Every restaurant strives to be comfortable, welcoming, warm, yada, yada yada. Why is it that so many are not? Drew and Angie Fuller, however, succeed. The secret is not found in reams of survey data; it is merely this: “be nice.” It is, unfortunately, becoming a lost art in the age of screens and social media screeds. Fortunately, Drew is not on his phone checking his Fan Duel picks. He’s in the kitchen, and Angie isn’t scrolling her feed for health and wellness trends. She’s on the floor. “I think of Oquirrh as Salt Lake’s living room,” says panelist Jeremy Pugh. “Walking in is like that moment when you come home and unload from the day, only instead of burrowing into your couch and reaching for your phone, you’re reaching for a wine list and a menu.” Angie slides up and makes a couple of suggestions. Drew pops out of the kitchen door and gives you a wave. And instead of wondering what’s new on Netflix, you’re wondering what tonight’s special is. At our photo shoot, Drew was talking about the news that Michelin may start awarding stars in Utah, with a shrug, he says, “I worked in those kitchens. We’ve never wanted to be that. We want to be what we are.” Well. Drew, Angie, as Mr. Rogers said, “(We) love you just the way you are.” oquirrhslc.com
Side Dish
Four words—confit chicken pot pie—a confit chicken thigh rising out of a puff pastry filled with thyme, roux, mirepoix and oyster mushrooms. This most comforting of dishes has never left the menu, despite Drew’s attempts to remove it. But like Dad urging us to try something new, his attempts are in vain. We want the pot pie.
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.
