The Dodo Restaurant: A Charming Neighborhood Bistro in Salt Lake City
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 23 Dec 2025 20:35
TL;DR: The Dodo Restaurant Brunch Time is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Salt Lake City
Established in 1981, The Dodo Restaurant has become a beloved neighborhood gathering spot in Salt Lake City's Sugarhouse district. Known for its upscale casual ambiance, The Dodo presents a diverse American bistro menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes, featuring fresh salads, flavorful appetizers, and house specialties like the famous Smoked Turkey Sandwich with house-made BBQ sauce. The restaurant is also renowned for its award-winning desserts, crafted daily by Pastry Chef Ramon, whose rotating selection of pies, cakes, and cheesecakes has earned the establishment much praise. Guests can enjoy their meals indoors or on a scenic patio with views of Sugarhouse Park and the Wasatch Mountain Range. The inviting bar area, with its distinctive antique Parisian granite and metal bar-top, offers a comfortable space to enjoy local draft beers, wines, and cocktails while watching a game or socializing. With both dine-in and convenient takeout options, The Dodo balances taste, comfort, and community, making it an excellent venue to meet friends for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch.
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What people think of The Dodo Restaurant, based on reviews
As of recent, The Dodo Restaurant holds a 4.4-star rating based on 3773 reviews.
Reviews of The Dodo Restaurant highlight its consistently excellent food quality and welcoming service. Many diners rave about the flavorful dishes such as the spicy pasta, parmesan-crusted halibut with blueberry sauce, and especially the soups and desserts, including the renowned banana cream and toll house pies that many say are unmatched. Reviewers appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, with mentions of specific servers contributing positively to the dining experience. The comfortable, contemporary ambiance and the restaurant's ability to maintain high standards even during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic have also been commended. On the other hand, some reviews point to occasional inconsistency, particularly in certain dishes like the pan-fried steak and vegetable medley which have been noted as overcooked or soggy at times. Despite these few critiques, The Dodo is considered a standout for its inviting atmosphere, creative menu, and especially its desserts, making it a popular local favorite and a highly recommended place to enjoy a satisfying meal with friends or family.
How to reach The Dodo Restaurant
1355 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA
FAQ about The Dodo Restaurant, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Salt Lake City, Utah
Gathering your friends or family at The Dodo Restaurant in Salt Lake City is a choice that guarantees a memorable and enjoyable experience. The restaurant’s highly praised combination of exceptional food, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service creates the perfect setting for a group meetup. With a solid 4.4-star rating from over 3,700 reviewers, The Dodo stands out as a local favorite renowned for its contemporary American classics that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply reconnect with loved ones, the vibe at The Dodo is comfortably upscale yet friendly, balancing fine dining quality with a casual, homey feel that makes everyone feel at ease from the moment they walk in. The menu’s eclectic offerings and legendary desserts provide plenty of options to satisfy varied cravings, ensuring that everyone in your group finds something delicious. Moreover, the restaurant’s spacious and contemporary interior fosters lively conversation and easy socializing, making it an excellent choice for hosting a fun and relaxed gathering with your friends or family.
The Dodo Restaurant offers more than just great food—it’s a full experience designed for groups to connect and enjoy quality time together. Reviewing guests often highlight the attentive service, which means you and your group can focus on savoring your meal and conversations without concern. Beyond dining, you can indulge in a tasting journey through their creative and flavorful dishes, from rich pasta selections like the spicy margarita pasta or the exquisite ravioli to their seafood delights such as parmesan-crusted halibut with a unique blueberry sauce. The adventurous food choices spark conversation and shared enthusiasm among diners. To elevate your meal, The Dodo’s cocktail offerings and wine list complement the menu perfectly and provide a festive touch to your gathering. But what really sets it apart are the delightful desserts, especially their renowned banana cream pie and Toll House pie, which are crowd pleasers that draw groups back again and again. For those who want to extend their time after dining, the cozy yet contemporary ambiance is ideal for lingering over coffee, cocktails, or dessert, making it a versatile venue for various meetup formats—whether it’s a casual catch-up or a celebratory dinner.
Several factors make The Dodo an exceptional choice for group meetups, particularly when looking for a place where everyone can enjoy themselves without stress. First, the restaurant’s layout and décor strike a balance between stylish and comfortable, providing enough space to accommodate groups while maintaining an intimate feel that encourages connection. Guests remark on how this environment feels warm and inviting yet sophisticated, suitable for both casual and special occasions. Second, the versatility of the menu allows for easy accommodation of different dietary preferences and appetites, with plentiful vegetarian options like spinach, mushroom, and feta quiche alongside meat- and seafood-centered dishes, so no one in your group feels left out. Third, the service staff have been praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, which is crucial in making a group feel well cared for and able to enjoy the occasion without logistical headaches. Lastly, the strong reputation for consistency in food quality and atmosphere reassures organizers that their meetup will unfold smoothly, with no unpleasant surprises. Between the vibrant flavors, wide selection, and congenial service, The Dodo presents itself as an ideal communal dining destination where good food and great company truly shine.