St. George, Utah, has established a scene you can travel to and enjoy. Smoky barbecue joints, family-run Mexican kitchens, and other varieties catch most first-time visitors off guard. If you’re going out to eat, here are some popular dishes at restaurants in St. George, each deserving your attention.

1. Green Chile Smothered Burrito

Culinary traditions of the Southwest definitely influenced the local scene. A smothered burrito is a regional classic, and an excellent local spot will pack one with slow-cooked pork and smother it with roasted green Chile sauce. It’s rich, smoky, and filling, and will stay on your mind long after you’ve finished it.

2. Utah-Style Prime Rib

A good restaurant in St. George makes prime rib the right way. Juicy, succulent, and packed with flavor, a thick-cut prime rib served with au jus is a worthy order at a local steakhouse. The elaborate roasting process makes each cut of beef enjoyable from the first bite to the last. Aim for medium-rare doneness for your order.

3. Navajo Tacos

The Indigenous roots of the Southwest are reflected in the ever-popular Navajo tacos. They are low and slow about their preparation and serve a base of fry bread topped with ground beef, beans, and cheese. Make sure to grab one from a local diner, taco stand, or market. They are a fun and delicious contrast of toppings and bread.

4. Smoked Brisket Platter

Brisket is the star of the show at Southern Utah’s newest barbecue joints, the centerpiece of their smoked meat. Expect the meat to take at least 12 hours, with the outer bark getting nicely smoked and the inner meat practically falling apart. To fully appreciate the superb smoked meat, enjoy it with homemade pickles and cornbread.

5. Craft Burger with Local Ingredients

Many of the new and trendy restaurants in St. George have their own unique take on burgers. Expect burgers made with local ingredients featuring house-cured bacon and made-from-scratch sauces. For the best burgers, check out places that grind their meat on-site.

6. Prickly Pear Glazed Salmon

Chefs have been getting creative with the Prickly pear cactus, native to the Utah desert. The cactus fruit is pink and has a sweet glaze that pairs perfectly with Salmon. The glaze gives the salmon a light punch and is a perfect regional dish to pair with any meal.

7. Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

This is the regional dessert, and this peach cobbler is a classic. The peach cobbler is made in a cast-iron Dutch oven, with a golden crust and a warm, cinnamon-spiced filling. Some restaurants serve it with a scoop of vanilla, and it is a perfect dessert to end any meal.

Drive Down for Deliciousness

St. George offers a wider range of food options than many travelers realize. If you are stopping in on your way back from Zion or making a completely different trip to St. George, you’ll find restaurants with food inspired by the desert, traditional regional fare, and even a bit of fine dining. Restaurants in St George offer unique experiences, so start with this list and let the rest of the menu inspire you.