City dwellers make the trek to “Utah’s Swiss Alps” for a few reasons: impressive views of Mt. Timpanogos, the Switzerland-themed craft fair held every summer, a dip in the state’s largest geothermal hot spring, and dinner at Midway Mercantile. Chef and owner John Platt has built a haven for diners craving comfort food with a twist—Thai-style mussels, Utah lamb shepherd pie and bison meatloaf, to name a few. “Midway Mercantile feels like coming home,” says panelist Avrey Evans. Each thoughtful dish is served with a smile—and often that smile is John’s. The omnipresent figure can be seen milling around the dining room, checking in with neighbors and stepping in frame for a foodie influencer snapping pics of their meals. midwaymercantile.com
Side Dish
The Main Street building was built in 1874 as a community food and supply store for decades. Over 140 years later, the Platt family is continuing the tradition of keeping the community well-fed and well-supplied with good humor.
This year’s 2026 Dining Awards is a showcase of the best experiences across Utah’s foodscape, and a reminder that each recommendation is a promise. A human-to-human promise. An assurance that a restaurant we say is amazing, is amazing. As you consider your next celebratory meal or casual weeknight outing, here’s your menu of Salt Lake’s 2026 gustatory darlings. The food is thoughtful, the hospitality is warm and the chefs care deeply about the dishes on your table.We promise.
