Lots of rules here in Salt Lake City (I'm visiting). I asked if I could taste an unfamiliar wine on their list and they were required to charge me .50 for it. Apparenty no free booze in SLC. Not even a sip. I also wanted to bring a glass of wine up to my room after dinner (Bambara is located at the Monaco Hotel) but no go. No open containers outside the restaurant...even though the elevators can be seen from where I'm sitting (I'm writing this yelp from my table) and are just across a small hallway (I wouldn't be taking it outside or anything!). The menu is okay. I was hoping for something light for dinner. This is not the place for that. I ordered the scallops in a meyer lemon sauce and just asked that they don't give me the creamed cauliflower and bumped up the broccolini. The scallops were really good. Seared on the outside, tender and creamy on the inside and nicely seasoned. But the meyer lemon sauce had no flavor. How do you do that with such a fabulous ingredient. I had to ask the server for lemon wedges and this helped the dish. They were also not very generous with the broccolini considering it was the only other thing on the plate. Oh, they forgot to include the chinese long beans that should've been a part of the dish according to the menu discription. The broccolini tasted like broccolini. It was steamed without any seasoning at all. Not very yummy, But at least they were light and I guess I should be grateful for consuming less sodium. So now I have to decide if I want to sit here a while longer to have another glass of wine. Hmmmmm, what to do, what to do. I should also mention that my server was great.
(3)
Wendy H.
I've heard a lot about this restaurant, all positive, so I was excited to finally try it. My husband and I had dinner here with another couple last night. The restaurant atmosphere seems fine, although I would have liked lower lighting and candles on the table in the section where we sat. It just seemed bright and not quite right for the type of restaurant. We had three different salads and they were all great. I would really recommend any of their salads. We had the frites as an appetizer and they are very good. I like the selection of dinner items on the menu. Everyone's food looked good and everyone liked the entrees. I had the scallops - it was just ok. We ordered two desserts - some kind of chocolate cake and a banana pudding. They were decent. Overall I think it is good food, but not great food. And I think it is a little on the expensive side. I would recommend it, but not with a lot of expectations. I would go there again, but won't be rushing there.
(2)
Linda T.
I had a friend in town, and he picked Bambara after looking through Yelp reviews. We felt very out of place in our ski jackets (after all, it was in an upscale hotel), but they treated us like royalty just the same. We got the chips + blue cheese because of the Yelp reviews. It was like upscale nachos with blue cheese, really salty. Good because we were starving, but I wouldn't get it again for what it was. Menu seemed limited (it was only ~2 pages if I remember correctly), but I like it because it clearly states what you are getting with fairly accurate descriptions. Friend got the ahi and was disappointed. Serving size was normal aka too small for him. (Note, he is not a big guy.) I tried some of his dish and thought it was pretty good. It came with a rice-cake thingy and I thought that was special. I got the pork chop and it was slightly too much for me. It was good though, very tender and juice. Sides included some buttersquash spaghetti and greens, both of which I loved. I also want to add that the culinary presentation of both dishes were awesome. A lotta thought went into it obviously. Expect entrees to be between $18-$35 (which we expected beforehand). I'd go back again if I felt like being pampered or was taking a well-deserved visitor/guest. They have an open kitchen and open bar area. It has a good date atmosphere, but I saw families there too. Tip: parking at night is hard to find but free at the meters.
(5)
Paul K.
Really great food in a nice atmosphere - who knew you could find this in Mormon country? I have a feeling this is one of the more expensive restaurants in Salt Lake, which makes getting seating not too hard...we got in at 8pm on Friday. Look forward to coming back - all the American basics done well like Pork Tenderloin, Salmon, and Filet Mignon....also did enjoy the chips with blue cheese, but I have to say the portions were normal - not overly large as some reviewers seem to indicate.
(4)
spiff e.
i was actually kind of impressed with what salt lake had to offer, via bambara. a curlicue motif was used throughout, from the menus, bread basket and window frames to the carpet and booth upholstery. actually, it was so matchy-matchy it was kinda cheesy. ohhhh, speaking of cheese, it actually reminds of the curlicues found at cheesecake factory. anyway. their menu had a bunch of stuff that looked good, but i decided on the roasted corn bisque with peekytoe crab and cilantro oil to start, and then the pan seared alaskan halibut with basil mashed potatoes and tomato pine nut-truffle vinaigrette as my main dish. i've been on a truffle binge lately. the bisque came in a large portion and was delicious, with huge chunks of peekytoe crabmeat. yummy, down to the last spoonful. the halibut however was a tad disappointing. i couldn't taste the truffle at all! but aside from that, it tasted good. and definitely left me feeling stuffed. i don't think i even ate half of it and i couldn't even order dessert at that point. i kept myself amused when there wasn't food in front of me by watching the flame-throwing in the open-air kitchen and sipping on my glass of gewurtz.
(4)
Chelsea S.
Went here for dinner with co-workers. The food was excellent and the prices were fair, given the quality of the food and the portion sizes. For appetizers we got the potato chips with blue cheese and the polenta crusted calamari. By no means where either lo-fat or lo-calorie, but thy were delicious. I'd definitely order both again. For entrees I got the ahi, which was probably the top three ahi dishes I've ever had - and I order it about two times a month. The guys both got the New York strip steak. They said it was good quality and yummy, although there was a bit too much sauce on it. We also ordered a nice bottle of Bogle Shiraz - nice price, too. We didn't have any room for dessert and didn't even bother looking at the menu. Finally, the staff couldn't have been more attentive or informed. Next time I want a nice dinner in Salt Lake, I'll head back here.
(5)
Brianne K.
Bambara is frequently thought of as one of the nicest restaurants in Salt Lake...and for good reason. The food is spot on, the service was excellent, and they have a decent wine list. The scallops (one of their signature dishes) were absolutely fantastic, and the ahi tuna tartare was great too. If you're looking for an appetizer, get the blue cheese potato chips. Pure gooey, sinful heaven!!!
(4)
Fernando A.
It is fancy and perhaps will impress those who you are with when dining here. But I would rather hangout at the small bar in the back and then hit the town than eat a meal here. It is a good option for lunch since the prices are much cheaper than at Dinner but I would cross the street and hit the Atlantic or House of Kabob anytime.
(2)
Layla P.
I loved this place! We had the crab stuffed peppers and cucumber salad, great way to start a meal. The halibut was fabulous and the salmon pretty good. It was quite expensive so be ready to spend a lot. Hip and lively with an open kitchen.
(5)
c d.
It was a little pricey but the entree I had was fantastic - Seared Tuna with large butter beans and mushrooms. I had them hold the Anchovy Aioli. Even with no alcohol or apps, the price (incl'g tax) was $30. But WORTH IT.
(4)
Randy S.
I joined a vendor and some of their peeps and another client for dinner here. The place is located in an old former bank building that has been converted to a little boutique hotel. The restaurant space was cavernous, but nice (bar area was swanky). We ordered a couple of apps for the table - Achiote-Masa Crusted Calamari, Manchego, Lime Jalapeno Aioli and Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Corn Tartar Sauce, Crisp Pancetta. I thought the calamari ended up being more like pieces of fried breading with little/no calamari; however, I thought the stuffed peppers were quite tasty. I had the caesar salad (with anchovies!!!) and filet mignon with vegetables. The salad was above average and the filet was just average. The wine was pretty damn good though - 2006 Atteca Garnacha - and it was something I've actually had before in SLC!!! I thought the service was also above average and we all had a good time. It's expensive, but worth checking out...
(3)
eric n.
Delicious. Nice Ambience. Expensive. One of the swankier places in Salt Lake, the restaurant is on the ground floor of the Hotel Monaco.
(4)
The I.
Excellent But Expensive - My wife and I dined here last night. We are in Utah for a vacation. We started with the Ceasar and Boston Lettuce salads, both of which were excellent. She had pan-friend scallops while I had the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin. Again both entrees were excellent as were the various breads with red pepper humus. For dessert we shared a chocalate bundt cake with expresso ice cream - also very good. We each had a cup of good tasting, but somewhat weak decaf coffe. We had preceded the meal with a cocktail each, but after I complained to the waiter that my cocktail was weak and my wife's was mostly ice, he informed us that in Utah a coctail can only contain 1.5 oz. of liquor. So we switched to an excellent Russian River (Sonoma - Cutrer) chardonnary, which ran $27 per half bottle. With tip, the bill came to $162. Granted, the liquor plus tip part of the bill was around $55. Still, the restaurant is expensive, but we would go back - just skip the cocktails.
(4)
Sarah C.
My family arranged for a banquet room to celebrate an event, and it was terrible. I have always wanted to try Bambara, but I really wish I had done so before my family went to the trouble to arrange an event there in my honor... it was embarrassingly bad. I had to apologize to all my out-of-town relatives and explain that "Utah REALLY isn't like this!" afterwards. My duck confit was cold, dry and quite flavorless. When I say cold, I mean COLD. As were the entrees for a few other members of our party, I later found out. The dessert, a pineapple cake, was quite good however. Our waiter was harsh, rude, tried to rush us at every moment (we reserved the banquet room, if he wanted to hurry us, maybe they shouldn't have booked us?) and he smelled very strongly of alcohol. I drink, but I would never show up to work smelling like vodka was coming out of my pores... it's disgusting, and reflects poorly on the restaurant. Also, the fire alarm test went off twice while we were there.... does that really need to happen while there is a private party, or during business hours at all? I would not have allowed my family to book there had I known they'd be blaring sirens the entire time. Utterly unprofessional place and certainly not worth the dry, cold food. I was humiliated to have my family gathering there.
(1)
Kelly P.
We are here in Salt Lake City on a business trip and we looked on yelp for some help with dinner. After reading a wide range of reviews, we decided to give it a shot. My friend and I started with the calamari and shrimp, along with the blue cheese potato chips. The calamari and shrimp was great, cooked perfectly. My only complaint was that the aoli was drizzled on the top, I would have liked it on the side. The potato chips were good, but we are spoiled, there is a place in Napa that blows these out of the water. It was alot for two people, so we skipped salad and soup and headed directly to dinner. I ordered the Halibut, it was recommended by the waiter. It was cooked perfectly and served with a crab and asparagus hash, very yummy. My friend had the pork tenderloin, he said it was juicy, also cooked perfectly. We finished the meal with the trio of creme brule, there was a caramel, dark chocolate, and peanut butter. The caramel was my favorite and my friend liked the peanut butter, although, he was not a big fan of the desert. We would recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Ruben M.
I usually tend to avoid hotel restaurants like the plague when I travel for business, but Bambara is far from a hotel restaurant. It happens to be in the same space as a hotel. The staff was friendly and attentive. The food was incredible! You MUST try the blue cheese hand cut potato chips. They are a bit rich, but sooo tasty! I had the beef fillet and it was cooked exactly the way I ordered it...medium rare! The wine list impressive, but not out of control with the prices, there are options. All in all one of the best restaurants I've been to on any business trip!! As a bonus their bar, The Vault, is also an excellent place to end the night.
(5)
Jeannette A.
Loved the decor and the overall feel of the restaurant. Very hip and modern. Then the food was amazing. Definitely try the Blue Cheese Chips...they are well known and are so delicious! Don't eat too many because you want to save room for the main Entree. I had the Filet, and it was the most tender filet i've had in years (honestly). It was tender and easy to digest. Two thumbs up!
(5)
Hayden A.
personal favorite of salt lake city. great service and delish meals well worth their price. A must for a foodie in slc!
(5)
Chris M.
Amazing food. I had the bison and the pear tart. My date had the beef filet and creme brulet. All of the dishes were delicious. The look and feel of the restaurant is great too. My only complaints would be the noisiness of the restaurant and the price given such. I'd be willing to pay for this level of delicacy and style, but not if I can't hear my date's comments. Too loud and too expensive, but good for a date before the capital theatre or abravenal hall on a special occasion.
(4)
Scott R.
I have been going to Bambara for at least the last 7 years now. I have never once been disappointed in the food or the service. They have a menu that is constantly changing. I love this because I can order something different every time. They have a very good wine selection. And if you get there early make sure you go to club Bambara for a drink while you wait. All of there entrees do have sides already on the plate. I like this since I don't have to ordered everything al a carte. And hope that the side I ordered will go good with my entree. When my friends ask were to go for a nice night out I always recommend Bambara first. Make sure you try the blue cheese chips to start.
(5)
Andrea B.
My husband and I go here once or twice per year. It's one of our favorite restaurants in the Salt Lake area. The entire menu is wonderful, and the corn bisque in particular is to die for. Great liquor and wine selection, good coffee, and attentive customer service.
(5)
Rob W.
Worth staying at this Kimpton for the restaurant alone. Had an excellent steak frites for dinner, also good scallop & ahi appetizer. For lunch, Fish tacos we're extremely tasty if you like me wet (slaw & guacamole).
(4)
Tom W.
Only try this restaurant if you like delicious food and great service. Really, read some of my other reviews and you will see. A five star review from me... pretty tough to come by. Our experience was quite the opposite of Deb T. My wife had the pork chop and man was it good. Full of flavor and perfectly prepared. I had the duo of bison. A bison flat iron steak and a bison short rib, outstanding! Portion size was fine, clearly meeting my expectations. Neither my wife or I could finish our portions which was OK by me. The pork chop didn't loose much on the ride home. Yep, still good. Give this one a try, a little pricey but well worth it.
(5)
Madhu R.
Fantastic food --even some organic dishes, reasonably priced for the superior quality, friendly staff, and amazing atmosphere! In the lobby of the Hotel Monaco, so it's really in a prime location.
(5)
Mike S.
Kimpton once again bucks the trend of a hotel restaurant being an afterthought. Bambara at The Hotel Monaco offers fresh, tasty, well prepared dishes in a very nice and large space, that are as good as any place in Salt Lake City, with a clubby bar to boot. I hate to admit that over a three night stay I had 2 dinners and a lunch here, violating my usual rule when traveling of "never go to the same place twice". However, I was tired and it was just too good an option to pass up. A place I'm more than happy to suggest to my traveling friends.
(4)
Christopher W.
I like the idea of Bambara, the atmosphere, the attitude, the whole scene... BUT the food does not live up to it's price. I'm not a food snob, I go out to eat for the experience and just to do something to get out of the house, but for their prices, it wasn't worth it. I'm not totally opposed to going back but it will not be my first choice if I'm downtown.
(2)
Susan H.
Sharp, attractive interior and great service. The menu reads better than it tastes, unfortunately. Prices are a tad high for the overall experience. The roasted beet salad is good, but not phenomenal. The bread basket is quite good. The pork chop is beautifully presented, quite large and very tasty. Overall, is was enjoyable.
(3)
Sarah P.
Bambara came to me with high marks from a co-worker who had been in Salt Lake City for business and had eaten there twice. I took a team of 7 plus joined another team of 8 there for dinner last night. The meal started off with a few plates of the homemade chips (I love a place that has homemade potato chips) with bleu cheese on top. They were very delicious and not overly greasy like some can be. I had a salad, which was fine, though kind of lacked in the veggie department. I wish places would stop trying to be so "creative" and "artsy" with their salads. First of all, it takes all the HEALTHY out of salad and makes it just as fattening as the entree and second of all, some stuff is NOT meant to be in a salad. So I ordered mine SANS watermelon and ended up with literally, a place full of spinach and carmelized onions. UGH! I had the "house specialty" filet mignon and I have to say, it was a bit undercooked. I ALWAYS order medium rare but my god, this thing was almost still breathing. I like a red steak but it was not even really warm on the inside. The potatoes that came along with it were the highlight of the meal. Bacon and bleu cheese potatoes I think. Very yummy. I could have made a meal of those. I had sorbet for dessert which was okay but a little TOO sweet. All in all, it was a nice dining experience, due to the company, but the food was only so-so.
(3)
Alissa M.
Great place for dinner. Their corn soup is out of this world! Ambiance was very nice. I had the Ahi Tuna with Mushroom Risotto which was really good. Others had the Bison which they weren't impressed with. I'm going to need to go back though because I don't think their food prices matched the quality. Verdict it still out...
(3)
Greg L.
Bambara is probably one of the best in SLC. Great menu and wine list. The restaurant is in the Hotel Monaco but it feels like it's not.
(5)
Kirk H.
Bambara is my favorite $$$ restaurant in Salt Lake City. For special occasions, this is where we choose to dine. And it is always so worth it. The food is always so...it is more than just flavorful...it is food I crave. And the service is always great. However last night was an extremely amazing dinner. I had butternut squash soup, which was the BEST I have ever had. It was very thin and smooth (others I have had are so thick and chunky). And the flavor was perfect. It was not too sweet so it tasted like a soup and not a dessert. The Fuji apple salad was great. Of course the bleu cheese chips were amazing as always. Then our waiter recommended the grilled venison, with a huckleberry syrup...oh wow! It was cooked medium rare and the meat just had such flavor. Then with the huckleberry sweetness it was perfect! Overall dinner was a home run!! Bambara stays on the top of my list!!
(5)
Belange H.
Nice ambiance and good wine list. My boyfriend took me here for my birthday, they specialize the menu and print your name on there for special occasions, which is a perk. We ordered the filet mignon and halibut. Both were a bit bland and forgettable; halibut was a bit dry. The potatoes with bleu cheese and the corn hash with bacon were unique and tasty. Good service and good bread. Overall an ok experience. Probably would not be back for the food.
(3)
A E N.
I finally tried Bambara as part of the Dine-O-Round promotion. On this particular night they served a salad, salmon over a croquette, and an ice cream for dessert. I actually upgraded and spent a little more to get the peach tartlett with honey ice cream for dessert. I was pleased with the food and the service. We went in about 6.15 on a Saturday and had no delay in getting seated, even without a reservation, though I get the feeling reservations are in general recommended. It probably sweetened the deal to have the Dine-O-Round pricing, but overall I'd recommend this place and plan on eating here again.
(4)
Deb T.
I'd been to Bambara a few times before, but don't recall it as being at all memorable. But since it's been a few years since I was last there, presumably everything has only gotten better at the restaurant, right? Not so sure. I've traveled a lot and have eaten in all sorts of establishments, from local diners & dives, to family-run/family-style places, to high-end/swanky restaurants...all around this country and in quite a few others. And I can't understand why Bambara gets as many 4- and 5-star ratings as it does. Service: slightly above average. Atmosphere: confused (classy? trendy? casual? intimate? touristy? what?) Food: average, at best. Portion sizes: inconsistent (salads are large, rest runs small). Prices: overpriced, esp. for portion size and quality. Last night I went to the opera with a friend who has never been to Bambara. Since she enjoys/prefers classier types of restaurants/settings, and she's heard Bambara would supposedly fit that bill for her and it's right across the street from the theater, we ate there at her suggestion. From the start, none of the entrees appealed to me, and I'd thought about just doing an appetizer and salad or salad and dessert...but my friend was getting an entree, so I did the same...but in the end, should've gone with my initial thought and passed on the entree. We saw other people's salads being served and noticed they seemed rather large (would be enough for a meal rather than as a side salad)...but our waiter said he'd be happy to have us split a salad, so we chose the Ruby & Golden Beet Salad (with Local Goat Cheese, Roasted Hazelnuts, Arugula, Tangerine Vinaigrette)...and it was absolutely delicious...the golden beets were especially tender and the tangerine vinaigrette was superb. They don't serve San Pellegrino but have a local sparkling water (whose name I can't recall right now)...and it was surprisingly good. And here is where we both should have just ordered dessert and gone on with our evening, rather than having an entree. When asked for suggestions on the entrees, our waiter (who was helpful and attentive throughout) recommended the Maple Brined Pork Porterhouse Chop (Rosemary Polenta, Cider Glaze, Mushroom Jus, Apple Fennel Slaw), the Seared Maine Dayboat Scallops (Winter Squash Risotto, Garlic Seared Chard, Mushroom Vinaigrette), the Chef''s Signature Steak Frites (Herbed Fries, Peppercorn Jus, Bearnaise), and the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Duet (Grilled Breast & Leg Confit, Liver Butter, Watercress, Sweet Potato Oven Wedges, Pomegranate Syrup). My friend loves seared tuna, and he promised the tuna was fresh that day. So she ordered the Cast Iron Seared Hawaiian Tuna (Cauliflower Puree, Lavender Salt, Roasted Beets, Mache, Tangerine Brown Butter). With none of the entrees "jumping out at me," I went with the pork chop. When I'd asked how large a chop it was, the waiter boasted "16 ounces!" So I imagined having to check a takeout box with half a chop in it at the theater's coat check room as I entered the opera. But that didn't happen...and not because I licked my plate clean. The 16 ounces of pork chop was mostly the bone and fat/grizzle. I should've asked for a surgical knife to cut out what little meat there was surrounded by all the rest. And what little was there was bland, with no hint of having been maple-brined or any other seasoning added to it. And having looked forward especially to the rosemary polenta and apple-fennel slaw, I was disappointed in both, with no evidence of rosemary in the (dry) polenta, and both apple and fennel tastes decidedly missing from the slaw (how is that possible?!), which was additionally difficult to manage as the slices were much too long and piled precariously high atop the chop. Even the cider glaze was missing any taste of apple. My friend's plate arrived with 2 incredibly small slices of seared tuna (perhaps 1.5" x 2"). She was happy to have more of the beets we'd enjoyed in our split salad, but couldn't taste or smell any lavender and said the cauliflower puree was OK but thin. But at least she was happy with the taste of the minuscule portion of tuna she had...but for $29, that's not saying much (though it's more than I can say about my $28 entree). I almost gave 3 stars, due to this particular waiter's service...but in my book, that's not enough to counter the rest of our experience. I'm not sure if my friend would want to try eating there again, but I know I likely won't be giving Bambara yet another try at pleasing me anytime soon...esp. not at their prices. If I'm needing an across-the-street-from-the-theater place to eat, I'm going to stick with a place I can actually recommend to people: The Olive Bistro.
(2)
Thommee H.
We got the recommendation from a local and weren't disappointed. Very solid New American Bistro. All the dishes (calamari, beet salad, poached pear salad, cheese plate, swordfish, scallops, filet, and roasted chicken, 3 styles of creme brulee and the hot chocolate cake) that I and my dining companions got, were all perfectly prepared, well executed, well seasoned, and well flavored. Andrew, our server was terrific (probably talked us into ordering more than we would've on our own, but in a good way!). Nothing bad to say about, but can't give it 5 stars because I didn't leave with that "to die for" feeling.
Good for lone diners. Wonderful food and wine choices. Don't miss the honey ice cream. Extremely helpfull staff. I was dining alone and ordered the blue cheese potato chips. The waiter volunteered that it was a big serving & I could probably get by with a half order, which was not on the menu. Indicative of the good service.
(5)
Jessica L.
WHAT?! THIS is the nicest place to eat downtown...for real? So I came here with high expectations - I mean, its $$$ on Yelp, highest rated downtown and in the fancy hotel. I was far from wow-ed First off, I liked the Ambiance - large room, central cooking area, comfy tables, large windows. My server was nice but also kind of schmuck-y. I liked that other servers took my empty plates and did not wait for busers or my waiter to do it. I had the tune tartar appetizer and for $12 I expects something I could NOT make myself. It tasted fine but whatever. I had a glass of red wine and my pour was $hit. For $$$ I expect a nice big pour in a nice big glass - I got neither. For my meal I had scallops. I received 5 diver scallops nicely seared in a Meyer lemon sauce - the sauce was not too heavy nor tart. But thank god it was there as nothing on my plate had flavor. My dish also came with mashed potatoes and some long string bean thing. The bean was raw - yuck. The potatoes were ODDLY similar to the packaged kind that you just add water too and they come out all smooth and perfectly white. double boo. This place is not dressy, you can come casual. One suggestions for the cooks - since the prep/cooking area is in the center of the restaurant and raised above the seats we can HEAR everything you say. So thanks for singing Beck's Loser Sous chef, and other guy I am glad you are excited to see Body Worlds.
(3)
Adam M.
Great meal with excellent service. Our waiter was very helpful and made great recommendations. The corn bisque with crab was incredible, I could have eaten 6 bowls of it. Blue cheese chips were good but greasy, and the beet salad was nice. Mac & cheese was great & steak was perfectly cooked. I would come back for sure
(4)
Lorenza W.
Our first impression of the Bambara was not a good one, we walked in with reservations, and 2 walk ups were seated before us. We were entertaining a very important client and were a little embarrassed. To make matters worse our client asked Steve, the Host when we were to be seated and he was rude and pretentious, which made us begin to regret taking her here. But after we were seated our waitress Shaye totally saved the day. She was professional, attentive and friendly. If we do return we will definitely ignore the host Steve and request Shaye's section.
(3)
Claire M.
I love Kimpton Hotels. I have yet to visit a Kimpton Hotel bar/restaurant that isn't swoon-worthy for its decor, amazing drinks, and atmosphere. However, I have yet to be overly thrilled with the food at the ones I've visited in D.C. and San Diego. I'm sad to say that although the filet mignon was a miracle in meat form, Salt Lake's food also disappointed. No matter -- I loved my experience there anyway. My server at dinner was so friendly and helpful -- it's not his fault my food was oversalted and my meat a tad too pink. He was chatty and welcoming and kept me stocked up on drinks and bread. (Ooh, the bread actually merits its own star -- focaccia and red pepper hummus. I never eat dinner bread, but I ate all five pieces of focaccia on the table. That's another good thing: Bambara doesn't skimp on the free stuff, even for its single diners.) But most of the stars are for the wonderful bartender, Austin, a dead ringer for Jim from The Office. I asked him to make me whatever he wanted, six times, and every drink was more spectacular than the next. The last one mixed vodka and fresh raspberries and lemons and I really wanted another -- but I needed to retain some control of my legs for my short walk back to my hotel. Even in my drunken haze, though, I did note the bartender only charged me for three drinks. I really like Bambara. :)
(4)
Amy O.
One of my favorites in SLC!
(5)
Tess R.
This is probably the only place I stay where I actually sit down to eat breakfast, here at Bambara at the Hotel Monaco. The servers are incredibly attentive and so helpful. They worked with my anti-melon issues and had no problem making a melonless plate! The fresh blueberries, strawberries, bananas, pineapple, oranges, and grapes were a perfect start to the day, along with a good cup of coffee and a toasted bagel. I was here for lunch several weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the salmon on lentils. It was tasty and savory, yet not so heavy that you need a 3 pm nap! Very convenient if you're staying at the Hotel Monaco, and worth a try if you're a local looking for a nice night out.
(4)
Ryan E.
Delicious. Polite and friendly wait staff. Gorgeous down town location. Parking was easy! Portions are a bit small for the price. Wish I could rate this restaurant a 4.5
(4)
Eddie L.
Not a bad choice in SLC for dinner and presumably lunch. My gnocchi with corn butter and pea shoots was a change from the ordinary and done very well and the mixed greens salad was fresh and simple in a good way. Atmosphere was nice as was the service. I will definitely make a return visit.
(4)
Djipopo S.
Excellent food and service.
(5)
Carol M.
Excellent service and food
(5)
Jerome B.
There are very few times where I have paid over $50 a person and had to food sooooo horrendous that I stopped eating and left. This was my experience at this restaurant. I ate there with my fiance and her coworker the 04/09.... and I had the halibut, and they had the short ribs. We were all in fear once we had the "humus" that accompanied their bread. Thank god for the drink (only good thing that night) to wash the taste out of my mouth before dinner. Then came "their best meal" the halibut... Although it wasnt the WORST fish i have had, it was far from notable. And the accompaniments were... well... Unfortunately, the short ribs, after 5 minutes of picking, were left for the waiter. I tasted them as well... horrible. The positives: Staff were very friends. Atmosphere is good. its a shame the food is beyond sub-par. After paying out bill, we all returned to the Marriott Hotel and ate the free food on the 12th floor... thank god for the executive lounge.
(1)
Oski B.
I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner here while staying at the Hotel Monaco. Yes, I'm THAT lazy that I didn't want to walk further than the lobby to eat my meals. Breakfast was fine. I'd ordered the blueberry pancakes and fruit plate, but was told that they hadn't gotten their blueberries delivered that morning so they served the buttermilk ones. Whatever, that's fine. It's kind of hard to screw up pancakes. The grilled flatiron steak that I ordered for lunch was recommended by the chef to be served medium rare. It came out pretty close to rare so I felt like a bear eating some animal that I'd just killed with my paws. The watercress was nearly impossible to eat without looking like a tool. The fries, or "herbed frites," were pretty tasty, though. For dinner, I had the maple brined pork porterhouse chop served with beehive cheddar grits, roasted mushrooms, and apple-fennel slaw. It was a pretty generous portion and reasonable at $25. The chocolate bundt cake with espresso ice cream and hazelnut brittle made for a great dessert.
(3)
William B.
Get the potato chips. On its less-good notes, the restaurant veers toward the overly complicated, but my planked salmon (served on an actual, though unnecessary, plank) and my piquillo peppers were very yummy.
(4)
Ryan S.
We had a great dinner experience here. The food and service was fantastic. We started with the crab stuffed piquillo peppers which were amazing. I had the seared ahi tuna and the girl had the brined pork chop with polenta. Great food.
(4)
Martha M.
Stumbled across this restaurant which is nestled in a pretty lavish hotel in the heart of SLC. I had just arrived in SLC for a business trip and was looking for a place to have a late dinner with a co-worker. We found this place as we walked up Main Street. By the time we sat down it was about 9:30 local time (11:30 eastern time...yawn)...The place was relatively empty but we were welcomed by the host as if we were the first patrons of the evening. We shared an artisans cheese plate which was lacking on the cheese but overall wasn't too bad. For the entree I tried the fillet mignon which was a little too rare for my liking but because I had not eaten anything since leaving Philly, 5 hours prior, I ate every last bit. The service was very good and extremely friendly. As it turns out we were the last ones to leave and no one tried to rush us out as it approached closing time.
(4)
David S.
Good but not great food, very nice space, overpriced.
(3)
Cori L.
Such a fun place to have eat! The food is delicious (a must try is the blue cheese chips) and the atmosphere is swanky and fun! This is a good place for a date or business.
(5)
Keely A.
THE best restaurant in Utah. Excellent service, wonderful menu, gorgeous decor. My husband and I go here to celebrate special events and we've never been disappointed.
(5)
Erik M.
We had a nice experience and a great waiter (it seemed). The food was delicious. The homemade tortellini with pulled pork in tomato sauce was unique. The portions were perfect, we left full but not stuffed. The house vinaigrette was very good on our mixed greens salad. The dessert was also good. The wife had a pomegranate martini that was spectacular. Here's the problem, we ordered the pre-theater special before going to see "Wicked" across the street. The waiter said any changes to the special would only be a dollar or so more. It's really three or more. Not such a big thing, we knew the restaurant was pricey. But the issue that really go under our skin was when were at the theater reading our program and saw a 10% discount on the pre-theater special if we mention we had tickets. We DID mention that to our waiter, we had a long discussion about the theater with him. We were never offered the discount. Understandably, this sounds a bit whiny. However, on a $100 tab that's quite disappointing. When you go to a pricey place you expect two things: great food and remarkable service. You definitely don't want to feel like you have to work for a good deal. Bambara is one of the few fancy restaurants. The food is excellent for Salt Lake City, but only average for a larger city. The service is adequate. Just go with an open wallet and don't expect any special deals.
(3)
Chelsea C.
Dinner at Bambara was by far the worst fine dining experience I have ever had. 50% of fine dining is food/wine, 30% is atmosphere and the remaining 20% is service. Bambara was lacking all 3. The food was mediocre at best, my boyfriend said his steak was comparable to those served at Outback. The wine was HORRENDOUSLY overpriced--We bought a half bottle of 2004 Ravenswood Zin for $40. A full bottle retails at $11 in stores. The seating was all in booths, which is fine, but a little tacky. The main issue was the carpeting. I am not lying when I say that it looks like it belongs in the hallway of a Super 8. It was not only worn and dull, but it was FILTHY. Our reservation was for 8 PM on a Monday night. I refuse to believe that between 4, presumably when the restaurant opens, and 8, that such a mess could've formed on the carpet. It looked like the carpet from an episode of Hoarders. The fabric on the seats of the booths was equally as worn. For how much the up charge at this place, one would think that they could afford to reupholster. The service was OK. It was like eating at any other restaurant...I like to think that servers in fine dining are working on a career in serving and should have a passion for food and spirits. Good servers can continue working well into their 60s and make a pretty incredible living if they enjoy their work. Our waiter, on the other hand, presented himself as though he earned his wings at Applebees (or maybe outback...perhaps he brought the mediocre steak with him?) His name tag was handwritten and I noticed everyone else's was as well. One of the waitresses was wearing this TACKY synthetic weave and all of their aprons were FILTHY and the patterns were cheesy and outdated. By the time we received the bill I was outraged. Honestly, we had a better meal the night before (with better service AND atmosphere) at P.F Changs. How embarrassing. Shame on the owners and management at Bambara. From now on I will stick to Pago, which is a MUCH better bang for your buck in SLC.
(1)
Karin B.
I ate here because I had a friend who once worked at this restaurant and it was an easy choice because I was staying at the hotel. I thought the food was excellent and worth the food dollar investment.
(4)
Charlie M.
Great food. Beet salad was delicious. Seared Ahi was perfect, although small. And the homemade ice cream was amazing.
(5)
Deborah S.
Once again--my cousin Mike knew what he was doing: you do not take a gal from San Francisco, have her come to Salt Lake City, and not have her stay in a great hotel that also has one of the best restaurants in the city. The menu had depth and could have been from a restaurant anywhere in SF. I was impressed. I saw how large the portions were so I did not order a starter and just ordered my main, sear scallops and a side, roasted brussel sprouts. Service was good, and the food was fabulous. The wine list was decent and the bar in the back had a great selection of single malt scotches--even though they measure everything like a chemist. It is a bit pricey, but when on business travel, what the hell?!
(4)
Ron C.
Excellent food. Loved the silky corn chowder. Pasta was creative and tasty. Highly recommend.
(4)
Cameron C.
Really enjoyed my first experience at Bambara. The service was just a bit slow, but it was a very busy night. Ordered a daily-special soup which tasted like a melted down version of all of the best toppings on a loaded baked potato. Also ordered the fillet and it was down right spectacular! Not your run of the mill fillet -- it was served partially sliced up and in a guacamole sauce, carmelized onions, potatoes, and some awesomely prepared bacon chunks (not bits... chunks!). Appetizers were also top notch, especially the stuffed peppers. For SLC it was in a nice central location and the atmosphere was good for a business meal or a dinner out with someone special. Will have to go back a few times to form a solid impression, but could be one of my new favorites spots in Salt Lake.
(5)
Jessica P.
Bambara serves up small, bland plates for a high price tag. I've been here several times and have yet had my mind changed.
(1)
Lauren G.
The food was very good, but I'm not sure good enough to match the price I paid for it. I had the butternut squash and it was very good, but it had a bit too much butter.
(3)
Paul R.
Wonderful dining experience here. Professional wait and kitchen staff. Highly recommended.
(5)
Daniel M.
We came here after fleeing the culinary horror that is Caffe Molise. The service was fast and friendly, the menu was diverse, and the food was tasty, albeit somewhat overpriced. They can certainly get away with it, seeing as they seem to be one of the few games in town. In a foodie city, this would probably rank as a nice neighborhood restaurant on the rise. Here in Salt Lake, it is the town's hottest ticket. The crab bisque was tasty and well prepared with just enough crab to add a little bit to each bite. The tuna tartare had a nice flavor, and the crisp provided a welcome crunch. Finally, the house made tagliatelle had solid flavor and we enjoyed the fresh-made pasta. If you are a Salt Lake resident desperately wondering why you'd even bother paying restaurant prices, come here. If you are a visitor desperately hoping for something to eat, come here, and if the menu doesn't do it for you, there is a Carl's Jr. just down the street.
(3)
Narciso A.
Was invited to this restaurant by a vendor. They raved about it. All of the raving was right! The food here was excellent. I really enjoyed the Arugula Salad with puff pastry. Everything here was melt-in-your-mouth delish. I ordered the Chicken and Shrimp dish. Compliments to the chef.
(5)
Scott I.
Normally I would be giving you an excellent review but tonight you missed the mark badly. Ordered the ribeye with frittes and marrow - my son ordered the same thing and the girls ordered scallops. Everyone else has a good meal - Mine no marrow? The ribeye was a pile of fat and sinewy mess - would have sent it back, But didn't see the waiter, and needed to make the play across the street. What a bummer a $400 tab and I wish I would of enjoyed something on my plate besides the frittes... I wish chefs would take a moment to see what they are cooking before throwing a pile of fat on a plate!
(2)
Diamond B.
I love the Four Season's white table cloth experience when I go to a new city. If I can't get the Ritz or the Four Seasons I start looking for some place applicable. The Bombara inside the beautiful Monaco restaurant fit the bill to a tee. The hotel is stately and elegant with it's cream and white trim walls. When I asked my friend (a local to Salt Lake City) about the beautiful ambiance she said the Monaco used to be an upscale bank, and you can still tell by the sophisticated decor. The sign says perfection at any price. Well for us that meant $150, but 3 if us ate. I was the only one that enjoyed a glass of $12 wine, but is WAS good wine. My friends had tea/lemonade. The food was filling, so we didn't get apps or dessert. The food could have been a bit more timely coming out, but when it did was really delicious. The wine was tasty as well and if asked they will recommend a wine to go with the decadent food. While there we enjoyed the scallops, (yes, I ordered them. Okay, so I'm a bit repetitive, but the server said it was better then the lamb- so I went for it!!) fillet and gnocchi. It was all delicious. If you'd like an upscale experience before you leave Salt Lake, give Bambara a try.
(5)
Andrew C.
Only ate breakfast while staying at the Hotel Monaco on business trip. A little pricey, but has the convenience factor, if you're staying at the Hotel Monaco. I had the Buttermilk Biscuit with Spicy Utah Elk Sausage Gravy, Fried Egg, Breakfast Potatoes ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bamb… ). Overall pretty good. Biscuit was a little dense. They were happy to bring more gravy. We also came to the Vault for drinks in the evening. Mixed drinks were up and down (perhaps depending on the bartender?) so beer seemed like a more consistent choice. One night it was packed and the staff was overwhelmed so we rarely saw our waitress and even trying to get a drink at the bar took forever.
(3)
Kim K.
Excellent meal top to bottom! Bambara has a very cool vibe. Clearly in an old bank building, very cool. The interior is sleek, modern, and classy. The open kitchen is also really cool. The food was delicious. Amazing bleu cheese potatoes, awesome pork shank, and killer desserts. Everything was fresh, piping hot, and expertly cooked. Service was attentive, friendly, and hospitable. Prices were completely reasonable. Great meal - would return any time!
I love Bambara! Always an enjoyable experience. On my last visit in the summer of 2015 I remember thinking that it's gotten a bit more pricey. Regardless, the food and service were, as always, spot on. If you're downtown SLC and want a great meal, Bambara will not disappoint.
(4)
Jason R.
Very good food and attentive service. Clams were a bit salty but filet was excellent. Prices on the high end but worth it.
(4)
James H.
Great atmosphere, decent service, but surprisingly average food. My lunch special: Tuna Belly Confit Melt Sandwich was better than most Tuna sandwiches but not by much. The best part of my meal was the corn bisque with bits of crab. I'll avoid the lunch special menu next time though as I think quality is being sacrificed for both speed and price.
Because of my friend's birthday, I finally have a chance to come down here. When I first got here, I've noticed something different on the menu, my friend's name was on it, and that's not it, they've even put a Happy Birthday on it. How thoughtful! Love the appetizer-Crispy Fried Calamari, and the entrees-Grilled Diver Scallops and Ribeye Steak Frites. We didn't order any dessert because we've prepared my friend a birthday cake, but I'll definitely try out their dessert next time.
(4)
Sarah S.
Well it happened. I can die now. What's really the point of living when you know you have had all life has to give you. Knowing that you have already had the best thing out there is rather depressing. I would never say I'm an affectionate person. I'm not a cuddler, nor a kissy kiss person. I have had friends lose family members and at the funeral all i did was pat them on the shoulder with an "I'm touching you, so you know it means something" face. So I'm sure the chef was surprised when i walked back into his kitchen, interrupting the whole meal service to stand in front of him. I'm sure the kitchen staff thought i was going to go postal or something. But no, i just hugged the man, and whispered, "thank you" in his ear. He laughed and I left fully satisfied with the one person I deemed good enough to receive a hug from me. I hope this demonstrates the level of quality of the meal.
(5)
Kevin R.
I haven't been to Bambara for several years. We booked a reservation and were promptly seated. We each ordered several appetizers and cocktails. I wasn't particularly wowed by the appetizers which were the Duck Liver Costini, Cast Iron Roasted Clams and the Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips. The Chips were basically Lays Potato Chips with Blue Cheese melted over them. I don't like Duck Liver, so I can't comment. The Roasted Clams were OK, but not particularly flavorful. For the Entree, I had the Short Rib Ravioli. It has a LOT of smoky bacon. And mostly it was Ravioli with a LOT of Spaghetti Squash over the top. It was pretty good, but I didn't eat the Fried Farm Egg on top of it because I do not like runny eggs. Other entrees were the Rib eye Steak Frites (meat was tough, fries weren't anything special) and others had the Gnocchi and the Halibut which I did not try. The best part of the meal was the Charlotte Russe and the Turtle Ice Cream Sandwich. I believe the bill for the 4 of us including cocktails was just over $300 which seems little pricey. Service was good although the water girl spilled water on the table several times despite there being at least 2 iPhones on the table. I'd like to try Brunch there sometime, but would only go back for dinner if someone else was paying.
