The Salt Lake Tribune recently listed its top ten patio dining spots with a city view.
My daughter Amy likes Calif Pizza Kitchen. On a trip to Hollywood, Calif., we ate at CPK and enjoyed the patio, it’s where she developed a love for the Marsala Marinara pasta dish. Now we make the dish at home, but once in awhile it’s fun to sit out at the Gateway and watch the diners. Also Rumbi Island Grill at the Gateway.
My other faves:
Caffe Molise, Tuscany, Log Haven, The Dodo. Drawbacks: rickety chairs or tables that teeter. I have actually goteen on my hands and knees and stuck a package of Kleenex under the leg of a teetery table.
Sun in your face.
Oppressive heat or wind.
Noise of traffic.
What’s great: The views. Sitting outdoors
Em’s Restaurant » This charming eatery on Capitol Hill has a shaded terrace that is big enough for pairs and large groups to dine next to each other without feeling cramped.
271 N. Center St., Salt Lake City; 801-596-0566. Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30 to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; www.emsrestaurant.com.
Green Pig Pub » The pub has Salt Lake City’s first rooftop patio, offering a view of City Hall and the Wasatch mountains. With a maximum capacity of just 50, it’s sure to be crowded on warm summer evenings.
31 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City. Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (open Sundays 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. once football season starts) Call 801-532-7441 or visit www.thegreenpigpub.com.
Café Trio Cottonwood/Downtown » Depending on your mood, both Café Trio locations offer fantastic patio dining. For beautiful river views and green landscapes, try Cottonwood. Head downtown for an urban garden feel.
Caffé Molise » In the summer, this Italian restaurant expands onto the brick courtyard of adjacent Dinwoody Plaza. The semi-secluded patio offers a bit of greenery and an urban feel.
55 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City; 801-364-8833. Monday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday to Thursday, 5:30 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Call 801-364-8833 or visit www.caffemolise.com.
The Dodo Restaurant » Regulars love the spacious south-facing patio, with great views of Sugar House Park and the Wasatch mountains. Awnings offer a welcome bit of shade.
1355 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City; 801-486-2473. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 801-486-2473 orwww.thedodo.net.
Fresco Italian Cafe » The tiny trellised patio offers a serene escape that invites diners to linger.
1513 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City; 801-486-1300. Monday to Thursday, 5 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m.;www.frescoitaliancafe.com; 801-944-8746.
Grappa Italian Cafe » Get a one-of-a-kind view of Park City’s Main Street from the patio of this historic building.
151 Main St., Park City. Open nightly, 5 to 9:30 p.m.; 435-645-0636;www.grapparestaurant.com.
Market Street Grill Cottonwood » Spacious patios and decks offer views of the Wasatch Mountains and Cottonwood Creek.
2985 E. Cottonwood Parkway, Cottonwood Heights. Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m. Call 801-942-8860 or visit www.ginc.com.
Ruth’s Diner » The patio at this legendary Emigration Canyon restaurant has recovered from last month’s flood and is ready for summer dining.
2100 Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake City; 801-582-5807. Daily, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; 801-582-5807; www.ruthsdiner.com.
Tuscany » This secluded patio lined with trees and ivy is comfortable and romantic.
2832 E. 6200 South, Holladay; 801-277-9919. Monday to Thursday, 5:30 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; 801-227-9919; www.tuscanyslc.com.