Best Restaurants in St. George, Utah — A Local Guide
St. George has quietly become one of the best dining destinations in Southern Utah. Whether you are fueling up before a Zion hike, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something delicious after a long day exploring, the restaurants in St. George offer far more variety and quality than most visitors expect. This guide covers the best restaurants in St. George that locals actually recommend — not just the tourist traps on St. George Boulevard.
Best Mexican Restaurants in St. George
Southern Utah has a thriving Mexican food scene, and St. George leads the way. La Fonda Mexican Grill is a longtime local favorite known for generous portions, authentic recipes, and some of the best enchiladas in town. For a more upscale take on Latin cuisine, check out Angelica's Mexican Grill or Durango's. If you are in Hurricane, Hot Mamas Thai and Mexican serves an unexpected but beloved fusion of Thai and Mexican dishes that has earned a cult following throughout Washington County.
Italian & Pizza
Nonna Ina Italian Kitchen in Washington is widely considered the best Italian restaurant in the St. George area, featuring handmade pastas and Old World recipes in a cozy family atmosphere. For pizza specifically, Riggatti's Wood-Fired Pizza, Pizzeria Limone, and Two Bear Pizza all deliver excellent pies. Whether you prefer thin crust, Neapolitan, or loaded deep dish, the pizza scene in St. George punches well above its weight class.
Breakfast & Brunch Spots
Bear Paw Cafe is arguably the most popular breakfast spot in all of Southern Utah — expect a line on weekends, but it is worth the wait for their famous eggs Benedict and stuffed French toast. The Egg & I, George's Corner, and TwentyFive Main also serve excellent morning meals. For a quick, affordable breakfast burrito, locals swear by Durangos and La Fonda.
BBQ & American Grill
Strap Tank Brewery pairs craft beer with elevated pub food in a beautifully converted industrial space — their burgers and smoked meats are standouts. For classic Texas-style BBQ, Texas Roadhouse packs the house nightly with hand-cut steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs. The Wood Ash Rye and Cliffside Restaurant offer upscale American dining with locally sourced ingredients and creative seasonal menus.
Coffee & Cafe Culture
St. George's coffee scene has exploded in recent years. The Coffee Club Cafe is a local institution with a loyal following for its specialty lattes, pastries, and relaxed atmosphere. Perks Espresso, Jazzy Java, and the newer Third Space Coffee all offer excellent beans and cozy vibes. Whether you need a pre-hike espresso or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, you will find quality coffee throughout the St. George area.
Fine Dining & Special Occasions
For date night or special celebrations, Painted Pony in Kayenta offers fine dining in a stunning desert art village setting. The Cliffside Restaurant at the Red Mountain Resort serves farm-to-table cuisine with panoramic red rock views. In Springdale (gateway to Zion), Oscar's Cafe and Whiptail Grill provide memorable dining just minutes from the park entrance. For upscale steakhouse experience, Fleming's and The Granary round out St. George's fine dining options.
Family-Friendly Chain Restaurants
St. George has all the familiar national chains for families seeking comfort food. Cracker Barrel, Applebee's, Olive Garden, Chili's, IHOP, and Red Robin all have locations along St. George Boulevard and River Road. For fast casual, Cafe Rio, Costa Vida, and In-N-Out Burger (at the north end of town off Exit 10) are perennial favorites.
Restaurants Near Zion National Park
If you are heading to or from Zion, the towns of Springdale and Hurricane offer excellent dining. Springdale features Oscar's Cafe, Whiptail Grill, and the Zion Canyon Brew Pub. Hurricane's restaurant scene includes Hot Mamas, Main Street Cafe, and JB's Diner. For something unique, Bristlecone at Brian Head offers mountain-altitude dining approximately 90 minutes from St. George.
Tips for Dining in St. George
Peak dining times in St. George are 6-8 PM, especially on weekends and during tourist season (October-April when snowbirds arrive). Make reservations for popular spots like Bear Paw, Painted Pony, and Nonna Ina. Many restaurants close earlier than you might expect — checking hours before driving across town is always wise. The best restaurant density in St. George is along Ancestor Square, St. George Boulevard, and the growing Dinosaur Crossing commercial area near the Dinosaur Discovery Site.
For a complete list of all restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the St. George area, visit our restaurant directory. You can also explore things to do in St. George to plan a full day of activities around your meals.