(4)
Joshua D.
Really great food. Their beet salad had some of the best tasting beets I've ever had. The quality of their other dishes was high, though there were little things about some of them that I think could use adjusting.
(4)
Becky U.
The service and atmosphere were good, however the food was lacking. The impression I got from the menu was overly complicated dishes. For example an abundance of sauces, spices and ingredients not complimenting each other but taking away from the overall dish. Less is more sometimes.
(3)
Piyali F.
Love this place! I travel to SLC for work frequently, and my company recently hosted an event here so I ended up having a couple meals at the hotel's restaurant, Bambara. High quality food, great wine selection, and they are GREAT about catering to food allergies.
Exceptional service and food was had by all! Succulent mahi mahi and duck were among the menu items selected by me and my guest, and both were superb. The waiter was especially knowledgeable and helpful, and his expertise went a long way in helping us select both our wine and dishes. I will definitely be returning to Bambara the next time I'm in SLC!
(5)
Bill R.
Wonderful atmosphere. Beautifully decorated restaurant. Extremely friendly and attentive staff. Started with some apps... Crab stuffed red pepper. What a crowd pleaser! The table couldn't get enough. Fresh crab flavor not heavy with breading. Ruby and golden beets salad. Fresh roasted beets with grains and hazelnut. Excellent but could use a bit of salt. Others had the wedge. Notable slabs of house cured bacon. Real nice. Entree: Scallops with corn and bacon risotto was excellent. Pan seared crust outside and tender inside. The risotto could be an entree on its own. Outstanding flavors and textures. My only issue with this dish was the amount of garnish. Literally a handful of alfalfa sprouts! Really had to dig through the pile to get down to the good stuff. In fact every plate at the table was over-garnished in some way--the pork loin dish looked like it had a tree limb on it. My own issues with garnish aside, every plate at the table was excellent! Swordfish, filet, strip, pork loin, scallops were all noteworthy items. We all commented that there was just too much good stuff on the menu. Desserts were just as good. We were surprised that they looked kind of small, but don't be fooled...they are rich, flavorful, and delicious. You'll be glad they exercise portion control. Those looking for libation will appreciate the full liquor license. Plenty of reds, whites, and sparkling available. Full bottles, half bottles, and by the glass. As well as cocktails. Extremely happy to have found this place. Given the chance, I shall return.
(4)
F J F.
Giant disappointment. The amount of salt added to all of the dishes made some inedible. We tried 5 appetizers ..the duck pate was the worst of them and unpalatable then the salty chips..the salads were acceptable. Service was confusing and non attentive..when he finally took the time at the end of the meal , we explained constructively what we experienced. The waiter said we should have said something....which brought to light..no one ever asked how the food was after serving. ok...we always have a good time and the restaurant and hotel are neat and fun ..but it was $500 for 4.....and should be better overall.
(2)
Brandon B.
Phenomenal. Best burger on the planet. Try and you'll see why. I'm not even joking. And be sure to have the house chips with bleu cheese as a primer. Then sub the fries for a spring mix salad. The vinaigrette cuts through the beef fat nicely.
(5)
Anna K.
Came here after picking up my boyfriend from his flight in Salt Lake. Our group ordered the blue cheese chips and calamari as our appetizers. We all agreed that we found the blue cheese chips to be a bit weird, but still pretty good. The calamari was excellent. The sauce was great and the crispness was perfect. Our entrees were incredible. Mine was the scallops which were quite salty, but they were over a creamy risotto which was perfect. I'm definitely a fan of the Brussel sprouts on the side which I believe were cooked with pancetta.
(4)
Amy S.
Really good food. The service wasn't as attentive as I'd hoped. The portions are very generous - I had the salmon crusted in potato and literally couldn't finish it. Would definitely go again if I went back to SLC.
(4)
Rumesha A.
I was staying at the Hotel Monaco and came in for dinner - The Blue Cheese Chips - I would avoid them. Dripping with oil and with melted blue cheese on them. It was a heart attack on a plate and not even worthy dying for! All I could taste was the oil - The lamb chops - for $46, I expected an amazing dish. The lamb was cooked well (medium rare) but there was definitely a heavy hand on the salt on the kale chips. The aioli was heavy and distracting - a lighter sauce would have paired with the lamb - Flourless chocolate cake - this was pretty good and I was loath to leave a few bites on my plate. All the desserts were top notch - Service was attentive and courteous. Our server wasnt very knowledgeable on the wine list but definitely knew his food. I'll try another meal but I'm sure Salt Lake City has a better restaurant for me to sample.
(3)
Stephen L.
Amazing dinner with my favorite wine: Charles Krug Carb... Loved the appetizer, main dish and dessert. The service is great, we we're put in the VIP/isolated room so it's not noisy and we could have our own conversation. This is one of the best restaurant in SLC. We started with the appetizer of the chips (Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips), really good... then I ordered the duo for the main dish, which covers the ribs and bacon-covered-tenderloin (could not go wrong with bacon), it's just perfect ! Again, on the overall, it was an excellent dinner !
(5)
Jenny J.
Tuna tartar was superb. Just had sushi the night before and it didn't do it for me. Not that this was sushi but this meal experience helped to offset the average meal that I had the night before. My entree was the goat cheese ravioli with mushrooms. I just didn't feel like a meat dish even though the steak that my companion had looked delish. Didn't matter as the ravioli was a hit for me and just the dish that I was craving. Very flavorful without being overly salty or heavy. Mango pana cotta for desert was just the right ending. I was very full but the choices for desert were just too good to pass up. I recommend and give this place a solid 4 star except that they screwed with my bill. I paid the tip in cash and they somehow added an extra 40 bucks to my bill. They gave me a bogus explanation that it was some systems error. BS and a terrible end to what was an enjoyable meal.
(3)
Christopher L.
I've eaten here several times and I believe that is one of the best restaurants in Salt Lake City. The last time I visited Bambara I had Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with saffron sauce for an appetizer and pan seared duck served with risotto for an entree. All food was prepared and served to the highest standard.
(5)
Krystal M.
Wonderful dinner. I was staying in the hotel and dined here on a Sunday evening. Our waiter David was very helpful and knowledgeable. We had the corn bisque which really was fantastic, just a little rich. We then had the filet mignon and scallops for entrees. Scallops were divine! We were tired the night we ate here so opted for just a glass of wine each, and was pleasantly surprised to see a good "by the glass" menu and opted for the Caymus Conundrum. Kept dessert simple with sorbet. Overall very pleased with this meal and dining experience. Best so far in SLC.
(4)
Lynette D.
This seemed like a great choice we were hungry and it is in our hotel although very pricy. Our waiter Jason was just amazing no matter what the food he made the experience a 5 star ...if there was a waiter option star he would get a 5 The wine a pinot noir was very nice can't recall the name but it was suggested by Jason and was very good $12 a glass one of the least expensive but very good Starter we decided on the duck toast it was very tasty and presentation was great ..it was a little busy because there was so much going on on the plate ..but if you pushed everything aside and focused on the duck on the toast it was over salted and seemed like it was cooked several days ago and then reheated ..if you cook a lot you will get this and I understand a restaurant can not cook everything "today"but it seemed more than a day or two old. The over salted is also a good sign of this. Also the frothy thing is over just don't Seared Maine Scallops we decided to split this and it was nice they split this for us on our own plates The pungent smell that comes with not so fresh scallops was overwhelming and almost turned me against the entire plate. if it smells this strong there is something just wrong with the entire thing, where they frozen and thawed? I realize we are not on a coast here but OMG it was just overbearing. I did eat one then I just gave the plate to my husband who didn't want it either. The brussel sprouts were undercooked and the pork belly was cold like an after thought..oh yeah just throw that on top cold maybe no one will notice. I didnt' even eat the risotto so I can not comment on this part. Again a buy plate and simplicity can often be the best part of a plate I would have rather had one great scallop than 4 smelly ones covered in all kinds of things I am not even clear what most of it was. $41 no thank you I would not order this again The free bread OMG the best part of the meal .... this bread is so good I would have just had the wine and free bread all night ...however they bring this spread that I tired thinking it looked good ...it was horrible. I told my husband "I can't quite put my finger on what it is but it seems like something left over the chef was not quite sure what to do with so he did this" when I asked Jason what exactly it was he said it was a mixture of hummus and some other beans with something, something ...I knew it ! OMG just don't ...if you need to make something to go with such a spectacular bread just do a whipped butter with a simple herb ..sometimes simplicity is a perfect answer. Desset Chocolate cake with ice cream and toffee ..perfect! clearly they have this portion of the meal perfect. This was amazing Also it was our Lexi (puppy) 4th birthday and we asked Jason what he could do for her that we could take back to the room for her. He put a scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped it with a puff pasty little crispy thing that was perfect ! The only thing was Lexi tired with all her 5 pounds of might to eat it in one bite ! welcome to her first brain freeze which we realized was happening when she fell onto her side licking her lips and got up and only licked the rest of it !! LOL not funny but we all remember that first brain freeze right !
(3)
Nancy B.
Terrific meal, great setting, and service to match. Best beet salad I've had, with both golden and red beets, combined with extra creamy goat cheese and a very special vinaigrette. I loved that they let me switch out a different vegetable to accompany the potato crusted salmon. Just perfect.
(5)
Bowdoin S.
Bambara is conveniently located in downtown Salt Lake City in the Hotel Monaco and fortunately there is a lot of parking options nearby. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with some nice lounge music playing in the background which fortunately was not too loud. I had lunch here and started out with the silky corn bisque at the suggestion of my waiter and I was not disappointed. It takes a lot for a soup to impress me and this soup was very tasty and well balanced. There is some nice heat that works well with the sweet taste of the corn which was not overpowering. There was a decent amount of the crab which added some nice texture. I had to try the beet salad which was really good. First of all, the presentation was exquisite with the nice colors of the golden and ruby beets with the mandarin orange slices (and I think grapefruit) in the periphery. One of my pet peeves with many beet salad offerings is when there is too much arugula and not enough beets, but they give a great abundance of high quality beets here, but the chef gives an abundant amount of both golden and red beets which are well cooked and extremely tasty. There was some nice acidity provided by the orange vinaigrette and citrus as well. The walnuts added some nice texture as well. My only criticism was that the goat cheese was a little too runny, but the dish was really good. My server Mike was knowledgable, friendly, and on top of things, and I look forward to my next visit where I can explore more of the menu.
(4)
Rod S.
We came here for brunch before the Opera. It's not $3 mimosas. But, that's not what you come here for. You come here for fine dining, excellent service and hopefully very good food. You can pretty much assume most hotels have "hotel" food. That's competent food done by the numbers that's somewhat overpriced. Fortunately, Kimpton hotels break the mold. I've always had well prepared food worth the price. In Utah, the cocktails are over priced, but decent. There are more trendy places and arguably better values at other very good places downtown, but nothing really embodies grand dining and elegance as well. I've been here for dinner with the wife recently as well. It was also up to snuff. You can spend more at Grand America, but I find it all to sterile there. Over the years Hotel Monaco has been through ups and downs. Probably more downs than ups. I'm thrilled it's in an up phase.
(4)
Sarah V.
An expensive restaurant by Salt Lake City standards. We were in the old Chairmans office for small groups - it's a gorgeous room. The servers were attentive and knew the menu well. I ordered the pork chops and it was succulent and superb. Friends ordered the fries with blue cheese appetizer and it looked pretty amazing. My husband ordered the ravioli but found the pasta to be tough. Overall this is a lovely but pricey upscale restaurant for special occasions. Overall most of the entree's ordered by our group were popular.
(4)
Heather B.
Superb service, divine cuisine, great atmosphere! Everything we tried was delicious. We went for dinner. Staff was very friendly and service was impeccable. Thank you for offering something unique in SLC.
(5)
Christopher K.
Talk about a classy restaurant that I could eat all three of my daily meals in, every day, for weeks on end, and never get sick of it. Bambara is that restaurant. I'm not kidding when I say I was so spoiled spending a week in Salt Lake City, staying at the Hotel Monaco, and having Bambara right there at my disposal all day every day. Everything I ate here was amazing - breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and of course, small plates at the bar on late, late nights. This place has it all. A great variety of dishes prepared with the very best of ingredients, all thoughtfully prepared down to the smallest detail. Breakfast was probably my favorite meal, and I loved mixing it up every day. I'm not a big pancakes guy, but I had to try them here. Boy, did they deliver. I'll still never understand why pancakes are pitched as an entree and not a side. Does anyone really need a giant stack of pancakes? I mean, after a few bites, I'm like, "I get it. Pancakes are good." A few bites are all I really need. A stack of pancakes, to me, seems like equivalent of eating a 30-egg omelette, or a box of donuts. I could only finish half a plate. And by all means get a side of their homemade pork breakfast sausage which was out of this world. I'll never be able to order sausage in a NJ diner again. Even the simple salads are good. My first meal at Bambara was a salad. I remember the bartender coming up to me, asking me how it was, and I said, "if they can do a salad this good, I can't wait to try everything else on the menu." Indeed. If you are in Salt Lake City and do not grab a bite here at some point, you will be missing out.
(5)
R A.
New Menu: I had the duck. It was probably the best duck I have ever had. It wasn't chewy which duck can be at times. Appetizer was fantastic. Beet salad was also 5 star. Try the new menu.
(5)
Alice C.
Th is a really nice fine dinning experience in SLC. Let's start with food, solid new American cuisines. The style here are slightly unique. Instead of highlighting one ingredient, they do at least a couple. Portion are generous. Butter lettuces, very fresh with excellent light gorgonzola dressing 9/10 My friend got a really good pork tenderloin and pork belly dish, 8/10 I got the chicken and tiger prawns, chicken slight dry, tiger prawn was very good 8/10 Drink, decent selection on local beer, decent wine selection, cocktails are very good, but pricey at $12-$15 per drink. Service was top notch that evening as we were two snow bums who just walked in. The restaurant layout are open where you can see all the kitchen actions, the black and white color theme of the place is elegant but not overly stuffy. After splitting a salad, one entree and two cocktails, I am short $70, not bad compare to the bay area dinning scenes. Nice place to take your date or feed your hungry stomach.
(4)
Christopher M.
Great lunch spot located inside the Monoco Hotel. Food is good & the drinks are even better. Also, The Vault lounge attached to them is amazing!
(5)
M A.
As I have come to detest Cocina Toscana, I have come to LOVE Bambara. Great food, good service, good atmosphere. Music is just right, not to loud etc. Great spot. Prices are a bit higher but I think it's justified.
(5)
Ruben A.
Lamb sliders for lunch! The lamb was fresh and moist. Too many times I've had lamb that has a gamey taste. When it's fresher and cooked properly, it's divine. The pesto and feta cheese were really a nice complement to moist lamb slider. LOVED the fries. They were fried with what seemed like thyme and rosemary. Whatever it was, the fries were some of the best i've ever had.
(5)
Shawn F.
Pricey, at about $100 for 2, but probably the best meal I've ever had anywhere. We ended up stranded in Salt Lake City for a night and decided randomly to come here. We weren't disappointed! The service was friendly and attentive, but not intrusive. My finance and I split the Spinach salad, fried peppers, filet of beef, and crab mashed potatoes. Who would have thought you could put crab in mashed potatoes or fry lemons? The food was like a work of art, complex, full of flavor and beautiful to behold. The cocktails we had were delicious as well, and fairly strong. If we ever find our way back to Salt Lake City, this is where we'll go.
(5)
James S.
This was a remarkable find in Salt Lake City. The restaurant compares well with the best names in New Orleans. We especially loved the presentations, which were simple but elegant, the superb sauces and the outstanding service we received from Brandon. He recommended memorable dishes to us. The corn bisque was creamy and subtly flavored. The crab stuffed peppers were from heaven. The wedge butter lettuce salad with Maytag blue cheese and bacon fresh and balanced. The lamb chops with fried kale were perfectly cooked, flavored and presented. Their mango sorbet cleaned the palate and was a perfect finish. We split everything and it was under $60 per person without alcohol. If you love quality food qo, enjoy and share.
(5)
Kay P.
Lamb sliders! It's times like this where I wish I was greek. The lamb sliders are tender and moist. The bread taste lightly grilled which gives it a nice crunch. They give you condiments on the side but why bother!? Don't do it. You'll ruin a most perfect slider. The juices in the lamb keep everything from Getting dry and..why are you still reading this? Go get one and thank me later . Baaaaaa says the lamb
(5)
Ellie B.
Every now an again you just need to treat yourself to beautifully crafted food that is as delicious as it is beautiful. My husband an I celebrated out anniversary there an everything we had from wine, bread, crab stuffed peppers, roasted chicken to sea bass was incredible!! We luckily ate slow an had room for a little dessert. The FILO an cherries was amazing but the sorbet is what really topped it off for me! Ask to be seated in Taylor's section an your dining experience will be enhanced to joyous an you will feel like old friends netting for the very first time. If I'm ever back in Salt Lake I will be ratting here again!!
(5)
Selwa L.
The Pinot noir poached salmon was amazing! This was the best meal I had all week during our stay in Salt Lake City. Very nice restaurant and despite being one of the dressier options downtown, they were very accommodating to our family and our baby. Our server brought her a side of blueberries so she could eat something along with everyone else in our party. (She won't sit still in a high chair unless she has food). Delicious. Would definitely eat here again. The food was better than the steak we had eaten the night before and less expensive! I was also able to go into the hotel lobby nearby and nurse my baby which was convenient.
(5)
Lana K.
Great lunch spot, and far more affordable than the dinner prices. There's hardly ever people in the bar and when there is, it's always good conversation. Bartender is knowledgeable and happy to help.
Wow. This is the best place I have eaten in a long time! House salad was amazing and the filet was even better. Stop here if you are in town!
(5)
Sean W.
Amazing meal and service, very inviting dining room, cozy. We started with the blue cheese chips, try eating only one. The calamari was perfectly cooked served with amazing fried lemons. The scallop and tuna tartare were super fresh, however could have used a bit of heat. The cast iron mussels were beyond, so good, amazing broth. My steak was cooked perfectly, very large portion. My friends gnocchi with short ribs was mouthwatering, so flavorful. This was the best meal I've had in SLC in a very long time, years.
(4)
Kayla M.
This is one of our favorite places to eat in all of Salt Lake City! There are so many great things about this restaurant, the food, the service, the wine list... I could go on and on. We fist went here for my boyfriend's birthday and were so impressed by the food and the atmosphere that it quickly became our go to spot for special occasions. Our two favorite dishes here are the filet mignon and the halibut, both are amazing! We love the Ball Buster wine and often purchase a whole bottle. The atmosphere is upscale, white linen table cloths and waiters in black vests. It's fairly intimate and would be a great place for a romantic dinner, however it's not really what I'd call mood lighting. The restaurant is set up so that almost anywhere you sit you have a view of the city out the windows. Even though it's on street level, it's fun to see what's going on out on the city street. The service is good and the waiters are attentive, just what you'd expect from a nicer place. We love their bar area too!!
(5)
Aran S.
Great service! Cocktails could use some work, though. A bit noisy & bright too. Dim the lights in the main room!
(4)
M P.
Didn't meet my expectations. The corn soup was the best part of the meal. Good wine selection and service. Food was just ok. Maybe it was an off night.
(3)
Rosie T.
I love this place! My favorite drink is "The Monoco" it's a must try! It's a vodka with espresso and coffee liqueur! I have enjoyed the food and environment so far, and their bar The Vault is small but quite nice as well! I hope all of you have a an awesome time here :).
(5)
John H.
It's been a long time since I have had a 5 star meal and I had to travel for work to find it. Bambara is located centrally in SLC within an old bank attached to the Monaco hotel. Brennan (sp) was our server who guided us thru the meal. Our group started with a variety of appetizers include the ahi tartare, calamari, stuffed and roasted poblano peppers. All were prepared and served perfectly. Next courses included watermelon salad, a beet salad and greens. All were very fresh, crisp and nicely presented. Very good flavors. Mains included the scallop dish, pork tenderloin and lamb t-bones. It hard to believe that there exists such a high level of consistency from any kitchen. These folks have it nailed. Incredible flavors and perfectly prepared. Your wish was the command. The only thing I would change would be a bit more of a wine list selection. However, those represented were all well chosen. All in all, it was worth the plane flight for the meal. Many thanks to the kitchen, our server (if I have his name close) and the rest of the staff for such good dishes and service. I will certainly be back. Tell your friends! Thank you
(5)
Jay G.
This is the best overall, all-purpose, eatery in SLC. I usually stay in the Hotel Monaco when I'm in town and this place is partly why. The breakfast is stellar, the lunch is inventive, and the dinner ranges from white table cloth dining to a great place to dine with the game on at the bar. The deconstructed cob salad sounds gimmicky but it's Oh so good. The burger with red wine sauteed onions, just melts in your mouth. The breakfast is just bang on. You can't be disappointed with anything here, minus the slightly inflated check awaiting the end of your meal... but it's worth it.
(5)
Beny Q.
This place looked different when I saw it in person as opposed to when I read about it online. Online it seemed like a casual place with good food, but when I saw the corner of the building as I was going to eat I saw that this place got fancier and fancier. The place is really fancy, the food is very tasty, and the waiter we talked to was the nicest person ever!
(4)
Carl B.
The bisque! Eat it and love it. Also, the atmosphere and service was exemplary. I would reccomend to anyone looking for a fancy night out.
(4)
Jay B.
Hard to beat. Best dinner in Salt Lake. I've been here at least 20-30 times. Staff is excellent and the place is very cool and modern. Def $$$.
(4)
Bethany F.
Bambara is a truly lovely restaurant that anyone should feel relaxed in. Jake really made our dinner. He's got great suggestions without the overbearing style of service. The food is seriously top notch. Giant mussels in an amazing "manhattan" sauce, crab bisque, seared duck breast, and filet.. Nothing ceased to please. Thanks guys, it was incredible!
(5)
Judy L.
came to bambara on thursday night. the service was impeccable, but the food was inconsistent. started off with the house potato chips with blue cheese and crab stuffed peppers, both very delicious. the scallops with corn risotto was also very well prepared. my entree was the ribeye with bone marrow and frites, requested black and blue. i was very disappointed with my dish. 1. the ribeye was very inconsistently cooked, cut into strips, and fanned out. the outer pieces were rare, but the inside pieces were medium and well done. not sure how this happened. 2. cutting the steak into strips dried the steak out, and it looks like it was cut, then cooked some more. 3. the bone marrow was COLD. it was like eating a stick of gritty butter. i asked the waiter whether this was a new style of eating bone marrow, he told me it was supposed to be hot. immediately brought me a properly cooked bone marrow which was delicious. didn't bother fixing the steak because the compound butter made the stake taste fine, i just prefer my beef very very rare. i would think that a restaurant of this caliber and $$$ would be much better at preparing a dish that they "highly recommend" as being a "customer favorite."
(3)
Guy B.
Of all the fine restaurants in downtown Salt Lake City, Bambara may be the finest. Situated on the ground floor of the Hotel Monaco, Bambara is the home of executive chef Nathan Powers, possibly the most talented culinary mind in the state. During our recent visit to Bambara, we enjoyed several menu items, including the bleu cheese house cut potato chips and the cast iron roasted clams for appetizers, and the gnocchi with vegetable ragout and cast iron seared chicken and shrimp for entrees. Let me tell you something, these dishes, and all of the others on the menu, are absolute knockouts. The bleu cheese potato chips alone are worth a visit. The chips are crisp and the bleu cheese is the real deal. They don't skimp on the cheese, so be careful with this one. Come hungry! As for the clams, they are topped with a delicious mix of chopped roasted peppers, fennel and garlic, and a touch of pesto, all served in a delightful broth. Toasted bread is served on the side to sop up the broth. The entrees we ordered were awesome. The gnocchi is creamy, and the vegetable ragout provides a lovely complement. The red pepper sauce is really interesting, it's light and does not dominate the dish, as is often the case with gnocchi offerings. The chicken and shrimp are really well seasoned, perfectly cooked and served on a bed of garlicky chard and polenta. The dish is topped with delicately sliced onion rings that are lightly breaded in blue corn flour. Everything is done so well, it makes me want to sob. The service is always very attentive and prompt at Bambara, and the atmosphere is mellow and comfortable. I really have no complaints about this place. They took care of my wife and I last year when it was our 19th anniversary celebration, and I think we will go back there for our 20th. This place is top notch, a go-to restaurant for just about any occasion.
(5)
Dmitry K.
Good, not great and over-priced. At these prices, steak should arrive exactly as ordered. We ordered medium-rare and got rare. The meat was fine, but not excellent. Beautiful space, good service. I prefer trying local/not chain, but Capitol Grille would have been a much better choice for the same money.
(3)
Emily G.
Their lunch specials here are usually pretty good and come with an amazing turtle cookie - bonus! And by that, I mean a chocolate chip cookie with caramel and pecans, not a turtle-shaped cookie, if that was a deal-breaker for you. The blue-cheese house potato chips may shorten your lifespan, but you know...worth it. The steak salad is a little pricey, but IMO the best thing on the menu. I'd get that or a lunch special. The seared ahi tuna is also very good - I believe the tuna is flown in from the coast fresh daily.
(4)
Denise L.
I don't get the great reviews for this place. We had the ruby and golden beet salad, which was pretty good. We ordered the scallops and steak for entrees, which were tasty but the portions were so small. Waiter was good and attentive at the start, then didn't show up for 20 minutes. I get that some people like the decor but it just doesn't work for me. Summary: Food: good, but small portions. Good cocktail list. Atmosphere: average Service: mediocore Won't be back. Too expensive for a B- experience.
(2)
Beann P.
The ambience and decor are very nice! My only complaint is the cramped table seating! The server was polite by checking on us and taking drink orders. I ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare, Organic Quinoa, Avocado, Fresno Chili, Basil, Black Olive Creme Fraiche, Gaufrette Potato and the Organic Mixed Baby Lettuces, Smoked Utah Trout Crostini, Cider Vinaigrette. Neither were very appetizing needless to say. The Ahi Tartare did not have the unique, delicious taste to match Cheesecake Factory's and the salad was mediocre to say the least. The smoked Utah trout crostini looked like a piece of hard bread with paste slightly slathered on top. To top it off the waiter did not ask if five women wanted to split the check and brought over one whole tab. I was very unhappy to see an extra dollar added to my bill when reviewing my bank account, in which I called the manager and he promptly researched and credited the difference in one day. It's not about the money, but I wanted to let him know if servers were skimming tips which I've heard in other establishments (Brio). Nice place, mediocre food. P.S. Ask for validation so you only have to pay $5 for your valet instead of $10 (Pricey but I guess that's downtown for you)
(3)
MaryPat K.
Had a business lunch here the other day. It was Wednesday and I had the special - mussels. They were so good! And the amazing cookie they gave me for dessert was yummy! I really enjoy the caliber of service and quality of food here every time I go!
(5)
Jessie M.
Perfect for Sunday brunch! Great portions, decent price for the quality. Mimosas for $7! I'm in.
(5)
Stephanie I.
I had prosciutto wrapped trout and potatoes. The food was so over salted that it ruined the meal. The blue cheese Potatoe chips were a bit greasy. I felt the food was overpriced and the server less than engaging. I am not one to complain but I hope the chef pays attention to what is being served. I've dined here before and it was very good.
(3)
Kimya P.
Not cheap. Definitely delicious. $130 for the two of us (bill included a $38 bottle of wine). For appetizers: We had the crab stuff peppers resting in a pool of saffron infused butter - heavenly. Even more tasty were the blue cheese chips -- fatty melted helpings of blue cheese on top of perfectly toasted potato chips. For my entree: I had the salmon with the horseradish mashed potatoes - it was all pretty much perfect. The fish was cooked well, the peas were fresh, and the mashed potatoes creamy. Really, one creamy forkful after another. While I generally don't like to eat at hotel restaurants, Bambara is an exception worth noting and experiencing.
(4)
Erica E.
We celebrated our anniversary here and had a wonderful experience. The chefs were very accommodating and even made baby food for our little one. Highly recommend, wish we lived closer to this restaurant, we would definitely go back!
(5)
Jen D.
There for a business buffet dinner/meeting. Server was removing food without asking if we were done. Had a lot of leftovers that we paid for but the server Riley was extremely rude and said we could not take any leftovers with us because the food had been sitting out for 2 hours. Glad they feel it is necessary to waist food while so many people in he world are starving. Would not recommend, extremely RUDE service. And actually undesirable food.
(1)
John S.
Not sure why we waited so long to try out this place. Very knowledgeable server. We got the corn chowder which was the perfect temperature. The filet was so tender. The pork loin was bliss. If you are looking for a nice fine dining experience with genuinely caring service, go here! Great wine list! They even have half bottles. The open kitchen adds flare to what might otherwise feel too formal. Very solid.
(5)
Will C.
The best pan seared chicken I have ever had ! Pricey but reasonable. Overall I would highly recommend. Adults only
(5)
Howie O.
Great power lunch or dinner spot to take business customers to. Atmosphere is really nice in this restaurant, I was impressed. I have tried a bunch of items on the menu and haven't found anything I didn't like.
(4)
Jason C.
I went to this restaurant tonight with some colleagues for a business dinner. Our waiter was polite and very helpful. He recommended the scallops as his favorite item on the menu. That is what I ordered and I was blown away by how perfectly they were cooked and how tasty they were. I wish it would've come with more than five scallops but those five were like heaven! For dessert he recommended the turtle pie. I ordered that as well and found it to be a nice ending to the meal. It was rich but not overly so. All in all I was very happy with my experience tonight.
(5)
Jenna W.
As Salt Lake City would have it, it's very difficult to find a celebration-worthy restaurant open on a Sunday evening. Thankfully, we were able to celebrate my birthday at Bambara. We made reservations just a few hours in advance, and they had special printed menus wishing me a happy birthday! Overall, the service was attentive, but did slow as our evening progressed. Bambara is a beautiful establishment to spend a celebratory evening. Now, on to the food! We had the the Blue Cheese Potato Chips. I do love me some home-made potato chips! And, the blue cheese made the dish really unique. As my main, I ordered the Chicken and Shrimp. While the dish was delicious, I do think it could have benefited from a sauce of some sort. My husband picked the better main - the Pork Tenderloin. Perfection! To finish, we had some version of chocolate molten cake for dessert which was nicely made. We had an amazing evening and already plotting our next trip back! Thanks for being open on a Sunday!
(5)
A Z.
Solid 4 stars. Lovely bistro in the Hotel Monaco. Inviting entrance with open kitchen is a great precursor for your appetite. Few but appetizing and flavorful menu options. I got the crab stuffed peppers which were delicious, and the butter lettuce salad which was wonderful, light and crisp, tasted very fresh. For entree I chose the duck with watercress and pomegranate sauce. The duck was done perfectly well for my liking, and it was so flavorful and rich it may have been the best prepared duck I've ever had. The flavors on the plate were interesting, I enjoyed the pomegranate medley which I was interested to see how it would contrast with the rest of the dish. Didn't have time for dessert this round, but there were a few options I wished I could have tasted! Service was good, our server made sure to return and fill our drinks before they were empty, which I very much appreciate. Give this venue a go if you are looking for a treat for your taste buds.
(4)
Leah B.
Bad. You guys, so bad. I feel like they are trying to be "inventive" whilst still pleasing the Utah crowd that wants big plates, because what we had was atrocious. The tuna tartare. I have nothing against quinoa. I like it. But why it was blended in with the already bland tuna, makes no sense. Let's take some of our bland fish (fyi don't thin tuna is bland, this just was) and mix it with some other bland shiz. The wedge: fine. You wanna get creative and use butter leaf? God speed. But why must you use ginormous slabs of bacon?? It's a salad! These "sides of inch thick bacon had no place on my wedge. A wedge is a classic. No need to get fancy, you screwed it up. Now for my chicken. I NEVER order chicken but the sides sounded tasty. The potatoes were gummy and my chard was gritty enough that I had to send it back. It came back. Still gritty. The chicken had ZERO flavor. The waiter tried to give us dessert on the house but we just had to get out. I've been here for lunch and enjoyed myself, but dinner was BAD. Our server was nice.
(1)
Victoria H.
I ate at Bambara a year ago and thought it was good but not great. Last week when a high profile business opp came into town, the hosting sales team chose Bambara from a list of other great places. I maintain my good but not great rating. Our waiter did nothing to promote or recommend great dishes. He was put out by having to answer questions. We were lucky he came through to check our drinks, 15 or 20 min beyond consumption. When our meals were delivered we had to play musical chairs and were delighted when those who ordered steaks cooked to differing tastes landed in the right place. For this kind of money, you can do far batter.
(3)
Chelle T.
Perfect spot to grab a sit-down lunch. Bambara offers a tantilizing menu with great options. I kept it light and ordered the organic mixed green baby lettuce salad with walnuts, goat cheese and orange vinaigrette - delicious! Several things on the menu looked tempting, though. My dining companion opted for the cobb salad and gave it two thumbs up. The server knew the menu and offered helpful suggestions. I'm looking forward to returning to sample more.
I was pleased with everything. The salad was great it was light and fresh with peaches. My entre was to die for. I had the scallops with risotto and it was full of flavors. This dish was also very fresh tasting and not too heavy. For desert we shared their ice cream sandwich and again I loved it. Great experience with great service but mosg important part for me shunned... The meal. As a signed my wife got the steak and fries and it was only ok for the price. Mine though was everything and more.
(5)
Andrew S.
My most recent trip to Bambara was decent, and not nearly as good as past experiences I have had here. I got seared elk, and my partner got steak and frittes. The elk was presented beautifully but the dish was a little bland - especially compared to the bites of fillet I was able to steal of my BF's plate. With that said though, it seemed strange for his steak to be paired with shoe string french fries served in a wax paper stand you'd expect to see at a fancy burger place. We also ordered a side of risotto which was very bland. We also ordered two deserts - both were rather forgettable. Creme brulee is my favorite desert and hard to mess up, but the creme brulee we were served had very little caramelized sugar and it hadn't been torched properly so it was soft and grainy. Our other desert was a ginger cake of some kind; the cake was EXTREMELY dry, as if it had been made two days before or something and we didn't finish it. For what it's worth, the service was very good - appropriately attentive, good feedback when asked for advice on the menu, etc.
(3)
Jennifer F.
Andrew is my new favorite server, and the location is amazing! The decor is remarkable and they make great use of the old bank that it once was! The food is truly exquisite: we started with the cheese tray and the espresso sprinkled cheese was incredibly unique and delicious. The bread was really great! The crab stuffed peppers were very good and this come from someone who could leave crab alone. The Idaho wrapped Idaho Trout is well worth it. The bacon sauteed Brussels Sprouts are amazing. The garlic mashed are good, not to die for but good. And then there was the hummus was really good. This was a truly great meal and I will be back!
(5)
Joe N.
Simply delicious. The best tuna tartare I've ever had. Also, possibly the best lamb I've ever eaten. Chief perfectly and the sauce was phenomenal. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys Good. Will definitely be back
(5)
Emad S.
Ordered the beef filet, the flavors were very good although the meet was not as tender as other steakhouses I've been to when traveling overseas. Also had the chocolate desert, very rich and beautiful. I do recommend this place and would go there again to try some more of their dishes.
(4)
Steve M.
The food was fantastic. You've got to try the blue cheese chips. The scallops were awesome! My friend ordered the chicken and he raved about it the entire meal. Nice ambience. A little pricey but the food was great.
(5)
Jeffrey W.
I definitely have mixed feelings about Bambara. They had great service and the ambiance and decor was excellent, but the food was quite disappointing. First of all, we tried the blue cheese potato chips, which had been recommended by a friend of my date. They were definitely sui generis, and a very interesting flavor. However, the chips became quite soggy after only a few minutes and thereafter became somewhat inedible. As an appetizer, I ordered the corn bisque and very much enjoyed it. It came in a quite substantial serving size and was sweet but not too sweet. It was also quite rich. My date had a salad, but I cannot personally comment on its quality, as I did not try it. For our entrees, I had the pumpkin ravioli and my date had the potato gnocchi. The pumpkin ravioli was the greatest disappointment of the night for me. The ravioli had nary a taste of pumpkin and the ravioli itself lacked in consistency and texture. It appeared to be slightly overcooked and did not have any distinctive flavor. In contrast, my date's potato gnocchi was quite good. The gnocchi mixed quite well with the arugula and the wild mushrooms. The sauce was notable but not overpowering. This dish, as with the corn bisque comes recommended. Overall, I would give them high marks for ambiance and decor but low marks for inconsistent food quality (especially at the prices charged). Thus, 3 out of 5 stars. .
(3)
Scott G.
Great service and probably the best meal I've had in SLC while visiting over the past year. Try the mussels they are actually very tasty super fresh
(5)
H Y.
I ordered salmon and it was cold when it arrived because it was sat out for a long time. It took about an hour to get my food. My husband ordered chicken and he liked this dish. Probably won't be back. Not worth the money.
(3)
Brent W.
Let me start with saying that 3yrs ago the lamb shank I had here topped my list of favorites. Sine then I have been back twice. I ordered the Blue Cheese potato chips as an appetizer = Very Good The pear and almond salad = Very Good The New York strip medium = Poor (well done on the outside 1/4", charred, and medium in the middle, my guess is they cooked it cold). Brussel sprouts = just Nasty! Salty, under cooked, Horrid flavor. My wife ordered the Pork Tenderloin, with Hush puppies. The pork was tough, and the hush puppies tasted like they used old or rancid cooking oil. Normally I finish everything on my plate, it was so bad I couldn't even finish half of it. No, we didn't complain, and we still tipped our waitress well. It was all just so bad, I didn't know how I could politely complain.
(3)
Katrina N.
I am already a fan of the Kimpton Hotel properties, but have to give them extra credit for have a remarkably good on-site restaurant in Salt Lake City. I had heard things about their brunch and wanted to try it too, but we had much too much fun (and too much food) at dinner. Now I have to go back :)
(4)
Mike D.
This is absolutely one of my favorite places to dine in Utah. They have a unique menu which includes lots of local food and unique dishes like Buffalo. But more importantly, they know how to create a dining experience. I recently dined here on my teenage daughter's birthday. I forgot to make a reservation and the restaurants in the city were filled because of a large event that was in town. I called Bambara on my way there and asked if I could get a table and noted that it was my daughter's birthday. They made room for me, and within the 15 minutes between my call and our arrival, they had a custom menu printed with my daughters name on it. It was an unexpected touch and led to a very memorable birthday dining experience.
(5)
Jennifer B.
Service was not good. MUCH was lacking. My food was a bit better than average (chicken and shrimp), but others in my party had average food (steak, trout). Will not visit again.
(3)
Lucy C.
High class, hidden gem inside an old downtown hotel. Well worth the price.
(5)
Joseph M.
This place was amazing! Jake our server was the best. Very attentive but not pushy at all. We started with the Blue Cheese Chips and an off menu Clam appetizer and we both enjoyed both of them. Then I had the Sea Bass and my wife had the Pan Seared Chicken, both entree's were fabulous, we shared the Crab Mashed Potato's. So much flavor in every dish that was prepared. Don't grab for the salt and pepper before you taste your meal, it won't need it!!! Overall, just a great experience!!
(5)
Julie K.
Bar food at best. I ordered the weirdest thing, homemade potato chips with blue cheese wtf? The brussels sprouts where the best thing on the menu... There are better places to dine..
(2)
Pua P.
EXCELLENT FOOD. We had the Duck Toast appetizer, shared a filet of beef, and enjoyed the creme brulee trio with a glass of port. One of the better meals I've had in recent memory. Absolutely worth the price.
(5)
James C.
My love affair with this restaurant goes back 10 yrs. I enjoyed my first meal, during a visit to SLC many years ago. I have since moved to SL from NY, and was amazed to see that Bambara was still a hot choice. I have had a number of meals, entertained guest from out town, and enjoyed cocktails in the Vault Bar. However, with time I have noticed server service, and food quality diminishing. This past Dec. while trying to enjoy holiday cocktails with a friend-table service in the bar area was horrible, and painfully slow. Food was just "ok". However today- was my worst experience. The restaurant was packed, ( probably because of Sundance) however, they were still able to seat me. I was seated by host, and left to sit, and sit, while staff personal glided by w/o so much as a "hello", or" I'll be with you shortly". Needless to say I felt stupid, and ignored. I hate it when restaurants ignore single diners and it seems to happen a lot more here in SLC. It's a shame with such limited choices there are in this town, that now, I have one less to select from......
(2)
Sean F.
Great food, good portions, great location. Don't think, just go....
(4)
Ilana K.
My new husband and I went here to celebrate our marriage together. I really liked the interior and decor. The appetizers were delicious, soup and calamari. The husband had the scallops which were delicious. Most of my meal was good as well. I had the duck, unfortunately the sides were good but the duck was really lacking. I ate 1 piece and had the husband try 1 and that was it. The server just took away the uneaten duck. The service was off, many times we looked for our server to order or for refills and it would be over 5 minutes before we got her attention. For a place that tries to be high class and the prices reflect it, it kind of missed the mark.
(3)
Melissa C.
