When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Nomad East
Why Nomad East is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Nomad East is a charming and inviting restaurant located in the Yalecrest neighborhood of Salt Lake City, known for its vibrant New American cuisine that emphasizes inventive Neapolitan-style pizzas and delightful shared plates. This cozy eatery offers a warm atmosphere enhanced by natural wood accents, hanging plants, books, and framed mountain photographs that create a welcoming environment perfect for meeting up with friends. The venue features both indoor seating with booths, tables, and counters as well as an outdoor patio that accommodates groups, especially during warmer months. The menu encourages sharing, with highlights like personal-sized pizzas ranging from classics such as margherita to more adventurous options like the "Basque ’n Glory" topped with chorizo and chermoula. Additionally, their special pizzas creatively blend flavors, examples being the "Leftover Thanksgiving" pizza, which includes garlic cream, mashed potatoes, and turkey. Aside from pizzas, the restaurant serves a well-curated small wine list, an eclectic beer selection including local craft brews, and tasty sides such as the family salad with pickled vegetables and a lemon vinaigrette, charcuterie boards, and roasted fingerling potatoes with house mustard and grana padano. Nomad East’s inviting vibe makes it an excellent location for casual dinners and social gatherings that focus on sharing great food and drinks in a relaxed setting.
Here's what people think of Nomad East
As of recent, Nomad East holds a 4.4-star rating based on 388 reviews.
Customer reviews of Nomad East reveal a generally positive experience surrounding its food quality, atmosphere, and service. Many guests praise the delicious and flavorful pizzas, appreciating the inventive toppings and good portion sizes that are ideal for sharing with friends. The salads and sides also receive favorable mentions for freshness and taste, with the smoked salmon salad and wedge salad often highlighted. Reviewers consistently mention attentive and friendly waitstaff, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant’s cozy and visually appealing interior, coupled with its outdoor patio, is appreciated as a comfortable socializing spot. On the flip side, some negative reviews point out challenges such as limited dessert options and occasional parking difficulties. A few guests note that the restaurant can get busy, resulting in wait times and occasionally slower service, which makes reservations advisable. Some found certain dishes a bit too salty or the prices slightly high for portions, and a minority reported issues with order errors or the wait for certain items like drinks. Overall, the reviews underscore Nomad East as a well-liked destination for casual, shareable meals with friends, balancing creative cuisine with a friendly vibe, albeit with some room for improvement in service consistency and seating accessibility.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kimo Kahookele
Quick dinner, big flavor! We found Nomad East on Yelp and were excited to try it—especially for the pizza, which everyone seems to rave about. Parking in the area is a bit limited, but if you’re determined, you can snag a spot nearby. We came on a Friday without a reservation (would recommend one!), but luckily were seated within five minutes. It’s community-style seating, and we were told someone might join us, which we actually loved—it felt very European. We were heading to a show, so this was a quick dinner. Started with iced tea (served in a mason jar—nice touch!) and shared the wedge salad. That salad was huge and loaded with goodies—bacon, blue cheese, super crisp lettuce. Really satisfying. Then we built our own pizza: prosciutto, olives, basil, mushrooms. Every bite was delicious. The crust was on point—crispy, chewy, flavorful. Not a single complaint. The place was bustling, but everything moved efficiently, and the vibe was fun and lively. Service was minimal due to the quick turnaround, but we had what we needed. Looking forward to going back when we have more time to explore the rest of the menu—it all sounded super fresh and tempting!
Pete Souvall
Oh it’s so good. The service has been so lovely every time I’ve been too. I had the stalk in the hand(?) pizza and the family salad. Man the flavors are just so fun and creative. I love the seasonal pizzas every single time they hit the spot. It’s always fun to go for a nice dinner there. Especially in the summer/spring
Carol-Anne Wright
Nomad East was so fun and tasty! The Pretty in Pink Pizza is my new all time favorite. The roasted fingerlings were delicious and the wedge salad was so fresh. These three dishes were plenty of food for two people and the coolest lunch spot. We will be retuning soon!
