Since 2010, this couple-owned local institution on East Broadway has been redefining what a downtown brasserie can be in Salt Lake City.
Chef Ryan Lowder and his team built The Copper Onion around locally sourced ingredients and house-made everything, from pasta to biscuits. 🍝
It’s the kind of restaurant that manages to feel both special-occasion worthy and completely unpretentious, which is exactly why it’s become one of the most beloved names in the city’s dining scene.
How The Copper won Salt Lake City’s hearts
Since opening in 2010, the restaurant has built a devoted following through its commitment to locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, with nearly every dish made in-house daily. 🌿
That dedication turned a downtown newcomer into a neighborhood fixture almost overnight, with locals returning week after week for the same comforting, well-executed plates.
Part of what makes this New American dining spot so special is how effortlessly it balances casual and elevated.
The weekend brunch crowd lines up for dishes that blend classic comfort with a chef’s touch, while the dinner menu leans into heartier, more refined fare. 🥞
The Copper Onion Burger has become something of a local legend, often mentioned alongside standout pastas like the Wagyu Beef Stroganoff as reasons regulars keep coming back.
That range, from a perfectly griddled burger to a beautifully composed pasta dish, has helped cement the restaurant’s reputation as one of the best places for a memorable meal downtown.
Add in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that never feels stuffy, and it’s easy to understand why The Copper Onion has become a go-to spot for both first dates and long-time regulars searching for the best restaurant in Salt Lake City.
Food Highlights
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The Copper Onion Burger: Grass-fed beef on a house bun with Tillamook cheddar, caramelized onions, iceberg lettuce, and duck fat aioli.
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Wagyu Beef Stroganoff: House-made pappardelle tossed with Snake River Farms wagyu beef, mushrooms, and crème fraîche.
- Patatas Bravas: Crispy potatoes tossed in a spicy aioli, a popular shareable starter.
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Ricotta Dumplings: Light ricotta dumplings finished with thyme, lemon, and shaved parmesan.
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Cacio E Pepe: Fettuccine tossed in brown butter with black pepper, scallion, and pecorino.
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Black Pepper Mussels: Mussels in a creamy pepper sauce with yuzu, served alongside house sourdough for dipping.
- Fried Chicken Sandwich: A house bun piled with fried chicken, bread, and butter pickles, chipotle aioli, and slaw.
- Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly: Slow-braised pork belly served as a savory small plate favorite among regulars.
Atmosphere
The Copper Onion carries a warm, brasserie-style energy that feels equally suited to a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner. 🕯️
The downtown space is lively but comfortable, with an easy hum of conversation that never feels overly formal.
Locals describe it as approachable and welcoming, a place where the food takes center stage without pretense.
It’s a spot that fits seamlessly into both weekday routines and special weekend plans.
Bottom Line
Come for the house-made pastas, stay for the legendary burger, and enjoy the warm brasserie charm. It’s downtown Salt Lake City’s most reliably excellent meal. 🧅🍷
Address:
111 East Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
📞 (801) 355-3282
🕔 Mon-Fri 11:30 AM–3 PM & 5 PM–10 PM, Sat-Sun 10:30 AM–3 PM & 5 PM–10 PM