Sublime!!! Bambara is a must! I took my mom there for lunch the Saturday before Mother's Day and every thing was perfect. From the divine food to the superb service! We had Josh as our server and let's just say this man deserves a raise!!! He was wonderful! We asked if the juices had any added sugar and he went and checked all of them, (I saw him checking and reading the backs of the cartons) he returned and told us which ones were free from added sugars. He then continued throughout the entire meal to check for additives and such and informed us when something contained it, and offered a substitution. He went above and beyond! We asked some unusual dietary questions and if he didn't know he would say that's a good question and then go find out! He didn't just pretend and tell us a false answer. Amazing!!!! The food.........Out. Of. This. World. To call the chuck burger a burger is degrading! It is far superior to what the name implies! It is the best burger I have had in my entire life! I ordered it without the ciabatta roll, due to being gluten intolerant. I just ordered extra arugula. The Brie mixed with the bacon jam and freshly koshered and ground chuck is heavenly! The flavors just keep evolving in your mouth. It's astounding! The pickled vegetables on the side are fabulous, such flavor!!! I don't typically prefer pepperoncini peppers but these are full of flavor, sweet and wonderful along with the pickles and onions! (They are great with the side salad I substituted for the fries). The side salad had an apple cider vinaigrette that was so sweet and full of flavor, it was not the typical sharp vinaigrette that about knocks your socks off (and not in a good way). At the beginning of the meal I was looking at their TINY salt and pepper shakers and thought to myself, what good are these?!? Now I know......you don't need them! That's why they're tiny!! We then ordered sorbet. We got the coconut raspberry and the mandarin orange. Oh. My!!! As you are eating it you taste the sweetness and just as you are going in for the next bite you taste it.......fresh mandarin oranges, and I mean fresh!!!! Like you picked them up from a farmers market in California! The raspberry was good but I preferred the mandarin orange. I was so pleased with our experience that I cannot wait to go back! To the chef of Bambara...........if you don't have a Michelin star, you should!!! Such an amazing establishment!
(5)
Jennifer S.
Amazing meal tonight at Bambara! Great atmosphere, attentive service and delicious food. We started with the blue cheese chips and they were definitely a great way to start off. I thoroughly enjoyed the pork tenderloin for my entree...the roasted peaches made the dish - delicious!
(5)
Amy N.
Ate here for my 24th birthday this year with my fiance', his and my parents, and had a great time. We walked in to see that our menus were printed with "Happy Birthday Amy" and I nearly keeled over. So cool! I love that they'd personalize our experience there. I'm addicted to their Prosciutto-Wrapped Utah Trout. Absolutely amazing! It's pricy, but well worth the money. Definitely a great place for anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
(5)
Hannah M.
Really fantastic. Breakfasts are great (especially if you're staying at the hotel). Dinners are equally great. The cheese plate (app) is all local and interestingly delicious. Main dishes are also great. Had the duck last night and will be going back again for it!
(5)
Nikki C.
Bambara is so chic, the service is so good, decorated to perfection, and the food is superb to match. Even their iced tea is perfection. I love Bambara and go there for every special occasion. It never disappoints.
(5)
Barry T.
Such a fun wait staff. I've had several good experiences here recently, and the kitchens are so willing to work with you and food allergies. The breakfast is a little on the more expensive side but the granola was really fantastic. Definitely on par with the good stuff I make back at home. The corn bisque for dinner was rather pleasing, and with a cheese plate (okay fine, there was an ice cream sandwich involved at the end as well... and two glasses of wine) - together made a nice light dinner after a rather strenuous ride up canyon park on a non-geared cruiser bike from the Monaco...
(4)
Jamie W.
Party of 3 on a Saturday night. Had trouble deciding on a place to eat, and we are SO GLAD we landed on Bambara. We started off with a bottle of wine and a local cheese plate. Both of which were great pics. The atmosphere was cozy, and we could all focus on each other for conversation. We ordered the Pork Chop, filet, and chicken, each of which were masterfully presented and tasted divine. This was the best dinner I have ever had. I would recommend Bambara to anyone local to Salt Lake, or those there on vacation. The price of the meal was high, but it was right in line with how incredible it tasted. 5 starts hands down.
(5)
Anne Marie S.
So I went with a co worker for lunch. Both of us were told , lunch prices are reasonable and dinner prices were high. The good: -We had a really good waiter, knew the menu well and was quick to attend tous. - The Corn Bisque was delicious!!!! Yes- delicious but it ended there. UPDATED: So the GM for Bambara reached out to me to understand why my visit was not good and invited me to come back to give them a second change. Well, if he cares enough to reachout to me, I will definitly give them a second chance. So I've edited my review to only highlight the positive and will update my review based on the second visit.
(2)
Adrian B.
Went on a whim with my wife, brother, and sister in law. We were lucky and able to get a table with a quick call. We had a great time. Excellent food, great knowledgeable staff. Good atmosphere. Spendy but well worth it. I had the Potato Gnocchi and wow was it delicious, excellent texture and flavors. My wife was a little disappointed in her steak but I suspect she ordered it a bit too rare for the cut. It was solid.
(5)
Kelly G.
I've lost count of the number of times I've dined at Bambara, 15? 20? Its always fantastic, for any meal, any time of day. I love dining in the private, wood paneled room in the back. Great for dinner parties, or more intimate get togethers. Always great service. Love the valet too!
(5)
Loren W.
Corn bisque? More like a bowl of nacho cheese sauce. Cold bread and tasteless hummus. Hamachi smothered in flavored oil that overwhelmed the fresh fish. I played it safe with chicken, which wasn't bad. We wanted dessert but were too afraid of what horrible mess we would get, so we just left. Service was sub par and the hostess was clueless. I don't want to go back. I really had hope for this place.
(1)
Dave F.
I had breakfast here 3 times and dinner, once on my last SLC journey. Breakfast is a solid 5 stars. Many mornings, I ran and came back wanting steel cut oats, OJ, good Coffee, a ton of water, wifi and a couple of egg whites on the side. By the way, I also requested fresh fruit on the oats. Sound high maintenance? Well maybe, yes. But, the restaurant delivered on all of this with prompt service, smiles and different crews each day. Breakfast is quiet and the ambiance is excellent. Everything is priced a little high, but not over the top. I will absolutely go back. But then there's Dinner: Solid 2 stars. Menu with very few items, especially if you want to eat light, like a seafood salad. I ordered a ceviche appetizer which was incredibly small and about $18. Entrees were $35 and up and there really wasn't anything simple. I was a little disappointed in the service and the restaurant was empty during a recent weeknight. Net-net, I left and had the "rest" of dinner elsewhere.
(3)
Ray C.
I had 5 steaks during my stay in Utah, this was not only the worst one I had here, it was one of the worst I've ever had anywhere - wrong temp and zero flavor. Also, the grilled asparagus was burnt and tasted horrible, along with the free hummus they give you. Bad food for any price, absolutely terrible food for the prices they charge. Service was also slow, took about 45 minutes to get our food.
For our one night in SLC, we had dinner here, and was pleasantly surprised. Their service is very good, and everyone is so nice. We ordered the tuna tartare to start, which I found a bit too sweet for my taste, although boyfriend liked it a lot. I had the chicken breast, that I ordered primarily to get the chevre/truffle-oil mashed potatoes, which were super rich, and delicious. BF ordered the homemade tagliatelle with a cream/truffle oil sauce -- also super rich, but decadent. The semifreddo for dessert was very good as well.
Delivered on expectations. Interesting combinations of flavors and a stylish experience --- well executed. Our group was in town on business and consulted Yelp to find this restaurant. We were not disappointed. Good place for a business dinner with your team or clients.
(4)
Sierra B.
Incredible dessert, excellent service, creative menu items... but something is missing from the main menu offerings... they sound great but just don't quite deliver... could use a little more bold flavor and pizazz. There is great potential for this place, and I would come any day for dessert!
(3)
Jennifer J.
The food is decent. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here. However, since we stayed at the hotel it was an easy choice. Service was good but food is pretty basic. Good but nothing worth noting. Breakfast was decent but again I wouldn't go out of my way to come here for that either.
(3)
Peter L.
Visited SLC for work for 4 nights and ate here TWICE! Service was great, waitress explained in detail each dish we ordered and was very attentive throughout the night. First night, I ordered a Cedar Planked Adobo Salmon with salsa, the fish was cooked perfectly and can really taste the cedar plank aroma and along with the meal we opened a bottle of Saintbury Pinot Noir. Second night, ordered a Sauteed Prawn Fettucini with truffle sauce, good but not as good as the salmon. Restaurant was quiet and nicely spaced, we sat in the booths. Overall, thumbs up for this restaurant.
(4)
Lexi S.
What a fabulous dining experience. Or first meal here was about 3 years ago and we left with no need to return. It was not memorable and highly priced. Recently, we were speaking with a friend who is a wine broker in the city and she mentioned that we must go back. Done. I'm grateful to our wise friend for pushing us in this direction. The service was impeccable. Water glasses were never empty, our particular server was very knowledgable and efficient. We dined for almost 2 hours on salad, great bread, the filet and sea bass. Wow, the filet was one of the most delicious cuts I've enjoyed. The accompanying sauces were divine and made the dish whole. The sea bass was beautifully cooked and seasoned to perfection. I love lentils as is, but the beluga lentils were quite special. Creamy but texturally lovely. The fennel in this dish added a much needed fresh crunch. Our dessert choice of the ice cream sandwich was good but nothing too out of this world. I mean you can't go wrong with ice cream swimming in chocolate and caramel. I omit 1 star solely on the wine list. Mark ups are necessary of course. But the mark ups on their wines were preposterous. I say this because I know that a half bottle of Korbel is about $7 which was listed as, I believe, $26. We saw many producers on the list that are not great in quality and priced low in the liquor store marked up about 300%. We chose a Malbec that was really ok and worked well for us. My complaint about their wine is minor in the big picture. This meal was indeed expensive, however, it was completely worth it. Our plates were empty and our palates were basking in unadulterated bliss. When a meal can accomplish such a feat, I can overlook the wine list and next time, simply bring my own bottle.
(4)
Kacey C.
I would give it 5 stars in Salt Lake, 4 in DC.. so read that how you want. Sorry to sound snobby. My colleague and I ate there our last night of the conference and treated ourselves appropriately. The decor is funky, modern, very Kimpton style. It would be awesome if it weren't on the ground floor and had some views.. Our waiter was extremely friendly and warm, made his suggestions, offered to tweak items for my vegetarian diet. He was pushing the margaritas though, margs in Salt Lake in March? I don't know about that.. The hummus that comes out with the bread is amaaazing, I had a piece of bread just to try the hummus. We ordered the hand cut potato chips with blue cheese, yumz, cleared that plate. My colleague and I split the brussel sprouts so he could have bacon on his, and I think our waiter gave us two full orders but I didn't see the bill so I don't know for sure. They were seriously amazing, seriously, rival Estadio's in DC. I had the beet salad, it was fine typical beet salad. He ordered the scallops and ate every last bite without complaint. We split the waiter's ice cream sandwich dessert suggestion.. delicious. Glad I folded on my no dessert stance. We each had one glass of wine as well, bringing our total bill to to just under $100. I would definitely recommend Bambara to anyone searching out an enjoyable meal in SLC.
(4)
Scott S.
Most likely the best big city restaurant in this town. The presentations are always spot on, while the portions are adequate. The seafood is fresh and the steaks mouth watering. Great stuffed peppers. A must stop during a week stay.
(5)
Jason F.
Food is good. Atmosphere is likable and the hotel is well apportioned. Sometimes there is a wait for a table.
(4)
Peter C.
The duck confi was brillant!
(4)
Bob G.
We originally had a reservation at the Market Street Grill but after reading reviews and seeing the property, we switched to a reservation at Bambara. The food at Bambara is fine. My Tuna Tarter with yogurt and cucumber with blue cheese potato chips was excellent as was my red trout with green olives and celery tomato couscous fried basil cucumber tzatziki and mint coulis. My dining partner had watermelon gazpacho which was excellent and halibut . Desert was a roasted pear torte with marscapone ice cream. This place would rate 5 stars if not for the service. Our server strongly pushed several dishes before we mentioned our preferences, and he also pushed the "sauvignon blanc" wine as being the "driest white wine". Anyone who knows wines knows that sauvignon blanc is NOT anywhere near dry. The waiter also knocked the water glass all over the table. Salt Lake City doesn't have too many fine restaurants other than the "chains" and this place certainly is a fine dining establishment. It's too bad the service just doesn't live up to the food.
(4)
Carly J.
I liked the ambiance more than I liked the food. But for the price I thought it was great.
(3)
Phil K.
We had diner for about 20 following meetings all day at the eBay SLC offices. We were all a bit wiped out from travel+meetings, but diner at Bambara was a great finish to the day. We had the private room in the back, which was comfortable for our larger group and allowed for a little privacy with the glass door closed. The table started with drinks - we had wine and local beers (Polygamy Porter?!) for the most part. I was a bit surprised by the alcohol - I'd heard that SLC was dry, but maybe that only applies to liquor. Anyway, We had a full compliment of appetizers, including excellent home made potato chips topped with blue cheese. I also enjoyed the tuna tartar and crab-stuffed peppers, but I'd repeat the chips next time I go. My second appetizer was a good mixed greens salad with goat cheese... not sure why I needed a 2nd appetizer, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. My main course was a plate of seared scallops surrounding a small portion of mashed potatoes topped, sauced with something creamy/buttery delicious. The waiter called them "divers" scallops, which I've always thought that meant "extra large", but these were just normal sized. Just as well since there were 7 or 8 on the place, and the most important part is that they were cooked properly. Others around the table enjoyed salmon, lamb with Israeli cous cous, and rotisserie chicken. I had to take off before dessert to catch a flight, but I have no doubt that they were good. I'm not sure about the price since eBay was paying, but the atmosphere and quality would indicate fairly expensive, though probably not crazy. I'd recommend Bambara (and the Hotel Monaco) to any of my friends visiting SLC.
(5)
Jay H.
I was recently in Salt Lake City and stayed at the incredible Hotel Monaco. While trying to decide where to eat, me and my girlfriend chose to eat at the restaurant in the hotel. While checking in we saw signs saying that Bambara was voted best restaurant in town, so how could we miss that. We were both glad we did! The food was wonderful! We started with calamari, which was fried light and crisp and just about perfect. Our waiter had an almost sommelier like knowledge of the wine list, he aided us in picking an excellent bottle. So good we took one up to our room for later. She had the scallops, which were divine. Cooked to perfection with a delicious sauce and risotto. I had the New York strip. This was beyond a doubt the best steak I've ever had! This place wasn't cheap, but the meal was worth every penny. Incredible food and incredible service, a wonderful romantic dinner.
(5)
Lilly M.
Amidst a sea of greasy diners or average cafes - my colleague and I found this little gem for lunch while on a business trip. The decor is very nice, staff extremely friendly and the food was simple yet yummy and fairly inexpensive. We each had lemonade (raspberry for me, blueberry for her). It tasted very fresh with little bits of fruit in it. Then I had the turkey, apricot chutney whole wheat wrap with house made potato chips (yum) and she had some sort of balsamic grilled chicken sandwich on a whole grain bun. They bring out house made hummus and bread to start which is always a nice treat. Overall it was just what we wanted and all for $27.
(4)
Katie M.
If you are in Salt Lake City and love food you MUST come here. I was here skiing with the family (4 people) - we all had appetizers, entrees, and dessert and every single dish was knock you on your ass delicious. Everyone in my family loves food, we hail from NYC (and its suburbs) and spend a lot of time eating out and cooking and we were all duly impressed. Bambara truly stands up to any restaurant in New York (or LA or San Fran for that matter). To be honest, I often find that "fine" dining outside of major cities can leave something to be desired. Whoa whoa whoa, don't get all mad - I know, not always - BUT a lot of the time what constitutes fine dining in say, Portland, ME (I have a lot of experience here) does not stack up against fine dining in NYC or other major cities. Well, Bambara proved this self-satisfied new yorker completely wrong with it's amazing food, great service, and fun ambiance. ONE OF THE BEST DINING EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. go here if you can.
(5)
Michael B.
I am on the road yet again. This week's work takes me to Salt Lake. I've never been out of the airport before and it just figures that I didn't bring my camera because let me tell you something, this lake is massive. If I had three wishes, one of them would be to fill up the Great Salt Lake, it would make this place one of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth. The ring of snow-capped peaks is just dramatic. It helps that I got up a bit into the hills and looked out. Wow. As it stands, Salt Lake City looks just like Boise, only bigger. The food is better too, or at least this time I can afford a better class of restaurant, which brings us to Bambara. I just had one of the best soups in my life. I am ready to say that it is number two, just behind the lobster bisque at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. This was the Utah Corn Bisque. Remarkable. It has got to be the most satisfying bowl I've ever tasted, but nothing's going to outdo the smoothness and flavor of Boston. Still. What's so extraordinary about this is how it just filled my mouth with a kind of warm popcorny flavor. And it had heat. It was as spicy as anything could be without actually being spicy and this just added to the sense of fulfillment. The bisque was very smooth but not buttery so. It was filled with soup, not butter, so everything was flavor and nothing was filler. The texture was perfect, and then the bits of crab were delectable. Add a touch of sweetness with the cilantro oil and it just becomes a miracle. The whole bowl had a beautiful mustard yellow color. Considering that I was 15 years younger when I had that lobster bisque in Boston, this has got to be the better bisque to my more jaded palate. Congrats, Bambara. You are it. With my Sonoma-Cutrer I had their scallops which were fine, and their nicely spiced mashed potatoes with the bursty bubbles of caviar burre blanc and port wine syrup. I think I'm going to go back Wednesday for the duck. The service was exceptional and flawless. The attitude was cheery and attentive without being bothersome, you know like when they ostentatiously scrape the breadcrumbs off your table in other restaurants? They went out of their way to mix me up a Ceasar even though it was off the menu. Next time I'm sticking around for dessert too. The atmosphere was just right, bright with big windows above ground level, not too noisy. They clearly have improvised the place which was not always a restaurant. Yeah. I'm going back, which is rare when I'm out of town. Hmm. Doug S. is the only person I know here, but I'm stuffed. Time to watch TV and crash.
(5)
Lisa F.
Hubby and I had a date night so we tried Bambara. I am so glad we did! Everything was great including the service. We had the Calimari & Shrimp appetizer. It was perfectly done and not overbreaded. The roasted lemon on it was fabulous. We each had a different salad they we fresh and tasty. I had the Sea Bass and my husband had the scallops. Both were so wonderful I kept stuffing my face even when I was full. The Sea Bass is supposed to be the focal point of the dish. It was great but what I was impressed with is the the potato, cabbage, bacon hash that it sat one was divine. Alot of things that sit on a 'bed of whatever' are good the bed of whatever is commonly just for looks. Not the case here. The scallops my husband had were also perfectly cooked and seared with a sauce to die for. Our waiter, Mike, was great. Attentive but not hovering. My only thing was that the booths were a little snug. However we are not small people so it was probably just us. We will ask for a table next time. Probably the best overall meal I have had in a year or so.
(4)
Dann H.
Had heard much about this restaurant and was very excited by the looks of the menu. Also was impressed with the beautiful kitchen in the middle of the restaurant. The service was outstanding (even if he did keep disappearing, though I'm not sure where since there weren't that many parties but he never seemed to be with ours), but he was exceptionally friendly when he was around. The food was beautifully presented - each and every dish. The flavors did not match the presentation, in my experience. Food temperature was inconsistent (surprising given that it was NOT a busy night for the restaurant). And our table was surprisingly uncomfortable. I guess I should remember that we were in a bank vault - there were moments during the evening when that was apparent. I'm not sure I would choose to go back, though if someone invited me, I wouldn't suggest an alternative - it would be fine. I true 3 out of 5. A-OK. Nothing more.
(3)
Jodi H.
Ate two bfasts here as I was staying at the hotel. Great service good food, a little expensive. I would eat here again if at the hotel alone or for a business meeting. A little too "formal" for the atmostphere of the hotel.
(3)
k n.
I've always enjoyed Bambara -- the food, service, and atmosphere have always been top notch. Over the years I've had some fantastic business lunches, romantic dinners, even a New Year's Eve, at Bambara. Well, after meeting a friend for lunch this week, I can say that nothing has changed. The service was stellar, as usual. The atmosphere, reminiscent of an upscale French bistro, is still the same. The classic bleu cheese potato chips were as good as I remembered them. And the elk sliders hit the spot. I'm always disappointed when great restaurants rest on their laurels and slide into mediocrity. I'm glad that hasn't happened to Bambara.
(4)
Easy E.
Best food I've eaten in SLC. If you're staying at the Monaco, don't bother leaving. And definitely don't bother with Market Street Grill. I recommend either the salmon or duck. This place gets both dishes right.
(5)
Charlie B.
After walking into Bambara, which was a little fancier that I thought it would be (my mistake I did no research), I felt a little under dressed, as I was somewhat casual, but no part of the staff made me fell unwelcomed. However, the same cannot be said for the Hotel Monaco staff that seemed to ignore me as I was trying to just be pointed in the right direction of Bambara, which is on the bottom floor of their Hotel. It may be pet friendly hotel, but they were snobs to me. At Bambara's I ordered to share with a friend, the Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips. For my meal the Grilled Head-On Giant Shrimp with Grits, Red Pepper Marmalade, and Saffron Butter. Both were listed as appetizers but I was not into something real heavy. With this and the breads & hummus, I did have enough to eat. The Chips are a must and I would go back for just another order. I am not sure why the word Giant is used to describe the shrimp in size or portion (there were 3), and they were small with little taste. The taste of the overall dish was OK. I had a taste of my friends Roasted Beet, Watermelon & Jicama Salad, with Arugula, Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Shaved Ricotta Salata. That was excellent. Yes, I would go back and try the Lunch or Bar Menu.
(4)
Gurpreet B.
I loved the ambiance and the food. They have an excellent wine list. One of the best dine-in restaurants in the down town area.
(5)
Kris B.
Cool bar next door. Great service and great food. Must have the potato chips with blue cheese - so simple, yet so tasty. Had the pork duo as the main - loin was better, the ribs were a bit dry, but the service and ambience really made up for the slightly dry ribs.
(4)
Steph W.
How can ANYONE think this place was worth the money? Decent ambiance. SUB PAR service. Decent food. I can't believe I paid the money I did for a piece of chicken I could have cooked better myself. I don't care how fancy this place looks...fancy tables and fancy looking servers did not cover up the bland tasting chicken I had to eat. Let me also say that the server was awful. Barely deserved the tip we gave him. He didn't even ask if my little brother wanted food. Well, YEAH, kids have to eat too. Yuck, I'll never be back.
(1)
Damon R.
Reservation for 17th anniversary. First off, very nice ambience. Had great, kick back jams playing. Ordered the special--sea bass, wife ordered the filet. Both what you'd expect from an upscale restaurant--elegant touch to the offering. My bass made me think about an ordinary fish in the ocean, caught by the fine cuisine chefs at Bambara, and nurtured to baby bass perfection, then ended up on my plate for this glorious appointed time to be eaten! And, this was the first time my wife ordered a steak well done and raved about how juicy, tender, and moist it was! Miracle!! Because we had some vino in the lobby (complimentary to guests of the hotel daily between 5-6 pm), we both were feeling very nice prior to arriving for our fabulous meal. Waiter was cool, even though he forgot about our drinks (AMFs (adios mother effers). They were too strong but not a big deal, we're not those kind of patrons to trip on something like that. Great experience. Great food. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Lauren M.
Went here for a work dinner. Food was great; we especially loved the tuna tartare appetizer.
(4)
Kelly R.
One of Salt Lakes better restaurants. The best eggs benedict EVER! I also loved every single entree I've had. This is rich food, people. Don't go here unless you are serious about eating some, stinking, rich food. Love the open kitchen and the service was solid.
(4)
David J.
Was here for a private birthday party. Service was top notch and so is the location. Casual atmosphere with people in suites as well as shorts. Terrific menu although heavy in the red meat. With that said, my steak was tough and poorly prepared. Others at the party had the same issue. While I would go back, I will stay away from the steak.
(4)
Lorenzo D.
The Vault, the bar section of the restaurant. Sat at the bar here for a glass or two of wine, (actually had three, but hey, I was staying upstairs in the hotel, which is also very nice) and to get something to eat, alone, in town for business a month ago. The barman was OK. Not very engaging, but not rude. Maybe a tad aloof, which is fine, but if you're a bartender.... this is why I don't give 5 stars. Other than him, it's all the stars. He was also slow to keep his bar top clean. Unacceptable. Good bar to strike up a conversation with person next to you, comfortable seating, great surrounding. I really liked this place. Food: The burger is seriously fantastic. I am a SNOB. True. This burger was better than any I have had in my life. I am going to make a special trip every time I'm in SLC to go have this burger. Also had the calamari, which were quite good, maybe an 8 of 10 compared to other restaurants from around the country. Wine selection by the glass was good. Not anything special or imaginative, but good, and in this location, priced fairly. Can't wait to go back. CinCin!
(4)
Nick C.
If I'm downtown for lunch, I love stopping by the vault for a burger and a drink. The burger is amazing and well priced. The dining area is much more formal, and is a wonderful dining experience. I made a reservation for my mothers birthday here. The hostess asked if it was for a special occasion, and asked for my mothers name. When we looked at the menu they had customized ours to wish her a happy birthday. Very thoughtful. The food is well conceived and executed. My favorite was a scallop dish that unfortunately is a seasonal or special item I haven't seen for a while. The menu always changes, but never misses.
(5)
Zachary H.
It's good but I wish it was a little simpler. They might be trying too hard. But the steak frites are way good and solid. The complementary bread and hummus need a major makeover. Dry and tasteless. They have a house water (still or sparkling) that is really awesome. I am going back.
(4)
Diane C.
Bambara seems an unlikely spot to pick up a burger, but those who have tasted it know that Bambara has one of the best burger's in town. My mom described it as flavorful and texturely pleasing from the soft toasted bun, crunchy lettuce, and juicy burger...all paired with perfectly seasoned pomme frites and a pickle. Bambara, voted City Weekly's 2008 reader's choice for Best Atmosphere, it is the perfect spot for a business meeting , late lunch with your mom, pre and post theater eats, and everything in between. We recently sampled the desserts and believe me, they were all delicious. The combination of class, service, and impeccably executed dishes makes Bambara a must. I find myself pleasantly satisfied with everything from the blue cheese chips, a popular appetizer, to the complimentary red pepper hummus served with house-made bread. P.S. Make sure to tell them if you're coming in for a special occasion when making a reservation!
(5)
James P.
Very nice atmosphere! The Blue Cheese Chips were great! I was also able to sample the Lobster Bisque (Great), Chicken & Shrimp (Good) the Cheese Grits were Fantastic! Also the Short Rib Gnocchi was Great!
(4)
Vida A.
Stayed at the Monaco over the weekend and had dinner with friends on a Saturday night. Before i start, I am a big fan of Bambara. I have always had good service and food. The power lunch is really delicious. This night, it wasnt super busy and im sure Bistro 222 is taking away from there business since its a few doors down and a better price point. It seems everything has gone up price wise on the Bambara menu. Our server when she would show up was on top of it but we wouldn't see her for periods at a time. I had to ask for bread which should show up automatically. If you like blue cheese you must order the chips, they are insane, so good, you inhale them. My gnochi was really good but not $29 good. My bf had the cassolet and it was tasty. A friend had a pear salad, seemed ok but the disaster was the steak. For $42 she got beef jerky in which she sent it back but by the time she got it we were all done with our meals. At that point a manager should have came over and offered a dessert or something but nada. Charged full price and no apology.
(3)
Michael y.
Looks like its a stuffy place, but you can be casual, waiter seemed stuffy, considering it was snowing heavily outside, and biz inside the place was at a manageable pace, bread needs to come out warm!! so with the service and the bread i deduct a point I had the bison short ribs with tri-tip and ravioli, and it was incredible!! the bison and the sauce was heavenly, the ravioli was a litte over cooked. my dessert of the creme brule trio was a finishing touch. my colleague had the steak and was delicious. expensive no doubt, but perfect if you are staying downtown and meeting outta towners
(4)
jamie a.
I would give it 3 1/2. I come so often for business and the breakfast is enjoyable. They dont have splenda or equal for coffee which is a bit odd.. but okay. Staff is always friendly, and dining items are unique.
(3)
Tizzle L.
Yuck! Salty salmon!
(2)
Joseph S.
I had to give Bambara three stars because, for the cost, there are so many better choices in SLC. Get a reservation at The Copper Onion or Ruth's Chris instead, you'll be much happier.
(3)
Jaimie K.
So the Boyfriend and I finally had the chance to try this restaurants after reading mixed reviews about it. We didn't make a reservation and walked in at about approximately 7:30ish on a Friday, seated right away. NOT COMPLAINING! I LOVE the fact that you can see the kitchen action going on from the seats. The houndstooth booth seats receives an additional star in my book!! We were seated and then greeted by the friendly staff. We ordered the tuna tartare, seared scallops, & sea bass... All were absolutely delicious! It honestly is so hard to find a good restaurant that serves fresh ingredients and i'm glad Bambara exceeds that standard. I would like to come back for their brunch over the weekends and for the Utah trout; I'm a sucker for local fishes.
(4)
PrincessPeac H.
Salt Lake City has caused me to reevaluate my whining about how "early" everything closes in San Francisco. I was originally thinking I might stop at the Olive Garden. I grew up eating there and I have an affection for the place, but I thought I should try something I can't get at home. Also awesome, this place is open after 9:00 (10:00)!! My service was more or less great, although I ordered one salad and was delivered another. My salad was a spinach salad with red pears, feta cheese and olive oil and balsamic. It was quite good, but could have been prepared better with the same ingredients (for example, not drowning the lettuce in dressing). I ordered the trout for my main. I was excited to see "Utah trout" on the menu because I'm a yuppie and therefore like local. My dish was a big pile of food. Couscous, topped with a big piece of trout, topped with a yogurt/cucumber salad that tasted like raita. They were all very good (except that the couscous had raw halved heirloom cherry tomatoes in it which made for a weird texture). The components of the dish were great, and actually the raita and couscous went well together, but it didn't make any sense for the trout to be there. There was also some oily mint chutney sort of thing drizzled across the top and I have no idea why that was there. The ambiance was pretty standard for a restaurant in this price range surround by (or in this case inside of) hotels.
(3)
Laura G.
I chose Bambara for dinner with some out-of-town guests (mostly because they were staying at the Hotel Monaco and because my girlfriend was excited to try it), and the food didn't disappoint. I needed something soft to eat (that's a different story), so I went with the gnocchi (from the menu: potato gnocchi, sweet corn, smoky bacon, pea sprouts, cherry tomatoes, basil mascarpone, sweet corn butter). It was really good, but I can't point to one specific part of it that stood out to me; it was more so the combination of all these flavor components that made me happy. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food, too. The interior is nice, and Bambara is definitely going for the upscale feel many Kimpton establishments have. Our server was attentive and seemed content enough to let us eat our meal without rushing us, even though we got a late start. The one thing that kind of threw a wrench into the service was the weirdness of the Utah liquor laws. I know, I know - I live here, so I should know better. But Bambara is by far the strictest enforcer of these wacky laws that I've experienced in recent memory, and that makes for some awkward moments. For example, we ordered drinks in the adjoining bar (The Vault) while waiting for our table. When our table was ready, the bartender had to carry our drinks into the restaurant for us; we couldn't do it ourselves, so that created some confusion while we sorted it out. The other moment was when my friend ordered a second drink, and our server refused to set her second drink down until she finished or relinquished the first one. She wasn't going to be wasteful, so she gulped down the last bit of cocktail while the server stood and waited so she could get her next drink. Bambara is pricey. I don't usually have a problem with that if I feel like the meal is worth it, but I'll have to go back again to make that determination for sure. And next time, I'll make sure to finish my drinks before ordering the next round.
(4)
Sam V.
I've only been here for lunch, as I'm pretty sure that's the only meal I can afford here without breaking the bank. (Being an eating out enthusiast on a poor college student's budget really puts a damper on where you can justify eating out). Anywho, the lunch. After looking at the lunch menu, I saw that the prices are fairly reasonable. Albeit, for downtown, there are a lot of other options where you can spend half as much, but you won't be getting the amazing service, decor, and ambiance of Bambara. For my lunch, I got the blue cheese chips, the corn bisque, and the turkey wrap. First of all, the blue cheese chips. Seriously? I have hated blue cheese probably my entire life, and I could devour the entire plate of these. They are so delicious and have just the right balance of cheese and they make you forget the fact that you are eating a plate of freshly fried chips coated with layers of ooey gooey cheese and make you think that you've attained dairy nirvana. As for the corn bisque and the turkey wrap. They were very solid. Everything on the lunch menu seems great actually, and all of the ingredients are good quality and everything is done with a flair. But in all seriousness, I just can't stop thinking of the blue cheese chips... there goes my diet.
(4)
Jeffrey S.
I love the look of Bambara. So pretty, and such a great location in the Hotel Monaco in the heart of downtown. There are so many other dining options, but Bambara seems to hold its own and I was eager to try it. With a colleague staying at the hotel we opted to stay out of the frigid December weather and kick it at Bambara for lunch. There was both hustle and bustle this day, but we were seated almost immediately after just showing up. I'm a sucker for butternut squash anything, so when they had butternut squash ravioli on the menu, I knew I was in. I wasn't blown away by the dish, but neither was I underwhelmed. It was butternut squash ravioli and totally satisfactory. A little pricey, but I've got nothing bad to say about it. I wish I had something great to say about it, though, and I don't know that this small tasting is going to woo me back. Our server couldn't have been nicer, but unfortunately he could have been better. A little awkward, and a little slow in getting back with us each time he left. I should give the staff lots of leniency, because after the meal we stuck around at our table for well over an hour to take a conference call and do some work. The restaurant had officially closed, but they allowed us to stay. Eventually, though, their evil eye permeated the room and we left. Patience only goes so far when you have to finish the place settings for dinner. With great dining all around, it's tough to want to come back here, but the convenience of having it in the hotel builds in a constant crowd and a convenient reason to come back. Not high on my list, but I wouldn't object. And bonus for seeing an American Idol runner-up in the hotel lobby right before the meal.
(3)
Bobby And Estee F.
Absolutely perfect meal! Every single thing we had was delicious and unlike anything we've had in the past. We had excellent entrees and a spectacular dessert. Our server Cassie was very helpful and made some outstanding recommendations for us. The turtle ice cream sandwich is amazing!
(5)
Melissa E.
Nice location in downtown SLC. Menu not extensive. Hand cut potato chips for appetizer tasty but greasy if you don't eat them fast. Service attentive.
(3)
Kate M.
I went to Bambara for the first time on Christmas Eve. I had never been there, but as one of the few places open, we wanted to give it a try. With reservations, we did have to wait to be seated, but holidays are always crazy time wise, so we weren't worried. We chose to eat off the holiday menu primarily, so take my comments as you may since these items aren't available. A salad that was bright and lovely to start, with blood oranges and arugula. Very good, though a little overpriced. I had the veal dinner. It offered you a veal loin that was roasted and a braised veal cheek. Both were delicious and offered enough differences from one another both in taste and texturally. Dessert was a peppermint and chocolate yule log. I could only eat a bite or two, but it was still delicious two days later out of the box. Our server was attentive, given the crowd, I was pleased. I would like to try this place on perhaps a quieter evening and get a better idea of their traditional menu.
(4)
Darcy N.
I can't believe this amazing seafood came out of SLC. Kudos to the friendly staff and absolutely incredible meal.
(5)
Kathryn S.
Stayed at the Hotel Monaco so this was a convenient choice to meetup with a friend for lunch, before heading to the airport. We were so busy chatting that we didn't really take time to peruse the menu. So... we chose the Power Lunch special they were having, which happen to be this amazing mushroom linguine pasta! To begin we had their crazy good blue cheese potato chip nacho thing -- Holy Cow! Followed by the organic house salad -- crazy good! And if that wasn't enough deliciousness, they brought us a chocolate chip cookie that was to DIE for! A return trip to SLC would be worth it just to go back! Don't pass this place up!
(5)
Donna S.
ambiance//**** good lighting + high ceilings + intimate booth seatings ~ privacy service//*** the waitstaff were very nice and cordial...we were able to dine at our ease food//*** while the food was good while it lasted...i don't *remember* much except vaguely enjoying the veal ~*~ w00t! fine dining in SLC!^^
(3)
james w.
This place is always great. I had the filet on my most recent visit. It came cooked perfect and was delicious. The best part of every meal here is always the desert. I need to come back soon so I can try them all.
(5)
Sheri S.
It's expensive, but it's worth it. A must try... The blue cheese chips. Is you like blue cheese, they're to die for!!
(5)
Kim C.
Food is delish, but you must be prepared for the price...hotel markup is serious here. And what's up with the Red Pepper in, like, everything? I mean, hummus can just be hummus. You don't have to color it. Okay, I've got that off my chest. Now for the plusses: Breakfast has some lovely options, but I stick with the basics: Eggs and Bacon. Eggs were properly cooked as ordered, and the bacon struck me as downright awesome. Coffee is better than most around SLC (another one of those things that is not appreciated by the majority of SLC locals -- luckily this hotel isn't for the locals). They come to the table with coffee and orange juice in hand. For lunch, they offered a quick business lunch of salad (very good, if small-ish) cheeseburger, and fresh baked cookie, which was in fact, freshly baked (and nicely wrapped to go without me asking). The hotel bar, The Vault (alluding to what must have been the original purpose of the building), supplies all the drinks for the restaurant, so once again, they're delicious but you pay for the privilege. I wouldn't make this a regular event unless I'm staying at the Hotel Monaco, but when the boredom of Salt Lake City food starts getting you down, hop over on TRAX and mix it up a little.
(4)
Andrew D.
Expensive, but worthwhile. Better ambiance for lunch than for dinner. Bar is wonderful to meet folks from out of town.
(4)
Emily W.
Went here on my bday for lunch. My boyfriend def picked the right place. Everything- the food, the iced tea, the ambience and decor- was delightful and the service was en pointe! We will certainly be back.
(5)
Bud H.
This place can be a little hit-and-miss. I've had some amazing meals (short ribs, trout) and some not-so-amazing meals (New York strip that should never have been served, a very overdone burger). The appetizers are usually really good and the service is great. Just wish it was a little more consistent.
(3)
G C.
This place is great, open kitchen, good energy, fun bar. Went there for a quick work dinner, really enjoyed it. If I could give it 3.5 stars I would. I got the wedge, good, and Sea Bass - awesome....until it got tough half way through. So out was a no turning back moment because my colleagues were well on their way to being done. Service was pretty good, not stellar...could be that we were say at the high-tops near their open kitchen.
(4)
Grace M.
I recently stayed at the Hotel Monaco for the sixth time. I look forward to it each year, partly because of Bambara. For the first time ever, I was disappointed. The food very hit or miss. I called to order room service and got two people who had no idea how to take my order. When I finally got my food, I have to say it was phenomenal. BUT I had two breakfasts and one lunch there that were just not up to the usual standard. The French toast was soggy and barely cooked. The bacon was not cripsy, etc. I did the grab and go breakfast once, and the blueberry muffin was inedible. I had a burger for lunch, and it was just ok. Eating here used to be a thrill, but it definitely has slipped recently.
I am disgusted at the way they treated the patrons of Ballet West, and my own mother. The manager is condescending and failed to even feign discontent over a clerical error on their part. He openly voiced his annoyance towards my mother and her guests. I disapprove of the way they humiliated her, and I am sure that any food created under a manager so full of hate probably only purely tastes like his sour attitude.
(1)
J. B.
We absolutely love Bambara! We work close by and love to come here for lunch. The menu is fabulous and we look forward to the daily Powers Lunch Specials that include a warm, delicious cookie. The French onion soup is excellent and gets us over there right away when it is featured. The corn bisque with crab is offered daily and is also excellent. The blue cheese chips are a guilty pleasure and our absolute favorite item is the Cobb Salad with steak. It is so good! The service is always top notch and all of the food we have tried is phenomenal in both taste and presentation. As we go to other local restaurants for lunch, we end up paying a similar amount for food and service that is not as good, which always leaves us wanting to go back to Bambara. It is worth it!
(5)
Samantha H.
I am so disappointed I had to come back and modify my previous review. I stopped in tonight after work and ordered the filet (medium rare) and ham hock mac and cheese, along with salad and wine. The salad and wine were good but when my entree came out I was disappointed to find that not only was my steak well done without a single touch of pink, it had already been cut in half for me. Of all the times I have ordered filet here or anywhere else, that has never happened. I asked the server why it was cut and his answer was "that's what we do here". I didn't understand, as it never had been before, but let's move on. I had to send the steak back because it was incredibly overcooked and leathery. Of course, my side dish was left with me to get cold and gross before my steak came back. When the new steak came it appeared to be better, probably closer to medium than medium rare, but I'll survive. Unfortunately, I found that not a single bite was cooked like another and parts were so charred I actually had to cut them off. When you pay $41 for a steak, you really don't want to waste any of it. The manager stopped by and I explained the situation to him, also telling him I've had this dish here several times, even as recently as last week. His only solution was to offer me dessert. I declined, as to me that is really not the acceptable and correct solution. I am extremely disappointed and do not think I wil be back. For that price, I can get a better steak somewhere else. I would welcome management to contact me about this.
(1)
Meghann M.
The food was good, and the atmosphere is nice. Everything tasted fresh.
(4)
Lou P.
I've stayed at the Monaco for years. While many hotel restaurants are grim, at best; I feel like Bambara is one of SLC's finer restaurants. Food is always generous portions and well prepared. The staff is professional, friendly, and happily answer menu questions. I'm in SLC for extended periods twice a year; and while I've come to enjoy many places in Salt Lake; Bambara is home away from home.
(5)
Troy F.
Have eaten here several times on trips to SLC. The menu has a seasonal rotation. I've been wowed by flavors and creativity on occasion. Have to say tonight was a dud for 2 reasons. The brussel sprouts w/bacon were way too salty. Now the big dud; the squash ravioli were savory and may have been good, if they weren't overpowered by all the perfumes and colognes the staff were wearing. Horrible! How can a chef allow his creations to be destroyed by cheap perfume? I won't be back.