Tiffany P
This place never disappoints! This is our go to spot when the kiddos want pizza, they are obsessed. Which is nice because I get to eat like a grown up too. The staff is always delightful and attentive.
Dale Burks
The wedge salad was a perfect lunch on a Friday afternoon upon arriving from Seattle in winter. Yes, Seattle was covered in snow and 801 was dry and everything outside shouting Winter! Gorgeous outside, just like that wedge salad inside. Paired with a remarkable Pilsner that went down slowly, gently with the blue cheese, which together put me in a beautiful space. I gotsta come back for some pizza but that is not an arrival meal. That’s a proper sit down, relaxed already, and let those aroma’s annihilate your nose so that you are gone to heaven. Yes, I could smell the pies and that was such a great a tease. My friends both had the smoked salmon salad and the few bites I had - I’m from Seattle where smoked salmon is a craft - and their salmon was moist, flavorful, and on the mark. One of my friends lives here and apparently she eats that salad multiple times a week and I can see why. So many flavors. Each bite a delightful hint at another ingredient. Nomad rocks. Easy parking. Great ambiance. Stop in impulsively and you’ll thank me.
How to reach Nomad East
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Why Nomad East may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Nomad East with your friends?
Nomad East is a fantastic choice for gathering your friends or family because it blends a warm, inviting atmosphere with creative, shareable food that sparks conversation and connection. The ambiance itself is casual yet thoughtfully designed, featuring cozy indoor seating with warm wood accents and an outdoor patio perfect for larger groups who want fresh air and a lively vibe. The friendly and attentive staff ensure your group feels welcomed and well taken care of right from the start, creating a relaxed environment where everyone can focus on enjoying each other's company. The menu, centered around artisan pizzas and inventive small plates, invites sharing and tasting, making it perfect for groups that want a social dining experience full of flavor and variety. Whether it’s for a casual catch-up, a celebration, or just a quality night out, Nomad East offers a space that encourages connection over delicious food, making it a natural rally point for friends or family who want to enjoy good times together.
What kinds of food and dining experiences can the group enjoy at Nomad East?
Nomad East is renowned for its artisan pizzas, which are crafted with a creativity that sets them apart from the typical pizza joint. The pizzas are personal-sized but designed to be shared, allowing everyone to sample a variety of unique flavor combinations. For instance, the “Fun Guy” pizza with mushroom, garlic cream, and fontina cheese delights mushroom lovers, while the “Basque ’n Glory” brings heat with chorizo and chermoula, catering to those who like bold, spicy flavors. The menu also offers an array of inventive specials like the Leftover Thanksgiving pizza with garlic cream, mashed potatoes, and turkey, which showcases the restaurant’s playful culinary spirit. Beyond pizza, there are several shareable plates and sides such as roasted fingerling potatoes with house-made mustard and grana padano, a charcuterie board, marinated olives, and wedge salads with fresh, crisp greens. This variety ensures that the group can create a diverse feast that suits different tastes and dietary preferences, enhancing the communal dining experience.
Why is Nomad East ideal for group meetups beyond the food?
Beyond the compelling food, Nomad East is structurally and atmospherically designed to accommodate groups comfortably. The indoor space offers a mix of counter, booth, and table seating that allows for both intimate conversations and larger group interactions without feeling cramped. For those who prefer or need fresh air, the charming outdoor patio extends the dining space and creates a natural setting for longer, relaxed gatherings. The décor includes natural woods and warm colors paired with thoughtful details like a cookbook collection that reflects the chef’s passion for culinary arts, providing a cozy, homey vibe that invites lingering over meals and drinks. Additionally, the staff's attentiveness to guest needs, including managing busy times efficiently—even when the restaurant gets full—helps groups feel well cared-for without stress. This combination of comfortable, flexible seating and the attentive atmosphere makes Nomad East a great choice for group meetups where socializing is just as important as the food itself.
What beverages can groups enjoy at Nomad East?
