Discover the best seafood fine dining in Salt Lake City. From fresh oysters to lobster tails, explore the top upscale seafood restaurants in 2025.
🌊 Salt to Table: Exploring the Best Seafood Fine Dining in Salt Lake City
AI-generated for illustrative purposes.
Utah might be landlocked, but Salt Lake City’s seafood fine dining scene continues to grow with surprising depth and range. Thanks to daily fresh shipments, talented chefs, and a strong focus on quality sourcing, the city offers refined seafood experiences that rival coastal markets. From East Coast oysters and Mediterranean-style branzino to refined takes on classic lobster dishes, Salt Lake’s top restaurants are proving that great seafood isn’t limited by geography.
This guide highlights seven standout seafood-focused fine dining destinations in Salt Lake City for 2025. Each was selected based on public reception, menu execution, and overall dining experience, with a focus on consistency, service, and ingredient quality. For more options, explore our full Fine Dining in Salt Lake City roundup or browse Romantic Restaurants for upscale ambiance-driven meals.
For a full luxe experience, I recommend pairing this list with my broader Fine Dining in Salt Lake City roundup or dialing into Romantic Restaurants for ambiance-driven evenings.
Updated May 2025
Table of Contents
1. Urban Hill
📍 510 S 300 W Unit 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
🔗 urban-hill.com
Urban Hill is one of Salt Lake’s most talked-about new fine dining spots — and while it isn’t dedicated solely to seafood, its approach to ocean-focused dishes is exceptional. The restaurant features a curated oyster bar, a wood-fired grill, and a modern open-kitchen layout that elevates both presentation and flavor.
Popular dishes include the grilled scallops, which are fire-seared and plated with precision, and the seafood risotto, often noted for its rich saffron base, balanced seasoning, and generous portions of fresh shellfish. The raw bar also garners praise, particularly for its East Coast oysters served with a house-made mignonette.
The atmosphere is sleek and polished, with attentive service and thoughtful wine pairings — making Urban Hill a strong choice for seafood lovers seeking a refined, high-end experience without limiting themselves to a traditional seafood house.
Recommended Dishes:
- Grilled Scallops – Smoky, tender, and elegantly plated
- Seafood Risotto – Rich, balanced, and full of fresh shellfish
- East Coast Oysters – Chilled, briny, and well-presented
- Charred Lemon Broccolini – A perfect side with any fish dish
2. Current Fish & Oyster
📍 279 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
🔗 currentfishandoyster.com
Current is the gold standard for seafood fine dining in Salt Lake City. Housed in a historic building downtown, this industrial-chic space blends New England oyster bar aesthetics with a West Coast sense of refinement. It’s stylish without being snobby and elegant without overreaching.
I started with the grilled calamari—served with a citrus aioli and fresh herbs. It was smoky, tender, and perfectly bright. For the main, I had the whole branzino, pan-seared and served with roasted fennel and charred lemon. The skin was crisp, the flesh moist, and the flavors deeply layered.
Whether you’re doing a raw bar sampler, diving into Alaskan halibut, or sipping chardonnay with crab cakes, Current keeps its seafood consistently fresh, expertly seasoned, and thoughtfully plated. The ambiance makes it equally ideal for date night or business dinner.
Recommended Dishes:
- Grilled Calamari – Smoky, citrusy, and perfectly tender
- Whole Branzino – Crisp skin and flaky interior
- Raw Bar Sampler – Includes oysters, shrimp, and ceviche
- Chardonnay Pairing – Ask for their sustainable wine picks
3. Harbor Seafood & Steak Co.
📍 2303 Parleys Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
🔗 harborslc.com
Harbor feels like Salt Lake’s answer to a neighborhood coastal eatery—unpretentious but absolutely dialed in. Their seafood menu isn’t massive, but what they do, they do with excellence. This is comfort-focused seafood fine dining in Salt Lake City, served in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
On my last visit, I ordered the pan-seared scallops with corn puree and crispy shallots. The texture contrast was beautiful, and the flavor was buttery but light. I followed it up with their signature lobster mac & cheese, which I’ll admit was decadent enough to count as its own entrée. Add in a wine list that keeps things affordable but interesting, and you’ve got a true sleeper hit.
Harbor is perfect for those who want quality seafood without the ego. Great service, casual-chic interiors, and seriously tasty food.
Recommended Dishes:
- Pan-Seared Scallops – Crisped edges, creamy interior, and thoughtful sides
- Lobster Mac & Cheese – Rich, indulgent, and highly shareable
- Oyster Trio – A rotating sample of the best seasonal offerings
- Chardonnay or Rosé Pairing – Affordable and well-selected
4. RIME Seafood & Steak
📍 2300 Deer Valley Dr E, Park City, UT 84060
🔗 srdvdining.com/dining/rime
For those willing to take a quick drive to Park City, RIME is hands-down the most luxurious seafood fine dining experience within reach of Salt Lake. Set within the St. Regis Deer Valley, the setting is as impressive as the menu—with floor-to-ceiling windows, polished interiors, and snow-dusted views that feel straight out of a movie.
I splurged on the oysters and champagne tableside service for a special occasion, followed by their halibut with beurre blanc. The flavors were clean and elegant, and every detail—from the cutlery to the wine decanting—was handled with white-glove service.
If you’re looking for a luxury seafood dinner that doubles as an experience, this is where to go.