(2)
Laura T.
Great food, fabulous atmosphere! I came by quite late right before the kitchen closed and they offered the full menu in The Vault, their trendy lounge area for more atmosphere. Wonderful service. Would come back again and recommend it to others! I had the Utah local prosciutto wrapped trout. Very good after a long work night.
(5)
Jodi S.
I read a lot of good reviews about this place. So I decided to give it a try. The staff was super friendly and attentive. We asked our waiter where to go boarding the next day, he didn't know, but he brought over someone who did. The food was awesome!! Super flavorful and fresh. I would highly recommend this resturaunt to anyone.
(4)
Paula Rose W.
The power lunch at Bambara is an amazing deal! You get to choose between a soup or salad, a burger or turkey wrap, and you get a warm, freshly baked cookie to go! A friend and I both had the burger which was HUGE! Huge and delicious that is. We watched quite a few of the turkey wraps pass us by and we agreed they looked drool worthy as well. We were also treated to calamari as an app, and they were fried to perfection! The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. If you've been looking to switch up your lunch routine downtown I highly recommend this place. I believe these lunches were designed to get people seated, fed and out the door in a timely manner, so don't hesitate to give it a whirl.
(4)
Spencer M.
One of the only five star reviews I have ever posted. Although it's been a while since I went here the food was some of the best I have ever had. Their legendary corn bisque is incredible and jonah crab adds a nice sweet touch to this great appetizer. Although no longer offered, their buffalo steak was incredibly lean and tender and I loved every bit of it. I was able to try the lambshanks and the organic chicken and each proved every bit as excellent as the buffalo. Every aspect of this meal was excellent and the service provided was incredible despite the fact that I almost burst out laughing every time I saw our server's "bicentennial" mustache. Truly an epic sight to behold, I wish I could grow a great mustache like and offer such excellent wine pairings. Keep up the great work Bambara you guys really show what great potential Salt Lake City has.
(5)
Cal R.
Appetizers, desserts excellent. Entrees very good, but seemed a bit long to get served. Wait staff very good. Clientele well dressed casual.
(4)
JJ L.
We stayed at the Monaco Hotel and came here in the morning for breakfast so we didn't have to go out in the cold. The service was slow to start and we were served cold coffee at first until we asked for fresh coffee. We waited for some time for our food and I had to ask if our food was almost ready. It wasn't, but our waiter offered us fruits and muffins. Then he came back to tell us our meal would be comped due to the delay. The food was excellent when it came. The service was redeemed when he offered us the fruits while we waited. It's good to see a restaurant doing the right things to make customers satisfied.
(4)
Ryan B.
Ho hum! Maybe it was because were with a big group. That's what I wanted to say. Appetizers were good. Loved the hamachi and cheeses. Beet salad was good, but I wasn't expecting the dairy product gluing the beets down. Unfortunately, my sea bass (as well as the other two patrons sea bass who ordered it with me) was horrifically dry. One side of mine was brick hard. Returned it to get the gnocchi instead, but no avail it was awful. Hard gnocchi is not my favorite. Dessert was fun. Tried a friends scallops and they were great. Tried another friends filet and was pleased. I just got the bad dinner for the night.
(3)
Kasey S.
We have been very satisfied with our food every time we go.
(5)
Dolores G.
Again, another fab sustainable restaurant in SLC. I'm really starting to fall in love with this town. For starters they offered a foccacia, lavash, and sourdough bread basket served with a roasted red bell pepper hummus. $$ free.99 = 5 stars The silky corn bisque with jonah crab was also very tasty = 4 stars.. In lieu of sitting in the bar area, I opted to sit in front of the chefs for a great view of the kitchen - can we say "Food Network Live". All of the food that was coming out looked great. I was sipping on a yummy malbec and really enjoying the view while waiting for my next course. I received the spinach and goat cheese ravioli and was greatly disappointed. The pasta was cooked to perfection but the dish was not seasoned at all. = 2 stars Ended my meal with a watermelon sorbet. It tasted like summer on a spoon. It was refreshing and not overly sweet = 4 stars. Overall, I had a good experience. The service was impeccable but I was very disappointed with the ravioli. Salt and seasoning on food is basic cooking 101, hence the three stars.
(3)
Jeff F.
Since when does the restaurant at a hotel serve up really exceptional food? I didn't know that happened anywhere, but apparently Bambara (attached to the Monaco) didn't get the memo. In a nutshell... Amelia provided exceptional service, great energy in the place, the PEI mussel app special was very good, the bison carpaccio was good but really tiny portion, the recommended Ahi tuna disappeared off my plate quickly, the cedar plank salmon was absurdly good (and this isn't one of those I've never had good salmon before situations - lived in seattle for six years) because it was perfectly done and moist, and lastly I didn't get a taste of the pork chops, but I believe those were well-received at the table. I would definitely go back and explore the menu some more Update.... Went back a couple days later and had the burger for lunch... excellent!
(4)
Amy S.
I went to Bambara to celebrate my arrival in Salt Lake City. The service was friendly and prompt, and we were seated right away. We started with the tuna tartare, which was served with potato chips. The tuna was great, but we found the potato chip pairing to be a bit odd. The bread had a wonderful, buttery flavor to it, but we weren't fans of the hummus it was served with. As for dinners, I had the bison entree which was terrific - great seasoning, perfectly paired with Maytag blue cheese. The pork entree was meh - nothing too exciting. We split profiteroles for dessert - delicious! This restaurant would have gotten four stars if it weren't for the wine menu. I'm used to 100% mark up, but we noticed that one wine in particular was marked up close to 300%. After we saw that, we decided to stay away from the wine altogether.
(3)
Mario S.
Grilled cheese is recommended (thick sourdough bread, sharp VT cheddar, grilled onions), the accompanying "very slow roasted tomato soup" was awesome, blue cheese-smothered house-made potato chips are a must. Speaking of cheese, the decor, layout of the restaurant has sort of a resort dining tone. Not a deal breaker, but there is a flimsy feel to it. Good for your next tuck-in-your-shirt and let's talk profits, opportunities and market timing (business) meals.
(3)
Pam S.
Moo. FINALLY, a place that can cook a steak worthy enough for my delicate palate. It was the evening of Joe Biden's speech at the DNC, and my boss wanted somewhere to watch it. As she was paying for my meal, I wasn't going to complain. Someone had suggested the bar at the Hotel Monaco, and after a heated debate about where to park, we managed to make it in here. I LOVE LOVE LOVE wood-paneled bars with an old mens' club feel and an awesome wine menu. It makes me feel like sliding into my seamed stockings and showing a little bit of garter. Okay, so we had to pay a "membership fee" because it's Salt Lake City, but it just added to the mystique. Being the smoking hot siren that I am, I HAD to order me some meat. Meat- steak- almost mooing. The waitress was really sweet with my co-worker and I when we wanted to substitute our potato sides for one another's. When she placed that plate down in front of me, I was in heaven. The gleaming red piece of beef gazed up at me, just waiting to be devoured, and the chevre mashed potatoes were to die for. Although we were extremely gluttonous already, we also split a dessert. What it was, I can't remember, but it was GOOOOOD. So we couldn't actually HEAR the speeches, but they did turn on the closed captioning. I'm not going to take away a star, but why are the couches so low?
(5)
Tim C.
Bambara was a restaurant I stumbled upon one night before the opera began, and let me tell you, it has been a favorite ever since. They have a wine list that rivals a phone book, hounds tooth print seats, an open kitchen, the best stuffed peppers since the days of Jesus, and a cocktail called the Monaco that will make you cry tears of joy (and alcohol). I give this restaurant 6 stars. Boom, that just happened!
(5)
E P.
Really good service, very decent food. The salads are the best deal, with delicious combinations at around 9 bucks (our pear/ gorgonzola salad was very nice, lightly sweet- the gorgonzola was a bit on the bitter side, sadly). The bleu cheese potato chips are good- imagine taking some potato chips and throwing bleu cheese on them and baking for a bit. Not so much what I'd call innovative, but yummy for sure. My butternut squash ravioli was basically chilling in a butter/oil pool, but other than that it was tasty. The chunks of fresh green apple really added a savory zing, and the onions were perfect- but worth $20? Not so sure about that. I make a lot of allowances for food pricing for ingenuity, difficulty of execution, fresh ingredients- but really, other than being a very decent ravioli I'm not sure why it was so expensive. Keep in mind that out of towners don't know what great food is within arm's reach and will pay 20 bones for a pasta dish, and I can understand the "highway robbery" approach. It is what it is, but why settle for goodness when greatness is so close? I had a martini called an Othello, some cranberry juice with blueberry vodka or something like that. I had asked for a girly drink and I got it. Again, not like the crazy martinis next door at Red Door, or the gourmet ones from Metropolitan, but I didn't get a real close gander at the drink menu, either. The berries with creme fraiche is a lovely and light dessert, and if you like decadent chocolate you can't do much better than the cake.
(4)
Gwendolynn W.
I have recently moved from Salt Lake to LA and had tickets to go see the Lion King. We decided to grab drinks at Bambara as it is across the street. We sat in the bar and I ordered a glass of house red and white wine from the bartender. To my SHOCK when I got my bill I was charged for two $14 glasses of wine. Knowing that this is not the price for the I ordered my boyfriend asked a waiter to double check with the bartender on the prices. He came back with our new bill for a total of $12. I think that it is crazy that the bartender would take it upon himself to charge me for the most expensive wine at the bar and think that I would just pay for it. I am not cheap but do not like being taken advantage of. We will never go back here for drinks and if you choose to be mindful of your bill.
(1)
Adam W.
Ambiance is attractive, with the focus on the exhibition kitchen center stage. Staff are friendly, professional and know the menu. The food is mainstream, but well prepared and attractively presented. Our caesar salad featured white anchovies--so good!--and a kicky garlic dressing, not overly applied. The grilled lamb sirloin, served on skewers of fresh rosemary, was flavorful and fork tender. The fillet mignon was a revelation: absolute perfection, and unlike the typical example, this fillet did not give up flavor for texture. All of these things went down perfectly with a bottle of Taurino Salice, one of the more reasonably priced selections available. Dessert was--no surprise--the cheese plate. I do love a cheese plate. This one featured three cheeses including a local cheddar and a fabulous blue, along with some fruit (quince!) and crusty bread. We splurged with some nice port and ice wine. My most recent visit was consistent with prior visits. I've never had a bad meal here. Bonus: the restaurant welcomes single diners (on a prior visit, I was seated at a table offering good light for reading the book I brought to dinner). You will be pleased.
(4)
Loralyn S.
the serving staff is amazing, just truly wonderful. but food-wise, i've had better for the price and wouldn't go back. none of the breads offered were very appetizing, i thought the highly-praised corn bisque was good but not the best I've ever had, i wouldn't recommend the tuna tartar at all, and wine by the glass was not a very good selection.
(3)
Daniel M.
Went here for valentines day a few years back. Awesome service, and great food
(4)
Joe V.
Maybe it was just a bad cut? Ordered the steak frites - and while it was cooked to order - medium-rare - I was disappointed that about 1/3 of the steak had a vein or grizzle running through it. Poor job of quality control in the kitchen. The large cone of fries was very tasty. Other diners in my party of 4 ordered the scallops and were very happy with their selection. Oh well - bad on me.
(2)
Julie D.
I was in SLC looking for a very nice evening out. I chose this restaurant based on yelp reviews. Sure, this is nice restaurant and I had a nice meal. But I don't think it's anything too, too special. I had the organic greens, with champagne vinaigrette, apricot Stilton,candied walnuts, and pear. The salad with nice and fresh. For my entree, I had sauteed prawns. They were served with fettuccini, tomato concasse, prosciutto, Parmesan and truffle butter. The pasta was only okay, I suspect that is was not homemade. Also, the dish was a little too "buttery" for my taste. Dessert was yummy. I had the strawberry and pistachio Bavarian dessert. Service was adequate, but not outstanding. The restaurant had a nice ambiance to it, but nothing spectacular. Only 3 stars for Bambara.
(3)
Farhad M.
Holy crap, this place was awesome. My coworker and I popped into the bar for a quick dinner on the way to our hotels and boy were we pleasantly surprised. Note we only had appetizers/drinks so this review (and rating) does not focus on the entree selections Bartender was awesome and made great conversation about whiskies (no doubt rare considering it's Salt Lake City). Food: - Potato leek soup was delicious. It was the special of the day but I'd totally recommend getting it if it's offered. Coworker had their famous corn bisque and he loved it too - Duo of scallop sashimi and tuna tartare: totally yummy as well. What they did with the scallops was awesome - layered fresh jalapenos and micro-thin apple slices inbetween each scallop and drizzled with olive oil. Tuna was tombo tuna (which I did not notice before ordering as I would have rather had Ahi). - Crab stuffed peppers: not bad. Not amazing but pretty good. I think I was a little let down because we left the dish sit for a bit while we ate the other apps and it cooled down. Regardless, it was still very tasty. Order comes with 3 peppers but you can add a 4th for $5. - Trio of creme brulee: 3 mini ramekins of different types of creme brulee flavors: pumpkin, mexican chocolate, and tangerine. Tangerine tasted funky, a bit too sweet. My favorite was the pumpkin but bartender said it's going to be rotated off very soon for a more spring-ish flavor. I wasn't really looking at prices since it was a work dinner, but with a couple drinks each we set back about $150 in total (w/ tax, w/o tip). Overall quite good and worth checking out for a quick meal at the bar
(5)
Sandy G.
Had dinner here last night. The lamb was outstanding and I had excellent service
(4)
Maggie S.
I was staying at the hotel and went for breakfast. The service was good, but the oatmeal was astonishingly gross and the latte was . . . well, it was not a latte. It was something involving a coffee-flavored beverage and some amount of foam, but it was . . . not a latte. I reckon from other reviews that they may shine at more savory dishes later in the day, but for breakfast? I'd hit up Jamba Juice and Ink Coffee instead.
(2)
Narciso A.
Was invited to this restaurant by a vendor. They raved about it. All of the raving was right! The food here was excellent. I really enjoyed the Arugula Salad with puff pastry. Everything here was melt-in-your-mouth delish. I ordered the Chicken and Shrimp dish. Compliments to the chef.
(5)
Scott I.
Normally I would be giving you an excellent review but tonight you missed the mark badly. Ordered the ribeye with frittes and marrow - my son ordered the same thing and the girls ordered scallops. Everyone else has a good meal - Mine no marrow? The ribeye was a pile of fat and sinewy mess - would have sent it back, But didn't see the waiter, and needed to make the play across the street. What a bummer a $400 tab and I wish I would of enjoyed something on my plate besides the frittes... I wish chefs would take a moment to see what they are cooking before throwing a pile of fat on a plate!
(2)
Diamond B.
I love the Four Season's white table cloth experience when I go to a new city. If I can't get the Ritz or the Four Seasons I start looking for some place applicable. The Bombara inside the beautiful Monaco restaurant fit the bill to a tee. The hotel is stately and elegant with it's cream and white trim walls. When I asked my friend (a local to Salt Lake City) about the beautiful ambiance she said the Monaco used to be an upscale bank, and you can still tell by the sophisticated decor. The sign says perfection at any price. Well for us that meant $150, but 3 if us ate. I was the only one that enjoyed a glass of $12 wine, but is WAS good wine. My friends had tea/lemonade. The food was filling, so we didn't get apps or dessert. The food could have been a bit more timely coming out, but when it did was really delicious. The wine was tasty as well and if asked they will recommend a wine to go with the decadent food. While there we enjoyed the scallops, (yes, I ordered them. Okay, so I'm a bit repetitive, but the server said it was better then the lamb- so I went for it!!) fillet and gnocchi. It was all delicious. If you'd like an upscale experience before you leave Salt Lake, give Bambara a try.
(5)
Andrew C.
Only ate breakfast while staying at the Hotel Monaco on business trip. A little pricey, but has the convenience factor, if you're staying at the Hotel Monaco. I had the Buttermilk Biscuit with Spicy Utah Elk Sausage Gravy, Fried Egg, Breakfast Potatoes ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bamb… ). Overall pretty good. Biscuit was a little dense. They were happy to bring more gravy. We also came to the Vault for drinks in the evening. Mixed drinks were up and down (perhaps depending on the bartender?) so beer seemed like a more consistent choice. One night it was packed and the staff was overwhelmed so we rarely saw our waitress and even trying to get a drink at the bar took forever.
I love Bambara! Always an enjoyable experience. On my last visit in the summer of 2015 I remember thinking that it's gotten a bit more pricey. Regardless, the food and service were, as always, spot on. If you're downtown SLC and want a great meal, Bambara will not disappoint.
(4)
Jason R.
Very good food and attentive service. Clams were a bit salty but filet was excellent. Prices on the high end but worth it.
(4)
James H.
Great atmosphere, decent service, but surprisingly average food. My lunch special: Tuna Belly Confit Melt Sandwich was better than most Tuna sandwiches but not by much. The best part of my meal was the corn bisque with bits of crab. I'll avoid the lunch special menu next time though as I think quality is being sacrificed for both speed and price.
Because of my friend's birthday, I finally have a chance to come down here. When I first got here, I've noticed something different on the menu, my friend's name was on it, and that's not it, they've even put a Happy Birthday on it. How thoughtful! Love the appetizer-Crispy Fried Calamari, and the entrees-Grilled Diver Scallops and Ribeye Steak Frites. We didn't order any dessert because we've prepared my friend a birthday cake, but I'll definitely try out their dessert next time.
(4)
Sarah S.
Well it happened. I can die now. What's really the point of living when you know you have had all life has to give you. Knowing that you have already had the best thing out there is rather depressing. I would never say I'm an affectionate person. I'm not a cuddler, nor a kissy kiss person. I have had friends lose family members and at the funeral all i did was pat them on the shoulder with an "I'm touching you, so you know it means something" face. So I'm sure the chef was surprised when i walked back into his kitchen, interrupting the whole meal service to stand in front of him. I'm sure the kitchen staff thought i was going to go postal or something. But no, i just hugged the man, and whispered, "thank you" in his ear. He laughed and I left fully satisfied with the one person I deemed good enough to receive a hug from me. I hope this demonstrates the level of quality of the meal.
(5)
Kim K.
Excellent meal top to bottom! Bambara has a very cool vibe. Clearly in an old bank building, very cool. The interior is sleek, modern, and classy. The open kitchen is also really cool. The food was delicious. Amazing bleu cheese potatoes, awesome pork shank, and killer desserts. Everything was fresh, piping hot, and expertly cooked. Service was attentive, friendly, and hospitable. Prices were completely reasonable. Great meal - would return any time!
(4)
Kevin R.
I haven't been to Bambara for several years. We booked a reservation and were promptly seated. We each ordered several appetizers and cocktails. I wasn't particularly wowed by the appetizers which were the Duck Liver Costini, Cast Iron Roasted Clams and the Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips. The Chips were basically Lays Potato Chips with Blue Cheese melted over them. I don't like Duck Liver, so I can't comment. The Roasted Clams were OK, but not particularly flavorful. For the Entree, I had the Short Rib Ravioli. It has a LOT of smoky bacon. And mostly it was Ravioli with a LOT of Spaghetti Squash over the top. It was pretty good, but I didn't eat the Fried Farm Egg on top of it because I do not like runny eggs. Other entrees were the Rib eye Steak Frites (meat was tough, fries weren't anything special) and others had the Gnocchi and the Halibut which I did not try. The best part of the meal was the Charlotte Russe and the Turtle Ice Cream Sandwich. I believe the bill for the 4 of us including cocktails was just over $300 which seems little pricey. Service was good although the water girl spilled water on the table several times despite there being at least 2 iPhones on the table. I'd like to try Brunch there sometime, but would only go back for dinner if someone else was paying.
(4)
Joshua D.
Really great food. Their beet salad had some of the best tasting beets I've ever had. The quality of their other dishes was high, though there were little things about some of them that I think could use adjusting.
(4)
Becky U.
The service and atmosphere were good, however the food was lacking. The impression I got from the menu was overly complicated dishes. For example an abundance of sauces, spices and ingredients not complimenting each other but taking away from the overall dish. Less is more sometimes.
(3)
Piyali F.
Love this place! I travel to SLC for work frequently, and my company recently hosted an event here so I ended up having a couple meals at the hotel's restaurant, Bambara. High quality food, great wine selection, and they are GREAT about catering to food allergies.
Exceptional service and food was had by all! Succulent mahi mahi and duck were among the menu items selected by me and my guest, and both were superb. The waiter was especially knowledgeable and helpful, and his expertise went a long way in helping us select both our wine and dishes. I will definitely be returning to Bambara the next time I'm in SLC!
(5)
Bill R.
Wonderful atmosphere. Beautifully decorated restaurant. Extremely friendly and attentive staff. Started with some apps... Crab stuffed red pepper. What a crowd pleaser! The table couldn't get enough. Fresh crab flavor not heavy with breading. Ruby and golden beets salad. Fresh roasted beets with grains and hazelnut. Excellent but could use a bit of salt. Others had the wedge. Notable slabs of house cured bacon. Real nice. Entree: Scallops with corn and bacon risotto was excellent. Pan seared crust outside and tender inside. The risotto could be an entree on its own. Outstanding flavors and textures. My only issue with this dish was the amount of garnish. Literally a handful of alfalfa sprouts! Really had to dig through the pile to get down to the good stuff. In fact every plate at the table was over-garnished in some way--the pork loin dish looked like it had a tree limb on it. My own issues with garnish aside, every plate at the table was excellent! Swordfish, filet, strip, pork loin, scallops were all noteworthy items. We all commented that there was just too much good stuff on the menu. Desserts were just as good. We were surprised that they looked kind of small, but don't be fooled...they are rich, flavorful, and delicious. You'll be glad they exercise portion control. Those looking for libation will appreciate the full liquor license. Plenty of reds, whites, and sparkling available. Full bottles, half bottles, and by the glass. As well as cocktails. Extremely happy to have found this place. Given the chance, I shall return.
(4)
F J F.
Giant disappointment. The amount of salt added to all of the dishes made some inedible. We tried 5 appetizers ..the duck pate was the worst of them and unpalatable then the salty chips..the salads were acceptable. Service was confusing and non attentive..when he finally took the time at the end of the meal , we explained constructively what we experienced. The waiter said we should have said something....which brought to light..no one ever asked how the food was after serving. ok...we always have a good time and the restaurant and hotel are neat and fun ..but it was $500 for 4.....and should be better overall.
(2)
Brandon B.
Phenomenal. Best burger on the planet. Try and you'll see why. I'm not even joking. And be sure to have the house chips with bleu cheese as a primer. Then sub the fries for a spring mix salad. The vinaigrette cuts through the beef fat nicely.
(5)
Anna K.
Came here after picking up my boyfriend from his flight in Salt Lake. Our group ordered the blue cheese chips and calamari as our appetizers. We all agreed that we found the blue cheese chips to be a bit weird, but still pretty good. The calamari was excellent. The sauce was great and the crispness was perfect. Our entrees were incredible. Mine was the scallops which were quite salty, but they were over a creamy risotto which was perfect. I'm definitely a fan of the Brussel sprouts on the side which I believe were cooked with pancetta.
(4)
Amy S.
Really good food. The service wasn't as attentive as I'd hoped. The portions are very generous - I had the salmon crusted in potato and literally couldn't finish it. Would definitely go again if I went back to SLC.
(4)
Rumesha A.
I was staying at the Hotel Monaco and came in for dinner - The Blue Cheese Chips - I would avoid them. Dripping with oil and with melted blue cheese on them. It was a heart attack on a plate and not even worthy dying for! All I could taste was the oil - The lamb chops - for $46, I expected an amazing dish. The lamb was cooked well (medium rare) but there was definitely a heavy hand on the salt on the kale chips. The aioli was heavy and distracting - a lighter sauce would have paired with the lamb - Flourless chocolate cake - this was pretty good and I was loath to leave a few bites on my plate. All the desserts were top notch - Service was attentive and courteous. Our server wasnt very knowledgeable on the wine list but definitely knew his food. I'll try another meal but I'm sure Salt Lake City has a better restaurant for me to sample.
(3)
Stephen L.
Amazing dinner with my favorite wine: Charles Krug Carb... Loved the appetizer, main dish and dessert. The service is great, we we're put in the VIP/isolated room so it's not noisy and we could have our own conversation. This is one of the best restaurant in SLC. We started with the appetizer of the chips (Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips), really good... then I ordered the duo for the main dish, which covers the ribs and bacon-covered-tenderloin (could not go wrong with bacon), it's just perfect ! Again, on the overall, it was an excellent dinner !
(5)
Shawn F.
Pricey, at about $100 for 2, but probably the best meal I've ever had anywhere. We ended up stranded in Salt Lake City for a night and decided randomly to come here. We weren't disappointed! The service was friendly and attentive, but not intrusive. My finance and I split the Spinach salad, fried peppers, filet of beef, and crab mashed potatoes. Who would have thought you could put crab in mashed potatoes or fry lemons? The food was like a work of art, complex, full of flavor and beautiful to behold. The cocktails we had were delicious as well, and fairly strong. If we ever find our way back to Salt Lake City, this is where we'll go.
(5)
Lynette D.
This seemed like a great choice we were hungry and it is in our hotel although very pricy. Our waiter Jason was just amazing no matter what the food he made the experience a 5 star ...if there was a waiter option star he would get a 5 The wine a pinot noir was very nice can't recall the name but it was suggested by Jason and was very good $12 a glass one of the least expensive but very good Starter we decided on the duck toast it was very tasty and presentation was great ..it was a little busy because there was so much going on on the plate ..but if you pushed everything aside and focused on the duck on the toast it was over salted and seemed like it was cooked several days ago and then reheated ..if you cook a lot you will get this and I understand a restaurant can not cook everything "today"but it seemed more than a day or two old. The over salted is also a good sign of this. Also the frothy thing is over just don't Seared Maine Scallops we decided to split this and it was nice they split this for us on our own plates The pungent smell that comes with not so fresh scallops was overwhelming and almost turned me against the entire plate. if it smells this strong there is something just wrong with the entire thing, where they frozen and thawed? I realize we are not on a coast here but OMG it was just overbearing. I did eat one then I just gave the plate to my husband who didn't want it either. The brussel sprouts were undercooked and the pork belly was cold like an after thought..oh yeah just throw that on top cold maybe no one will notice. I didnt' even eat the risotto so I can not comment on this part. Again a buy plate and simplicity can often be the best part of a plate I would have rather had one great scallop than 4 smelly ones covered in all kinds of things I am not even clear what most of it was. $41 no thank you I would not order this again The free bread OMG the best part of the meal .... this bread is so good I would have just had the wine and free bread all night ...however they bring this spread that I tired thinking it looked good ...it was horrible. I told my husband "I can't quite put my finger on what it is but it seems like something left over the chef was not quite sure what to do with so he did this" when I asked Jason what exactly it was he said it was a mixture of hummus and some other beans with something, something ...I knew it ! OMG just don't ...if you need to make something to go with such a spectacular bread just do a whipped butter with a simple herb ..sometimes simplicity is a perfect answer. Desset Chocolate cake with ice cream and toffee ..perfect! clearly they have this portion of the meal perfect. This was amazing Also it was our Lexi (puppy) 4th birthday and we asked Jason what he could do for her that we could take back to the room for her. He put a scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped it with a puff pasty little crispy thing that was perfect ! The only thing was Lexi tired with all her 5 pounds of might to eat it in one bite ! welcome to her first brain freeze which we realized was happening when she fell onto her side licking her lips and got up and only licked the rest of it !! LOL not funny but we all remember that first brain freeze right !
(3)
Nancy B.
Terrific meal, great setting, and service to match. Best beet salad I've had, with both golden and red beets, combined with extra creamy goat cheese and a very special vinaigrette. I loved that they let me switch out a different vegetable to accompany the potato crusted salmon. Just perfect.
(5)
Jenny J.
Tuna tartar was superb. Just had sushi the night before and it didn't do it for me. Not that this was sushi but this meal experience helped to offset the average meal that I had the night before. My entree was the goat cheese ravioli with mushrooms. I just didn't feel like a meat dish even though the steak that my companion had looked delish. Didn't matter as the ravioli was a hit for me and just the dish that I was craving. Very flavorful without being overly salty or heavy. Mango pana cotta for desert was just the right ending. I was very full but the choices for desert were just too good to pass up. I recommend and give this place a solid 4 star except that they screwed with my bill. I paid the tip in cash and they somehow added an extra 40 bucks to my bill. They gave me a bogus explanation that it was some systems error. BS and a terrible end to what was an enjoyable meal.
(3)
Christopher L.
I've eaten here several times and I believe that is one of the best restaurants in Salt Lake City. The last time I visited Bambara I had Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with saffron sauce for an appetizer and pan seared duck served with risotto for an entree. All food was prepared and served to the highest standard.
(5)
Bowdoin S.
Bambara is conveniently located in downtown Salt Lake City in the Hotel Monaco and fortunately there is a lot of parking options nearby. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with some nice lounge music playing in the background which fortunately was not too loud. I had lunch here and started out with the silky corn bisque at the suggestion of my waiter and I was not disappointed. It takes a lot for a soup to impress me and this soup was very tasty and well balanced. There is some nice heat that works well with the sweet taste of the corn which was not overpowering. There was a decent amount of the crab which added some nice texture. I had to try the beet salad which was really good. First of all, the presentation was exquisite with the nice colors of the golden and ruby beets with the mandarin orange slices (and I think grapefruit) in the periphery. One of my pet peeves with many beet salad offerings is when there is too much arugula and not enough beets, but they give a great abundance of high quality beets here, but the chef gives an abundant amount of both golden and red beets which are well cooked and extremely tasty. There was some nice acidity provided by the orange vinaigrette and citrus as well. The walnuts added some nice texture as well. My only criticism was that the goat cheese was a little too runny, but the dish was really good. My server Mike was knowledgable, friendly, and on top of things, and I look forward to my next visit where I can explore more of the menu.
(4)
Rod S.
We came here for brunch before the Opera. It's not $3 mimosas. But, that's not what you come here for. You come here for fine dining, excellent service and hopefully very good food. You can pretty much assume most hotels have "hotel" food. That's competent food done by the numbers that's somewhat overpriced. Fortunately, Kimpton hotels break the mold. I've always had well prepared food worth the price. In Utah, the cocktails are over priced, but decent. There are more trendy places and arguably better values at other very good places downtown, but nothing really embodies grand dining and elegance as well. I've been here for dinner with the wife recently as well. It was also up to snuff. You can spend more at Grand America, but I find it all to sterile there. Over the years Hotel Monaco has been through ups and downs. Probably more downs than ups. I'm thrilled it's in an up phase.
(4)
Christopher K.
Talk about a classy restaurant that I could eat all three of my daily meals in, every day, for weeks on end, and never get sick of it. Bambara is that restaurant. I'm not kidding when I say I was so spoiled spending a week in Salt Lake City, staying at the Hotel Monaco, and having Bambara right there at my disposal all day every day. Everything I ate here was amazing - breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and of course, small plates at the bar on late, late nights. This place has it all. A great variety of dishes prepared with the very best of ingredients, all thoughtfully prepared down to the smallest detail. Breakfast was probably my favorite meal, and I loved mixing it up every day. I'm not a big pancakes guy, but I had to try them here. Boy, did they deliver. I'll still never understand why pancakes are pitched as an entree and not a side. Does anyone really need a giant stack of pancakes? I mean, after a few bites, I'm like, "I get it. Pancakes are good." A few bites are all I really need. A stack of pancakes, to me, seems like equivalent of eating a 30-egg omelette, or a box of donuts. I could only finish half a plate. And by all means get a side of their homemade pork breakfast sausage which was out of this world. I'll never be able to order sausage in a NJ diner again. Even the simple salads are good. My first meal at Bambara was a salad. I remember the bartender coming up to me, asking me how it was, and I said, "if they can do a salad this good, I can't wait to try everything else on the menu." Indeed. If you are in Salt Lake City and do not grab a bite here at some point, you will be missing out.
(5)
R A.
New Menu: I had the duck. It was probably the best duck I have ever had. It wasn't chewy which duck can be at times. Appetizer was fantastic. Beet salad was also 5 star. Try the new menu.
(5)
Ruben A.
Lamb sliders for lunch! The lamb was fresh and moist. Too many times I've had lamb that has a gamey taste. When it's fresher and cooked properly, it's divine. The pesto and feta cheese were really a nice complement to moist lamb slider. LOVED the fries. They were fried with what seemed like thyme and rosemary. Whatever it was, the fries were some of the best i've ever had.
(5)
Alice C.
Th is a really nice fine dinning experience in SLC. Let's start with food, solid new American cuisines. The style here are slightly unique. Instead of highlighting one ingredient, they do at least a couple. Portion are generous. Butter lettuces, very fresh with excellent light gorgonzola dressing 9/10 My friend got a really good pork tenderloin and pork belly dish, 8/10 I got the chicken and tiger prawns, chicken slight dry, tiger prawn was very good 8/10 Drink, decent selection on local beer, decent wine selection, cocktails are very good, but pricey at $12-$15 per drink. Service was top notch that evening as we were two snow bums who just walked in. The restaurant layout are open where you can see all the kitchen actions, the black and white color theme of the place is elegant but not overly stuffy. After splitting a salad, one entree and two cocktails, I am short $70, not bad compare to the bay area dinning scenes. Nice place to take your date or feed your hungry stomach.
(4)
Christopher M.
Great lunch spot located inside the Monoco Hotel. Food is good & the drinks are even better. Also, The Vault lounge attached to them is amazing!
(5)
M A.
As I have come to detest Cocina Toscana, I have come to LOVE Bambara. Great food, good service, good atmosphere. Music is just right, not to loud etc. Great spot. Prices are a bit higher but I think it's justified.
(5)
Sarah V.
An expensive restaurant by Salt Lake City standards. We were in the old Chairmans office for small groups - it's a gorgeous room. The servers were attentive and knew the menu well. I ordered the pork chops and it was succulent and superb. Friends ordered the fries with blue cheese appetizer and it looked pretty amazing. My husband ordered the ravioli but found the pasta to be tough. Overall this is a lovely but pricey upscale restaurant for special occasions. Overall most of the entree's ordered by our group were popular.
(4)
Heather B.
Superb service, divine cuisine, great atmosphere! Everything we tried was delicious. We went for dinner. Staff was very friendly and service was impeccable. Thank you for offering something unique in SLC.
(5)
Krystal M.
Wonderful dinner. I was staying in the hotel and dined here on a Sunday evening. Our waiter David was very helpful and knowledgeable. We had the corn bisque which really was fantastic, just a little rich. We then had the filet mignon and scallops for entrees. Scallops were divine! We were tired the night we ate here so opted for just a glass of wine each, and was pleasantly surprised to see a good "by the glass" menu and opted for the Caymus Conundrum. Kept dessert simple with sorbet. Overall very pleased with this meal and dining experience. Best so far in SLC.
(4)
Jay G.
This is the best overall, all-purpose, eatery in SLC. I usually stay in the Hotel Monaco when I'm in town and this place is partly why. The breakfast is stellar, the lunch is inventive, and the dinner ranges from white table cloth dining to a great place to dine with the game on at the bar. The deconstructed cob salad sounds gimmicky but it's Oh so good. The burger with red wine sauteed onions, just melts in your mouth. The breakfast is just bang on. You can't be disappointed with anything here, minus the slightly inflated check awaiting the end of your meal... but it's worth it.
(5)
James S.
This was a remarkable find in Salt Lake City. The restaurant compares well with the best names in New Orleans. We especially loved the presentations, which were simple but elegant, the superb sauces and the outstanding service we received from Brandon. He recommended memorable dishes to us. The corn bisque was creamy and subtly flavored. The crab stuffed peppers were from heaven. The wedge butter lettuce salad with Maytag blue cheese and bacon fresh and balanced. The lamb chops with fried kale were perfectly cooked, flavored and presented. Their mango sorbet cleaned the palate and was a perfect finish. We split everything and it was under $60 per person without alcohol. If you love quality food qo, enjoy and share.
(5)
Kay P.
Lamb sliders! It's times like this where I wish I was greek. The lamb sliders are tender and moist. The bread taste lightly grilled which gives it a nice crunch. They give you condiments on the side but why bother!? Don't do it. You'll ruin a most perfect slider. The juices in the lamb keep everything from Getting dry and..why are you still reading this? Go get one and thank me later . Baaaaaa says the lamb
(5)
Ellie B.
Every now an again you just need to treat yourself to beautifully crafted food that is as delicious as it is beautiful. My husband an I celebrated out anniversary there an everything we had from wine, bread, crab stuffed peppers, roasted chicken to sea bass was incredible!! We luckily ate slow an had room for a little dessert. The FILO an cherries was amazing but the sorbet is what really topped it off for me! Ask to be seated in Taylor's section an your dining experience will be enhanced to joyous an you will feel like old friends netting for the very first time. If I'm ever back in Salt Lake I will be ratting here again!!
(5)
Selwa L.
The Pinot noir poached salmon was amazing! This was the best meal I had all week during our stay in Salt Lake City. Very nice restaurant and despite being one of the dressier options downtown, they were very accommodating to our family and our baby. Our server brought her a side of blueberries so she could eat something along with everyone else in our party. (She won't sit still in a high chair unless she has food). Delicious. Would definitely eat here again. The food was better than the steak we had eaten the night before and less expensive! I was also able to go into the hotel lobby nearby and nurse my baby which was convenient.
(5)
Lana K.
Great lunch spot, and far more affordable than the dinner prices. There's hardly ever people in the bar and when there is, it's always good conversation. Bartender is knowledgeable and happy to help.
Wow. This is the best place I have eaten in a long time! House salad was amazing and the filet was even better. Stop here if you are in town!
(5)
Sean W.
Amazing meal and service, very inviting dining room, cozy. We started with the blue cheese chips, try eating only one. The calamari was perfectly cooked served with amazing fried lemons. The scallop and tuna tartare were super fresh, however could have used a bit of heat. The cast iron mussels were beyond, so good, amazing broth. My steak was cooked perfectly, very large portion. My friends gnocchi with short ribs was mouthwatering, so flavorful. This was the best meal I've had in SLC in a very long time, years.
(4)
Kayla M.
This is one of our favorite places to eat in all of Salt Lake City! There are so many great things about this restaurant, the food, the service, the wine list... I could go on and on. We fist went here for my boyfriend's birthday and were so impressed by the food and the atmosphere that it quickly became our go to spot for special occasions. Our two favorite dishes here are the filet mignon and the halibut, both are amazing! We love the Ball Buster wine and often purchase a whole bottle. The atmosphere is upscale, white linen table cloths and waiters in black vests. It's fairly intimate and would be a great place for a romantic dinner, however it's not really what I'd call mood lighting. The restaurant is set up so that almost anywhere you sit you have a view of the city out the windows. Even though it's on street level, it's fun to see what's going on out on the city street. The service is good and the waiters are attentive, just what you'd expect from a nicer place. We love their bar area too!!
(5)
Aran S.
Great service! Cocktails could use some work, though. A bit noisy & bright too. Dim the lights in the main room!
(4)
M P.
Didn't meet my expectations. The corn soup was the best part of the meal. Good wine selection and service. Food was just ok. Maybe it was an off night.
(3)
Rosie T.
I love this place! My favorite drink is "The Monoco" it's a must try! It's a vodka with espresso and coffee liqueur! I have enjoyed the food and environment so far, and their bar The Vault is small but quite nice as well! I hope all of you have a an awesome time here :).
(5)
John H.
It's been a long time since I have had a 5 star meal and I had to travel for work to find it. Bambara is located centrally in SLC within an old bank attached to the Monaco hotel. Brennan (sp) was our server who guided us thru the meal. Our group started with a variety of appetizers include the ahi tartare, calamari, stuffed and roasted poblano peppers. All were prepared and served perfectly. Next courses included watermelon salad, a beet salad and greens. All were very fresh, crisp and nicely presented. Very good flavors. Mains included the scallop dish, pork tenderloin and lamb t-bones. It hard to believe that there exists such a high level of consistency from any kitchen. These folks have it nailed. Incredible flavors and perfectly prepared. Your wish was the command. The only thing I would change would be a bit more of a wine list selection. However, those represented were all well chosen. All in all, it was worth the plane flight for the meal. Many thanks to the kitchen, our server (if I have his name close) and the rest of the staff for such good dishes and service. I will certainly be back. Tell your friends! Thank you
(5)
Beny Q.
This place looked different when I saw it in person as opposed to when I read about it online. Online it seemed like a casual place with good food, but when I saw the corner of the building as I was going to eat I saw that this place got fancier and fancier. The place is really fancy, the food is very tasty, and the waiter we talked to was the nicest person ever!
(4)
Carl B.
The bisque! Eat it and love it. Also, the atmosphere and service was exemplary. I would reccomend to anyone looking for a fancy night out.
(4)
Jay B.
Hard to beat. Best dinner in Salt Lake. I've been here at least 20-30 times. Staff is excellent and the place is very cool and modern. Def $$$.
