I saw [B]Salmonte's[B] thread tonight, which is probably too late to offer any recommendations. I've lived here for over 2 decades and have a pretty good idea of the restaurants that offer a consistently good dining experience. So, for future reference, here are the places I would suggest trying. I haven't included links because the list is so extensive and I assume you can Google/use Yelp or Urbanspoon to find more info if any place seems worth checking out. Feel free to PM me if you have questions. I'm starting the list with downtown restaurants but will add others out in the nearby neighborhoods later. Entries marked with a * are especially good for solo diners, as they have counter seating.

DOWNTOWN

(nearby hotels: Homewood Suites, Hyatt Place, Residence Inn, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Sheraton)

Vivace: Located across from Pioneer Park, this place opened last summer and I really like their “contemporary casual” approach to Italian. Their rotisserie meats are fantastic. The 3-course Cena (minimum 2 people) is a great deal. Nice outdoor patio with a view of the park.

Cucina Toscana: Next door to Vivace, this is the fancier/more traditional Italian restaurant in the neighborhood. Disclaimer: I haven't tried it since they changed owners/chefs a few months ago.

Pallet: Extremely trendy, hip, and loud. Food is inventive and locally sourced, but the menu won’t give you a whole lot of information about it. One of the few “dress to impress” restaurants in SLC.

*Settebello: Authentic Neapolitan pizza, with a gelato shop attached. I don’t go on weekend evenings because the open floor plan gives it a “cafeteria” vibe when there are lots of families, high schoolers, and large groups present. It is a good bet if you are traveling with kids, though.

*Squatters: SLC’s original brewpub. If it’s crowded, head upstairs, where you can often snag a first-come, first-served bar table instead of waiting 30 minutes for one to open up in the main dining area.

(nearby hotels: Hotel Monaco, Sheraton, Marriott Downtown City Creek, Hilton, Little America)

*Takashi. Widely considered to be the best sushi in town. Not traditional;
trendy/contemporary, with lots of specialty rolls.

Bambara: In the Hotel Monaco, so a typical Kimpton property restaurant. Excellent wine list, $30 entrees. Quiet. Nice for special occasions.

*Lamb’s: Our landmark 100 year old restaurant right on Main Street. Traditional menu/décor with a long counter.

Martine: Located in a historic brownstone, the atmosphere is cozy and old-world. Very quiet and good for a romantic evening or a business dinner where you value privacy and conversation. It’s been around since the mid-90s but I haven’t noticed a drop in quality. Not likely to be too crowded, as I think newer places have sort of eclipsed it in popularity. Grilled gingerbread is the signature dessert.

(nearby hotel: Marriott City Center)

*Copper Onion: The most popular restaurant downtown these days. Reservations a must, especially on weekends, unless you want to just sit at the counter. I’ve sampled most of the menu here and can’t think of any dish I wouldn’t recommend. Conveniently located next to a 6-screen movie theater showing indie/foreign films.

*Plum Alley: Owned by the same people who run Copper Onion and located next door. Obviously inspired by Momofuku (I’m not trying to compare it to Momofuku, just giving you an idea of the place). Very busy on weekends, no reservations.

Zy Restaurant: Tender pecan pork is the signature dish. They serve house-made bread AND butter. Quiet and dimly lit; I find the space very relaxing and a touch romantic. If you try but can’t get into Copper Onion, this is a good fallback, as it’s just around the corner.