Pizzeria 712 is doing things right. A place like this proves that when you serve good food that's high quality and/or seasonal and simply prepared, people enjoy it. Pizzeria 712's inevitable challenge and potential flaw is keeping consistent as its crowds grow; as I think they undoubtedly will.
Notable dishes » Pizza margherita ($9.50), wild mushroom, caramelized leeks and house-made ricotta pizza ($11.50), braised beef short rib ($8), panna cotta ($7).
Left Fork Grill has pies -- and lots of 'em. Each daily selection (of which there are at least five) is made fresh from scratch every morning. But pies aren't all that Left Fork Grill has to offer in terms of good food. Chef-owner Jeff Masten makes classic comforting diner fare that's executed exceptionally well. His approach to food proves that when it's done well, people will come, eat it and come back. And with prices like these at this sort of quality, it's worth working your way through the lunch menu. Oh, and remember to leave room for pie.
Notable dishes » Corned beef hash ($7.99), braised lamb shank ($11.99), wienerschnitzel ($11.99), meatloaf ($7.99-$8.99), open-face steak sandwich ($9.99), any pie.
I had heard from friends and colleagues that the notoriously long waits at Red Iguana , an institution in Salt Lake City for more than two decades, seemed shorter lately and the food was not as good. They were wrong on the first observation. My dining companions and I waited for 45 minutes on a recent weeknight at the venerable Mexican restaurant. What about the alleged declining food? Wrong again. The food was great and I would have waited even longer to eat the delicious Mexican fare.
Notable dishes » Margaritas ($5.25-$6.25), puntas de filete a la norteña ($13.40), encurtidos ($5.95).
I can't get enough of the tortillas at Julia's . Hot, soft and as pliable as silk handkerchiefs, the tortillas at Julia's I consider restorative. In short, Julia's is a hole-in-the-wall. The menu is small and specializes in "comida casera" -- home cooking at affordable prices. Families eat here, as do mechanics and the odd gringo who's been hoarding this delicious secret to himself. It's important to note they all pay with cash, as Julia's does not take credit cards. Be aware that the food comes with a generous helping of heat, a big plus in my book.
Notable dishes » Costillas de puerco ($10.50), bistek ranchero ($10.50), huevos rancheros ($5.25), menudo ($7.25), chiles rellenos ($9.75) and enchiladas ($7.50), tortillas.
I can't stop thinking about the pizza crust at Rusted Sun Pizzeria . Sturdy and thin in the middle and not shatteringly crisp at its edges, the crust is just right, like an artisan ciabatta loaf. While the Wasatch Front has plenty of pizza joints, Rusted Sun is a standout. Choose from 11 signature pizzas or design your own with the 33 toppings and six sauces -- marinara, barbecue, buffalo sauce, alfredo, pesto and olive oil. Select either a 12-inch or 16-inch or enjoy the calzone. Just when I was burned out with my current pizza place, I've found one that is even better, and with a crust that's just as good the next day.
Notable dishes » Buffalo chicken appetizer ($6.75), calzones ($6-$8.75), "round up," with barbecue sauce, mozzarella, chicken, bacon, red onion, red bell pepper and kickin' buffalo sauce.
The bitter cold has a way of painfully amplifying things. It's around this time of year when your tummy doesn't merely grumble, it thunders. Tin Angel Café is the antidote. The dining area is cozy and -- especially when it's full -- warm in temperature and color as the walls are slathered in various saturated hues. The service is straightforward and amiable in a genuine way. And the food is unfussy with a bit of flair. The owners strive to use as much as they can of local, organic and seasonal goods from neighborhood purveyors. Never outrageously portioned, it's still generous and belly-filling for the low temperatures. Admittedly, Jerry Liedtke's menu sits on the pricier side, but considering the effort he and sous chef Casey Schulte go to for ingredients, I can reconcile the numbers. Who am I to argue with a local restaurant using goods from other local businesses?
Notable dishes » Harissa-glazed pork with persimmon chutney ($24), Gorgonzola, poached pears and candied almonds salad ($8), bread pudding of the day ($6), Gorgonzola gnocchi appetizer ($8).
Top restaurants
Chanon Thai Café » 278 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City; 801-532-1177. Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Monday to Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m.
Fresco Italian Café » 1513 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City; 801-486-1300. Saturday to Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Julia's » 51 S. 1000 West, Salt Lake City; 801-521-4228. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Left Fork Grill » 68 W. 3900 South, South Salt Lake; 801-266-4322. Monday to Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pho Green Papaya » 2000 W. 3500 South, West Valley City; 801-886-1548. Sunday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pizzeria 712 » 320 S. State St., Ste. 147, Orem; 801-623-6712. Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 3 p.m.; 5 to 11 p.m.
Red Iguana » 736 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City; 801-322-1489. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rusted Sun Pizzeria » 2010 S. State St., Salt Lake City; 801-483-2120. Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m.
Takashi » 18 W. Market St., Salt Lake City; 801-519-9595. Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 5:30 to 11 p.m.
Tin Angel Café » 365 W. 400 South, Salt Lake City; 801-328-4155. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 5 to 10 p.m.