(4)
Judy L.
came to bambara on thursday night. the service was impeccable, but the food was inconsistent. started off with the house potato chips with blue cheese and crab stuffed peppers, both very delicious. the scallops with corn risotto was also very well prepared. my entree was the ribeye with bone marrow and frites, requested black and blue. i was very disappointed with my dish. 1. the ribeye was very inconsistently cooked, cut into strips, and fanned out. the outer pieces were rare, but the inside pieces were medium and well done. not sure how this happened. 2. cutting the steak into strips dried the steak out, and it looks like it was cut, then cooked some more. 3. the bone marrow was COLD. it was like eating a stick of gritty butter. i asked the waiter whether this was a new style of eating bone marrow, he told me it was supposed to be hot. immediately brought me a properly cooked bone marrow which was delicious. didn't bother fixing the steak because the compound butter made the stake taste fine, i just prefer my beef very very rare. i would think that a restaurant of this caliber and $$$ would be much better at preparing a dish that they "highly recommend" as being a "customer favorite."
(3)
Denise L.
I don't get the great reviews for this place. We had the ruby and golden beet salad, which was pretty good. We ordered the scallops and steak for entrees, which were tasty but the portions were so small. Waiter was good and attentive at the start, then didn't show up for 20 minutes. I get that some people like the decor but it just doesn't work for me. Summary: Food: good, but small portions. Good cocktail list. Atmosphere: average Service: mediocore Won't be back. Too expensive for a B- experience.
(2)
Jen D.
There for a business buffet dinner/meeting. Server was removing food without asking if we were done. Had a lot of leftovers that we paid for but the server Riley was extremely rude and said we could not take any leftovers with us because the food had been sitting out for 2 hours. Glad they feel it is necessary to waist food while so many people in he world are starving. Would not recommend, extremely RUDE service. And actually undesirable food.
(1)
Guy B.
Of all the fine restaurants in downtown Salt Lake City, Bambara may be the finest. Situated on the ground floor of the Hotel Monaco, Bambara is the home of executive chef Nathan Powers, possibly the most talented culinary mind in the state. During our recent visit to Bambara, we enjoyed several menu items, including the bleu cheese house cut potato chips and the cast iron roasted clams for appetizers, and the gnocchi with vegetable ragout and cast iron seared chicken and shrimp for entrees. Let me tell you something, these dishes, and all of the others on the menu, are absolute knockouts. The bleu cheese potato chips alone are worth a visit. The chips are crisp and the bleu cheese is the real deal. They don't skimp on the cheese, so be careful with this one. Come hungry! As for the clams, they are topped with a delicious mix of chopped roasted peppers, fennel and garlic, and a touch of pesto, all served in a delightful broth. Toasted bread is served on the side to sop up the broth. The entrees we ordered were awesome. The gnocchi is creamy, and the vegetable ragout provides a lovely complement. The red pepper sauce is really interesting, it's light and does not dominate the dish, as is often the case with gnocchi offerings. The chicken and shrimp are really well seasoned, perfectly cooked and served on a bed of garlicky chard and polenta. The dish is topped with delicately sliced onion rings that are lightly breaded in blue corn flour. Everything is done so well, it makes me want to sob. The service is always very attentive and prompt at Bambara, and the atmosphere is mellow and comfortable. I really have no complaints about this place. They took care of my wife and I last year when it was our 19th anniversary celebration, and I think we will go back there for our 20th. This place is top notch, a go-to restaurant for just about any occasion.
(5)
Dmitry K.
Good, not great and over-priced. At these prices, steak should arrive exactly as ordered. We ordered medium-rare and got rare. The meat was fine, but not excellent. Beautiful space, good service. I prefer trying local/not chain, but Capitol Grille would have been a much better choice for the same money.
(3)
Bethany F.
Bambara is a truly lovely restaurant that anyone should feel relaxed in. Jake really made our dinner. He's got great suggestions without the overbearing style of service. The food is seriously top notch. Giant mussels in an amazing "manhattan" sauce, crab bisque, seared duck breast, and filet.. Nothing ceased to please. Thanks guys, it was incredible!
(5)
Emily G.
Their lunch specials here are usually pretty good and come with an amazing turtle cookie - bonus! And by that, I mean a chocolate chip cookie with caramel and pecans, not a turtle-shaped cookie, if that was a deal-breaker for you. The blue-cheese house potato chips may shorten your lifespan, but you know...worth it. The steak salad is a little pricey, but IMO the best thing on the menu. I'd get that or a lunch special. The seared ahi tuna is also very good - I believe the tuna is flown in from the coast fresh daily.
(4)
Beann P.
The ambience and decor are very nice! My only complaint is the cramped table seating! The server was polite by checking on us and taking drink orders. I ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare, Organic Quinoa, Avocado, Fresno Chili, Basil, Black Olive Creme Fraiche, Gaufrette Potato and the Organic Mixed Baby Lettuces, Smoked Utah Trout Crostini, Cider Vinaigrette. Neither were very appetizing needless to say. The Ahi Tartare did not have the unique, delicious taste to match Cheesecake Factory's and the salad was mediocre to say the least. The smoked Utah trout crostini looked like a piece of hard bread with paste slightly slathered on top. To top it off the waiter did not ask if five women wanted to split the check and brought over one whole tab. I was very unhappy to see an extra dollar added to my bill when reviewing my bank account, in which I called the manager and he promptly researched and credited the difference in one day. It's not about the money, but I wanted to let him know if servers were skimming tips which I've heard in other establishments (Brio). Nice place, mediocre food. P.S. Ask for validation so you only have to pay $5 for your valet instead of $10 (Pricey but I guess that's downtown for you)
(3)
MaryPat K.
Had a business lunch here the other day. It was Wednesday and I had the special - mussels. They were so good! And the amazing cookie they gave me for dessert was yummy! I really enjoy the caliber of service and quality of food here every time I go!
(5)
Jessie M.
Perfect for Sunday brunch! Great portions, decent price for the quality. Mimosas for $7! I'm in.
(5)
Stephanie I.
I had prosciutto wrapped trout and potatoes. The food was so over salted that it ruined the meal. The blue cheese Potatoe chips were a bit greasy. I felt the food was overpriced and the server less than engaging. I am not one to complain but I hope the chef pays attention to what is being served. I've dined here before and it was very good.
(3)
Kimya P.
Not cheap. Definitely delicious. $130 for the two of us (bill included a $38 bottle of wine). For appetizers: We had the crab stuff peppers resting in a pool of saffron infused butter - heavenly. Even more tasty were the blue cheese chips -- fatty melted helpings of blue cheese on top of perfectly toasted potato chips. For my entree: I had the salmon with the horseradish mashed potatoes - it was all pretty much perfect. The fish was cooked well, the peas were fresh, and the mashed potatoes creamy. Really, one creamy forkful after another. While I generally don't like to eat at hotel restaurants, Bambara is an exception worth noting and experiencing.
(4)
Erica E.
We celebrated our anniversary here and had a wonderful experience. The chefs were very accommodating and even made baby food for our little one. Highly recommend, wish we lived closer to this restaurant, we would definitely go back!
(5)
John S.
Not sure why we waited so long to try out this place. Very knowledgeable server. We got the corn chowder which was the perfect temperature. The filet was so tender. The pork loin was bliss. If you are looking for a nice fine dining experience with genuinely caring service, go here! Great wine list! They even have half bottles. The open kitchen adds flare to what might otherwise feel too formal. Very solid.
(5)
Will C.
The best pan seared chicken I have ever had ! Pricey but reasonable. Overall I would highly recommend. Adults only
(5)
Howie O.
Great power lunch or dinner spot to take business customers to. Atmosphere is really nice in this restaurant, I was impressed. I have tried a bunch of items on the menu and haven't found anything I didn't like.
(4)
Jason C.
I went to this restaurant tonight with some colleagues for a business dinner. Our waiter was polite and very helpful. He recommended the scallops as his favorite item on the menu. That is what I ordered and I was blown away by how perfectly they were cooked and how tasty they were. I wish it would've come with more than five scallops but those five were like heaven! For dessert he recommended the turtle pie. I ordered that as well and found it to be a nice ending to the meal. It was rich but not overly so. All in all I was very happy with my experience tonight.
(5)
Jenna W.
As Salt Lake City would have it, it's very difficult to find a celebration-worthy restaurant open on a Sunday evening. Thankfully, we were able to celebrate my birthday at Bambara. We made reservations just a few hours in advance, and they had special printed menus wishing me a happy birthday! Overall, the service was attentive, but did slow as our evening progressed. Bambara is a beautiful establishment to spend a celebratory evening. Now, on to the food! We had the the Blue Cheese Potato Chips. I do love me some home-made potato chips! And, the blue cheese made the dish really unique. As my main, I ordered the Chicken and Shrimp. While the dish was delicious, I do think it could have benefited from a sauce of some sort. My husband picked the better main - the Pork Tenderloin. Perfection! To finish, we had some version of chocolate molten cake for dessert which was nicely made. We had an amazing evening and already plotting our next trip back! Thanks for being open on a Sunday!
(5)
A Z.
Solid 4 stars. Lovely bistro in the Hotel Monaco. Inviting entrance with open kitchen is a great precursor for your appetite. Few but appetizing and flavorful menu options. I got the crab stuffed peppers which were delicious, and the butter lettuce salad which was wonderful, light and crisp, tasted very fresh. For entree I chose the duck with watercress and pomegranate sauce. The duck was done perfectly well for my liking, and it was so flavorful and rich it may have been the best prepared duck I've ever had. The flavors on the plate were interesting, I enjoyed the pomegranate medley which I was interested to see how it would contrast with the rest of the dish. Didn't have time for dessert this round, but there were a few options I wished I could have tasted! Service was good, our server made sure to return and fill our drinks before they were empty, which I very much appreciate. Give this venue a go if you are looking for a treat for your taste buds.
(4)
Leah B.
Bad. You guys, so bad. I feel like they are trying to be "inventive" whilst still pleasing the Utah crowd that wants big plates, because what we had was atrocious. The tuna tartare. I have nothing against quinoa. I like it. But why it was blended in with the already bland tuna, makes no sense. Let's take some of our bland fish (fyi don't thin tuna is bland, this just was) and mix it with some other bland shiz. The wedge: fine. You wanna get creative and use butter leaf? God speed. But why must you use ginormous slabs of bacon?? It's a salad! These "sides of inch thick bacon had no place on my wedge. A wedge is a classic. No need to get fancy, you screwed it up. Now for my chicken. I NEVER order chicken but the sides sounded tasty. The potatoes were gummy and my chard was gritty enough that I had to send it back. It came back. Still gritty. The chicken had ZERO flavor. The waiter tried to give us dessert on the house but we just had to get out. I've been here for lunch and enjoyed myself, but dinner was BAD. Our server was nice.
(1)
Victoria H.
I ate at Bambara a year ago and thought it was good but not great. Last week when a high profile business opp came into town, the hosting sales team chose Bambara from a list of other great places. I maintain my good but not great rating. Our waiter did nothing to promote or recommend great dishes. He was put out by having to answer questions. We were lucky he came through to check our drinks, 15 or 20 min beyond consumption. When our meals were delivered we had to play musical chairs and were delighted when those who ordered steaks cooked to differing tastes landed in the right place. For this kind of money, you can do far batter.
(3)
Chelle T.
Perfect spot to grab a sit-down lunch. Bambara offers a tantilizing menu with great options. I kept it light and ordered the organic mixed green baby lettuce salad with walnuts, goat cheese and orange vinaigrette - delicious! Several things on the menu looked tempting, though. My dining companion opted for the cobb salad and gave it two thumbs up. The server knew the menu and offered helpful suggestions. I'm looking forward to returning to sample more.
(3)
Scott G.
Great service and probably the best meal I've had in SLC while visiting over the past year. Try the mussels they are actually very tasty super fresh
(5)
H Y.
I ordered salmon and it was cold when it arrived because it was sat out for a long time. It took about an hour to get my food. My husband ordered chicken and he liked this dish. Probably won't be back. Not worth the money.
(3)
Pua P.
EXCELLENT FOOD. We had the Duck Toast appetizer, shared a filet of beef, and enjoyed the creme brulee trio with a glass of port. One of the better meals I've had in recent memory. Absolutely worth the price.
(5)
Nick B.
I was pleased with everything. The salad was great it was light and fresh with peaches. My entre was to die for. I had the scallops with risotto and it was full of flavors. This dish was also very fresh tasting and not too heavy. For desert we shared their ice cream sandwich and again I loved it. Great experience with great service but mosg important part for me shunned... The meal. As a signed my wife got the steak and fries and it was only ok for the price. Mine though was everything and more.
My most recent trip to Bambara was decent, and not nearly as good as past experiences I have had here. I got seared elk, and my partner got steak and frittes. The elk was presented beautifully but the dish was a little bland - especially compared to the bites of fillet I was able to steal of my BF's plate. With that said though, it seemed strange for his steak to be paired with shoe string french fries served in a wax paper stand you'd expect to see at a fancy burger place. We also ordered a side of risotto which was very bland. We also ordered two deserts - both were rather forgettable. Creme brulee is my favorite desert and hard to mess up, but the creme brulee we were served had very little caramelized sugar and it hadn't been torched properly so it was soft and grainy. Our other desert was a ginger cake of some kind; the cake was EXTREMELY dry, as if it had been made two days before or something and we didn't finish it. For what it's worth, the service was very good - appropriately attentive, good feedback when asked for advice on the menu, etc.
(3)
Jennifer F.
Andrew is my new favorite server, and the location is amazing! The decor is remarkable and they make great use of the old bank that it once was! The food is truly exquisite: we started with the cheese tray and the espresso sprinkled cheese was incredibly unique and delicious. The bread was really great! The crab stuffed peppers were very good and this come from someone who could leave crab alone. The Idaho wrapped Idaho Trout is well worth it. The bacon sauteed Brussels Sprouts are amazing. The garlic mashed are good, not to die for but good. And then there was the hummus was really good. This was a truly great meal and I will be back!
(5)
Joe N.
Simply delicious. The best tuna tartare I've ever had. Also, possibly the best lamb I've ever eaten. Chief perfectly and the sauce was phenomenal. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys Good. Will definitely be back
(5)
Jeffrey W.
I definitely have mixed feelings about Bambara. They had great service and the ambiance and decor was excellent, but the food was quite disappointing. First of all, we tried the blue cheese potato chips, which had been recommended by a friend of my date. They were definitely sui generis, and a very interesting flavor. However, the chips became quite soggy after only a few minutes and thereafter became somewhat inedible. As an appetizer, I ordered the corn bisque and very much enjoyed it. It came in a quite substantial serving size and was sweet but not too sweet. It was also quite rich. My date had a salad, but I cannot personally comment on its quality, as I did not try it. For our entrees, I had the pumpkin ravioli and my date had the potato gnocchi. The pumpkin ravioli was the greatest disappointment of the night for me. The ravioli had nary a taste of pumpkin and the ravioli itself lacked in consistency and texture. It appeared to be slightly overcooked and did not have any distinctive flavor. In contrast, my date's potato gnocchi was quite good. The gnocchi mixed quite well with the arugula and the wild mushrooms. The sauce was notable but not overpowering. This dish, as with the corn bisque comes recommended. Overall, I would give them high marks for ambiance and decor but low marks for inconsistent food quality (especially at the prices charged). Thus, 3 out of 5 stars. .
(3)
Brent W.
Let me start with saying that 3yrs ago the lamb shank I had here topped my list of favorites. Sine then I have been back twice. I ordered the Blue Cheese potato chips as an appetizer = Very Good The pear and almond salad = Very Good The New York strip medium = Poor (well done on the outside 1/4", charred, and medium in the middle, my guess is they cooked it cold). Brussel sprouts = just Nasty! Salty, under cooked, Horrid flavor. My wife ordered the Pork Tenderloin, with Hush puppies. The pork was tough, and the hush puppies tasted like they used old or rancid cooking oil. Normally I finish everything on my plate, it was so bad I couldn't even finish half of it. No, we didn't complain, and we still tipped our waitress well. It was all just so bad, I didn't know how I could politely complain.
(3)
Katrina N.
I am already a fan of the Kimpton Hotel properties, but have to give them extra credit for have a remarkably good on-site restaurant in Salt Lake City. I had heard things about their brunch and wanted to try it too, but we had much too much fun (and too much food) at dinner. Now I have to go back :)
(4)
Mike D.
This is absolutely one of my favorite places to dine in Utah. They have a unique menu which includes lots of local food and unique dishes like Buffalo. But more importantly, they know how to create a dining experience. I recently dined here on my teenage daughter's birthday. I forgot to make a reservation and the restaurants in the city were filled because of a large event that was in town. I called Bambara on my way there and asked if I could get a table and noted that it was my daughter's birthday. They made room for me, and within the 15 minutes between my call and our arrival, they had a custom menu printed with my daughters name on it. It was an unexpected touch and led to a very memorable birthday dining experience.
(5)
Jennifer B.
Service was not good. MUCH was lacking. My food was a bit better than average (chicken and shrimp), but others in my party had average food (steak, trout). Will not visit again.
(3)
Lucy C.
High class, hidden gem inside an old downtown hotel. Well worth the price.
(5)
Joseph M.
This place was amazing! Jake our server was the best. Very attentive but not pushy at all. We started with the Blue Cheese Chips and an off menu Clam appetizer and we both enjoyed both of them. Then I had the Sea Bass and my wife had the Pan Seared Chicken, both entree's were fabulous, we shared the Crab Mashed Potato's. So much flavor in every dish that was prepared. Don't grab for the salt and pepper before you taste your meal, it won't need it!!! Overall, just a great experience!!
(5)
Julie K.
Bar food at best. I ordered the weirdest thing, homemade potato chips with blue cheese wtf? The brussels sprouts where the best thing on the menu... There are better places to dine..
(2)
James C.
My love affair with this restaurant goes back 10 yrs. I enjoyed my first meal, during a visit to SLC many years ago. I have since moved to SL from NY, and was amazed to see that Bambara was still a hot choice. I have had a number of meals, entertained guest from out town, and enjoyed cocktails in the Vault Bar. However, with time I have noticed server service, and food quality diminishing. This past Dec. while trying to enjoy holiday cocktails with a friend-table service in the bar area was horrible, and painfully slow. Food was just "ok". However today- was my worst experience. The restaurant was packed, ( probably because of Sundance) however, they were still able to seat me. I was seated by host, and left to sit, and sit, while staff personal glided by w/o so much as a "hello", or" I'll be with you shortly". Needless to say I felt stupid, and ignored. I hate it when restaurants ignore single diners and it seems to happen a lot more here in SLC. It's a shame with such limited choices there are in this town, that now, I have one less to select from......
(2)
Emad S.
Ordered the beef filet, the flavors were very good although the meet was not as tender as other steakhouses I've been to when traveling overseas. Also had the chocolate desert, very rich and beautiful. I do recommend this place and would go there again to try some more of their dishes.
(4)
Steve M.
The food was fantastic. You've got to try the blue cheese chips. The scallops were awesome! My friend ordered the chicken and he raved about it the entire meal. Nice ambience. A little pricey but the food was great.
(5)
Sean F.
Great food, good portions, great location. Don't think, just go....
(4)
Ilana K.
My new husband and I went here to celebrate our marriage together. I really liked the interior and decor. The appetizers were delicious, soup and calamari. The husband had the scallops which were delicious. Most of my meal was good as well. I had the duck, unfortunately the sides were good but the duck was really lacking. I ate 1 piece and had the husband try 1 and that was it. The server just took away the uneaten duck. The service was off, many times we looked for our server to order or for refills and it would be over 5 minutes before we got her attention. For a place that tries to be high class and the prices reflect it, it kind of missed the mark.
(3)
Nikki C.
Bambara is so chic, the service is so good, decorated to perfection, and the food is superb to match. Even their iced tea is perfection. I love Bambara and go there for every special occasion. It never disappoints.
(5)
Melissa C.
Sublime!!! Bambara is a must! I took my mom there for lunch the Saturday before Mother's Day and every thing was perfect. From the divine food to the superb service! We had Josh as our server and let's just say this man deserves a raise!!! He was wonderful! We asked if the juices had any added sugar and he went and checked all of them, (I saw him checking and reading the backs of the cartons) he returned and told us which ones were free from added sugars. He then continued throughout the entire meal to check for additives and such and informed us when something contained it, and offered a substitution. He went above and beyond! We asked some unusual dietary questions and if he didn't know he would say that's a good question and then go find out! He didn't just pretend and tell us a false answer. Amazing!!!! The food.........Out. Of. This. World. To call the chuck burger a burger is degrading! It is far superior to what the name implies! It is the best burger I have had in my entire life! I ordered it without the ciabatta roll, due to being gluten intolerant. I just ordered extra arugula. The Brie mixed with the bacon jam and freshly koshered and ground chuck is heavenly! The flavors just keep evolving in your mouth. It's astounding! The pickled vegetables on the side are fabulous, such flavor!!! I don't typically prefer pepperoncini peppers but these are full of flavor, sweet and wonderful along with the pickles and onions! (They are great with the side salad I substituted for the fries). The side salad had an apple cider vinaigrette that was so sweet and full of flavor, it was not the typical sharp vinaigrette that about knocks your socks off (and not in a good way). At the beginning of the meal I was looking at their TINY salt and pepper shakers and thought to myself, what good are these?!? Now I know......you don't need them! That's why they're tiny!! We then ordered sorbet. We got the coconut raspberry and the mandarin orange. Oh. My!!! As you are eating it you taste the sweetness and just as you are going in for the next bite you taste it.......fresh mandarin oranges, and I mean fresh!!!! Like you picked them up from a farmers market in California! The raspberry was good but I preferred the mandarin orange. I was so pleased with our experience that I cannot wait to go back! To the chef of Bambara...........if you don't have a Michelin star, you should!!! Such an amazing establishment!
(5)
Jennifer S.
Amazing meal tonight at Bambara! Great atmosphere, attentive service and delicious food. We started with the blue cheese chips and they were definitely a great way to start off. I thoroughly enjoyed the pork tenderloin for my entree...the roasted peaches made the dish - delicious!
(5)
Amy N.
Ate here for my 24th birthday this year with my fiance', his and my parents, and had a great time. We walked in to see that our menus were printed with "Happy Birthday Amy" and I nearly keeled over. So cool! I love that they'd personalize our experience there. I'm addicted to their Prosciutto-Wrapped Utah Trout. Absolutely amazing! It's pricy, but well worth the money. Definitely a great place for anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
(5)
Hannah M.
Really fantastic. Breakfasts are great (especially if you're staying at the hotel). Dinners are equally great. The cheese plate (app) is all local and interestingly delicious. Main dishes are also great. Had the duck last night and will be going back again for it!
(5)
Barry T.
Such a fun wait staff. I've had several good experiences here recently, and the kitchens are so willing to work with you and food allergies. The breakfast is a little on the more expensive side but the granola was really fantastic. Definitely on par with the good stuff I make back at home. The corn bisque for dinner was rather pleasing, and with a cheese plate (okay fine, there was an ice cream sandwich involved at the end as well... and two glasses of wine) - together made a nice light dinner after a rather strenuous ride up canyon park on a non-geared cruiser bike from the Monaco...
(4)
Jamie W.
Party of 3 on a Saturday night. Had trouble deciding on a place to eat, and we are SO GLAD we landed on Bambara. We started off with a bottle of wine and a local cheese plate. Both of which were great pics. The atmosphere was cozy, and we could all focus on each other for conversation. We ordered the Pork Chop, filet, and chicken, each of which were masterfully presented and tasted divine. This was the best dinner I have ever had. I would recommend Bambara to anyone local to Salt Lake, or those there on vacation. The price of the meal was high, but it was right in line with how incredible it tasted. 5 starts hands down.
(5)
Anne Marie S.
So I went with a co worker for lunch. Both of us were told , lunch prices are reasonable and dinner prices were high. The good: -We had a really good waiter, knew the menu well and was quick to attend tous. - The Corn Bisque was delicious!!!! Yes- delicious but it ended there. UPDATED: So the GM for Bambara reached out to me to understand why my visit was not good and invited me to come back to give them a second change. Well, if he cares enough to reachout to me, I will definitly give them a second chance. So I've edited my review to only highlight the positive and will update my review based on the second visit.
(2)
Adrian B.
Went on a whim with my wife, brother, and sister in law. We were lucky and able to get a table with a quick call. We had a great time. Excellent food, great knowledgeable staff. Good atmosphere. Spendy but well worth it. I had the Potato Gnocchi and wow was it delicious, excellent texture and flavors. My wife was a little disappointed in her steak but I suspect she ordered it a bit too rare for the cut. It was solid.
(5)
Kelly G.
I've lost count of the number of times I've dined at Bambara, 15? 20? Its always fantastic, for any meal, any time of day. I love dining in the private, wood paneled room in the back. Great for dinner parties, or more intimate get togethers. Always great service. Love the valet too!
(5)
Loren W.
Corn bisque? More like a bowl of nacho cheese sauce. Cold bread and tasteless hummus. Hamachi smothered in flavored oil that overwhelmed the fresh fish. I played it safe with chicken, which wasn't bad. We wanted dessert but were too afraid of what horrible mess we would get, so we just left. Service was sub par and the hostess was clueless. I don't want to go back. I really had hope for this place.
(1)
Dave F.
I had breakfast here 3 times and dinner, once on my last SLC journey. Breakfast is a solid 5 stars. Many mornings, I ran and came back wanting steel cut oats, OJ, good Coffee, a ton of water, wifi and a couple of egg whites on the side. By the way, I also requested fresh fruit on the oats. Sound high maintenance? Well maybe, yes. But, the restaurant delivered on all of this with prompt service, smiles and different crews each day. Breakfast is quiet and the ambiance is excellent. Everything is priced a little high, but not over the top. I will absolutely go back. But then there's Dinner: Solid 2 stars. Menu with very few items, especially if you want to eat light, like a seafood salad. I ordered a ceviche appetizer which was incredibly small and about $18. Entrees were $35 and up and there really wasn't anything simple. I was a little disappointed in the service and the restaurant was empty during a recent weeknight. Net-net, I left and had the "rest" of dinner elsewhere.
Delivered on expectations. Interesting combinations of flavors and a stylish experience --- well executed. Our group was in town on business and consulted Yelp to find this restaurant. We were not disappointed. Good place for a business dinner with your team or clients.
(4)
Sierra B.
Incredible dessert, excellent service, creative menu items... but something is missing from the main menu offerings... they sound great but just don't quite deliver... could use a little more bold flavor and pizazz. There is great potential for this place, and I would come any day for dessert!
The food is decent. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here. However, since we stayed at the hotel it was an easy choice. Service was good but food is pretty basic. Good but nothing worth noting. Breakfast was decent but again I wouldn't go out of my way to come here for that either.
(3)
Lexi S.
What a fabulous dining experience. Or first meal here was about 3 years ago and we left with no need to return. It was not memorable and highly priced. Recently, we were speaking with a friend who is a wine broker in the city and she mentioned that we must go back. Done. I'm grateful to our wise friend for pushing us in this direction. The service was impeccable. Water glasses were never empty, our particular server was very knowledgable and efficient. We dined for almost 2 hours on salad, great bread, the filet and sea bass. Wow, the filet was one of the most delicious cuts I've enjoyed. The accompanying sauces were divine and made the dish whole. The sea bass was beautifully cooked and seasoned to perfection. I love lentils as is, but the beluga lentils were quite special. Creamy but texturally lovely. The fennel in this dish added a much needed fresh crunch. Our dessert choice of the ice cream sandwich was good but nothing too out of this world. I mean you can't go wrong with ice cream swimming in chocolate and caramel. I omit 1 star solely on the wine list. Mark ups are necessary of course. But the mark ups on their wines were preposterous. I say this because I know that a half bottle of Korbel is about $7 which was listed as, I believe, $26. We saw many producers on the list that are not great in quality and priced low in the liquor store marked up about 300%. We chose a Malbec that was really ok and worked well for us. My complaint about their wine is minor in the big picture. This meal was indeed expensive, however, it was completely worth it. Our plates were empty and our palates were basking in unadulterated bliss. When a meal can accomplish such a feat, I can overlook the wine list and next time, simply bring my own bottle.
(4)
Kacey C.
I would give it 5 stars in Salt Lake, 4 in DC.. so read that how you want. Sorry to sound snobby. My colleague and I ate there our last night of the conference and treated ourselves appropriately. The decor is funky, modern, very Kimpton style. It would be awesome if it weren't on the ground floor and had some views.. Our waiter was extremely friendly and warm, made his suggestions, offered to tweak items for my vegetarian diet. He was pushing the margaritas though, margs in Salt Lake in March? I don't know about that.. The hummus that comes out with the bread is amaaazing, I had a piece of bread just to try the hummus. We ordered the hand cut potato chips with blue cheese, yumz, cleared that plate. My colleague and I split the brussel sprouts so he could have bacon on his, and I think our waiter gave us two full orders but I didn't see the bill so I don't know for sure. They were seriously amazing, seriously, rival Estadio's in DC. I had the beet salad, it was fine typical beet salad. He ordered the scallops and ate every last bite without complaint. We split the waiter's ice cream sandwich dessert suggestion.. delicious. Glad I folded on my no dessert stance. We each had one glass of wine as well, bringing our total bill to to just under $100. I would definitely recommend Bambara to anyone searching out an enjoyable meal in SLC.
(4)
Kris B.
Cool bar next door. Great service and great food. Must have the potato chips with blue cheese - so simple, yet so tasty. Had the pork duo as the main - loin was better, the ribs were a bit dry, but the service and ambience really made up for the slightly dry ribs.
(4)
Steph W.
How can ANYONE think this place was worth the money? Decent ambiance. SUB PAR service. Decent food. I can't believe I paid the money I did for a piece of chicken I could have cooked better myself. I don't care how fancy this place looks...fancy tables and fancy looking servers did not cover up the bland tasting chicken I had to eat. Let me also say that the server was awful. Barely deserved the tip we gave him. He didn't even ask if my little brother wanted food. Well, YEAH, kids have to eat too. Yuck, I'll never be back.
(1)
Damon R.
Reservation for 17th anniversary. First off, very nice ambience. Had great, kick back jams playing. Ordered the special--sea bass, wife ordered the filet. Both what you'd expect from an upscale restaurant--elegant touch to the offering. My bass made me think about an ordinary fish in the ocean, caught by the fine cuisine chefs at Bambara, and nurtured to baby bass perfection, then ended up on my plate for this glorious appointed time to be eaten! And, this was the first time my wife ordered a steak well done and raved about how juicy, tender, and moist it was! Miracle!! Because we had some vino in the lobby (complimentary to guests of the hotel daily between 5-6 pm), we both were feeling very nice prior to arriving for our fabulous meal. Waiter was cool, even though he forgot about our drinks (AMFs (adios mother effers). They were too strong but not a big deal, we're not those kind of patrons to trip on something like that. Great experience. Great food. Great atmosphere.
(5)
David J.
Was here for a private birthday party. Service was top notch and so is the location. Casual atmosphere with people in suites as well as shorts. Terrific menu although heavy in the red meat. With that said, my steak was tough and poorly prepared. Others at the party had the same issue. While I would go back, I will stay away from the steak.
(4)
Sheri S.
It's expensive, but it's worth it. A must try... The blue cheese chips. Is you like blue cheese, they're to die for!!
(5)
Lorenzo D.
The Vault, the bar section of the restaurant. Sat at the bar here for a glass or two of wine, (actually had three, but hey, I was staying upstairs in the hotel, which is also very nice) and to get something to eat, alone, in town for business a month ago. The barman was OK. Not very engaging, but not rude. Maybe a tad aloof, which is fine, but if you're a bartender.... this is why I don't give 5 stars. Other than him, it's all the stars. He was also slow to keep his bar top clean. Unacceptable. Good bar to strike up a conversation with person next to you, comfortable seating, great surrounding. I really liked this place. Food: The burger is seriously fantastic. I am a SNOB. True. This burger was better than any I have had in my life. I am going to make a special trip every time I'm in SLC to go have this burger. Also had the calamari, which were quite good, maybe an 8 of 10 compared to other restaurants from around the country. Wine selection by the glass was good. Not anything special or imaginative, but good, and in this location, priced fairly. Can't wait to go back. CinCin!
(4)
Nick C.
If I'm downtown for lunch, I love stopping by the vault for a burger and a drink. The burger is amazing and well priced. The dining area is much more formal, and is a wonderful dining experience. I made a reservation for my mothers birthday here. The hostess asked if it was for a special occasion, and asked for my mothers name. When we looked at the menu they had customized ours to wish her a happy birthday. Very thoughtful. The food is well conceived and executed. My favorite was a scallop dish that unfortunately is a seasonal or special item I haven't seen for a while. The menu always changes, but never misses.
(5)
Zachary H.
It's good but I wish it was a little simpler. They might be trying too hard. But the steak frites are way good and solid. The complementary bread and hummus need a major makeover. Dry and tasteless. They have a house water (still or sparkling) that is really awesome. I am going back.
(4)
Diane C.
Bambara seems an unlikely spot to pick up a burger, but those who have tasted it know that Bambara has one of the best burger's in town. My mom described it as flavorful and texturely pleasing from the soft toasted bun, crunchy lettuce, and juicy burger...all paired with perfectly seasoned pomme frites and a pickle. Bambara, voted City Weekly's 2008 reader's choice for Best Atmosphere, it is the perfect spot for a business meeting , late lunch with your mom, pre and post theater eats, and everything in between. We recently sampled the desserts and believe me, they were all delicious. The combination of class, service, and impeccably executed dishes makes Bambara a must. I find myself pleasantly satisfied with everything from the blue cheese chips, a popular appetizer, to the complimentary red pepper hummus served with house-made bread. P.S. Make sure to tell them if you're coming in for a special occasion when making a reservation!
(5)
James P.
Very nice atmosphere! The Blue Cheese Chips were great! I was also able to sample the Lobster Bisque (Great), Chicken & Shrimp (Good) the Cheese Grits were Fantastic! Also the Short Rib Gnocchi was Great!
(4)
Vida A.
Stayed at the Monaco over the weekend and had dinner with friends on a Saturday night. Before i start, I am a big fan of Bambara. I have always had good service and food. The power lunch is really delicious. This night, it wasnt super busy and im sure Bistro 222 is taking away from there business since its a few doors down and a better price point. It seems everything has gone up price wise on the Bambara menu. Our server when she would show up was on top of it but we wouldn't see her for periods at a time. I had to ask for bread which should show up automatically. If you like blue cheese you must order the chips, they are insane, so good, you inhale them. My gnochi was really good but not $29 good. My bf had the cassolet and it was tasty. A friend had a pear salad, seemed ok but the disaster was the steak. For $42 she got beef jerky in which she sent it back but by the time she got it we were all done with our meals. At that point a manager should have came over and offered a dessert or something but nada. Charged full price and no apology.
(3)
Michael y.
Looks like its a stuffy place, but you can be casual, waiter seemed stuffy, considering it was snowing heavily outside, and biz inside the place was at a manageable pace, bread needs to come out warm!! so with the service and the bread i deduct a point I had the bison short ribs with tri-tip and ravioli, and it was incredible!! the bison and the sauce was heavenly, the ravioli was a litte over cooked. my dessert of the creme brule trio was a finishing touch. my colleague had the steak and was delicious. expensive no doubt, but perfect if you are staying downtown and meeting outta towners
(4)
jamie a.
I would give it 3 1/2. I come so often for business and the breakfast is enjoyable. They dont have splenda or equal for coffee which is a bit odd.. but okay. Staff is always friendly, and dining items are unique.
(3)
Tizzle L.
Yuck! Salty salmon!
(2)
Joseph S.
I had to give Bambara three stars because, for the cost, there are so many better choices in SLC. Get a reservation at The Copper Onion or Ruth's Chris instead, you'll be much happier.
(3)
Jaimie K.
So the Boyfriend and I finally had the chance to try this restaurants after reading mixed reviews about it. We didn't make a reservation and walked in at about approximately 7:30ish on a Friday, seated right away. NOT COMPLAINING! I LOVE the fact that you can see the kitchen action going on from the seats. The houndstooth booth seats receives an additional star in my book!! We were seated and then greeted by the friendly staff. We ordered the tuna tartare, seared scallops, & sea bass... All were absolutely delicious! It honestly is so hard to find a good restaurant that serves fresh ingredients and i'm glad Bambara exceeds that standard. I would like to come back for their brunch over the weekends and for the Utah trout; I'm a sucker for local fishes.
(4)
PrincessPeac H.
Salt Lake City has caused me to reevaluate my whining about how "early" everything closes in San Francisco. I was originally thinking I might stop at the Olive Garden. I grew up eating there and I have an affection for the place, but I thought I should try something I can't get at home. Also awesome, this place is open after 9:00 (10:00)!! My service was more or less great, although I ordered one salad and was delivered another. My salad was a spinach salad with red pears, feta cheese and olive oil and balsamic. It was quite good, but could have been prepared better with the same ingredients (for example, not drowning the lettuce in dressing). I ordered the trout for my main. I was excited to see "Utah trout" on the menu because I'm a yuppie and therefore like local. My dish was a big pile of food. Couscous, topped with a big piece of trout, topped with a yogurt/cucumber salad that tasted like raita. They were all very good (except that the couscous had raw halved heirloom cherry tomatoes in it which made for a weird texture). The components of the dish were great, and actually the raita and couscous went well together, but it didn't make any sense for the trout to be there. There was also some oily mint chutney sort of thing drizzled across the top and I have no idea why that was there. The ambiance was pretty standard for a restaurant in this price range surround by (or in this case inside of) hotels.
(3)
Laura G.
I chose Bambara for dinner with some out-of-town guests (mostly because they were staying at the Hotel Monaco and because my girlfriend was excited to try it), and the food didn't disappoint. I needed something soft to eat (that's a different story), so I went with the gnocchi (from the menu: potato gnocchi, sweet corn, smoky bacon, pea sprouts, cherry tomatoes, basil mascarpone, sweet corn butter). It was really good, but I can't point to one specific part of it that stood out to me; it was more so the combination of all these flavor components that made me happy. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food, too. The interior is nice, and Bambara is definitely going for the upscale feel many Kimpton establishments have. Our server was attentive and seemed content enough to let us eat our meal without rushing us, even though we got a late start. The one thing that kind of threw a wrench into the service was the weirdness of the Utah liquor laws. I know, I know - I live here, so I should know better. But Bambara is by far the strictest enforcer of these wacky laws that I've experienced in recent memory, and that makes for some awkward moments. For example, we ordered drinks in the adjoining bar (The Vault) while waiting for our table. When our table was ready, the bartender had to carry our drinks into the restaurant for us; we couldn't do it ourselves, so that created some confusion while we sorted it out. The other moment was when my friend ordered a second drink, and our server refused to set her second drink down until she finished or relinquished the first one. She wasn't going to be wasteful, so she gulped down the last bit of cocktail while the server stood and waited so she could get her next drink. Bambara is pricey. I don't usually have a problem with that if I feel like the meal is worth it, but I'll have to go back again to make that determination for sure. And next time, I'll make sure to finish my drinks before ordering the next round.
(4)
Sam V.
I've only been here for lunch, as I'm pretty sure that's the only meal I can afford here without breaking the bank. (Being an eating out enthusiast on a poor college student's budget really puts a damper on where you can justify eating out). Anywho, the lunch. After looking at the lunch menu, I saw that the prices are fairly reasonable. Albeit, for downtown, there are a lot of other options where you can spend half as much, but you won't be getting the amazing service, decor, and ambiance of Bambara. For my lunch, I got the blue cheese chips, the corn bisque, and the turkey wrap. First of all, the blue cheese chips. Seriously? I have hated blue cheese probably my entire life, and I could devour the entire plate of these. They are so delicious and have just the right balance of cheese and they make you forget the fact that you are eating a plate of freshly fried chips coated with layers of ooey gooey cheese and make you think that you've attained dairy nirvana. As for the corn bisque and the turkey wrap. They were very solid. Everything on the lunch menu seems great actually, and all of the ingredients are good quality and everything is done with a flair. But in all seriousness, I just can't stop thinking of the blue cheese chips... there goes my diet.
(4)
Jeffrey S.
I love the look of Bambara. So pretty, and such a great location in the Hotel Monaco in the heart of downtown. There are so many other dining options, but Bambara seems to hold its own and I was eager to try it. With a colleague staying at the hotel we opted to stay out of the frigid December weather and kick it at Bambara for lunch. There was both hustle and bustle this day, but we were seated almost immediately after just showing up. I'm a sucker for butternut squash anything, so when they had butternut squash ravioli on the menu, I knew I was in. I wasn't blown away by the dish, but neither was I underwhelmed. It was butternut squash ravioli and totally satisfactory. A little pricey, but I've got nothing bad to say about it. I wish I had something great to say about it, though, and I don't know that this small tasting is going to woo me back. Our server couldn't have been nicer, but unfortunately he could have been better. A little awkward, and a little slow in getting back with us each time he left. I should give the staff lots of leniency, because after the meal we stuck around at our table for well over an hour to take a conference call and do some work. The restaurant had officially closed, but they allowed us to stay. Eventually, though, their evil eye permeated the room and we left. Patience only goes so far when you have to finish the place settings for dinner. With great dining all around, it's tough to want to come back here, but the convenience of having it in the hotel builds in a constant crowd and a convenient reason to come back. Not high on my list, but I wouldn't object. And bonus for seeing an American Idol runner-up in the hotel lobby right before the meal.
(3)
Bobby And Estee F.
Absolutely perfect meal! Every single thing we had was delicious and unlike anything we've had in the past. We had excellent entrees and a spectacular dessert. Our server Cassie was very helpful and made some outstanding recommendations for us. The turtle ice cream sandwich is amazing!
(5)
Melissa E.
Nice location in downtown SLC. Menu not extensive. Hand cut potato chips for appetizer tasty but greasy if you don't eat them fast. Service attentive.
(3)
Kate M.
