Just a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City, Moab is the gateway city to the popular Arches National Park and nearby Canyonlands National Park. While the Eastern Utah town is small, it is a gorgeous destination with a lot to do. Visitors may come for the national parks, but there is much more to do, including hiking, mountain biking, four-wheeling, camping, ziplining, or river rafting.
While Moab may be a small town, it’s got quite a food scene, from food trucks to fine dining and everything in between. Most of the popular restaurants in Moab are on Main Street, with a few just off the main thoroughfare. With Moab less than 5 square miles, finding good food won’t take long.
Spring and fall are the most popular times to travel to Moab, followed by summer. Just a note, many restaurants in Moab temporarily close during the winter, so your options from December through February may be more limited.
Keep reading to discover our list of the best restaurants in Moab! Whether you’re looking for a cup of coffee and pancakes or Moab’s best lunch or dinner, we’ve got you covered.
Best Moab Restaurants
1. Milt’s Stop and Eat
Address: 356 S Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532
This delicious drive-up stand has served locals and tourists for almost seventy years. Located just off the main road, Milt’s Stop and Eat offers delicious shakes, burgers, tater tots, and fries.
Their peach and raspberry shakes are a nice way to cool down after a morning of adventure or a great way to start your afternoon! They also offer Buffalo burgers, grilled sandwiches, and salads if you’re trying to watch your figure.
You can expect at least a short line whenever you go, but the deliciousness is worth it. Eat at the counter or order takeout, you can’t go wrong with Milt’s.
See Related: Best Restaurants in Ogden, Utah
2. Doughbird
Address: 125 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Doughbird is one of those places you can roll in at 7 am for a Cubano coffee and a birthday cake or key lime pie donut, then come back for lunch for a fried chicken sandwich. If you like spicy stuff, get the “melt your cluckin’ face off” sauce- it may make your eyes water and your nose burn, but it’s worth every tear.
The chicken sandwiches are served on a soft bun that feels like a pillow and topped with tangy pickles and cole slaw. With a side of waffle fries, this combo is dreamy.
Their menu isn’t extensive, but it doesn’t need to be. When you have perfected donuts and chicken, what else do you need? Doughbird consistently ranks as one of the top Moab restaurants, and it’s no surprise why.
3. Quesadilla Mobilla
Address: 95 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
You can get a standard quesadilla anywhere, but you will find delicious and fresh super-stuffed quesadillas at Quesadilla Mobilla. This gourmet food truck serves quesadillas that are both filling and totally scrumptious.
Located on the side of Main Street, Quesadilla Mobilla is almost always busy, but don’t let that stop you from coming here. The wait is worthwhile, with options like the Southern Belle, which includes red chili beef, sweet potatoes, onions, and corn, and the Sweet and Spicy, which has sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, black beans, spinach, and green chiles.
My #1 is the traditional cheese quesadilla. Yummers.
Whether you start your adventurous day here or end it, you won’t regret it. While the menu isn’t extensive, it has enough options to suit any palate!
See Related: Where To Stay In Moab, Utah: Best Areas & Places
4. Moab Garage Co
Address: 78 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Just looking at the drool-worthy breakfast and lunch menu is enough to make one immediately hangry! You can start your day with an Americano and a Smothered Mother Burrito or Croque Monsieur (or a parfait if you’re feeling healthy). Or, stop by Moab Garage for lunch and enjoy a Berry and Feta salad or Turkey Gouda Sammich.
This small, casual eatery is one of the best restaurants in Moab and offers something for everyone. You can order lighter fare or enjoy some of the more…filling…dishes. Whichever way you go, you might purchase some Moab Garage merch before you leave to remember its goodness long after you’ve left.
5. Cafe Italiano
Address: 83 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532 and 100 W 200 S, Moab, UT 84532
Need a bit of pep in your step or a hefty caffeine bump? Don’t miss Cafe Italian, downtown Moab’s bright green food truck! Start your day with fresh squeezed orange juice and a breakfast panini, or have an Americano and a double English muffin.
This food truck is conveniently located on Main Street and can start your day with fresh and delicious food prepared in minutes. Plus, unlike most food trucks, they’re available for delivery too!
See Related: Best Places to Visit in Utah & Things To Do
6. Zax Restaurant
Address: 96 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Zax is one of the many downtown Moab restaurants on our list, having been a Moab mainstay for over two decades! This pizzeria is the perfect place to pick up a take-and-bake pizza if you’d rather eat in your vacation rental or condo, but you can also dine in. The restaurant offers exceptional views, great food, and friendly service.
