
4 minute read
Mr. Foodie: SW Utah Restaurant Reviews
TOP TWELVE: 2022
By Andy Margles
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TOP TWELVE: 2022
By Andy Margles
TOP TWELVE: 2022
The following is a list of my favorite local restaurants, not necessarily the fanciest, or most expensive. They are not in any particular order. Your opinion may be completely different from mine, but then, of course, you’d be wrong! (LOL). Hopefully you’ll try eateries that you’ve never even heard of before and have a wonderful new experience. If not, send me the bill (I won’t pay it).
The following is a list of my favorite local restaurants, not necessarily the fanciest, or most expensive. They are not in any particular order. Your opinion may be completely different from mine, but then, of course, you’d be wrong! (LOL). Hopefully you’ll try eateries that you’ve never even heard of before and have a wonderful new experience. If not, send me the bill (I won’t pay it).

WOOD-ASH-RYE (SG): Advenire Hotel restaurant, featuring tapas (small plates) for adventurous eaters only. Frequent menu changes. Cool bar and setting. Service can be sporadic.
HAWAIIAN POKE BOWL (SG): World class poke in St. George, Utah!! Owned and run by family of Hawaiian fishermen. Poke flown in fresh daily from The Big Island and hand cut by local owner. Reasonably priced, healthful and absolutely delicious! Try ahi tuna with any of several “sauces”. Décor pretty drab, but you can’t eat the atmosphere Hours: 11am until they run out of fish, so get there early for best selection A St. George institution.
HAWAIIAN POKE BOWL (SG): World class poke in St. George, Utah!! Owned and run by family of Hawaiian fishermen. Poke flown in fresh daily from The Big Island and hand cut by local owner. Reasonably priced, healthful and absolutely delicious! Try ahi tuna with any of several “sauces”. Décor pretty drab, but you can’t eat the atmosphere. Hours: 11am until they run out of fish, so get there early for best selection. A St. George institution.
PIG’S EAR BISTRO (Hurricane): Worth the drive, if just for the meaty, tender, juicy baby back ribs (best in the area and best I’ve ever had!). High quality proteins, sourced from the Midwest. Excellent burgers, fish, steaks, pork and more. The Cajun shrimp appetizer is so good, they should bottle and sell the sauce.
PIG’S EAR BISTRO (Hurricane): Worth the drive, if just for the meaty, tender, juicy baby back ribs (best in the area and best I’ve ever had!). High quality proteins, sourced from the Midwest. Excellent burgers, fish, steaks, pork and more. The Cajun shrimp appetizer is so good, they should bottle and sell the sauce.
VIVA CHICKEN (SG): One of only five in the country and only Utah location. Features Peruvian spiced rotisserie chicken and authentic side dishes (plantains are scrumptious) and Peruvian fruit drinks. Reasonable, healthful, unique and really tasty
HAWAIIAN POKE BOWL (SG): World class poke in St. George, Utah!! Owned and run by family of Hawaiian fishermen. Poke flown in fresh daily from The Big Island and hand cut by local owner. Reasonably priced, healthful and absolutely delicious! Try ahi tuna with any of several “sauces”. Décor pretty drab, but you can’t eat the atmosphere Hours: 11am until they run out of fish, so get there early for best selection A St. George institution.
RED FORT (SG): Traditional Indian restaurant, with good service and nice décor. Extensive, well- prepared menu uniformly good, so just try anything. Dinner only. (Wish they had a buffet lunch!)
PIG’S EAR BISTRO (Hurricane): Worth the drive, if just for the meaty, tender, juicy baby back ribs (best in the area and best I’ve ever had!). High quality proteins, sourced from the Midwest. Excellent burgers, fish, steaks, pork and more. The Cajun shrimp appetizer is so good, they should bottle and sell the sauce.
PAINTED PONY (SG): Most consistent, well- run, fine dining restaurant in town. Smooth, knowledgeable service. Traditional/modern American menu both approachable and complex. Colorado lamb chops and trout cake appetizer highlight diverse offerings. Nice wine list. Lunch reasonable. Classy joint!
BALCONY ONE (Virgin): $30,000 smoker produces one of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten: the dyno beef rib. Bigger than your head, juicy, tender, with incredibly flavorful bark. Get it or regret it! 10% off food for locals. Modern stagecoach depot décor, with artwork done by owner’s wife. Large, diverse menu. Great beef!
XETAVA (Ivins): Located in the Kayenta development and surrounded by art galleries and more. Unique, healthful food. Wild mushroom burger, (all mushrooms), is awesome. Lovely outdoor patio/garden with umbrellas and shade. Nice place to sit and relax and view spectacular red mountains surrounding Kayenta.
RYLU’S (Ivins): Husband and wife chef-owners, with farm- totable cooking. Frequent menu changes usually feature fish, chicken and veggie dishes. Wholesome, well prepared, delicious food. Beautiful presentation. Two chefs are better than one!
BENJA’S THAI (SG, 2 locations): Pretty standard Thai menu, but very well-made and tasty. Tom Kha Kai soup and khau soi special are standouts Curries great as well.
SAKURA (SG): High-quality sushi combined with Japanese steakhouse. Try the special combo rolls Kids love steakhousechef show. New building and lobby big upgrade over prior digs (check out gorgeous new exterior doors and “aquarium floor”) New location hard to find without GPS and parking inconvenient
1861 (Washington): Undiscovered gem! Yummy small plates of interesting, but very accessible food. Reasonably priced, healthful and delicious. Lovely décor. Located on grounds of Ovation Retirement Community, but NOT “old people food”! Black bass always delicious. Only open for dinner, Thu-Sat. Try it!
BEST OF THE REST:
Casa Tequilana (Leeds) (Mexican), Rusty Crab Daddy (SG) (seafood boils), Chef Alfredo (SG) (Italian), Aragosta (SG)(European), Cliffside (SG) (modern American) (great views!)
Agree? Disagree? Found a place that I should try? You can reach me at: Andymargles@gmail.com.