I went to Bambara for the first time on Christmas Eve. I had never been there, but as one of the few places open, we wanted to give it a try. With reservations, we did have to wait to be seated, but holidays are always crazy time wise, so we weren't worried. We chose to eat off the holiday menu primarily, so take my comments as you may since these items aren't available. A salad that was bright and lovely to start, with blood oranges and arugula. Very good, though a little overpriced. I had the veal dinner. It offered you a veal loin that was roasted and a braised veal cheek. Both were delicious and offered enough differences from one another both in taste and texturally. Dessert was a peppermint and chocolate yule log. I could only eat a bite or two, but it was still delicious two days later out of the box. Our server was attentive, given the crowd, I was pleased. I would like to try this place on perhaps a quieter evening and get a better idea of their traditional menu.
(4)
Darcy N.
I can't believe this amazing seafood came out of SLC. Kudos to the friendly staff and absolutely incredible meal.
(5)
Kathryn S.
Stayed at the Hotel Monaco so this was a convenient choice to meetup with a friend for lunch, before heading to the airport. We were so busy chatting that we didn't really take time to peruse the menu. So... we chose the Power Lunch special they were having, which happen to be this amazing mushroom linguine pasta! To begin we had their crazy good blue cheese potato chip nacho thing -- Holy Cow! Followed by the organic house salad -- crazy good! And if that wasn't enough deliciousness, they brought us a chocolate chip cookie that was to DIE for! A return trip to SLC would be worth it just to go back! Don't pass this place up!
(5)
Donna S.
ambiance//**** good lighting + high ceilings + intimate booth seatings ~ privacy service//*** the waitstaff were very nice and cordial...we were able to dine at our ease food//*** while the food was good while it lasted...i don't *remember* much except vaguely enjoying the veal ~*~ w00t! fine dining in SLC!^^
(3)
james w.
This place is always great. I had the filet on my most recent visit. It came cooked perfect and was delicious. The best part of every meal here is always the desert. I need to come back soon so I can try them all.
(5)
Lauren M.
Went here for a work dinner. Food was great; we especially loved the tuna tartare appetizer.
(4)
Kelly R.
One of Salt Lakes better restaurants. The best eggs benedict EVER! I also loved every single entree I've had. This is rich food, people. Don't go here unless you are serious about eating some, stinking, rich food. Love the open kitchen and the service was solid.
(4)
Kim C.
Food is delish, but you must be prepared for the price...hotel markup is serious here. And what's up with the Red Pepper in, like, everything? I mean, hummus can just be hummus. You don't have to color it. Okay, I've got that off my chest. Now for the plusses: Breakfast has some lovely options, but I stick with the basics: Eggs and Bacon. Eggs were properly cooked as ordered, and the bacon struck me as downright awesome. Coffee is better than most around SLC (another one of those things that is not appreciated by the majority of SLC locals -- luckily this hotel isn't for the locals). They come to the table with coffee and orange juice in hand. For lunch, they offered a quick business lunch of salad (very good, if small-ish) cheeseburger, and fresh baked cookie, which was in fact, freshly baked (and nicely wrapped to go without me asking). The hotel bar, The Vault (alluding to what must have been the original purpose of the building), supplies all the drinks for the restaurant, so once again, they're delicious but you pay for the privilege. I wouldn't make this a regular event unless I'm staying at the Hotel Monaco, but when the boredom of Salt Lake City food starts getting you down, hop over on TRAX and mix it up a little.
(4)
Andrew D.
Expensive, but worthwhile. Better ambiance for lunch than for dinner. Bar is wonderful to meet folks from out of town.
(4)
Emily W.
Went here on my bday for lunch. My boyfriend def picked the right place. Everything- the food, the iced tea, the ambience and decor- was delightful and the service was en pointe! We will certainly be back.
(5)
Bud H.
This place can be a little hit-and-miss. I've had some amazing meals (short ribs, trout) and some not-so-amazing meals (New York strip that should never have been served, a very overdone burger). The appetizers are usually really good and the service is great. Just wish it was a little more consistent.
(3)
G C.
This place is great, open kitchen, good energy, fun bar. Went there for a quick work dinner, really enjoyed it. If I could give it 3.5 stars I would. I got the wedge, good, and Sea Bass - awesome....until it got tough half way through. So out was a no turning back moment because my colleagues were well on their way to being done. Service was pretty good, not stellar...could be that we were say at the high-tops near their open kitchen.
(4)
Grace M.
I recently stayed at the Hotel Monaco for the sixth time. I look forward to it each year, partly because of Bambara. For the first time ever, I was disappointed. The food very hit or miss. I called to order room service and got two people who had no idea how to take my order. When I finally got my food, I have to say it was phenomenal. BUT I had two breakfasts and one lunch there that were just not up to the usual standard. The French toast was soggy and barely cooked. The bacon was not cripsy, etc. I did the grab and go breakfast once, and the blueberry muffin was inedible. I had a burger for lunch, and it was just ok. Eating here used to be a thrill, but it definitely has slipped recently.
I am disgusted at the way they treated the patrons of Ballet West, and my own mother. The manager is condescending and failed to even feign discontent over a clerical error on their part. He openly voiced his annoyance towards my mother and her guests. I disapprove of the way they humiliated her, and I am sure that any food created under a manager so full of hate probably only purely tastes like his sour attitude.
(1)
J. B.
We absolutely love Bambara! We work close by and love to come here for lunch. The menu is fabulous and we look forward to the daily Powers Lunch Specials that include a warm, delicious cookie. The French onion soup is excellent and gets us over there right away when it is featured. The corn bisque with crab is offered daily and is also excellent. The blue cheese chips are a guilty pleasure and our absolute favorite item is the Cobb Salad with steak. It is so good! The service is always top notch and all of the food we have tried is phenomenal in both taste and presentation. As we go to other local restaurants for lunch, we end up paying a similar amount for food and service that is not as good, which always leaves us wanting to go back to Bambara. It is worth it!
(5)
Samantha H.
I am so disappointed I had to come back and modify my previous review. I stopped in tonight after work and ordered the filet (medium rare) and ham hock mac and cheese, along with salad and wine. The salad and wine were good but when my entree came out I was disappointed to find that not only was my steak well done without a single touch of pink, it had already been cut in half for me. Of all the times I have ordered filet here or anywhere else, that has never happened. I asked the server why it was cut and his answer was "that's what we do here". I didn't understand, as it never had been before, but let's move on. I had to send the steak back because it was incredibly overcooked and leathery. Of course, my side dish was left with me to get cold and gross before my steak came back. When the new steak came it appeared to be better, probably closer to medium than medium rare, but I'll survive. Unfortunately, I found that not a single bite was cooked like another and parts were so charred I actually had to cut them off. When you pay $41 for a steak, you really don't want to waste any of it. The manager stopped by and I explained the situation to him, also telling him I've had this dish here several times, even as recently as last week. His only solution was to offer me dessert. I declined, as to me that is really not the acceptable and correct solution. I am extremely disappointed and do not think I wil be back. For that price, I can get a better steak somewhere else. I would welcome management to contact me about this.
(1)
Meghann M.
The food was good, and the atmosphere is nice. Everything tasted fresh.
(4)
Lou P.
I've stayed at the Monaco for years. While many hotel restaurants are grim, at best; I feel like Bambara is one of SLC's finer restaurants. Food is always generous portions and well prepared. The staff is professional, friendly, and happily answer menu questions. I'm in SLC for extended periods twice a year; and while I've come to enjoy many places in Salt Lake; Bambara is home away from home.
(5)
Troy F.
Have eaten here several times on trips to SLC. The menu has a seasonal rotation. I've been wowed by flavors and creativity on occasion. Have to say tonight was a dud for 2 reasons. The brussel sprouts w/bacon were way too salty. Now the big dud; the squash ravioli were savory and may have been good, if they weren't overpowered by all the perfumes and colognes the staff were wearing. Horrible! How can a chef allow his creations to be destroyed by cheap perfume? I won't be back.
(2)
Laura T.
Great food, fabulous atmosphere! I came by quite late right before the kitchen closed and they offered the full menu in The Vault, their trendy lounge area for more atmosphere. Wonderful service. Would come back again and recommend it to others! I had the Utah local prosciutto wrapped trout. Very good after a long work night.
(5)
Jodi S.
I read a lot of good reviews about this place. So I decided to give it a try. The staff was super friendly and attentive. We asked our waiter where to go boarding the next day, he didn't know, but he brought over someone who did. The food was awesome!! Super flavorful and fresh. I would highly recommend this resturaunt to anyone.
(4)
Paula Rose W.
The power lunch at Bambara is an amazing deal! You get to choose between a soup or salad, a burger or turkey wrap, and you get a warm, freshly baked cookie to go! A friend and I both had the burger which was HUGE! Huge and delicious that is. We watched quite a few of the turkey wraps pass us by and we agreed they looked drool worthy as well. We were also treated to calamari as an app, and they were fried to perfection! The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. If you've been looking to switch up your lunch routine downtown I highly recommend this place. I believe these lunches were designed to get people seated, fed and out the door in a timely manner, so don't hesitate to give it a whirl.
(4)
Spencer M.
One of the only five star reviews I have ever posted. Although it's been a while since I went here the food was some of the best I have ever had. Their legendary corn bisque is incredible and jonah crab adds a nice sweet touch to this great appetizer. Although no longer offered, their buffalo steak was incredibly lean and tender and I loved every bit of it. I was able to try the lambshanks and the organic chicken and each proved every bit as excellent as the buffalo. Every aspect of this meal was excellent and the service provided was incredible despite the fact that I almost burst out laughing every time I saw our server's "bicentennial" mustache. Truly an epic sight to behold, I wish I could grow a great mustache like and offer such excellent wine pairings. Keep up the great work Bambara you guys really show what great potential Salt Lake City has.
(5)
Cal R.
Appetizers, desserts excellent. Entrees very good, but seemed a bit long to get served. Wait staff very good. Clientele well dressed casual.
(4)
JJ L.
We stayed at the Monaco Hotel and came here in the morning for breakfast so we didn't have to go out in the cold. The service was slow to start and we were served cold coffee at first until we asked for fresh coffee. We waited for some time for our food and I had to ask if our food was almost ready. It wasn't, but our waiter offered us fruits and muffins. Then he came back to tell us our meal would be comped due to the delay. The food was excellent when it came. The service was redeemed when he offered us the fruits while we waited. It's good to see a restaurant doing the right things to make customers satisfied.
(4)
Ryan B.
Ho hum! Maybe it was because were with a big group. That's what I wanted to say. Appetizers were good. Loved the hamachi and cheeses. Beet salad was good, but I wasn't expecting the dairy product gluing the beets down. Unfortunately, my sea bass (as well as the other two patrons sea bass who ordered it with me) was horrifically dry. One side of mine was brick hard. Returned it to get the gnocchi instead, but no avail it was awful. Hard gnocchi is not my favorite. Dessert was fun. Tried a friends scallops and they were great. Tried another friends filet and was pleased. I just got the bad dinner for the night.
(3)
Kasey S.
We have been very satisfied with our food every time we go.
(5)
Dolores G.
Again, another fab sustainable restaurant in SLC. I'm really starting to fall in love with this town. For starters they offered a foccacia, lavash, and sourdough bread basket served with a roasted red bell pepper hummus. $$ free.99 = 5 stars The silky corn bisque with jonah crab was also very tasty = 4 stars.. In lieu of sitting in the bar area, I opted to sit in front of the chefs for a great view of the kitchen - can we say "Food Network Live". All of the food that was coming out looked great. I was sipping on a yummy malbec and really enjoying the view while waiting for my next course. I received the spinach and goat cheese ravioli and was greatly disappointed. The pasta was cooked to perfection but the dish was not seasoned at all. = 2 stars Ended my meal with a watermelon sorbet. It tasted like summer on a spoon. It was refreshing and not overly sweet = 4 stars. Overall, I had a good experience. The service was impeccable but I was very disappointed with the ravioli. Salt and seasoning on food is basic cooking 101, hence the three stars.
(3)
Jeff F.
Since when does the restaurant at a hotel serve up really exceptional food? I didn't know that happened anywhere, but apparently Bambara (attached to the Monaco) didn't get the memo. In a nutshell... Amelia provided exceptional service, great energy in the place, the PEI mussel app special was very good, the bison carpaccio was good but really tiny portion, the recommended Ahi tuna disappeared off my plate quickly, the cedar plank salmon was absurdly good (and this isn't one of those I've never had good salmon before situations - lived in seattle for six years) because it was perfectly done and moist, and lastly I didn't get a taste of the pork chops, but I believe those were well-received at the table. I would definitely go back and explore the menu some more Update.... Went back a couple days later and had the burger for lunch... excellent!
(4)
Amy S.
I went to Bambara to celebrate my arrival in Salt Lake City. The service was friendly and prompt, and we were seated right away. We started with the tuna tartare, which was served with potato chips. The tuna was great, but we found the potato chip pairing to be a bit odd. The bread had a wonderful, buttery flavor to it, but we weren't fans of the hummus it was served with. As for dinners, I had the bison entree which was terrific - great seasoning, perfectly paired with Maytag blue cheese. The pork entree was meh - nothing too exciting. We split profiteroles for dessert - delicious! This restaurant would have gotten four stars if it weren't for the wine menu. I'm used to 100% mark up, but we noticed that one wine in particular was marked up close to 300%. After we saw that, we decided to stay away from the wine altogether.
(3)
Sandy G.
Had dinner here last night. The lamb was outstanding and I had excellent service
(4)
Maggie S.
I was staying at the hotel and went for breakfast. The service was good, but the oatmeal was astonishingly gross and the latte was . . . well, it was not a latte. It was something involving a coffee-flavored beverage and some amount of foam, but it was . . . not a latte. I reckon from other reviews that they may shine at more savory dishes later in the day, but for breakfast? I'd hit up Jamba Juice and Ink Coffee instead.
(2)
Pam S.
Moo. FINALLY, a place that can cook a steak worthy enough for my delicate palate. It was the evening of Joe Biden's speech at the DNC, and my boss wanted somewhere to watch it. As she was paying for my meal, I wasn't going to complain. Someone had suggested the bar at the Hotel Monaco, and after a heated debate about where to park, we managed to make it in here. I LOVE LOVE LOVE wood-paneled bars with an old mens' club feel and an awesome wine menu. It makes me feel like sliding into my seamed stockings and showing a little bit of garter. Okay, so we had to pay a "membership fee" because it's Salt Lake City, but it just added to the mystique. Being the smoking hot siren that I am, I HAD to order me some meat. Meat- steak- almost mooing. The waitress was really sweet with my co-worker and I when we wanted to substitute our potato sides for one another's. When she placed that plate down in front of me, I was in heaven. The gleaming red piece of beef gazed up at me, just waiting to be devoured, and the chevre mashed potatoes were to die for. Although we were extremely gluttonous already, we also split a dessert. What it was, I can't remember, but it was GOOOOOD. So we couldn't actually HEAR the speeches, but they did turn on the closed captioning. I'm not going to take away a star, but why are the couches so low?
(5)
Tim C.
Bambara was a restaurant I stumbled upon one night before the opera began, and let me tell you, it has been a favorite ever since. They have a wine list that rivals a phone book, hounds tooth print seats, an open kitchen, the best stuffed peppers since the days of Jesus, and a cocktail called the Monaco that will make you cry tears of joy (and alcohol). I give this restaurant 6 stars. Boom, that just happened!
(5)
E P.
Really good service, very decent food. The salads are the best deal, with delicious combinations at around 9 bucks (our pear/ gorgonzola salad was very nice, lightly sweet- the gorgonzola was a bit on the bitter side, sadly). The bleu cheese potato chips are good- imagine taking some potato chips and throwing bleu cheese on them and baking for a bit. Not so much what I'd call innovative, but yummy for sure. My butternut squash ravioli was basically chilling in a butter/oil pool, but other than that it was tasty. The chunks of fresh green apple really added a savory zing, and the onions were perfect- but worth $20? Not so sure about that. I make a lot of allowances for food pricing for ingenuity, difficulty of execution, fresh ingredients- but really, other than being a very decent ravioli I'm not sure why it was so expensive. Keep in mind that out of towners don't know what great food is within arm's reach and will pay 20 bones for a pasta dish, and I can understand the "highway robbery" approach. It is what it is, but why settle for goodness when greatness is so close? I had a martini called an Othello, some cranberry juice with blueberry vodka or something like that. I had asked for a girly drink and I got it. Again, not like the crazy martinis next door at Red Door, or the gourmet ones from Metropolitan, but I didn't get a real close gander at the drink menu, either. The berries with creme fraiche is a lovely and light dessert, and if you like decadent chocolate you can't do much better than the cake.
(4)
Gwendolynn W.
I have recently moved from Salt Lake to LA and had tickets to go see the Lion King. We decided to grab drinks at Bambara as it is across the street. We sat in the bar and I ordered a glass of house red and white wine from the bartender. To my SHOCK when I got my bill I was charged for two $14 glasses of wine. Knowing that this is not the price for the I ordered my boyfriend asked a waiter to double check with the bartender on the prices. He came back with our new bill for a total of $12. I think that it is crazy that the bartender would take it upon himself to charge me for the most expensive wine at the bar and think that I would just pay for it. I am not cheap but do not like being taken advantage of. We will never go back here for drinks and if you choose to be mindful of your bill.
(1)
Adam W.
Ambiance is attractive, with the focus on the exhibition kitchen center stage. Staff are friendly, professional and know the menu. The food is mainstream, but well prepared and attractively presented. Our caesar salad featured white anchovies--so good!--and a kicky garlic dressing, not overly applied. The grilled lamb sirloin, served on skewers of fresh rosemary, was flavorful and fork tender. The fillet mignon was a revelation: absolute perfection, and unlike the typical example, this fillet did not give up flavor for texture. All of these things went down perfectly with a bottle of Taurino Salice, one of the more reasonably priced selections available. Dessert was--no surprise--the cheese plate. I do love a cheese plate. This one featured three cheeses including a local cheddar and a fabulous blue, along with some fruit (quince!) and crusty bread. We splurged with some nice port and ice wine. My most recent visit was consistent with prior visits. I've never had a bad meal here. Bonus: the restaurant welcomes single diners (on a prior visit, I was seated at a table offering good light for reading the book I brought to dinner). You will be pleased.
(4)
Loralyn S.
the serving staff is amazing, just truly wonderful. but food-wise, i've had better for the price and wouldn't go back. none of the breads offered were very appetizing, i thought the highly-praised corn bisque was good but not the best I've ever had, i wouldn't recommend the tuna tartar at all, and wine by the glass was not a very good selection.
(3)
Daniel M.
Went here for valentines day a few years back. Awesome service, and great food
(4)
Joe V.
Maybe it was just a bad cut? Ordered the steak frites - and while it was cooked to order - medium-rare - I was disappointed that about 1/3 of the steak had a vein or grizzle running through it. Poor job of quality control in the kitchen. The large cone of fries was very tasty. Other diners in my party of 4 ordered the scallops and were very happy with their selection. Oh well - bad on me.
(2)
Julie D.
I was in SLC looking for a very nice evening out. I chose this restaurant based on yelp reviews. Sure, this is nice restaurant and I had a nice meal. But I don't think it's anything too, too special. I had the organic greens, with champagne vinaigrette, apricot Stilton,candied walnuts, and pear. The salad with nice and fresh. For my entree, I had sauteed prawns. They were served with fettuccini, tomato concasse, prosciutto, Parmesan and truffle butter. The pasta was only okay, I suspect that is was not homemade. Also, the dish was a little too "buttery" for my taste. Dessert was yummy. I had the strawberry and pistachio Bavarian dessert. Service was adequate, but not outstanding. The restaurant had a nice ambiance to it, but nothing spectacular. Only 3 stars for Bambara.
(3)
Farhad M.
Holy crap, this place was awesome. My coworker and I popped into the bar for a quick dinner on the way to our hotels and boy were we pleasantly surprised. Note we only had appetizers/drinks so this review (and rating) does not focus on the entree selections Bartender was awesome and made great conversation about whiskies (no doubt rare considering it's Salt Lake City). Food: - Potato leek soup was delicious. It was the special of the day but I'd totally recommend getting it if it's offered. Coworker had their famous corn bisque and he loved it too - Duo of scallop sashimi and tuna tartare: totally yummy as well. What they did with the scallops was awesome - layered fresh jalapenos and micro-thin apple slices inbetween each scallop and drizzled with olive oil. Tuna was tombo tuna (which I did not notice before ordering as I would have rather had Ahi). - Crab stuffed peppers: not bad. Not amazing but pretty good. I think I was a little let down because we left the dish sit for a bit while we ate the other apps and it cooled down. Regardless, it was still very tasty. Order comes with 3 peppers but you can add a 4th for $5. - Trio of creme brulee: 3 mini ramekins of different types of creme brulee flavors: pumpkin, mexican chocolate, and tangerine. Tangerine tasted funky, a bit too sweet. My favorite was the pumpkin but bartender said it's going to be rotated off very soon for a more spring-ish flavor. I wasn't really looking at prices since it was a work dinner, but with a couple drinks each we set back about $150 in total (w/ tax, w/o tip). Overall quite good and worth checking out for a quick meal at the bar
(5)
Mario S.
Grilled cheese is recommended (thick sourdough bread, sharp VT cheddar, grilled onions), the accompanying "very slow roasted tomato soup" was awesome, blue cheese-smothered house-made potato chips are a must. Speaking of cheese, the decor, layout of the restaurant has sort of a resort dining tone. Not a deal breaker, but there is a flimsy feel to it. Good for your next tuck-in-your-shirt and let's talk profits, opportunities and market timing (business) meals.
(3)
Hayden A.
personal favorite of salt lake city. great service and delish meals well worth their price. A must for a foodie in slc!
(5)
Sarah C.
My family arranged for a banquet room to celebrate an event, and it was terrible. I have always wanted to try Bambara, but I really wish I had done so before my family went to the trouble to arrange an event there in my honor... it was embarrassingly bad. I had to apologize to all my out-of-town relatives and explain that "Utah REALLY isn't like this!" afterwards. My duck confit was cold, dry and quite flavorless. When I say cold, I mean COLD. As were the entrees for a few other members of our party, I later found out. The dessert, a pineapple cake, was quite good however. Our waiter was harsh, rude, tried to rush us at every moment (we reserved the banquet room, if he wanted to hurry us, maybe they shouldn't have booked us?) and he smelled very strongly of alcohol. I drink, but I would never show up to work smelling like vodka was coming out of my pores... it's disgusting, and reflects poorly on the restaurant. Also, the fire alarm test went off twice while we were there.... does that really need to happen while there is a private party, or during business hours at all? I would not have allowed my family to book there had I known they'd be blaring sirens the entire time. Utterly unprofessional place and certainly not worth the dry, cold food. I was humiliated to have my family gathering there.
(1)
Kelly P.
We are here in Salt Lake City on a business trip and we looked on yelp for some help with dinner. After reading a wide range of reviews, we decided to give it a shot. My friend and I started with the calamari and shrimp, along with the blue cheese potato chips. The calamari and shrimp was great, cooked perfectly. My only complaint was that the aoli was drizzled on the top, I would have liked it on the side. The potato chips were good, but we are spoiled, there is a place in Napa that blows these out of the water. It was alot for two people, so we skipped salad and soup and headed directly to dinner. I ordered the Halibut, it was recommended by the waiter. It was cooked perfectly and served with a crab and asparagus hash, very yummy. My friend had the pork tenderloin, he said it was juicy, also cooked perfectly. We finished the meal with the trio of creme brule, there was a caramel, dark chocolate, and peanut butter. The caramel was my favorite and my friend liked the peanut butter, although, he was not a big fan of the desert. We would recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Ruben M.
I usually tend to avoid hotel restaurants like the plague when I travel for business, but Bambara is far from a hotel restaurant. It happens to be in the same space as a hotel. The staff was friendly and attentive. The food was incredible! You MUST try the blue cheese hand cut potato chips. They are a bit rich, but sooo tasty! I had the beef fillet and it was cooked exactly the way I ordered it...medium rare! The wine list impressive, but not out of control with the prices, there are options. All in all one of the best restaurants I've been to on any business trip!! As a bonus their bar, The Vault, is also an excellent place to end the night.
(5)
Jeannette A.
Loved the decor and the overall feel of the restaurant. Very hip and modern. Then the food was amazing. Definitely try the Blue Cheese Chips...they are well known and are so delicious! Don't eat too many because you want to save room for the main Entree. I had the Filet, and it was the most tender filet i've had in years (honestly). It was tender and easy to digest. Two thumbs up!
(5)
Chris M.
Amazing food. I had the bison and the pear tart. My date had the beef filet and creme brulet. All of the dishes were delicious. The look and feel of the restaurant is great too. My only complaints would be the noisiness of the restaurant and the price given such. I'd be willing to pay for this level of delicacy and style, but not if I can't hear my date's comments. Too loud and too expensive, but good for a date before the capital theatre or abravenal hall on a special occasion.
(4)
Scott R.
I have been going to Bambara for at least the last 7 years now. I have never once been disappointed in the food or the service. They have a menu that is constantly changing. I love this because I can order something different every time. They have a very good wine selection. And if you get there early make sure you go to club Bambara for a drink while you wait. All of there entrees do have sides already on the plate. I like this since I don't have to ordered everything al a carte. And hope that the side I ordered will go good with my entree. When my friends ask were to go for a nice night out I always recommend Bambara first. Make sure you try the blue cheese chips to start.
(5)
Andrea B.
My husband and I go here once or twice per year. It's one of our favorite restaurants in the Salt Lake area. The entire menu is wonderful, and the corn bisque in particular is to die for. Great liquor and wine selection, good coffee, and attentive customer service.
(5)
Rob W.
Worth staying at this Kimpton for the restaurant alone. Had an excellent steak frites for dinner, also good scallop & ahi appetizer. For lunch, Fish tacos we're extremely tasty if you like me wet (slaw & guacamole).
(4)
Tom W.
Only try this restaurant if you like delicious food and great service. Really, read some of my other reviews and you will see. A five star review from me... pretty tough to come by. Our experience was quite the opposite of Deb T. My wife had the pork chop and man was it good. Full of flavor and perfectly prepared. I had the duo of bison. A bison flat iron steak and a bison short rib, outstanding! Portion size was fine, clearly meeting my expectations. Neither my wife or I could finish our portions which was OK by me. The pork chop didn't loose much on the ride home. Yep, still good. Give this one a try, a little pricey but well worth it.
(5)
Madhu R.
Fantastic food --even some organic dishes, reasonably priced for the superior quality, friendly staff, and amazing atmosphere! In the lobby of the Hotel Monaco, so it's really in a prime location.
(5)
Mike S.
Kimpton once again bucks the trend of a hotel restaurant being an afterthought. Bambara at The Hotel Monaco offers fresh, tasty, well prepared dishes in a very nice and large space, that are as good as any place in Salt Lake City, with a clubby bar to boot. I hate to admit that over a three night stay I had 2 dinners and a lunch here, violating my usual rule when traveling of "never go to the same place twice". However, I was tired and it was just too good an option to pass up. A place I'm more than happy to suggest to my traveling friends.
(4)
Christopher W.
I like the idea of Bambara, the atmosphere, the attitude, the whole scene... BUT the food does not live up to it's price. I'm not a food snob, I go out to eat for the experience and just to do something to get out of the house, but for their prices, it wasn't worth it. I'm not totally opposed to going back but it will not be my first choice if I'm downtown.
(2)
Susan H.
Sharp, attractive interior and great service. The menu reads better than it tastes, unfortunately. Prices are a tad high for the overall experience. The roasted beet salad is good, but not phenomenal. The bread basket is quite good. The pork chop is beautifully presented, quite large and very tasty. Overall, is was enjoyable.
(3)
Sarah P.
Bambara came to me with high marks from a co-worker who had been in Salt Lake City for business and had eaten there twice. I took a team of 7 plus joined another team of 8 there for dinner last night. The meal started off with a few plates of the homemade chips (I love a place that has homemade potato chips) with bleu cheese on top. They were very delicious and not overly greasy like some can be. I had a salad, which was fine, though kind of lacked in the veggie department. I wish places would stop trying to be so "creative" and "artsy" with their salads. First of all, it takes all the HEALTHY out of salad and makes it just as fattening as the entree and second of all, some stuff is NOT meant to be in a salad. So I ordered mine SANS watermelon and ended up with literally, a place full of spinach and carmelized onions. UGH! I had the "house specialty" filet mignon and I have to say, it was a bit undercooked. I ALWAYS order medium rare but my god, this thing was almost still breathing. I like a red steak but it was not even really warm on the inside. The potatoes that came along with it were the highlight of the meal. Bacon and bleu cheese potatoes I think. Very yummy. I could have made a meal of those. I had sorbet for dessert which was okay but a little TOO sweet. All in all, it was a nice dining experience, due to the company, but the food was only so-so.
(3)
Alissa M.
Great place for dinner. Their corn soup is out of this world! Ambiance was very nice. I had the Ahi Tuna with Mushroom Risotto which was really good. Others had the Bison which they weren't impressed with. I'm going to need to go back though because I don't think their food prices matched the quality. Verdict it still out...
(3)
Greg L.
Bambara is probably one of the best in SLC. Great menu and wine list. The restaurant is in the Hotel Monaco but it feels like it's not.
(5)
Kirk H.
Bambara is my favorite $$$ restaurant in Salt Lake City. For special occasions, this is where we choose to dine. And it is always so worth it. The food is always so...it is more than just flavorful...it is food I crave. And the service is always great. However last night was an extremely amazing dinner. I had butternut squash soup, which was the BEST I have ever had. It was very thin and smooth (others I have had are so thick and chunky). And the flavor was perfect. It was not too sweet so it tasted like a soup and not a dessert. The Fuji apple salad was great. Of course the bleu cheese chips were amazing as always. Then our waiter recommended the grilled venison, with a huckleberry syrup...oh wow! It was cooked medium rare and the meat just had such flavor. Then with the huckleberry sweetness it was perfect! Overall dinner was a home run!! Bambara stays on the top of my list!!
(5)
Belange H.
Nice ambiance and good wine list. My boyfriend took me here for my birthday, they specialize the menu and print your name on there for special occasions, which is a perk. We ordered the filet mignon and halibut. Both were a bit bland and forgettable; halibut was a bit dry. The potatoes with bleu cheese and the corn hash with bacon were unique and tasty. Good service and good bread. Overall an ok experience. Probably would not be back for the food.
(3)
A E N.
I finally tried Bambara as part of the Dine-O-Round promotion. On this particular night they served a salad, salmon over a croquette, and an ice cream for dessert. I actually upgraded and spent a little more to get the peach tartlett with honey ice cream for dessert. I was pleased with the food and the service. We went in about 6.15 on a Saturday and had no delay in getting seated, even without a reservation, though I get the feeling reservations are in general recommended. It probably sweetened the deal to have the Dine-O-Round pricing, but overall I'd recommend this place and plan on eating here again.
(4)
Deb T.
I'd been to Bambara a few times before, but don't recall it as being at all memorable. But since it's been a few years since I was last there, presumably everything has only gotten better at the restaurant, right? Not so sure. I've traveled a lot and have eaten in all sorts of establishments, from local diners & dives, to family-run/family-style places, to high-end/swanky restaurants...all around this country and in quite a few others. And I can't understand why Bambara gets as many 4- and 5-star ratings as it does. Service: slightly above average. Atmosphere: confused (classy? trendy? casual? intimate? touristy? what?) Food: average, at best. Portion sizes: inconsistent (salads are large, rest runs small). Prices: overpriced, esp. for portion size and quality. Last night I went to the opera with a friend who has never been to Bambara. Since she enjoys/prefers classier types of restaurants/settings, and she's heard Bambara would supposedly fit that bill for her and it's right across the street from the theater, we ate there at her suggestion. From the start, none of the entrees appealed to me, and I'd thought about just doing an appetizer and salad or salad and dessert...but my friend was getting an entree, so I did the same...but in the end, should've gone with my initial thought and passed on the entree. We saw other people's salads being served and noticed they seemed rather large (would be enough for a meal rather than as a side salad)...but our waiter said he'd be happy to have us split a salad, so we chose the Ruby & Golden Beet Salad (with Local Goat Cheese, Roasted Hazelnuts, Arugula, Tangerine Vinaigrette)...and it was absolutely delicious...the golden beets were especially tender and the tangerine vinaigrette was superb. They don't serve San Pellegrino but have a local sparkling water (whose name I can't recall right now)...and it was surprisingly good. And here is where we both should have just ordered dessert and gone on with our evening, rather than having an entree. When asked for suggestions on the entrees, our waiter (who was helpful and attentive throughout) recommended the Maple Brined Pork Porterhouse Chop (Rosemary Polenta, Cider Glaze, Mushroom Jus, Apple Fennel Slaw), the Seared Maine Dayboat Scallops (Winter Squash Risotto, Garlic Seared Chard, Mushroom Vinaigrette), the Chef''s Signature Steak Frites (Herbed Fries, Peppercorn Jus, Bearnaise), and the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Duet (Grilled Breast & Leg Confit, Liver Butter, Watercress, Sweet Potato Oven Wedges, Pomegranate Syrup). My friend loves seared tuna, and he promised the tuna was fresh that day. So she ordered the Cast Iron Seared Hawaiian Tuna (Cauliflower Puree, Lavender Salt, Roasted Beets, Mache, Tangerine Brown Butter). With none of the entrees "jumping out at me," I went with the pork chop. When I'd asked how large a chop it was, the waiter boasted "16 ounces!" So I imagined having to check a takeout box with half a chop in it at the theater's coat check room as I entered the opera. But that didn't happen...and not because I licked my plate clean. The 16 ounces of pork chop was mostly the bone and fat/grizzle. I should've asked for a surgical knife to cut out what little meat there was surrounded by all the rest. And what little was there was bland, with no hint of having been maple-brined or any other seasoning added to it. And having looked forward especially to the rosemary polenta and apple-fennel slaw, I was disappointed in both, with no evidence of rosemary in the (dry) polenta, and both apple and fennel tastes decidedly missing from the slaw (how is that possible?!), which was additionally difficult to manage as the slices were much too long and piled precariously high atop the chop. Even the cider glaze was missing any taste of apple. My friend's plate arrived with 2 incredibly small slices of seared tuna (perhaps 1.5" x 2"). She was happy to have more of the beets we'd enjoyed in our split salad, but couldn't taste or smell any lavender and said the cauliflower puree was OK but thin. But at least she was happy with the taste of the minuscule portion of tuna she had...but for $29, that's not saying much (though it's more than I can say about my $28 entree). I almost gave 3 stars, due to this particular waiter's service...but in my book, that's not enough to counter the rest of our experience. I'm not sure if my friend would want to try eating there again, but I know I likely won't be giving Bambara yet another try at pleasing me anytime soon...esp. not at their prices. If I'm needing an across-the-street-from-the-theater place to eat, I'm going to stick with a place I can actually recommend to people: The Olive Bistro.
(2)
Thommee H.
We got the recommendation from a local and weren't disappointed. Very solid New American Bistro. All the dishes (calamari, beet salad, poached pear salad, cheese plate, swordfish, scallops, filet, and roasted chicken, 3 styles of creme brulee and the hot chocolate cake) that I and my dining companions got, were all perfectly prepared, well executed, well seasoned, and well flavored. Andrew, our server was terrific (probably talked us into ordering more than we would've on our own, but in a good way!). Nothing bad to say about, but can't give it 5 stars because I didn't leave with that "to die for" feeling.
Good for lone diners. Wonderful food and wine choices. Don't miss the honey ice cream. Extremely helpfull staff. I was dining alone and ordered the blue cheese potato chips. The waiter volunteered that it was a big serving & I could probably get by with a half order, which was not on the menu. Indicative of the good service.
(5)
Jessica L.
WHAT?! THIS is the nicest place to eat downtown...for real? So I came here with high expectations - I mean, its $$$ on Yelp, highest rated downtown and in the fancy hotel. I was far from wow-ed First off, I liked the Ambiance - large room, central cooking area, comfy tables, large windows. My server was nice but also kind of schmuck-y. I liked that other servers took my empty plates and did not wait for busers or my waiter to do it. I had the tune tartar appetizer and for $12 I expects something I could NOT make myself. It tasted fine but whatever. I had a glass of red wine and my pour was $hit. For $$$ I expect a nice big pour in a nice big glass - I got neither. For my meal I had scallops. I received 5 diver scallops nicely seared in a Meyer lemon sauce - the sauce was not too heavy nor tart. But thank god it was there as nothing on my plate had flavor. My dish also came with mashed potatoes and some long string bean thing. The bean was raw - yuck. The potatoes were ODDLY similar to the packaged kind that you just add water too and they come out all smooth and perfectly white. double boo. This place is not dressy, you can come casual. One suggestions for the cooks - since the prep/cooking area is in the center of the restaurant and raised above the seats we can HEAR everything you say. So thanks for singing Beck's Loser Sous chef, and other guy I am glad you are excited to see Body Worlds.
(3)
Adam M.
Great meal with excellent service. Our waiter was very helpful and made great recommendations. The corn bisque with crab was incredible, I could have eaten 6 bowls of it. Blue cheese chips were good but greasy, and the beet salad was nice. Mac & cheese was great & steak was perfectly cooked. I would come back for sure
(4)
Lorenza W.
Our first impression of the Bambara was not a good one, we walked in with reservations, and 2 walk ups were seated before us. We were entertaining a very important client and were a little embarrassed. To make matters worse our client asked Steve, the Host when we were to be seated and he was rude and pretentious, which made us begin to regret taking her here. But after we were seated our waitress Shaye totally saved the day. She was professional, attentive and friendly. If we do return we will definitely ignore the host Steve and request Shaye's section.
(3)
Claire M.
I love Kimpton Hotels. I have yet to visit a Kimpton Hotel bar/restaurant that isn't swoon-worthy for its decor, amazing drinks, and atmosphere. However, I have yet to be overly thrilled with the food at the ones I've visited in D.C. and San Diego. I'm sad to say that although the filet mignon was a miracle in meat form, Salt Lake's food also disappointed. No matter -- I loved my experience there anyway. My server at dinner was so friendly and helpful -- it's not his fault my food was oversalted and my meat a tad too pink. He was chatty and welcoming and kept me stocked up on drinks and bread. (Ooh, the bread actually merits its own star -- focaccia and red pepper hummus. I never eat dinner bread, but I ate all five pieces of focaccia on the table. That's another good thing: Bambara doesn't skimp on the free stuff, even for its single diners.) But most of the stars are for the wonderful bartender, Austin, a dead ringer for Jim from The Office. I asked him to make me whatever he wanted, six times, and every drink was more spectacular than the next. The last one mixed vodka and fresh raspberries and lemons and I really wanted another -- but I needed to retain some control of my legs for my short walk back to my hotel. Even in my drunken haze, though, I did note the bartender only charged me for three drinks. I really like Bambara. :)
(4)
Amy O.
One of my favorites in SLC!
(5)
Tess R.
This is probably the only place I stay where I actually sit down to eat breakfast, here at Bambara at the Hotel Monaco. The servers are incredibly attentive and so helpful. They worked with my anti-melon issues and had no problem making a melonless plate! The fresh blueberries, strawberries, bananas, pineapple, oranges, and grapes were a perfect start to the day, along with a good cup of coffee and a toasted bagel. I was here for lunch several weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the salmon on lentils. It was tasty and savory, yet not so heavy that you need a 3 pm nap! Very convenient if you're staying at the Hotel Monaco, and worth a try if you're a local looking for a nice night out.
(4)
Ryan E.
Delicious. Polite and friendly wait staff. Gorgeous down town location. Parking was easy! Portions are a bit small for the price. Wish I could rate this restaurant a 4.5
(4)
Eddie L.
Not a bad choice in SLC for dinner and presumably lunch. My gnocchi with corn butter and pea shoots was a change from the ordinary and done very well and the mixed greens salad was fresh and simple in a good way. Atmosphere was nice as was the service. I will definitely make a return visit.
(4)
Djipopo S.
Excellent food and service.
(5)
Carol M.
Excellent service and food
(5)
Jerome B.
There are very few times where I have paid over $50 a person and had to food sooooo horrendous that I stopped eating and left. This was my experience at this restaurant. I ate there with my fiance and her coworker the 04/09.... and I had the halibut, and they had the short ribs. We were all in fear once we had the "humus" that accompanied their bread. Thank god for the drink (only good thing that night) to wash the taste out of my mouth before dinner. Then came "their best meal" the halibut... Although it wasnt the WORST fish i have had, it was far from notable. And the accompaniments were... well... Unfortunately, the short ribs, after 5 minutes of picking, were left for the waiter. I tasted them as well... horrible. The positives: Staff were very friends. Atmosphere is good. its a shame the food is beyond sub-par. After paying out bill, we all returned to the Marriott Hotel and ate the free food on the 12th floor... thank god for the executive lounge.
(1)
Oski B.
I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner here while staying at the Hotel Monaco. Yes, I'm THAT lazy that I didn't want to walk further than the lobby to eat my meals. Breakfast was fine. I'd ordered the blueberry pancakes and fruit plate, but was told that they hadn't gotten their blueberries delivered that morning so they served the buttermilk ones. Whatever, that's fine. It's kind of hard to screw up pancakes. The grilled flatiron steak that I ordered for lunch was recommended by the chef to be served medium rare. It came out pretty close to rare so I felt like a bear eating some animal that I'd just killed with my paws. The watercress was nearly impossible to eat without looking like a tool. The fries, or "herbed frites," were pretty tasty, though. For dinner, I had the maple brined pork porterhouse chop served with beehive cheddar grits, roasted mushrooms, and apple-fennel slaw. It was a pretty generous portion and reasonable at $25. The chocolate bundt cake with espresso ice cream and hazelnut brittle made for a great dessert.