Although pizza is one of their specialties, they also offer steaks, pasta dishes, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and soups. For example, you can try the Lemon Herb Encrusted Salmon, the Steak Pasta, Greek Salad, or the Bavarian Burger.
There’s something at Zax Restaurant to please every palate, and the combined location and service are the cherry on top. Whatever you order, you’ll likely be a fan for life. Zax rules.
7. Desert Bistro
Address: 36 S 100 W, Moab, UT 84532
While many of the establishments on our list are meant to refuel and recharge dirt-covered patrons, this fine-dining restaurant is different. You’ll likely want to shower before heading here and maybe even wear something nice.
Desert Bistro serves French cuisine with a Southwestern twist. You’ll find fresh seafood on the menu (flown in from the coast), and nightly game specials like a pan-seared elk chop served with an espresso-balsamic reduction. Other mouthwatering options include Duck Confit with an ancho-habanero demi-glace and Hand-made Agnolotti Pasta filled with parmesan, asiago & truffled mushrooms.
This upscale French bistro has an extensive wine list and a full bar. Once you take your first bite of the freshly baked bread and/or delicious entrees, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best restaurants in Moab!
See Related: Best Restaurants in St. George, Utah
8. Antica Forma
Address: 267 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Antica Forma is one of the most popular downtown Moab restaurants, with authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. Not only are most of the ingredients imported from Italy, but they also ordered the oven from Naples. In addition, the mozzarella is made and stretched in-house every day!
To say that you won’t find another pizza like this in the area is an understatement. This genuine Napoli-style pizza is a hidden gem in Moab, and you might pass by it thinking it’s just another pizza place.
Although the menu offers many things, the Antica Forma pizza is the prize-winning menu item! Try their Pizza Primavera, La Nonna, or the Margherita. Or do what I do, order a few, and share with the table – or myself.
9. Thai Bella
Address: 218 N 100 W, Moab, UT 84532
Thai Bella is a complete surprise in the middle of the Utah desert with its delicious contemporary Thai food. While it’s not a fine dining restaurant, the food, and presentation are top-notch.
Some of their Thai specialties include Sweet Basil Mussels, Thai Basil, Red Curry, and Choo Chee. You can also start with some Tom Yum soup and fried dumplings. You’ll love the authentic flavors of Thailand mixed with jasmine rice.
While dining in is preferable so you can enjoy the gorgeous presentation, they also offer carryout.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, Utah
10. Jailhouse Cafe
Address: 101 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Jailhouse Cafe, aptly named after Moab’s County Courthouse, originally housed in the building, is now known as “Moab’s Breakfast Place.” This historic diner offers breakfast, coffee, and friendly service.
The popular spot was built in the 1800s, but the menu items are a bit more modern. Some customer faves include Swedish pancakes, the Chorizo Scramble, and the Eggs Benedict.
You might find a wait at this local favorite, so head there early for a good spot and hot coffee. Whatever breakfast item you order will set your day on the right track! Buy some Jailhouse Cafe merch on your way out to support one of the best restaurants in Moab!
11. Sultan Mediterranean Grill
Address: 574 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Sultan Mediterranean Grill may be a new addition to the Moab culinary scene, but it’s already making a splash. This Mediterranean eatery focuses on Greek and Lebanese cuisine.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, so you can grab a bite to eat to start or end your day on the red rocks. Lunch specials include various pitas (try the Falafel Pita!) and a lunch bowl, but you can order anything from the menu. Start with spicy hummus, babganoush, or falafel, then enjoy Stuffed Eggplant, a Gyro Platter, or a Grilled Lamb Chop.
They also offer lighter fare and vegetarian options, but no matter what you order, it will be yummy, fresh, and presented beautifully.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Orem, Utah
12. Moab Diner
Address: 189 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
The generous portions, great service, and homemade meals make Moab Diner one of the best restaurants in town, so much so, that they slapped the name on it. This full-service eatery offers homemade baked goods, a great breakfast, and a solid lunch.
The charming retro vibe and all-day breakfast draw customers to the diner all day. While other restaurants may serve traditional pancakes, the Moab Diner turns it up a notch, offering pancakes with caramelized pecans.
Oh! The chile sauce! Once you’ve tried their green chile sauce, you’ll be hooked. Unfortunately, they don’t sell it in stores, so you’ll have to make another trip to Moab. Shucks.
13. Sabaku Sushi
Address: 90 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532
While you probably don’t think of sushi when you think of Moab, this sushi restaurant brings in fresh fish several times a week, making this one of the best restaurants in Moab. “Sabaku” means “desert” in Japanese, which is exactly where this restaurant is located.
