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Murray Journal

A culinary tour of Murray: The ultimate guide to dining across cuisines

Oct 12, 2023 12:59PM ● By Shaun Delliskave

Garden Espresso sits off Vine Street in a renovated old cottage. (Photo courtesy of Garden Espresso)

Where should we go to dinner? A common question in Murray. This guide compiles insights from TripAdvisor, Yelp and Google Reviews, featuring the best that Murray has to offer across various cuisines and dining styles.

Before exploring Murray, Utah’s top restaurants, let’s quickly unpack our data sources. TripAdvisor is known for its extensive travel and restaurant reviews, offering a global perspective. Yelp zeroes in on local businesses and is popular for its detailed reviews and photos. Google Reviews, integrated into Google’s search platform, gives quick, at-a-glance ratings that often appear first in search results. Together, these platforms provide a well-rounded snapshot of the best dining spots in Murray, useful for both locals and visitors alike.

None of these polls would be considered scientific in polling but rather what represents attitudes of those who voluntarily respond on these websites.

Asian Cuisine is Supreme

The Tea Rose Diner (65 E. 5th Ave.) stands out as a culinary gem in Murray, earning accolades across multiple review platforms. On TripAdvisor, it holds the enviable position of being the top-rated restaurant in the city, boasting a 4.5 rating based on 65 reviews. The diner specializes in Asian and Thai cuisines, setting it apart as the No. 1 choice for Asian food in Murray, according to TripAdvisor users. What is not certain is where Murray’s most popular eateries will go when the city’s downtown plans take shape, as locations might be forced to change. 

Additionally, Tea Rose Thai Express (6014 State Street) has garnered attention on Yelp with a 4.6 rating from seven reviews, especially noted for its cozy atmosphere and Thai noodle offerings.

Aroon Thai Kitchen, JINYA Ramen Bar, Thai Time - Murray, and Keyaki Sushi each offer unique culinary experiences in Murray, capturing high praise across different review platforms. Aroon Thai Kitchen (548 W. 4500 South) reigns supreme on Google Reviews with a 4.9 rating from 392 reviews, showcasing its Thai cuisine. Thai Time - Murray is another standout in the Thai cuisine scene with a 4.8 Yelp rating based on 32 reviews. The restaurant has been praised for its authentic Thai spices and mango sticky rice. 

JINYA Ramen Bar (5905 S. State Street) specializes in Japanese, Asian and soup dishes and is a contender on TripAdvisor. On TripAdvisor, it ranks as the second-best restaurant in Murray with a 4.5 rating from 52 reviews. Keyaki Sushi (167 W. 4500 S. Frontage Road) is another Japanese favorite, impressing with a 4.8 Yelp rating from 37 reviews and a 4.9 on Google Reviews from 107 reviewers. This high score is particularly noteworthy given that the restaurant doesn’t front any major street but sits on the south frontage road of 4500 South.

Soys Sushi Bar (4923 S. State Street) makes TripAdvisor’s top 10, rounding out a diverse and high-quality Asian cuisine scene in Murray.

International Flair

Brio Italian Grille (Fashion Place Mall) and the now-closed Celeste Ristorante were both go-to spots for Italian cuisine in Murray. Brio specializes in Italian and European dishes, ranking third on TripAdvisor’s list with a 4.0 rating based on 197 reviews. On the other hand, although Celeste Ristorante has closed its doors, it used to be another cornerstone in the local Italian food scene. While Brio continues to satisfy the local appetite for Italian fare, the closure of Celeste Ristorante marks the end of an era for some local foodies.

Beloved Italian eatery Italian Village (5370 S. 900 East) scored strongly but not enough to crack the top 10 of the three lists.

The closure of Celeste Ristorante marked the end of a culinary chapter in Murray, but Bombay Palace’s (5468 S. 900 East) arrival has written the beginning of a new one. Taking over the location once occupied by Celeste, Bombay Palace brings a different set of flavors to the table, specializing in Indian cuisine. The restaurant has distinguished itself with a near-perfect rating of 4.9 on Google Reviews based on 93 reviews and holds a 4.6 rating on Yelp from 13 reviews. 