Nomad East complements its food menu with a carefully curated drink selection designed to appeal to groups with diverse tastes. The restaurant features a modest but well-chosen wine list including six or so reds and whites, plus sparkling options that can elevate any gathering, whether casual or celebratory. There is also an eclectic beer selection, perfect for those who enjoy a chilled craft beer to pair with their artisan pizza. For non-alcoholic or warm drink lovers, there’s a unique beverage truck stationed outside that serves hot drinks like coffee, adding a fun and informal element to the overall dining experience. This attention to a range of beverage choices ensures that everyone in the group can find something to enjoy alongside their meal, which is particularly important when hosting a diverse party of friends or family.
How does the location and accessibility of Nomad East support a successful group meetup?
Nomad East is situated on East 1300 South in Salt Lake City, which offers relatively easy access for local residents and visitors alike. While parking can be challenging during peak times—an important consideration for larger groups—planning ahead with reservations can ease this difficulty and ensure that your party won't wait long or feel rushed. The restaurant’s location also means you’re close enough to other popular activities or entertainment spots in the city, making it a great starting point or extension for a full day or evening with friends. Its neighborhood setting provides a quieter, more relaxed alternative to busier downtown areas, allowing for focused socializing without the noise or distractions of high-traffic districts. Overall, Nomad East’s positioning complements the experience of gathering people, keeping logistics manageable while offering a uniquely memorable dining spot.
What makes the service at Nomad East especially suited for groups?
Service at Nomad East is frequently praised for being attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly—qualities that are crucial when hosting a group. Staff members are accustomed to helping diners navigate the menu’s variety, offering recommendations that suit both individual and group preferences, which enhances the overall experience and speeds up the decision-making process for larger parties. They’re also responsive to timing concerns, ensuring that dishes come out at a comfortable pace for sharing rather than all at once or too slowly. During crowded times, the staff’s ability to manage the dynamics of a bustling kitchen without compromising service quality has earned them positive remarks, which adds an element of reliability when planning a group event. This care in service makes Nomad East not only enjoyable but also stress-free, supporting lively and relaxed gatherings.
What is the ambiance like and how does it enhance group gatherings?
The ambiance at Nomad East strikes a balance between casual and thoughtfully curated, with an interior featuring bold colors paired with natural wood details that create a warm, welcoming environment. Design touches like hanging plants and framed mountain photographs give the space a cozy and locally inspired personality. The main dining area includes booths and tables that encourage face-to-face conversation while the outdoor patio provides a spacious setting ideal for larger groups or those simply wishing to enjoy a breeze and people-watch. The restaurant’s overall vibe is informal but elevated, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions from casual weeknight dinners to more festive weekend celebrations. This inviting atmosphere helps guests feel comfortable in prolonged socializing, allowing groups to linger over food and drinks without the pressure to rush, which is key to a fulfilling meetup experience.
Are there any special features or unique offerings at Nomad East that appeal to groups?
Nomad East stands out for its focus on creative and unique dishes that encourage sharing and exploration, which is a major draw for groups wanting something different from a typical restaurant experience. The pizzas often feature unexpected and bold ingredient combinations, inviting conversation and taste testing among friends. The kitchen’s skill in turning ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes, such as roasted corn with cotija cheese and spicy Serrano powder, showcases a commitment to flavor innovation. Additionally, the small but curated wine and beer lists cater to a variety of palates, and the outside beverage truck for hot drinks adds a playful element that sets the venue apart. Collectively, these features transform a meal at Nomad East into an interactive culinary event, ideal for friends or families eager to bond over food, drinks, and a shared appreciation for originality.
In summary, Nomad East is a highly recommended destination for meetups because of its unique artisan pizzas and sides, warm yet casual atmosphere, friendly service, and accommodating space that supports lively and enjoyable gatherings. Its location, beverage options, and creative menu are all thoughtfully tailored to enhance the group dining experience, making it much more than just a meal—it's a social event your friends or family will look forward to revisiting.