Now that’s some dry humor. But don’t let that fool you!
Not only does Sabaku Sushi have some of the freshest fish available for sushi and sashimi, but they also offer house-made anago and tamago. If you’re a sushi snob, it’s worth checking out this highly-rated sushi joint. You may just be surprised! They also have a gluten-free tempura batter for those with gluten sensitivities.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Hurricane, Utah
14. Sunset Grill
Address: 900 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
As the oldest restaurant in Moab, Sunset Grill offers patrons a classy experience with mountaintop views. Thirty years in business since 1993, this upscale dining locale offers steak and seafood with several seating areas. Not only is it some of the best food in Moab, but it also has outdoor seating!
Entrees include Snake River Trout, Grilled Ahi Tuna, Rustler Prime Rib, and Shrimp Scampi. You can’t leave without trying one of their housemade desserts like their Chocolate Souffle, Razzleberry Pie, or Creme Brulee.
They also offer a good selection of local and regional wines, beers, and rare spirits for the discerning. You’ll undoubtedly enjoy the tasty food, great service, and fantastic views here. While the restaurant may not rival fine dining establishments in major cities, it’s easily one of the best Moab restaurants for big dinners and good times.
15. The Broken Oar
Address: 53 W 400 N, Moab, UT 84532
This family-owned restaurant offers Moab patrons high-quality BBQ, seafood, steaks, and pasta. The casual and rustic atmosphere at the Broken Oar is a perfect way to end your day exploring the national parks.
Start with delicious cheese curds (they’re so good you may think you’re in Wisconsin for a minute!) and a bowl of their signature sweet potato fries. Their menu is fairly extensive, so you may have trouble deciding what to eat. For something unique, try one of their street food mashups like Class III Hotdog Sliders (hot dogs topped with mustard, pulled pork, and brisket) or the Fish Towers Tacos (fish tacos with jalapeno coleslaw and cilantro).
The options are near endless, from mouthwatering burgers to steaks, to pasta and primo BBQ. Whatever you order, you’ll be an immediate fan. Plus, you can book them out for private events and hoard all that goodness for yourself!
See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Kanab, Utah
16. Josie Wyatt’s Grille
Address: 99 N 100 W, Moab, UT 84532
This restaurant may be one of the newest to enter the Moab culinary scene, but it’s already popular. In the Hoodoo, Moab’s only 4-Diamond hotel, Josie’s is like a fine steakhouse with a southwestern twist. While steak is the thing to order here, they also offer salmon, pork, chicken, and vegetables, prepared to perfection.
Their menu isn’t extensive, but it’s just right. Start with a Crab Cake or Sriracha Shrimp to get your taste buds going.
There are many steaks to choose from, including the USDA Prime Ribeye Steak and the 10oz Hand-cut Filet. But the icing on the cake is the sauce on the steak- order the horseradish creme fraiche, chimichurri, or Madeira demi-glace to top your gorgeous steak.
17. The Blu Pig
Address: 811 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
This Moab barbecue restaurant is famous for its live music, slow-smoked meats, and indigo lights. At the Blu Pig, they smoke their ribs and tri-tips over low fire for hours, producing juicy and “fall off the bone” meat. Not only do they use local fruitwood to enhance the flavor, but they also make their own brine, rubs, and sauces in-house.
Start with their Pig Wings (fried pork shanks – they are fire) or Cripsy Battered Green Beans, but save room for one of their entrees like their Prime Rib Philly or BBQ meat combos. Moab offers a few different BBQ restaurants, but the Blu Pig is the best place to stop for a meal after an outdoor adventure. Not only is the food top-notch, but so is the Smoked Pecan Pie.
See Related: Best Day Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah
18. Pasta Jay’s
Address: 4 N Main Street, Moab, UT 84532 (inside Best Western)
Pasta Jay’s is the place to go in downtown Moab if you’re looking for a casual Italian eatery that serves pasta dishes, thin-crust pizzas, and sizeable portions.
You can eat Jay’s Roman Orgy, a hearty pizza with pepperoni, sausage, salami, peppers, olives, and mushrooms, Rigatoni pasta with Alfredo Sauce, or their Gnocchi with pesto cream sauce. While pizza is the big hit at this casual restaurant, the other options are just as delicious.
In fact, the sauce is so good that you may want to buy some to take home – which you can! Options include Creamy Tomato (my favorite), Tomato Basil, and Classic Marinara.
Related Resources