(3)
William B.
Get the potato chips. On its less-good notes, the restaurant veers toward the overly complicated, but my planked salmon (served on an actual, though unnecessary, plank) and my piquillo peppers were very yummy.
(4)
Ryan S.
We had a great dinner experience here. The food and service was fantastic. We started with the crab stuffed piquillo peppers which were amazing. I had the seared ahi tuna and the girl had the brined pork chop with polenta. Great food.
(4)
Martha M.
Stumbled across this restaurant which is nestled in a pretty lavish hotel in the heart of SLC. I had just arrived in SLC for a business trip and was looking for a place to have a late dinner with a co-worker. We found this place as we walked up Main Street. By the time we sat down it was about 9:30 local time (11:30 eastern time...yawn)...The place was relatively empty but we were welcomed by the host as if we were the first patrons of the evening. We shared an artisans cheese plate which was lacking on the cheese but overall wasn't too bad. For the entree I tried the fillet mignon which was a little too rare for my liking but because I had not eaten anything since leaving Philly, 5 hours prior, I ate every last bit. The service was very good and extremely friendly. As it turns out we were the last ones to leave and no one tried to rush us out as it approached closing time.
(4)
David S.
Good but not great food, very nice space, overpriced.
(3)
Cori L.
Such a fun place to have eat! The food is delicious (a must try is the blue cheese chips) and the atmosphere is swanky and fun! This is a good place for a date or business.
(5)
Keely A.
THE best restaurant in Utah. Excellent service, wonderful menu, gorgeous decor. My husband and I go here to celebrate special events and we've never been disappointed.
(5)
Erik M.
We had a nice experience and a great waiter (it seemed). The food was delicious. The homemade tortellini with pulled pork in tomato sauce was unique. The portions were perfect, we left full but not stuffed. The house vinaigrette was very good on our mixed greens salad. The dessert was also good. The wife had a pomegranate martini that was spectacular. Here's the problem, we ordered the pre-theater special before going to see "Wicked" across the street. The waiter said any changes to the special would only be a dollar or so more. It's really three or more. Not such a big thing, we knew the restaurant was pricey. But the issue that really go under our skin was when were at the theater reading our program and saw a 10% discount on the pre-theater special if we mention we had tickets. We DID mention that to our waiter, we had a long discussion about the theater with him. We were never offered the discount. Understandably, this sounds a bit whiny. However, on a $100 tab that's quite disappointing. When you go to a pricey place you expect two things: great food and remarkable service. You definitely don't want to feel like you have to work for a good deal. Bambara is one of the few fancy restaurants. The food is excellent for Salt Lake City, but only average for a larger city. The service is adequate. Just go with an open wallet and don't expect any special deals.
(3)
Chelsea C.
Dinner at Bambara was by far the worst fine dining experience I have ever had. 50% of fine dining is food/wine, 30% is atmosphere and the remaining 20% is service. Bambara was lacking all 3. The food was mediocre at best, my boyfriend said his steak was comparable to those served at Outback. The wine was HORRENDOUSLY overpriced--We bought a half bottle of 2004 Ravenswood Zin for $40. A full bottle retails at $11 in stores. The seating was all in booths, which is fine, but a little tacky. The main issue was the carpeting. I am not lying when I say that it looks like it belongs in the hallway of a Super 8. It was not only worn and dull, but it was FILTHY. Our reservation was for 8 PM on a Monday night. I refuse to believe that between 4, presumably when the restaurant opens, and 8, that such a mess could've formed on the carpet. It looked like the carpet from an episode of Hoarders. The fabric on the seats of the booths was equally as worn. For how much the up charge at this place, one would think that they could afford to reupholster. The service was OK. It was like eating at any other restaurant...I like to think that servers in fine dining are working on a career in serving and should have a passion for food and spirits. Good servers can continue working well into their 60s and make a pretty incredible living if they enjoy their work. Our waiter, on the other hand, presented himself as though he earned his wings at Applebees (or maybe outback...perhaps he brought the mediocre steak with him?) His name tag was handwritten and I noticed everyone else's was as well. One of the waitresses was wearing this TACKY synthetic weave and all of their aprons were FILTHY and the patterns were cheesy and outdated. By the time we received the bill I was outraged. Honestly, we had a better meal the night before (with better service AND atmosphere) at P.F Changs. How embarrassing. Shame on the owners and management at Bambara. From now on I will stick to Pago, which is a MUCH better bang for your buck in SLC.
(1)
Karin B.
I ate here because I had a friend who once worked at this restaurant and it was an easy choice because I was staying at the hotel. I thought the food was excellent and worth the food dollar investment.
(4)
Charlie M.
Great food. Beet salad was delicious. Seared Ahi was perfect, although small. And the homemade ice cream was amazing.
(5)
Deborah S.
Once again--my cousin Mike knew what he was doing: you do not take a gal from San Francisco, have her come to Salt Lake City, and not have her stay in a great hotel that also has one of the best restaurants in the city. The menu had depth and could have been from a restaurant anywhere in SF. I was impressed. I saw how large the portions were so I did not order a starter and just ordered my main, sear scallops and a side, roasted brussel sprouts. Service was good, and the food was fabulous. The wine list was decent and the bar in the back had a great selection of single malt scotches--even though they measure everything like a chemist. It is a bit pricey, but when on business travel, what the hell?!
(4)
Ron C.
Excellent food. Loved the silky corn chowder. Pasta was creative and tasty. Highly recommend.
(4)
Cameron C.
Really enjoyed my first experience at Bambara. The service was just a bit slow, but it was a very busy night. Ordered a daily-special soup which tasted like a melted down version of all of the best toppings on a loaded baked potato. Also ordered the fillet and it was down right spectacular! Not your run of the mill fillet -- it was served partially sliced up and in a guacamole sauce, carmelized onions, potatoes, and some awesomely prepared bacon chunks (not bits... chunks!). Appetizers were also top notch, especially the stuffed peppers. For SLC it was in a nice central location and the atmosphere was good for a business meal or a dinner out with someone special. Will have to go back a few times to form a solid impression, but could be one of my new favorites spots in Salt Lake.
(5)
Jessica P.
Bambara serves up small, bland plates for a high price tag. I've been here several times and have yet had my mind changed.
(1)
Lauren G.
The food was very good, but I'm not sure good enough to match the price I paid for it. I had the butternut squash and it was very good, but it had a bit too much butter.
(3)
Paul R.
Wonderful dining experience here. Professional wait and kitchen staff. Highly recommended.
(5)
Daniel M.
We came here after fleeing the culinary horror that is Caffe Molise. The service was fast and friendly, the menu was diverse, and the food was tasty, albeit somewhat overpriced. They can certainly get away with it, seeing as they seem to be one of the few games in town. In a foodie city, this would probably rank as a nice neighborhood restaurant on the rise. Here in Salt Lake, it is the town's hottest ticket. The crab bisque was tasty and well prepared with just enough crab to add a little bit to each bite. The tuna tartare had a nice flavor, and the crisp provided a welcome crunch. Finally, the house made tagliatelle had solid flavor and we enjoyed the fresh-made pasta. If you are a Salt Lake resident desperately wondering why you'd even bother paying restaurant prices, come here. If you are a visitor desperately hoping for something to eat, come here, and if the menu doesn't do it for you, there is a Carl's Jr. just down the street.
(3)
Bob G.
We originally had a reservation at the Market Street Grill but after reading reviews and seeing the property, we switched to a reservation at Bambara. The food at Bambara is fine. My Tuna Tarter with yogurt and cucumber with blue cheese potato chips was excellent as was my red trout with green olives and celery tomato couscous fried basil cucumber tzatziki and mint coulis. My dining partner had watermelon gazpacho which was excellent and halibut . Desert was a roasted pear torte with marscapone ice cream. This place would rate 5 stars if not for the service. Our server strongly pushed several dishes before we mentioned our preferences, and he also pushed the "sauvignon blanc" wine as being the "driest white wine". Anyone who knows wines knows that sauvignon blanc is NOT anywhere near dry. The waiter also knocked the water glass all over the table. Salt Lake City doesn't have too many fine restaurants other than the "chains" and this place certainly is a fine dining establishment. It's too bad the service just doesn't live up to the food.
(4)
Carly J.
I liked the ambiance more than I liked the food. But for the price I thought it was great.
(3)
Phil K.
We had diner for about 20 following meetings all day at the eBay SLC offices. We were all a bit wiped out from travel+meetings, but diner at Bambara was a great finish to the day. We had the private room in the back, which was comfortable for our larger group and allowed for a little privacy with the glass door closed. The table started with drinks - we had wine and local beers (Polygamy Porter?!) for the most part. I was a bit surprised by the alcohol - I'd heard that SLC was dry, but maybe that only applies to liquor. Anyway, We had a full compliment of appetizers, including excellent home made potato chips topped with blue cheese. I also enjoyed the tuna tartar and crab-stuffed peppers, but I'd repeat the chips next time I go. My second appetizer was a good mixed greens salad with goat cheese... not sure why I needed a 2nd appetizer, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. My main course was a plate of seared scallops surrounding a small portion of mashed potatoes topped, sauced with something creamy/buttery delicious. The waiter called them "divers" scallops, which I've always thought that meant "extra large", but these were just normal sized. Just as well since there were 7 or 8 on the place, and the most important part is that they were cooked properly. Others around the table enjoyed salmon, lamb with Israeli cous cous, and rotisserie chicken. I had to take off before dessert to catch a flight, but I have no doubt that they were good. I'm not sure about the price since eBay was paying, but the atmosphere and quality would indicate fairly expensive, though probably not crazy. I'd recommend Bambara (and the Hotel Monaco) to any of my friends visiting SLC.
(5)
Jay H.
I was recently in Salt Lake City and stayed at the incredible Hotel Monaco. While trying to decide where to eat, me and my girlfriend chose to eat at the restaurant in the hotel. While checking in we saw signs saying that Bambara was voted best restaurant in town, so how could we miss that. We were both glad we did! The food was wonderful! We started with calamari, which was fried light and crisp and just about perfect. Our waiter had an almost sommelier like knowledge of the wine list, he aided us in picking an excellent bottle. So good we took one up to our room for later. She had the scallops, which were divine. Cooked to perfection with a delicious sauce and risotto. I had the New York strip. This was beyond a doubt the best steak I've ever had! This place wasn't cheap, but the meal was worth every penny. Incredible food and incredible service, a wonderful romantic dinner.
(5)
Lilly M.
Amidst a sea of greasy diners or average cafes - my colleague and I found this little gem for lunch while on a business trip. The decor is very nice, staff extremely friendly and the food was simple yet yummy and fairly inexpensive. We each had lemonade (raspberry for me, blueberry for her). It tasted very fresh with little bits of fruit in it. Then I had the turkey, apricot chutney whole wheat wrap with house made potato chips (yum) and she had some sort of balsamic grilled chicken sandwich on a whole grain bun. They bring out house made hummus and bread to start which is always a nice treat. Overall it was just what we wanted and all for $27.
(4)
Ray C.
I had 5 steaks during my stay in Utah, this was not only the worst one I had here, it was one of the worst I've ever had anywhere - wrong temp and zero flavor. Also, the grilled asparagus was burnt and tasted horrible, along with the free hummus they give you. Bad food for any price, absolutely terrible food for the prices they charge. Service was also slow, took about 45 minutes to get our food.
(1)
Katie M.
If you are in Salt Lake City and love food you MUST come here. I was here skiing with the family (4 people) - we all had appetizers, entrees, and dessert and every single dish was knock you on your ass delicious. Everyone in my family loves food, we hail from NYC (and its suburbs) and spend a lot of time eating out and cooking and we were all duly impressed. Bambara truly stands up to any restaurant in New York (or LA or San Fran for that matter). To be honest, I often find that "fine" dining outside of major cities can leave something to be desired. Whoa whoa whoa, don't get all mad - I know, not always - BUT a lot of the time what constitutes fine dining in say, Portland, ME (I have a lot of experience here) does not stack up against fine dining in NYC or other major cities. Well, Bambara proved this self-satisfied new yorker completely wrong with it's amazing food, great service, and fun ambiance. ONE OF THE BEST DINING EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. go here if you can.
(5)
Michael B.
I am on the road yet again. This week's work takes me to Salt Lake. I've never been out of the airport before and it just figures that I didn't bring my camera because let me tell you something, this lake is massive. If I had three wishes, one of them would be to fill up the Great Salt Lake, it would make this place one of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth. The ring of snow-capped peaks is just dramatic. It helps that I got up a bit into the hills and looked out. Wow. As it stands, Salt Lake City looks just like Boise, only bigger. The food is better too, or at least this time I can afford a better class of restaurant, which brings us to Bambara. I just had one of the best soups in my life. I am ready to say that it is number two, just behind the lobster bisque at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. This was the Utah Corn Bisque. Remarkable. It has got to be the most satisfying bowl I've ever tasted, but nothing's going to outdo the smoothness and flavor of Boston. Still. What's so extraordinary about this is how it just filled my mouth with a kind of warm popcorny flavor. And it had heat. It was as spicy as anything could be without actually being spicy and this just added to the sense of fulfillment. The bisque was very smooth but not buttery so. It was filled with soup, not butter, so everything was flavor and nothing was filler. The texture was perfect, and then the bits of crab were delectable. Add a touch of sweetness with the cilantro oil and it just becomes a miracle. The whole bowl had a beautiful mustard yellow color. Considering that I was 15 years younger when I had that lobster bisque in Boston, this has got to be the better bisque to my more jaded palate. Congrats, Bambara. You are it. With my Sonoma-Cutrer I had their scallops which were fine, and their nicely spiced mashed potatoes with the bursty bubbles of caviar burre blanc and port wine syrup. I think I'm going to go back Wednesday for the duck. The service was exceptional and flawless. The attitude was cheery and attentive without being bothersome, you know like when they ostentatiously scrape the breadcrumbs off your table in other restaurants? They went out of their way to mix me up a Ceasar even though it was off the menu. Next time I'm sticking around for dessert too. The atmosphere was just right, bright with big windows above ground level, not too noisy. They clearly have improvised the place which was not always a restaurant. Yeah. I'm going back, which is rare when I'm out of town. Hmm. Doug S. is the only person I know here, but I'm stuffed. Time to watch TV and crash.
(5)
Scott S.
Most likely the best big city restaurant in this town. The presentations are always spot on, while the portions are adequate. The seafood is fresh and the steaks mouth watering. Great stuffed peppers. A must stop during a week stay.
(5)
Jason F.
Food is good. Atmosphere is likable and the hotel is well apportioned. Sometimes there is a wait for a table.
(4)
Peter C.
The duck confi was brillant!
(4)
Lisa F.
Hubby and I had a date night so we tried Bambara. I am so glad we did! Everything was great including the service. We had the Calimari & Shrimp appetizer. It was perfectly done and not overbreaded. The roasted lemon on it was fabulous. We each had a different salad they we fresh and tasty. I had the Sea Bass and my husband had the scallops. Both were so wonderful I kept stuffing my face even when I was full. The Sea Bass is supposed to be the focal point of the dish. It was great but what I was impressed with is the the potato, cabbage, bacon hash that it sat one was divine. Alot of things that sit on a 'bed of whatever' are good the bed of whatever is commonly just for looks. Not the case here. The scallops my husband had were also perfectly cooked and seared with a sauce to die for. Our waiter, Mike, was great. Attentive but not hovering. My only thing was that the booths were a little snug. However we are not small people so it was probably just us. We will ask for a table next time. Probably the best overall meal I have had in a year or so.
(4)
Dann H.
Had heard much about this restaurant and was very excited by the looks of the menu. Also was impressed with the beautiful kitchen in the middle of the restaurant. The service was outstanding (even if he did keep disappearing, though I'm not sure where since there weren't that many parties but he never seemed to be with ours), but he was exceptionally friendly when he was around. The food was beautifully presented - each and every dish. The flavors did not match the presentation, in my experience. Food temperature was inconsistent (surprising given that it was NOT a busy night for the restaurant). And our table was surprisingly uncomfortable. I guess I should remember that we were in a bank vault - there were moments during the evening when that was apparent. I'm not sure I would choose to go back, though if someone invited me, I wouldn't suggest an alternative - it would be fine. I true 3 out of 5. A-OK. Nothing more.
(3)
Jodi H.
Ate two bfasts here as I was staying at the hotel. Great service good food, a little expensive. I would eat here again if at the hotel alone or for a business meeting. A little too "formal" for the atmostphere of the hotel.
(3)
k n.
I've always enjoyed Bambara -- the food, service, and atmosphere have always been top notch. Over the years I've had some fantastic business lunches, romantic dinners, even a New Year's Eve, at Bambara. Well, after meeting a friend for lunch this week, I can say that nothing has changed. The service was stellar, as usual. The atmosphere, reminiscent of an upscale French bistro, is still the same. The classic bleu cheese potato chips were as good as I remembered them. And the elk sliders hit the spot. I'm always disappointed when great restaurants rest on their laurels and slide into mediocrity. I'm glad that hasn't happened to Bambara.
(4)
Easy E.
Best food I've eaten in SLC. If you're staying at the Monaco, don't bother leaving. And definitely don't bother with Market Street Grill. I recommend either the salmon or duck. This place gets both dishes right.
(5)
Charlie B.
After walking into Bambara, which was a little fancier that I thought it would be (my mistake I did no research), I felt a little under dressed, as I was somewhat casual, but no part of the staff made me fell unwelcomed. However, the same cannot be said for the Hotel Monaco staff that seemed to ignore me as I was trying to just be pointed in the right direction of Bambara, which is on the bottom floor of their Hotel. It may be pet friendly hotel, but they were snobs to me. At Bambara's I ordered to share with a friend, the Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips. For my meal the Grilled Head-On Giant Shrimp with Grits, Red Pepper Marmalade, and Saffron Butter. Both were listed as appetizers but I was not into something real heavy. With this and the breads & hummus, I did have enough to eat. The Chips are a must and I would go back for just another order. I am not sure why the word Giant is used to describe the shrimp in size or portion (there were 3), and they were small with little taste. The taste of the overall dish was OK. I had a taste of my friends Roasted Beet, Watermelon & Jicama Salad, with Arugula, Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Shaved Ricotta Salata. That was excellent. Yes, I would go back and try the Lunch or Bar Menu.
(4)
Gurpreet B.
I loved the ambiance and the food. They have an excellent wine list. One of the best dine-in restaurants in the down town area.
(5)
Beth F.
Lots of rules here in Salt Lake City (I'm visiting). I asked if I could taste an unfamiliar wine on their list and they were required to charge me .50 for it. Apparenty no free booze in SLC. Not even a sip. I also wanted to bring a glass of wine up to my room after dinner (Bambara is located at the Monaco Hotel) but no go. No open containers outside the restaurant...even though the elevators can be seen from where I'm sitting (I'm writing this yelp from my table) and are just across a small hallway (I wouldn't be taking it outside or anything!). The menu is okay. I was hoping for something light for dinner. This is not the place for that. I ordered the scallops in a meyer lemon sauce and just asked that they don't give me the creamed cauliflower and bumped up the broccolini. The scallops were really good. Seared on the outside, tender and creamy on the inside and nicely seasoned. But the meyer lemon sauce had no flavor. How do you do that with such a fabulous ingredient. I had to ask the server for lemon wedges and this helped the dish. They were also not very generous with the broccolini considering it was the only other thing on the plate. Oh, they forgot to include the chinese long beans that should've been a part of the dish according to the menu discription. The broccolini tasted like broccolini. It was steamed without any seasoning at all. Not very yummy, But at least they were light and I guess I should be grateful for consuming less sodium. So now I have to decide if I want to sit here a while longer to have another glass of wine. Hmmmmm, what to do, what to do. I should also mention that my server was great.
(3)
Jenn K.
For our one night in SLC, we had dinner here, and was pleasantly surprised. Their service is very good, and everyone is so nice. We ordered the tuna tartare to start, which I found a bit too sweet for my taste, although boyfriend liked it a lot. I had the chicken breast, that I ordered primarily to get the chevre/truffle-oil mashed potatoes, which were super rich, and delicious. BF ordered the homemade tagliatelle with a cream/truffle oil sauce -- also super rich, but decadent. The semifreddo for dessert was very good as well.
(4)
Peter L.
Visited SLC for work for 4 nights and ate here TWICE! Service was great, waitress explained in detail each dish we ordered and was very attentive throughout the night. First night, I ordered a Cedar Planked Adobo Salmon with salsa, the fish was cooked perfectly and can really taste the cedar plank aroma and along with the meal we opened a bottle of Saintbury Pinot Noir. Second night, ordered a Sauteed Prawn Fettucini with truffle sauce, good but not as good as the salmon. Restaurant was quiet and nicely spaced, we sat in the booths. Overall, thumbs up for this restaurant.
(4)
Wendy H.
I've heard a lot about this restaurant, all positive, so I was excited to finally try it. My husband and I had dinner here with another couple last night. The restaurant atmosphere seems fine, although I would have liked lower lighting and candles on the table in the section where we sat. It just seemed bright and not quite right for the type of restaurant. We had three different salads and they were all great. I would really recommend any of their salads. We had the frites as an appetizer and they are very good. I like the selection of dinner items on the menu. Everyone's food looked good and everyone liked the entrees. I had the scallops - it was just ok. We ordered two desserts - some kind of chocolate cake and a banana pudding. They were decent. Overall I think it is good food, but not great food. And I think it is a little on the expensive side. I would recommend it, but not with a lot of expectations. I would go there again, but won't be rushing there.
(2)
eric n.
Delicious. Nice Ambience. Expensive. One of the swankier places in Salt Lake, the restaurant is on the ground floor of the Hotel Monaco.
(4)
The I.
Excellent But Expensive - My wife and I dined here last night. We are in Utah for a vacation. We started with the Ceasar and Boston Lettuce salads, both of which were excellent. She had pan-friend scallops while I had the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin. Again both entrees were excellent as were the various breads with red pepper humus. For dessert we shared a chocalate bundt cake with expresso ice cream - also very good. We each had a cup of good tasting, but somewhat weak decaf coffe. We had preceded the meal with a cocktail each, but after I complained to the waiter that my cocktail was weak and my wife's was mostly ice, he informed us that in Utah a coctail can only contain 1.5 oz. of liquor. So we switched to an excellent Russian River (Sonoma - Cutrer) chardonnary, which ran $27 per half bottle. With tip, the bill came to $162. Granted, the liquor plus tip part of the bill was around $55. Still, the restaurant is expensive, but we would go back - just skip the cocktails.
(4)
Linda T.
I had a friend in town, and he picked Bambara after looking through Yelp reviews. We felt very out of place in our ski jackets (after all, it was in an upscale hotel), but they treated us like royalty just the same. We got the chips + blue cheese because of the Yelp reviews. It was like upscale nachos with blue cheese, really salty. Good because we were starving, but I wouldn't get it again for what it was. Menu seemed limited (it was only ~2 pages if I remember correctly), but I like it because it clearly states what you are getting with fairly accurate descriptions. Friend got the ahi and was disappointed. Serving size was normal aka too small for him. (Note, he is not a big guy.) I tried some of his dish and thought it was pretty good. It came with a rice-cake thingy and I thought that was special. I got the pork chop and it was slightly too much for me. It was good though, very tender and juice. Sides included some buttersquash spaghetti and greens, both of which I loved. I also want to add that the culinary presentation of both dishes were awesome. A lotta thought went into it obviously. Expect entrees to be between $18-$35 (which we expected beforehand). I'd go back again if I felt like being pampered or was taking a well-deserved visitor/guest. They have an open kitchen and open bar area. It has a good date atmosphere, but I saw families there too. Tip: parking at night is hard to find but free at the meters.
(5)
Paul K.
Really great food in a nice atmosphere - who knew you could find this in Mormon country? I have a feeling this is one of the more expensive restaurants in Salt Lake, which makes getting seating not too hard...we got in at 8pm on Friday. Look forward to coming back - all the American basics done well like Pork Tenderloin, Salmon, and Filet Mignon....also did enjoy the chips with blue cheese, but I have to say the portions were normal - not overly large as some reviewers seem to indicate.
(4)
spiff e.
i was actually kind of impressed with what salt lake had to offer, via bambara. a curlicue motif was used throughout, from the menus, bread basket and window frames to the carpet and booth upholstery. actually, it was so matchy-matchy it was kinda cheesy. ohhhh, speaking of cheese, it actually reminds of the curlicues found at cheesecake factory. anyway. their menu had a bunch of stuff that looked good, but i decided on the roasted corn bisque with peekytoe crab and cilantro oil to start, and then the pan seared alaskan halibut with basil mashed potatoes and tomato pine nut-truffle vinaigrette as my main dish. i've been on a truffle binge lately. the bisque came in a large portion and was delicious, with huge chunks of peekytoe crabmeat. yummy, down to the last spoonful. the halibut however was a tad disappointing. i couldn't taste the truffle at all! but aside from that, it tasted good. and definitely left me feeling stuffed. i don't think i even ate half of it and i couldn't even order dessert at that point. i kept myself amused when there wasn't food in front of me by watching the flame-throwing in the open-air kitchen and sipping on my glass of gewurtz.
(4)
Chelsea S.
Went here for dinner with co-workers. The food was excellent and the prices were fair, given the quality of the food and the portion sizes. For appetizers we got the potato chips with blue cheese and the polenta crusted calamari. By no means where either lo-fat or lo-calorie, but thy were delicious. I'd definitely order both again. For entrees I got the ahi, which was probably the top three ahi dishes I've ever had - and I order it about two times a month. The guys both got the New York strip steak. They said it was good quality and yummy, although there was a bit too much sauce on it. We also ordered a nice bottle of Bogle Shiraz - nice price, too. We didn't have any room for dessert and didn't even bother looking at the menu. Finally, the staff couldn't have been more attentive or informed. Next time I want a nice dinner in Salt Lake, I'll head back here.
(5)
Brianne K.
Bambara is frequently thought of as one of the nicest restaurants in Salt Lake...and for good reason. The food is spot on, the service was excellent, and they have a decent wine list. The scallops (one of their signature dishes) were absolutely fantastic, and the ahi tuna tartare was great too. If you're looking for an appetizer, get the blue cheese potato chips. Pure gooey, sinful heaven!!!
(4)
Fernando A.
It is fancy and perhaps will impress those who you are with when dining here. But I would rather hangout at the small bar in the back and then hit the town than eat a meal here. It is a good option for lunch since the prices are much cheaper than at Dinner but I would cross the street and hit the Atlantic or House of Kabob anytime.
(2)
Layla P.
I loved this place! We had the crab stuffed peppers and cucumber salad, great way to start a meal. The halibut was fabulous and the salmon pretty good. It was quite expensive so be ready to spend a lot. Hip and lively with an open kitchen.
(5)
c d.
It was a little pricey but the entree I had was fantastic - Seared Tuna with large butter beans and mushrooms. I had them hold the Anchovy Aioli. Even with no alcohol or apps, the price (incl'g tax) was $30. But WORTH IT.
(4)
Randy S.
I joined a vendor and some of their peeps and another client for dinner here. The place is located in an old former bank building that has been converted to a little boutique hotel. The restaurant space was cavernous, but nice (bar area was swanky). We ordered a couple of apps for the table - Achiote-Masa Crusted Calamari, Manchego, Lime Jalapeno Aioli and Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Corn Tartar Sauce, Crisp Pancetta. I thought the calamari ended up being more like pieces of fried breading with little/no calamari; however, I thought the stuffed peppers were quite tasty. I had the caesar salad (with anchovies!!!) and filet mignon with vegetables. The salad was above average and the filet was just average. The wine was pretty damn good though - 2006 Atteca Garnacha - and it was something I've actually had before in SLC!!! I thought the service was also above average and we all had a good time. It's expensive, but worth checking out...
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Beth F.
Lots of rules here in Salt Lake City (I'm visiting). I asked if I could taste an unfamiliar wine on their list and they were required to charge me .50 for it. Apparenty no free booze in SLC. Not even a sip. I also wanted to bring a glass of wine up to my room after dinner (Bambara is located at the Monaco Hotel) but no go. No open containers outside the restaurant...even though the elevators can be seen from where I'm sitting (I'm writing this yelp from my table) and are just across a small hallway (I wouldn't be taking it outside or anything!). The menu is okay. I was hoping for something light for dinner. This is not the place for that. I ordered the scallops in a meyer lemon sauce and just asked that they don't give me the creamed cauliflower and bumped up the broccolini. The scallops were really good. Seared on the outside, tender and creamy on the inside and nicely seasoned. But the meyer lemon sauce had no flavor. How do you do that with such a fabulous ingredient. I had to ask the server for lemon wedges and this helped the dish. They were also not very generous with the broccolini considering it was the only other thing on the plate. Oh, they forgot to include the chinese long beans that should've been a part of the dish according to the menu discription. The broccolini tasted like broccolini. It was steamed without any seasoning at all. Not very yummy, But at least they were light and I guess I should be grateful for consuming less sodium. So now I have to decide if I want to sit here a while longer to have another glass of wine. Hmmmmm, what to do, what to do. I should also mention that my server was great.
(3)Wendy H.
I've heard a lot about this restaurant, all positive, so I was excited to finally try it. My husband and I had dinner here with another couple last night. The restaurant atmosphere seems fine, although I would have liked lower lighting and candles on the table in the section where we sat. It just seemed bright and not quite right for the type of restaurant. We had three different salads and they were all great. I would really recommend any of their salads. We had the frites as an appetizer and they are very good. I like the selection of dinner items on the menu. Everyone's food looked good and everyone liked the entrees. I had the scallops - it was just ok. We ordered two desserts - some kind of chocolate cake and a banana pudding. They were decent. Overall I think it is good food, but not great food. And I think it is a little on the expensive side. I would recommend it, but not with a lot of expectations. I would go there again, but won't be rushing there.
(2)Linda T.
I had a friend in town, and he picked Bambara after looking through Yelp reviews. We felt very out of place in our ski jackets (after all, it was in an upscale hotel), but they treated us like royalty just the same. We got the chips + blue cheese because of the Yelp reviews. It was like upscale nachos with blue cheese, really salty. Good because we were starving, but I wouldn't get it again for what it was. Menu seemed limited (it was only ~2 pages if I remember correctly), but I like it because it clearly states what you are getting with fairly accurate descriptions. Friend got the ahi and was disappointed. Serving size was normal aka too small for him. (Note, he is not a big guy.) I tried some of his dish and thought it was pretty good. It came with a rice-cake thingy and I thought that was special. I got the pork chop and it was slightly too much for me. It was good though, very tender and juice. Sides included some buttersquash spaghetti and greens, both of which I loved. I also want to add that the culinary presentation of both dishes were awesome. A lotta thought went into it obviously. Expect entrees to be between $18-$35 (which we expected beforehand). I'd go back again if I felt like being pampered or was taking a well-deserved visitor/guest. They have an open kitchen and open bar area. It has a good date atmosphere, but I saw families there too. Tip: parking at night is hard to find but free at the meters.
(5)Paul K.
Really great food in a nice atmosphere - who knew you could find this in Mormon country? I have a feeling this is one of the more expensive restaurants in Salt Lake, which makes getting seating not too hard...we got in at 8pm on Friday. Look forward to coming back - all the American basics done well like Pork Tenderloin, Salmon, and Filet Mignon....also did enjoy the chips with blue cheese, but I have to say the portions were normal - not overly large as some reviewers seem to indicate.
(4)spiff e.
i was actually kind of impressed with what salt lake had to offer, via bambara. a curlicue motif was used throughout, from the menus, bread basket and window frames to the carpet and booth upholstery. actually, it was so matchy-matchy it was kinda cheesy. ohhhh, speaking of cheese, it actually reminds of the curlicues found at cheesecake factory. anyway. their menu had a bunch of stuff that looked good, but i decided on the roasted corn bisque with peekytoe crab and cilantro oil to start, and then the pan seared alaskan halibut with basil mashed potatoes and tomato pine nut-truffle vinaigrette as my main dish. i've been on a truffle binge lately. the bisque came in a large portion and was delicious, with huge chunks of peekytoe crabmeat. yummy, down to the last spoonful. the halibut however was a tad disappointing. i couldn't taste the truffle at all! but aside from that, it tasted good. and definitely left me feeling stuffed. i don't think i even ate half of it and i couldn't even order dessert at that point. i kept myself amused when there wasn't food in front of me by watching the flame-throwing in the open-air kitchen and sipping on my glass of gewurtz.
(4)Chelsea S.
Went here for dinner with co-workers. The food was excellent and the prices were fair, given the quality of the food and the portion sizes. For appetizers we got the potato chips with blue cheese and the polenta crusted calamari. By no means where either lo-fat or lo-calorie, but thy were delicious. I'd definitely order both again. For entrees I got the ahi, which was probably the top three ahi dishes I've ever had - and I order it about two times a month. The guys both got the New York strip steak. They said it was good quality and yummy, although there was a bit too much sauce on it. We also ordered a nice bottle of Bogle Shiraz - nice price, too. We didn't have any room for dessert and didn't even bother looking at the menu. Finally, the staff couldn't have been more attentive or informed. Next time I want a nice dinner in Salt Lake, I'll head back here.
(5)Brianne K.
Bambara is frequently thought of as one of the nicest restaurants in Salt Lake...and for good reason. The food is spot on, the service was excellent, and they have a decent wine list. The scallops (one of their signature dishes) were absolutely fantastic, and the ahi tuna tartare was great too. If you're looking for an appetizer, get the blue cheese potato chips. Pure gooey, sinful heaven!!!
(4)Fernando A.
It is fancy and perhaps will impress those who you are with when dining here. But I would rather hangout at the small bar in the back and then hit the town than eat a meal here. It is a good option for lunch since the prices are much cheaper than at Dinner but I would cross the street and hit the Atlantic or House of Kabob anytime.
(2)Layla P.
I loved this place! We had the crab stuffed peppers and cucumber salad, great way to start a meal. The halibut was fabulous and the salmon pretty good. It was quite expensive so be ready to spend a lot. Hip and lively with an open kitchen.
(5)c d.
It was a little pricey but the entree I had was fantastic - Seared Tuna with large butter beans and mushrooms. I had them hold the Anchovy Aioli. Even with no alcohol or apps, the price (incl'g tax) was $30. But WORTH IT.
(4)Randy S.
I joined a vendor and some of their peeps and another client for dinner here. The place is located in an old former bank building that has been converted to a little boutique hotel. The restaurant space was cavernous, but nice (bar area was swanky). We ordered a couple of apps for the table - Achiote-Masa Crusted Calamari, Manchego, Lime Jalapeno Aioli and Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Corn Tartar Sauce, Crisp Pancetta. I thought the calamari ended up being more like pieces of fried breading with little/no calamari; however, I thought the stuffed peppers were quite tasty. I had the caesar salad (with anchovies!!!) and filet mignon with vegetables. The salad was above average and the filet was just average. The wine was pretty damn good though - 2006 Atteca Garnacha - and it was something I've actually had before in SLC!!! I thought the service was also above average and we all had a good time. It's expensive, but worth checking out...
(3)eric n.
Delicious. Nice Ambience. Expensive. One of the swankier places in Salt Lake, the restaurant is on the ground floor of the Hotel Monaco.
(4)The I.
Excellent But Expensive - My wife and I dined here last night. We are in Utah for a vacation. We started with the Ceasar and Boston Lettuce salads, both of which were excellent. She had pan-friend scallops while I had the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin. Again both entrees were excellent as were the various breads with red pepper humus. For dessert we shared a chocalate bundt cake with expresso ice cream - also very good. We each had a cup of good tasting, but somewhat weak decaf coffe. We had preceded the meal with a cocktail each, but after I complained to the waiter that my cocktail was weak and my wife's was mostly ice, he informed us that in Utah a coctail can only contain 1.5 oz. of liquor. So we switched to an excellent Russian River (Sonoma - Cutrer) chardonnary, which ran $27 per half bottle. With tip, the bill came to $162. Granted, the liquor plus tip part of the bill was around $55. Still, the restaurant is expensive, but we would go back - just skip the cocktails.
(4)Sarah C.
My family arranged for a banquet room to celebrate an event, and it was terrible. I have always wanted to try Bambara, but I really wish I had done so before my family went to the trouble to arrange an event there in my honor... it was embarrassingly bad. I had to apologize to all my out-of-town relatives and explain that "Utah REALLY isn't like this!" afterwards. My duck confit was cold, dry and quite flavorless. When I say cold, I mean COLD. As were the entrees for a few other members of our party, I later found out. The dessert, a pineapple cake, was quite good however. Our waiter was harsh, rude, tried to rush us at every moment (we reserved the banquet room, if he wanted to hurry us, maybe they shouldn't have booked us?) and he smelled very strongly of alcohol. I drink, but I would never show up to work smelling like vodka was coming out of my pores... it's disgusting, and reflects poorly on the restaurant. Also, the fire alarm test went off twice while we were there.... does that really need to happen while there is a private party, or during business hours at all? I would not have allowed my family to book there had I known they'd be blaring sirens the entire time. Utterly unprofessional place and certainly not worth the dry, cold food. I was humiliated to have my family gathering there.
(1)Kelly P.
We are here in Salt Lake City on a business trip and we looked on yelp for some help with dinner. After reading a wide range of reviews, we decided to give it a shot. My friend and I started with the calamari and shrimp, along with the blue cheese potato chips. The calamari and shrimp was great, cooked perfectly. My only complaint was that the aoli was drizzled on the top, I would have liked it on the side. The potato chips were good, but we are spoiled, there is a place in Napa that blows these out of the water. It was alot for two people, so we skipped salad and soup and headed directly to dinner. I ordered the Halibut, it was recommended by the waiter. It was cooked perfectly and served with a crab and asparagus hash, very yummy. My friend had the pork tenderloin, he said it was juicy, also cooked perfectly. We finished the meal with the trio of creme brule, there was a caramel, dark chocolate, and peanut butter. The caramel was my favorite and my friend liked the peanut butter, although, he was not a big fan of the desert. We would recommend this restaurant.
(4)Ruben M.
I usually tend to avoid hotel restaurants like the plague when I travel for business, but Bambara is far from a hotel restaurant. It happens to be in the same space as a hotel. The staff was friendly and attentive. The food was incredible! You MUST try the blue cheese hand cut potato chips. They are a bit rich, but sooo tasty! I had the beef fillet and it was cooked exactly the way I ordered it...medium rare! The wine list impressive, but not out of control with the prices, there are options. All in all one of the best restaurants I've been to on any business trip!! As a bonus their bar, The Vault, is also an excellent place to end the night.
(5)Jeannette A.
Loved the decor and the overall feel of the restaurant. Very hip and modern. Then the food was amazing. Definitely try the Blue Cheese Chips...they are well known and are so delicious! Don't eat too many because you want to save room for the main Entree. I had the Filet, and it was the most tender filet i've had in years (honestly). It was tender and easy to digest. Two thumbs up!
(5)Hayden A.
personal favorite of salt lake city. great service and delish meals well worth their price. A must for a foodie in slc!
(5)Chris M.
Amazing food. I had the bison and the pear tart. My date had the beef filet and creme brulet. All of the dishes were delicious. The look and feel of the restaurant is great too. My only complaints would be the noisiness of the restaurant and the price given such. I'd be willing to pay for this level of delicacy and style, but not if I can't hear my date's comments. Too loud and too expensive, but good for a date before the capital theatre or abravenal hall on a special occasion.
(4)Scott R.
I have been going to Bambara for at least the last 7 years now. I have never once been disappointed in the food or the service. They have a menu that is constantly changing. I love this because I can order something different every time. They have a very good wine selection. And if you get there early make sure you go to club Bambara for a drink while you wait. All of there entrees do have sides already on the plate. I like this since I don't have to ordered everything al a carte. And hope that the side I ordered will go good with my entree. When my friends ask were to go for a nice night out I always recommend Bambara first. Make sure you try the blue cheese chips to start.
(5)Andrea B.
My husband and I go here once or twice per year. It's one of our favorite restaurants in the Salt Lake area. The entire menu is wonderful, and the corn bisque in particular is to die for. Great liquor and wine selection, good coffee, and attentive customer service.
(5)Rob W.
Worth staying at this Kimpton for the restaurant alone. Had an excellent steak frites for dinner, also good scallop & ahi appetizer. For lunch, Fish tacos we're extremely tasty if you like me wet (slaw & guacamole).
(4)Tom W.
Only try this restaurant if you like delicious food and great service. Really, read some of my other reviews and you will see. A five star review from me... pretty tough to come by. Our experience was quite the opposite of Deb T. My wife had the pork chop and man was it good. Full of flavor and perfectly prepared. I had the duo of bison. A bison flat iron steak and a bison short rib, outstanding! Portion size was fine, clearly meeting my expectations. Neither my wife or I could finish our portions which was OK by me. The pork chop didn't loose much on the ride home. Yep, still good. Give this one a try, a little pricey but well worth it.
(5)Madhu R.
Fantastic food --even some organic dishes, reasonably priced for the superior quality, friendly staff, and amazing atmosphere! In the lobby of the Hotel Monaco, so it's really in a prime location.
(5)Mike S.
Kimpton once again bucks the trend of a hotel restaurant being an afterthought. Bambara at The Hotel Monaco offers fresh, tasty, well prepared dishes in a very nice and large space, that are as good as any place in Salt Lake City, with a clubby bar to boot. I hate to admit that over a three night stay I had 2 dinners and a lunch here, violating my usual rule when traveling of "never go to the same place twice". However, I was tired and it was just too good an option to pass up. A place I'm more than happy to suggest to my traveling friends.