San Diablo Artisan Churros (231 W. 4500 S. Frontage Road) adds more ethnic flavors to Murray’s culinary tapestry. Specializing in artisan churros, the place has taken this classic Spanish and Latin American treat to new heights. With a high Google rating and a 4.7 rating on Yelp based on 142 reviews, it’s become a go-to spot for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth with its unique and customizable churro options. Operating on a takeout and delivery-only model, San Diablo’s does not take reservations.

Taste rather than ambiance might best describe La Cocina De Mama Hila (4489 S. Century Drive), which offers traditional Mexican cuisine that resonates with authenticity. The diner resides within the Texaco station at 4500 South. With a Google rating of 4.8, diners are captivated by the restaurant’s rich flavors and its famous shrimp cocktails.

Casual Dining

East Coast Subs (6056 S. State Street) and Karroo are establishments that have quickly made a name for themselves, especially in the sandwich arena. With a Google rating of 4.7, East Coast Subs offers a variety of sandwiches that conjure the flavors and styles of East Coast sandwiches. Karroo (4700 S. 900 East), another highly-rated sandwich shop with a 4.7 Google rating, is known for its well-executed sandwich selections that leave customers coming back for more. 

Wriggles Wraps (43 E. 5900 South) has also captured the attention of locals and visitors alike. Specializing in wraps and salads, their highly customizable menu allows patrons to tailor their meals according to preference. On Yelp, Wriggles holds a 4.6 rating based on 234 reviews, indicating its popularity and broad appeal. The establishment also offers outdoor seating, delivery and takeout options.

FishOn Bistro (4700 S. 900 East) is a lesser-known but highly rated spot specializing in fish and chips. Its quiet ambiance makes it the place for a low-key, quality meal. Visitors have praised the restaurant for its cleanliness and friendly staff. The restaurant holds a 4.7 Yelp rating from 25 reviews.

Café Bistro, Nordstrom Department Store’s café in Fashion Place Mall, also ranks among the popular eateries in the area. On Yelp, it has a 4.5 rating based on 60 reviews and offers delivery and takeout options.

New to the list is Garden Espresso (917 Vine Street). It has a 4.6 rating on Yelp based on 20 reviews.

Pub Grub

Starting with Red Rock Place (Fashion Place Mall), the restaurant enjoys a 4.0 rating on TripAdvisor and ranks as the No. 1 bar in Murray. Known for its American cuisine, the venue also serves as a brew pub, crafting an array of beers that pair with its diverse menu.

Prohibition (151 E. 6100 South) makes a strong impression with another 4.0 on TripAdvisor. Specializing in cocktail bars and gastropubs, Prohibition is celebrated for its high-quality drinks and brunch options. The ambiance receives particular praise, creating a speakeasy-like atmosphere that makes for a memorable dining and drinking experience. 

New on the scene, Gordo’s Tacos and Beer (5470 S. 900 East) also makes an impression with a Yelp rating of 4.7 from 110 reviews. Specializing in tacos and beer, it’s made the most of a simple combination. 

Tried-and-True Brands

The Cheesecake Factory (Fashion Place Mall) may be a national chain, but it has maintained a solid reputation, earning a 3.5 rating on TripAdvisor from 270 reviews. It’s the No. 3 American restaurant (TripAdvisor) in Murray and offers a voluminous menu that spans from pasta to burgers, and of course, their famous cheesecakes. Indeed, this location made headlines for selling one particular menu item more than any of its 323 worldwide restaurants—cheesecake, go figure.

Well known for its bright, ever-present food trucks, CupBop (Fashion Place Mall) offers a sit-down restaurant experience for its Korean barbecue in a cup and has received high praise, with a 4.7 Google rating based on 1,925 reviews. The restaurant offers a modern atmosphere complete with food truck vibes, black and yellow interiors and outdoor seating. 

Cafe Zupas (5157 S. State Street) ranks high on TripAdvisor and is popular for its soups and American cuisine. With a 4.0 rating, the cafe is lauded for offering healthy and fresh ingredients, setting it apart as an excellent option for the health-conscious diner.

Finally, let’s talk about Chuck-A-Rama (6363 S. State Street), a spot for those who can’t quite decide what they’re in the mood for. With a 4.0 TripAdvisor rating from 42 reviews and an affordable price, this buffet-style restaurant has a little bit of everything.  λ