Recommended Dishes:
- Oysters & Champagne Service – Delivered table-side with ceremony
- Halibut with Beurre Blanc – Silky, bright, and plated like art
- Truffle Potatoes – Decadent and unforgettable
- Caviar Sampler – Available seasonally—ask your server
5. Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House
📍 4699 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
🔗 kimishouse.com
Kimi’s is where elevated seafood meets artistic flair. It’s Scandinavian-inspired in both design and flavor, making it one of the most distinct spots for seafood fine dining in Salt Lake City. Inside, expect modern lines, glowing candlelight, and a cozy bar that anchors the entire space.
I started with their West Coast oysters—fresh, creamy, and served with a Nordic twist: aquavit mignonette. Their cioppino was the showstopper for me, though—packed with clams, mussels, prawns, and flaky white fish in a saffron tomato broth. Deeply flavorful, rustic, and elegant all at once.
The vibe here is chic but warm. Perfect for date nights where you want something a little different, or for oyster lovers who appreciate a creative twist on the classics.
Recommended Dishes:
- West Coast Oysters – Chilled with house aquavit mignonette
- Cioppino – Rich, layered, and packed with fresh seafood
- Nordic Beet Salad – Earthy, bright, and beautifully plated
- Champagne Flight – A bubbly touch to pair with shellfish
6. Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar
📍 48 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
🔗 marketstreetgrill.com
Market Street Grill is an institution. It’s been serving fresh seafood in Salt Lake since 1980 and continues to set the standard for classic seafood fine dining in Salt Lake City. Think white tablecloths, black-tie servers, and a no-nonsense raw bar that delivers every time.
When I want a no-fuss, high-quality seafood meal, this is where I go. Their clam chowder is rich and comforting, the Dungeness crab is cracked tableside, and the trout almondine is a local favorite that’s perfectly pan-fried every time. It’s old-school done right.
You come here for consistency, service, and time-tested dishes that never go out of style.
Recommended Dishes:
- Clam Chowder – Creamy, classic, and loaded with clams
- Dungeness Crab – Steamed and cracked with lemon butter
- Trout Almondine – Light, flaky, and golden brown perfection
- Key Lime Pie – Tart, sweet, and the perfect closer
7. Felt Bar & Eatery
📍 Downtown Salt Lake City
🔗 No official site
Felt Bar is a newer addition to the seafood scene, but it’s already carved out a loyal following thanks to its cozy vibes and standout lobster roll. It’s not a full-service fine dining restaurant, but it still deserves a spot for upscale seafood dining in Salt Lake City—especially for couples looking for a dimly lit, intimate experience.
I came here on a rainy Tuesday and was blown away. The Connecticut-style lobster roll was buttery and packed with claw meat, served hot on a toasted brioche bun. Their wine list is tight but solid, and the candlelight makes the whole space feel more like a jazz club than a seafood joint.
It’s refined, romantic, and absolutely worth visiting when you’re craving seafood in a more relaxed yet elevated setting.
Recommended Dishes:
- Connecticut Lobster Roll – Rich, buttery, and overstuffed
- Tuna Crudo (rotating) – Clean, tart, and citrusy
- Garlic Fries – Salty, crisp, and absurdly addicting
- Natural Sparkling Wine – Ask what’s new—they rotate often
🌊 Salt Lake’s Seafood Scene: Landlocked, But Limitless
AI-generated for illustrative purposes.
What Salt Lake City lacks in ocean access, it more than makes up for in ambition and precision. From traditional oyster bars to alpine fine dining experiences with seafood flown in daily, the city is quickly becoming a serious player in the world of upscale fish and shellfish. Each restaurant listed here represents the best of seafood fine dining in Salt Lake City—and proves that high-end seafood doesn’t need a coastline to shine.
Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, let these spots introduce you to a new side of Utah’s culinary evolution. And if you want to explore deeper, don’t miss my full guides to Fine Dining in Salt Lake City, Romantic Restaurants, or Italian Fine Dining to round out your rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Seafood Fine Dining in Salt Lake City
Is Salt Lake City a good place for seafood?
Surprisingly, yes. Salt Lake’s top restaurants receive daily seafood shipments and work with sustainable distributors, making it a great place for high-quality seafood dishes.
What’s the best seafood restaurant for a romantic date in Salt Lake City?
Current Fish & Oyster, Felt Bar & Eatery, and Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House all offer romantic lighting, thoughtful presentation, and cozy ambiance.
Are there any luxury seafood options in Salt Lake City?
Yes—Urban Hill and RIME (in Park City) offer fine dining seafood experiences with white-glove service, raw bars, and chef-driven presentations.
What’s the best oyster bar in Salt Lake City?
Current and Market Street Grill are the city’s most established raw bars. For something more modern, Kimi’s offers Scandinavian-style twists.
Is seafood expensive in Salt Lake’s fine dining restaurants?
Expect entrées to range from $28–$65 at most places. Luxury add-ons like caviar, lobster, and champagne pairings can raise the bill, especially at RIME or Urban Hill.
About the Author
Ellie Maren is a Salt Lake native and mountain-coast contradiction—drawn equally to high desert hikes and chilled oyster platters. As the founder of UtahFoodReviews.com, she explores the spirit of place through food, documenting the evolving fine dining identity of Salt Lake City with clarity and curiosity. Whether she’s pairing bubbly with scallops or trekking from the Avenues to Park City, Ellie writes with a minimalist’s eye and a hedonist’s palate.
About This Guide
This article was created using a combination of public review data, social media content, restaurant menus, and location-specific research. Each listing was selected based on consistency of customer feedback, relevance to the category, and regional visibility at the time of publication. All content is curated and reviewed internally by the Utah Food Reviews editorial team.
For corrections, updates, or suggestions, contact us here.