(4)Christopher W.
I like the idea of Bambara, the atmosphere, the attitude, the whole scene... BUT the food does not live up to it's price. I'm not a food snob, I go out to eat for the experience and just to do something to get out of the house, but for their prices, it wasn't worth it. I'm not totally opposed to going back but it will not be my first choice if I'm downtown.
(2)Susan H.
Sharp, attractive interior and great service. The menu reads better than it tastes, unfortunately. Prices are a tad high for the overall experience. The roasted beet salad is good, but not phenomenal. The bread basket is quite good. The pork chop is beautifully presented, quite large and very tasty. Overall, is was enjoyable.
(3)Sarah P.
Bambara came to me with high marks from a co-worker who had been in Salt Lake City for business and had eaten there twice. I took a team of 7 plus joined another team of 8 there for dinner last night. The meal started off with a few plates of the homemade chips (I love a place that has homemade potato chips) with bleu cheese on top. They were very delicious and not overly greasy like some can be. I had a salad, which was fine, though kind of lacked in the veggie department. I wish places would stop trying to be so "creative" and "artsy" with their salads. First of all, it takes all the HEALTHY out of salad and makes it just as fattening as the entree and second of all, some stuff is NOT meant to be in a salad. So I ordered mine SANS watermelon and ended up with literally, a place full of spinach and carmelized onions. UGH! I had the "house specialty" filet mignon and I have to say, it was a bit undercooked. I ALWAYS order medium rare but my god, this thing was almost still breathing. I like a red steak but it was not even really warm on the inside. The potatoes that came along with it were the highlight of the meal. Bacon and bleu cheese potatoes I think. Very yummy. I could have made a meal of those. I had sorbet for dessert which was okay but a little TOO sweet. All in all, it was a nice dining experience, due to the company, but the food was only so-so.
(3)Alissa M.
Great place for dinner. Their corn soup is out of this world! Ambiance was very nice. I had the Ahi Tuna with Mushroom Risotto which was really good. Others had the Bison which they weren't impressed with. I'm going to need to go back though because I don't think their food prices matched the quality. Verdict it still out...
(3)Greg L.
Bambara is probably one of the best in SLC. Great menu and wine list. The restaurant is in the Hotel Monaco but it feels like it's not.
(5)Kirk H.
Bambara is my favorite $$$ restaurant in Salt Lake City. For special occasions, this is where we choose to dine. And it is always so worth it. The food is always so...it is more than just flavorful...it is food I crave. And the service is always great. However last night was an extremely amazing dinner. I had butternut squash soup, which was the BEST I have ever had. It was very thin and smooth (others I have had are so thick and chunky). And the flavor was perfect. It was not too sweet so it tasted like a soup and not a dessert. The Fuji apple salad was great. Of course the bleu cheese chips were amazing as always. Then our waiter recommended the grilled venison, with a huckleberry syrup...oh wow! It was cooked medium rare and the meat just had such flavor. Then with the huckleberry sweetness it was perfect! Overall dinner was a home run!! Bambara stays on the top of my list!!
(5)Belange H.
Nice ambiance and good wine list. My boyfriend took me here for my birthday, they specialize the menu and print your name on there for special occasions, which is a perk. We ordered the filet mignon and halibut. Both were a bit bland and forgettable; halibut was a bit dry. The potatoes with bleu cheese and the corn hash with bacon were unique and tasty. Good service and good bread. Overall an ok experience. Probably would not be back for the food.
(3)A E N.
I finally tried Bambara as part of the Dine-O-Round promotion. On this particular night they served a salad, salmon over a croquette, and an ice cream for dessert. I actually upgraded and spent a little more to get the peach tartlett with honey ice cream for dessert. I was pleased with the food and the service. We went in about 6.15 on a Saturday and had no delay in getting seated, even without a reservation, though I get the feeling reservations are in general recommended. It probably sweetened the deal to have the Dine-O-Round pricing, but overall I'd recommend this place and plan on eating here again.
(4)Deb T.
I'd been to Bambara a few times before, but don't recall it as being at all memorable. But since it's been a few years since I was last there, presumably everything has only gotten better at the restaurant, right? Not so sure. I've traveled a lot and have eaten in all sorts of establishments, from local diners & dives, to family-run/family-style places, to high-end/swanky restaurants...all around this country and in quite a few others. And I can't understand why Bambara gets as many 4- and 5-star ratings as it does. Service: slightly above average. Atmosphere: confused (classy? trendy? casual? intimate? touristy? what?) Food: average, at best. Portion sizes: inconsistent (salads are large, rest runs small). Prices: overpriced, esp. for portion size and quality. Last night I went to the opera with a friend who has never been to Bambara. Since she enjoys/prefers classier types of restaurants/settings, and she's heard Bambara would supposedly fit that bill for her and it's right across the street from the theater, we ate there at her suggestion. From the start, none of the entrees appealed to me, and I'd thought about just doing an appetizer and salad or salad and dessert...but my friend was getting an entree, so I did the same...but in the end, should've gone with my initial thought and passed on the entree. We saw other people's salads being served and noticed they seemed rather large (would be enough for a meal rather than as a side salad)...but our waiter said he'd be happy to have us split a salad, so we chose the Ruby & Golden Beet Salad (with Local Goat Cheese, Roasted Hazelnuts, Arugula, Tangerine Vinaigrette)...and it was absolutely delicious...the golden beets were especially tender and the tangerine vinaigrette was superb. They don't serve San Pellegrino but have a local sparkling water (whose name I can't recall right now)...and it was surprisingly good. And here is where we both should have just ordered dessert and gone on with our evening, rather than having an entree. When asked for suggestions on the entrees, our waiter (who was helpful and attentive throughout) recommended the Maple Brined Pork Porterhouse Chop (Rosemary Polenta, Cider Glaze, Mushroom Jus, Apple Fennel Slaw), the Seared Maine Dayboat Scallops (Winter Squash Risotto, Garlic Seared Chard, Mushroom Vinaigrette), the Chef''s Signature Steak Frites (Herbed Fries, Peppercorn Jus, Bearnaise), and the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Duet (Grilled Breast & Leg Confit, Liver Butter, Watercress, Sweet Potato Oven Wedges, Pomegranate Syrup). My friend loves seared tuna, and he promised the tuna was fresh that day. So she ordered the Cast Iron Seared Hawaiian Tuna (Cauliflower Puree, Lavender Salt, Roasted Beets, Mache, Tangerine Brown Butter). With none of the entrees "jumping out at me," I went with the pork chop. When I'd asked how large a chop it was, the waiter boasted "16 ounces!" So I imagined having to check a takeout box with half a chop in it at the theater's coat check room as I entered the opera. But that didn't happen...and not because I licked my plate clean. The 16 ounces of pork chop was mostly the bone and fat/grizzle. I should've asked for a surgical knife to cut out what little meat there was surrounded by all the rest. And what little was there was bland, with no hint of having been maple-brined or any other seasoning added to it. And having looked forward especially to the rosemary polenta and apple-fennel slaw, I was disappointed in both, with no evidence of rosemary in the (dry) polenta, and both apple and fennel tastes decidedly missing from the slaw (how is that possible?!), which was additionally difficult to manage as the slices were much too long and piled precariously high atop the chop. Even the cider glaze was missing any taste of apple. My friend's plate arrived with 2 incredibly small slices of seared tuna (perhaps 1.5" x 2"). She was happy to have more of the beets we'd enjoyed in our split salad, but couldn't taste or smell any lavender and said the cauliflower puree was OK but thin. But at least she was happy with the taste of the minuscule portion of tuna she had...but for $29, that's not saying much (though it's more than I can say about my $28 entree). I almost gave 3 stars, due to this particular waiter's service...but in my book, that's not enough to counter the rest of our experience. I'm not sure if my friend would want to try eating there again, but I know I likely won't be giving Bambara yet another try at pleasing me anytime soon...esp. not at their prices. If I'm needing an across-the-street-from-the-theater place to eat, I'm going to stick with a place I can actually recommend to people: The Olive Bistro.
(2)Thommee H.
We got the recommendation from a local and weren't disappointed. Very solid New American Bistro. All the dishes (calamari, beet salad, poached pear salad, cheese plate, swordfish, scallops, filet, and roasted chicken, 3 styles of creme brulee and the hot chocolate cake) that I and my dining companions got, were all perfectly prepared, well executed, well seasoned, and well flavored. Andrew, our server was terrific (probably talked us into ordering more than we would've on our own, but in a good way!). Nothing bad to say about, but can't give it 5 stars because I didn't leave with that "to die for" feeling.
(4)Patti C.
I went to SLC for a snowboarding weekend and went to this restaurant based on the reviews on Yelp! The restaurant is great overall, including food and ambience but the service was okay. We ordered an appetizer, salad, and entree to share. We started off with the beets salad with goat cheese and blood orange. The beets were fresh and balanced very well with the goat cheese. The goat cheese seemed like it was whipped (if that's possible) and was very light so it would be a good dish for people that don't like goat cheese. We also got sautéed mushrooms, baked brie, yukon potato puree, feuille de brick, pinot noir syrup, and truffle oil. This was a great dish! The mushroom was very flavorful and the truffle oil made the dish very tasty. However, we found the baked brie to be warm, not hot like we would expect. We had sesame crusted ahi tuna, bamboo rice cake, shiitake mushroom salad, and blonde miso. The tuna was pretty fresh but I feel the dish was just a little bit above average. The bamboo rice cake was just mediocre. It sort of tasted like an onigiri but I've had better at Japanese restaurants. We ended our meal and trip with the crème brulee with apricot confit. The crème bruelee was good but not spectacular and I'd rather take fresh berries than apricot confit. But I have to give props to the restaurant for trying to be original. I would go there again if I'm in town but I wouldn't go to SLC because of the restaurant.
(4)Joe R.
Good for lone diners. Wonderful food and wine choices. Don't miss the honey ice cream. Extremely helpfull staff. I was dining alone and ordered the blue cheese potato chips. The waiter volunteered that it was a big serving & I could probably get by with a half order, which was not on the menu. Indicative of the good service.
(5)Jessica L.
WHAT?! THIS is the nicest place to eat downtown...for real? So I came here with high expectations - I mean, its $$$ on Yelp, highest rated downtown and in the fancy hotel. I was far from wow-ed First off, I liked the Ambiance - large room, central cooking area, comfy tables, large windows. My server was nice but also kind of schmuck-y. I liked that other servers took my empty plates and did not wait for busers or my waiter to do it. I had the tune tartar appetizer and for $12 I expects something I could NOT make myself. It tasted fine but whatever. I had a glass of red wine and my pour was $hit. For $$$ I expect a nice big pour in a nice big glass - I got neither. For my meal I had scallops. I received 5 diver scallops nicely seared in a Meyer lemon sauce - the sauce was not too heavy nor tart. But thank god it was there as nothing on my plate had flavor. My dish also came with mashed potatoes and some long string bean thing. The bean was raw - yuck. The potatoes were ODDLY similar to the packaged kind that you just add water too and they come out all smooth and perfectly white. double boo. This place is not dressy, you can come casual. One suggestions for the cooks - since the prep/cooking area is in the center of the restaurant and raised above the seats we can HEAR everything you say. So thanks for singing Beck's Loser Sous chef, and other guy I am glad you are excited to see Body Worlds.
(3)Adam M.
Great meal with excellent service. Our waiter was very helpful and made great recommendations. The corn bisque with crab was incredible, I could have eaten 6 bowls of it. Blue cheese chips were good but greasy, and the beet salad was nice. Mac & cheese was great & steak was perfectly cooked. I would come back for sure
(4)Lorenza W.
Our first impression of the Bambara was not a good one, we walked in with reservations, and 2 walk ups were seated before us. We were entertaining a very important client and were a little embarrassed. To make matters worse our client asked Steve, the Host when we were to be seated and he was rude and pretentious, which made us begin to regret taking her here. But after we were seated our waitress Shaye totally saved the day. She was professional, attentive and friendly. If we do return we will definitely ignore the host Steve and request Shaye's section.
(3)Claire M.
I love Kimpton Hotels. I have yet to visit a Kimpton Hotel bar/restaurant that isn't swoon-worthy for its decor, amazing drinks, and atmosphere. However, I have yet to be overly thrilled with the food at the ones I've visited in D.C. and San Diego. I'm sad to say that although the filet mignon was a miracle in meat form, Salt Lake's food also disappointed. No matter -- I loved my experience there anyway. My server at dinner was so friendly and helpful -- it's not his fault my food was oversalted and my meat a tad too pink. He was chatty and welcoming and kept me stocked up on drinks and bread. (Ooh, the bread actually merits its own star -- focaccia and red pepper hummus. I never eat dinner bread, but I ate all five pieces of focaccia on the table. That's another good thing: Bambara doesn't skimp on the free stuff, even for its single diners.) But most of the stars are for the wonderful bartender, Austin, a dead ringer for Jim from The Office. I asked him to make me whatever he wanted, six times, and every drink was more spectacular than the next. The last one mixed vodka and fresh raspberries and lemons and I really wanted another -- but I needed to retain some control of my legs for my short walk back to my hotel. Even in my drunken haze, though, I did note the bartender only charged me for three drinks. I really like Bambara. :)
(4)Amy O.
One of my favorites in SLC!
(5)Tess R.
This is probably the only place I stay where I actually sit down to eat breakfast, here at Bambara at the Hotel Monaco. The servers are incredibly attentive and so helpful. They worked with my anti-melon issues and had no problem making a melonless plate! The fresh blueberries, strawberries, bananas, pineapple, oranges, and grapes were a perfect start to the day, along with a good cup of coffee and a toasted bagel. I was here for lunch several weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the salmon on lentils. It was tasty and savory, yet not so heavy that you need a 3 pm nap! Very convenient if you're staying at the Hotel Monaco, and worth a try if you're a local looking for a nice night out.
(4)Ryan E.
Delicious. Polite and friendly wait staff. Gorgeous down town location. Parking was easy! Portions are a bit small for the price. Wish I could rate this restaurant a 4.5
(4)Eddie L.
Not a bad choice in SLC for dinner and presumably lunch. My gnocchi with corn butter and pea shoots was a change from the ordinary and done very well and the mixed greens salad was fresh and simple in a good way. Atmosphere was nice as was the service. I will definitely make a return visit.
(4)Djipopo S.
Excellent food and service.
(5)Carol M.
Excellent service and food
(5)Jerome B.
There are very few times where I have paid over $50 a person and had to food sooooo horrendous that I stopped eating and left. This was my experience at this restaurant. I ate there with my fiance and her coworker the 04/09.... and I had the halibut, and they had the short ribs. We were all in fear once we had the "humus" that accompanied their bread. Thank god for the drink (only good thing that night) to wash the taste out of my mouth before dinner. Then came "their best meal" the halibut... Although it wasnt the WORST fish i have had, it was far from notable. And the accompaniments were... well... Unfortunately, the short ribs, after 5 minutes of picking, were left for the waiter. I tasted them as well... horrible. The positives: Staff were very friends. Atmosphere is good. its a shame the food is beyond sub-par. After paying out bill, we all returned to the Marriott Hotel and ate the free food on the 12th floor... thank god for the executive lounge.
(1)Oski B.
I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner here while staying at the Hotel Monaco. Yes, I'm THAT lazy that I didn't want to walk further than the lobby to eat my meals. Breakfast was fine. I'd ordered the blueberry pancakes and fruit plate, but was told that they hadn't gotten their blueberries delivered that morning so they served the buttermilk ones. Whatever, that's fine. It's kind of hard to screw up pancakes. The grilled flatiron steak that I ordered for lunch was recommended by the chef to be served medium rare. It came out pretty close to rare so I felt like a bear eating some animal that I'd just killed with my paws. The watercress was nearly impossible to eat without looking like a tool. The fries, or "herbed frites," were pretty tasty, though. For dinner, I had the maple brined pork porterhouse chop served with beehive cheddar grits, roasted mushrooms, and apple-fennel slaw. It was a pretty generous portion and reasonable at $25. The chocolate bundt cake with espresso ice cream and hazelnut brittle made for a great dessert.
(3)William B.
Get the potato chips. On its less-good notes, the restaurant veers toward the overly complicated, but my planked salmon (served on an actual, though unnecessary, plank) and my piquillo peppers were very yummy.
(4)Ryan S.
We had a great dinner experience here. The food and service was fantastic. We started with the crab stuffed piquillo peppers which were amazing. I had the seared ahi tuna and the girl had the brined pork chop with polenta. Great food.
(4)Martha M.
Stumbled across this restaurant which is nestled in a pretty lavish hotel in the heart of SLC. I had just arrived in SLC for a business trip and was looking for a place to have a late dinner with a co-worker. We found this place as we walked up Main Street. By the time we sat down it was about 9:30 local time (11:30 eastern time...yawn)...The place was relatively empty but we were welcomed by the host as if we were the first patrons of the evening. We shared an artisans cheese plate which was lacking on the cheese but overall wasn't too bad. For the entree I tried the fillet mignon which was a little too rare for my liking but because I had not eaten anything since leaving Philly, 5 hours prior, I ate every last bit. The service was very good and extremely friendly. As it turns out we were the last ones to leave and no one tried to rush us out as it approached closing time.
(4)David S.
Good but not great food, very nice space, overpriced.
(3)Cori L.
Such a fun place to have eat! The food is delicious (a must try is the blue cheese chips) and the atmosphere is swanky and fun! This is a good place for a date or business.
(5)Keely A.
THE best restaurant in Utah. Excellent service, wonderful menu, gorgeous decor. My husband and I go here to celebrate special events and we've never been disappointed.
(5)Erik M.
We had a nice experience and a great waiter (it seemed). The food was delicious. The homemade tortellini with pulled pork in tomato sauce was unique. The portions were perfect, we left full but not stuffed. The house vinaigrette was very good on our mixed greens salad. The dessert was also good. The wife had a pomegranate martini that was spectacular. Here's the problem, we ordered the pre-theater special before going to see "Wicked" across the street. The waiter said any changes to the special would only be a dollar or so more. It's really three or more. Not such a big thing, we knew the restaurant was pricey. But the issue that really go under our skin was when were at the theater reading our program and saw a 10% discount on the pre-theater special if we mention we had tickets. We DID mention that to our waiter, we had a long discussion about the theater with him. We were never offered the discount. Understandably, this sounds a bit whiny. However, on a $100 tab that's quite disappointing. When you go to a pricey place you expect two things: great food and remarkable service. You definitely don't want to feel like you have to work for a good deal. Bambara is one of the few fancy restaurants. The food is excellent for Salt Lake City, but only average for a larger city. The service is adequate. Just go with an open wallet and don't expect any special deals.
(3)Chelsea C.
Dinner at Bambara was by far the worst fine dining experience I have ever had. 50% of fine dining is food/wine, 30% is atmosphere and the remaining 20% is service. Bambara was lacking all 3. The food was mediocre at best, my boyfriend said his steak was comparable to those served at Outback. The wine was HORRENDOUSLY overpriced--We bought a half bottle of 2004 Ravenswood Zin for $40. A full bottle retails at $11 in stores. The seating was all in booths, which is fine, but a little tacky. The main issue was the carpeting. I am not lying when I say that it looks like it belongs in the hallway of a Super 8. It was not only worn and dull, but it was FILTHY. Our reservation was for 8 PM on a Monday night. I refuse to believe that between 4, presumably when the restaurant opens, and 8, that such a mess could've formed on the carpet. It looked like the carpet from an episode of Hoarders. The fabric on the seats of the booths was equally as worn. For how much the up charge at this place, one would think that they could afford to reupholster. The service was OK. It was like eating at any other restaurant...I like to think that servers in fine dining are working on a career in serving and should have a passion for food and spirits. Good servers can continue working well into their 60s and make a pretty incredible living if they enjoy their work. Our waiter, on the other hand, presented himself as though he earned his wings at Applebees (or maybe outback...perhaps he brought the mediocre steak with him?) His name tag was handwritten and I noticed everyone else's was as well. One of the waitresses was wearing this TACKY synthetic weave and all of their aprons were FILTHY and the patterns were cheesy and outdated. By the time we received the bill I was outraged. Honestly, we had a better meal the night before (with better service AND atmosphere) at P.F Changs. How embarrassing. Shame on the owners and management at Bambara. From now on I will stick to Pago, which is a MUCH better bang for your buck in SLC.
(1)Karin B.
I ate here because I had a friend who once worked at this restaurant and it was an easy choice because I was staying at the hotel. I thought the food was excellent and worth the food dollar investment.
(4)Charlie M.
Great food. Beet salad was delicious. Seared Ahi was perfect, although small. And the homemade ice cream was amazing.
(5)Deborah S.
Once again--my cousin Mike knew what he was doing: you do not take a gal from San Francisco, have her come to Salt Lake City, and not have her stay in a great hotel that also has one of the best restaurants in the city. The menu had depth and could have been from a restaurant anywhere in SF. I was impressed. I saw how large the portions were so I did not order a starter and just ordered my main, sear scallops and a side, roasted brussel sprouts. Service was good, and the food was fabulous. The wine list was decent and the bar in the back had a great selection of single malt scotches--even though they measure everything like a chemist. It is a bit pricey, but when on business travel, what the hell?!
(4)Ron C.
Excellent food. Loved the silky corn chowder. Pasta was creative and tasty. Highly recommend.
(4)Cameron C.
Really enjoyed my first experience at Bambara. The service was just a bit slow, but it was a very busy night. Ordered a daily-special soup which tasted like a melted down version of all of the best toppings on a loaded baked potato. Also ordered the fillet and it was down right spectacular! Not your run of the mill fillet -- it was served partially sliced up and in a guacamole sauce, carmelized onions, potatoes, and some awesomely prepared bacon chunks (not bits... chunks!). Appetizers were also top notch, especially the stuffed peppers. For SLC it was in a nice central location and the atmosphere was good for a business meal or a dinner out with someone special. Will have to go back a few times to form a solid impression, but could be one of my new favorites spots in Salt Lake.
(5)Jessica P.
Bambara serves up small, bland plates for a high price tag. I've been here several times and have yet had my mind changed.
(1)Lauren G.
The food was very good, but I'm not sure good enough to match the price I paid for it. I had the butternut squash and it was very good, but it had a bit too much butter.
(3)Paul R.
Wonderful dining experience here. Professional wait and kitchen staff. Highly recommended.
(5)Daniel M.
We came here after fleeing the culinary horror that is Caffe Molise. The service was fast and friendly, the menu was diverse, and the food was tasty, albeit somewhat overpriced. They can certainly get away with it, seeing as they seem to be one of the few games in town. In a foodie city, this would probably rank as a nice neighborhood restaurant on the rise. Here in Salt Lake, it is the town's hottest ticket. The crab bisque was tasty and well prepared with just enough crab to add a little bit to each bite. The tuna tartare had a nice flavor, and the crisp provided a welcome crunch. Finally, the house made tagliatelle had solid flavor and we enjoyed the fresh-made pasta. If you are a Salt Lake resident desperately wondering why you'd even bother paying restaurant prices, come here. If you are a visitor desperately hoping for something to eat, come here, and if the menu doesn't do it for you, there is a Carl's Jr. just down the street.
(3)Narciso A.
Was invited to this restaurant by a vendor. They raved about it. All of the raving was right! The food here was excellent. I really enjoyed the Arugula Salad with puff pastry. Everything here was melt-in-your-mouth delish. I ordered the Chicken and Shrimp dish. Compliments to the chef.
(5)Scott I.
Normally I would be giving you an excellent review but tonight you missed the mark badly. Ordered the ribeye with frittes and marrow - my son ordered the same thing and the girls ordered scallops. Everyone else has a good meal - Mine no marrow? The ribeye was a pile of fat and sinewy mess - would have sent it back, But didn't see the waiter, and needed to make the play across the street. What a bummer a $400 tab and I wish I would of enjoyed something on my plate besides the frittes... I wish chefs would take a moment to see what they are cooking before throwing a pile of fat on a plate!
(2)Diamond B.
I love the Four Season's white table cloth experience when I go to a new city. If I can't get the Ritz or the Four Seasons I start looking for some place applicable. The Bombara inside the beautiful Monaco restaurant fit the bill to a tee. The hotel is stately and elegant with it's cream and white trim walls. When I asked my friend (a local to Salt Lake City) about the beautiful ambiance she said the Monaco used to be an upscale bank, and you can still tell by the sophisticated decor. The sign says perfection at any price. Well for us that meant $150, but 3 if us ate. I was the only one that enjoyed a glass of $12 wine, but is WAS good wine. My friends had tea/lemonade. The food was filling, so we didn't get apps or dessert. The food could have been a bit more timely coming out, but when it did was really delicious. The wine was tasty as well and if asked they will recommend a wine to go with the decadent food. While there we enjoyed the scallops, (yes, I ordered them. Okay, so I'm a bit repetitive, but the server said it was better then the lamb- so I went for it!!) fillet and gnocchi. It was all delicious. If you'd like an upscale experience before you leave Salt Lake, give Bambara a try.
(5)Andrew C.
Only ate breakfast while staying at the Hotel Monaco on business trip. A little pricey, but has the convenience factor, if you're staying at the Hotel Monaco. I had the Buttermilk Biscuit with Spicy Utah Elk Sausage Gravy, Fried Egg, Breakfast Potatoes ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bamb… ). Overall pretty good. Biscuit was a little dense. They were happy to bring more gravy. We also came to the Vault for drinks in the evening. Mixed drinks were up and down (perhaps depending on the bartender?) so beer seemed like a more consistent choice. One night it was packed and the staff was overwhelmed so we rarely saw our waitress and even trying to get a drink at the bar took forever.
(3)Kim K.
Excellent meal top to bottom! Bambara has a very cool vibe. Clearly in an old bank building, very cool. The interior is sleek, modern, and classy. The open kitchen is also really cool. The food was delicious. Amazing bleu cheese potatoes, awesome pork shank, and killer desserts. Everything was fresh, piping hot, and expertly cooked. Service was attentive, friendly, and hospitable. Prices were completely reasonable. Great meal - would return any time!
(4)Emily D.
A wonderful surprise, and one of the best meals I have had in Salt Lake City. The atmosphere was formal, but not stuffy. The service was prompt, but not overdone. My husband had the lamb, which was one of the most expensive entrées at $41. He proclaimed it the best lamb his taste buds had ever beheld. I opted for the gnocchi, as all gnocchi holds a special place in my heart and stomach and I can rarely resist it. At $25 it was the cheapest entrée. Served with a creme sauce and accompanied by mushrooms, carrots, and braised short ribs that were fork tender - it was blissful. We began the meal with an exceptional ahi tartaee and two house salads with beautiful greens and light pomegranate dressing. The resaurant was extremely accommodating to my husband's dairy allergy and offered to make any entrée of his choosing dairy free - a rare find in the allergy world. The meal was pricey, but exceptional and I would definitely reccomend it for any special occasion.
(5)David G.
I love Bambara! Always an enjoyable experience. On my last visit in the summer of 2015 I remember thinking that it's gotten a bit more pricey. Regardless, the food and service were, as always, spot on. If you're downtown SLC and want a great meal, Bambara will not disappoint.
(4)Jason R.
Very good food and attentive service. Clams were a bit salty but filet was excellent. Prices on the high end but worth it.
(4)James H.
Great atmosphere, decent service, but surprisingly average food. My lunch special: Tuna Belly Confit Melt Sandwich was better than most Tuna sandwiches but not by much. The best part of my meal was the corn bisque with bits of crab. I'll avoid the lunch special menu next time though as I think quality is being sacrificed for both speed and price.
(3)Thérèse HC W.
Because of my friend's birthday, I finally have a chance to come down here. When I first got here, I've noticed something different on the menu, my friend's name was on it, and that's not it, they've even put a Happy Birthday on it. How thoughtful! Love the appetizer-Crispy Fried Calamari, and the entrees-Grilled Diver Scallops and Ribeye Steak Frites. We didn't order any dessert because we've prepared my friend a birthday cake, but I'll definitely try out their dessert next time.
(4)Sarah S.
Well it happened. I can die now. What's really the point of living when you know you have had all life has to give you. Knowing that you have already had the best thing out there is rather depressing. I would never say I'm an affectionate person. I'm not a cuddler, nor a kissy kiss person. I have had friends lose family members and at the funeral all i did was pat them on the shoulder with an "I'm touching you, so you know it means something" face. So I'm sure the chef was surprised when i walked back into his kitchen, interrupting the whole meal service to stand in front of him. I'm sure the kitchen staff thought i was going to go postal or something. But no, i just hugged the man, and whispered, "thank you" in his ear. He laughed and I left fully satisfied with the one person I deemed good enough to receive a hug from me. I hope this demonstrates the level of quality of the meal.
(5)Kevin R.
I haven't been to Bambara for several years. We booked a reservation and were promptly seated. We each ordered several appetizers and cocktails. I wasn't particularly wowed by the appetizers which were the Duck Liver Costini, Cast Iron Roasted Clams and the Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips. The Chips were basically Lays Potato Chips with Blue Cheese melted over them. I don't like Duck Liver, so I can't comment. The Roasted Clams were OK, but not particularly flavorful. For the Entree, I had the Short Rib Ravioli. It has a LOT of smoky bacon. And mostly it was Ravioli with a LOT of Spaghetti Squash over the top. It was pretty good, but I didn't eat the Fried Farm Egg on top of it because I do not like runny eggs. Other entrees were the Rib eye Steak Frites (meat was tough, fries weren't anything special) and others had the Gnocchi and the Halibut which I did not try. The best part of the meal was the Charlotte Russe and the Turtle Ice Cream Sandwich. I believe the bill for the 4 of us including cocktails was just over $300 which seems little pricey. Service was good although the water girl spilled water on the table several times despite there being at least 2 iPhones on the table. I'd like to try Brunch there sometime, but would only go back for dinner if someone else was paying.
(4)Joshua D.
Really great food. Their beet salad had some of the best tasting beets I've ever had. The quality of their other dishes was high, though there were little things about some of them that I think could use adjusting.
(4)Becky U.
The service and atmosphere were good, however the food was lacking. The impression I got from the menu was overly complicated dishes. For example an abundance of sauces, spices and ingredients not complimenting each other but taking away from the overall dish. Less is more sometimes.
(3)Piyali F.
Love this place! I travel to SLC for work frequently, and my company recently hosted an event here so I ended up having a couple meals at the hotel's restaurant, Bambara. High quality food, great wine selection, and they are GREAT about catering to food allergies.
(5)Bridget H.
I went here later in the evening upon arriving in town (and the Hotel Monaco). It was the middle of the week and already 9pm so I was easily able to get a table, though I did notice the restaurant did get more crowded on the weekend. The server was nice, and I just ordered an entrée since it was late and I was tired. Despite it just being a "quick meal" for me, the gnocchi was definitely the best gnocchi I have ever had. The gnocchi themselves were light and fluffy and the entire plate, with the fresh pesto, seasonal vegetables, and delicious mushrooms was a delight to eat.
(4)Jackie F.
Exceptional service and food was had by all! Succulent mahi mahi and duck were among the menu items selected by me and my guest, and both were superb. The waiter was especially knowledgeable and helpful, and his expertise went a long way in helping us select both our wine and dishes. I will definitely be returning to Bambara the next time I'm in SLC!
(5)Bill R.
Wonderful atmosphere. Beautifully decorated restaurant. Extremely friendly and attentive staff. Started with some apps... Crab stuffed red pepper. What a crowd pleaser! The table couldn't get enough. Fresh crab flavor not heavy with breading. Ruby and golden beets salad. Fresh roasted beets with grains and hazelnut. Excellent but could use a bit of salt. Others had the wedge. Notable slabs of house cured bacon. Real nice. Entree: Scallops with corn and bacon risotto was excellent. Pan seared crust outside and tender inside. The risotto could be an entree on its own. Outstanding flavors and textures. My only issue with this dish was the amount of garnish. Literally a handful of alfalfa sprouts! Really had to dig through the pile to get down to the good stuff. In fact every plate at the table was over-garnished in some way--the pork loin dish looked like it had a tree limb on it. My own issues with garnish aside, every plate at the table was excellent! Swordfish, filet, strip, pork loin, scallops were all noteworthy items. We all commented that there was just too much good stuff on the menu. Desserts were just as good. We were surprised that they looked kind of small, but don't be fooled...they are rich, flavorful, and delicious. You'll be glad they exercise portion control. Those looking for libation will appreciate the full liquor license. Plenty of reds, whites, and sparkling available. Full bottles, half bottles, and by the glass. As well as cocktails. Extremely happy to have found this place. Given the chance, I shall return.
(4)F J F.
Giant disappointment. The amount of salt added to all of the dishes made some inedible. We tried 5 appetizers ..the duck pate was the worst of them and unpalatable then the salty chips..the salads were acceptable. Service was confusing and non attentive..when he finally took the time at the end of the meal , we explained constructively what we experienced. The waiter said we should have said something....which brought to light..no one ever asked how the food was after serving. ok...we always have a good time and the restaurant and hotel are neat and fun ..but it was $500 for 4.....and should be better overall.
(2)Brandon B.
Phenomenal. Best burger on the planet. Try and you'll see why. I'm not even joking. And be sure to have the house chips with bleu cheese as a primer. Then sub the fries for a spring mix salad. The vinaigrette cuts through the beef fat nicely.
(5)Anna K.
Came here after picking up my boyfriend from his flight in Salt Lake. Our group ordered the blue cheese chips and calamari as our appetizers. We all agreed that we found the blue cheese chips to be a bit weird, but still pretty good. The calamari was excellent. The sauce was great and the crispness was perfect. Our entrees were incredible. Mine was the scallops which were quite salty, but they were over a creamy risotto which was perfect. I'm definitely a fan of the Brussel sprouts on the side which I believe were cooked with pancetta.
(4)Amy S.
Really good food. The service wasn't as attentive as I'd hoped. The portions are very generous - I had the salmon crusted in potato and literally couldn't finish it. Would definitely go again if I went back to SLC.
(4)Rumesha A.
I was staying at the Hotel Monaco and came in for dinner - The Blue Cheese Chips - I would avoid them. Dripping with oil and with melted blue cheese on them. It was a heart attack on a plate and not even worthy dying for! All I could taste was the oil - The lamb chops - for $46, I expected an amazing dish. The lamb was cooked well (medium rare) but there was definitely a heavy hand on the salt on the kale chips. The aioli was heavy and distracting - a lighter sauce would have paired with the lamb - Flourless chocolate cake - this was pretty good and I was loath to leave a few bites on my plate. All the desserts were top notch - Service was attentive and courteous. Our server wasnt very knowledgeable on the wine list but definitely knew his food. I'll try another meal but I'm sure Salt Lake City has a better restaurant for me to sample.
(3)Stephen L.
Amazing dinner with my favorite wine: Charles Krug Carb... Loved the appetizer, main dish and dessert. The service is great, we we're put in the VIP/isolated room so it's not noisy and we could have our own conversation. This is one of the best restaurant in SLC. We started with the appetizer of the chips (Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips), really good... then I ordered the duo for the main dish, which covers the ribs and bacon-covered-tenderloin (could not go wrong with bacon), it's just perfect ! Again, on the overall, it was an excellent dinner !
(5)Jenny J.
Tuna tartar was superb. Just had sushi the night before and it didn't do it for me. Not that this was sushi but this meal experience helped to offset the average meal that I had the night before. My entree was the goat cheese ravioli with mushrooms. I just didn't feel like a meat dish even though the steak that my companion had looked delish. Didn't matter as the ravioli was a hit for me and just the dish that I was craving. Very flavorful without being overly salty or heavy. Mango pana cotta for desert was just the right ending. I was very full but the choices for desert were just too good to pass up. I recommend and give this place a solid 4 star except that they screwed with my bill. I paid the tip in cash and they somehow added an extra 40 bucks to my bill. They gave me a bogus explanation that it was some systems error. BS and a terrible end to what was an enjoyable meal.
(3)Christopher L.
I've eaten here several times and I believe that is one of the best restaurants in Salt Lake City. The last time I visited Bambara I had Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with saffron sauce for an appetizer and pan seared duck served with risotto for an entree. All food was prepared and served to the highest standard.
(5)Krystal M.
Wonderful dinner. I was staying in the hotel and dined here on a Sunday evening. Our waiter David was very helpful and knowledgeable. We had the corn bisque which really was fantastic, just a little rich. We then had the filet mignon and scallops for entrees. Scallops were divine! We were tired the night we ate here so opted for just a glass of wine each, and was pleasantly surprised to see a good "by the glass" menu and opted for the Caymus Conundrum. Kept dessert simple with sorbet. Overall very pleased with this meal and dining experience. Best so far in SLC.
(4)Lynette D.
This seemed like a great choice we were hungry and it is in our hotel although very pricy. Our waiter Jason was just amazing no matter what the food he made the experience a 5 star ...if there was a waiter option star he would get a 5 The wine a pinot noir was very nice can't recall the name but it was suggested by Jason and was very good $12 a glass one of the least expensive but very good Starter we decided on the duck toast it was very tasty and presentation was great ..it was a little busy because there was so much going on on the plate ..but if you pushed everything aside and focused on the duck on the toast it was over salted and seemed like it was cooked several days ago and then reheated ..if you cook a lot you will get this and I understand a restaurant can not cook everything "today"but it seemed more than a day or two old. The over salted is also a good sign of this. Also the frothy thing is over just don't Seared Maine Scallops we decided to split this and it was nice they split this for us on our own plates The pungent smell that comes with not so fresh scallops was overwhelming and almost turned me against the entire plate. if it smells this strong there is something just wrong with the entire thing, where they frozen and thawed? I realize we are not on a coast here but OMG it was just overbearing. I did eat one then I just gave the plate to my husband who didn't want it either. The brussel sprouts were undercooked and the pork belly was cold like an after thought..oh yeah just throw that on top cold maybe no one will notice. I didnt' even eat the risotto so I can not comment on this part. Again a buy plate and simplicity can often be the best part of a plate I would have rather had one great scallop than 4 smelly ones covered in all kinds of things I am not even clear what most of it was. $41 no thank you I would not order this again The free bread OMG the best part of the meal .... this bread is so good I would have just had the wine and free bread all night ...however they bring this spread that I tired thinking it looked good ...it was horrible. I told my husband "I can't quite put my finger on what it is but it seems like something left over the chef was not quite sure what to do with so he did this" when I asked Jason what exactly it was he said it was a mixture of hummus and some other beans with something, something ...I knew it ! OMG just don't ...if you need to make something to go with such a spectacular bread just do a whipped butter with a simple herb ..sometimes simplicity is a perfect answer. Desset Chocolate cake with ice cream and toffee ..perfect! clearly they have this portion of the meal perfect. This was amazing Also it was our Lexi (puppy) 4th birthday and we asked Jason what he could do for her that we could take back to the room for her. He put a scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped it with a puff pasty little crispy thing that was perfect ! The only thing was Lexi tired with all her 5 pounds of might to eat it in one bite ! welcome to her first brain freeze which we realized was happening when she fell onto her side licking her lips and got up and only licked the rest of it !! LOL not funny but we all remember that first brain freeze right !
(3)Nancy B.
Terrific meal, great setting, and service to match. Best beet salad I've had, with both golden and red beets, combined with extra creamy goat cheese and a very special vinaigrette. I loved that they let me switch out a different vegetable to accompany the potato crusted salmon. Just perfect.
(5)Bowdoin S.
Bambara is conveniently located in downtown Salt Lake City in the Hotel Monaco and fortunately there is a lot of parking options nearby. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with some nice lounge music playing in the background which fortunately was not too loud. I had lunch here and started out with the silky corn bisque at the suggestion of my waiter and I was not disappointed. It takes a lot for a soup to impress me and this soup was very tasty and well balanced. There is some nice heat that works well with the sweet taste of the corn which was not overpowering. There was a decent amount of the crab which added some nice texture. I had to try the beet salad which was really good. First of all, the presentation was exquisite with the nice colors of the golden and ruby beets with the mandarin orange slices (and I think grapefruit) in the periphery. One of my pet peeves with many beet salad offerings is when there is too much arugula and not enough beets, but they give a great abundance of high quality beets here, but the chef gives an abundant amount of both golden and red beets which are well cooked and extremely tasty. There was some nice acidity provided by the orange vinaigrette and citrus as well. The walnuts added some nice texture as well. My only criticism was that the goat cheese was a little too runny, but the dish was really good. My server Mike was knowledgable, friendly, and on top of things, and I look forward to my next visit where I can explore more of the menu.
(4)Rod S.
We came here for brunch before the Opera. It's not $3 mimosas. But, that's not what you come here for. You come here for fine dining, excellent service and hopefully very good food. You can pretty much assume most hotels have "hotel" food. That's competent food done by the numbers that's somewhat overpriced. Fortunately, Kimpton hotels break the mold. I've always had well prepared food worth the price. In Utah, the cocktails are over priced, but decent. There are more trendy places and arguably better values at other very good places downtown, but nothing really embodies grand dining and elegance as well. I've been here for dinner with the wife recently as well. It was also up to snuff. You can spend more at Grand America, but I find it all to sterile there. Over the years Hotel Monaco has been through ups and downs. Probably more downs than ups. I'm thrilled it's in an up phase.
(4)Sarah V.
An expensive restaurant by Salt Lake City standards. We were in the old Chairmans office for small groups - it's a gorgeous room. The servers were attentive and knew the menu well. I ordered the pork chops and it was succulent and superb. Friends ordered the fries with blue cheese appetizer and it looked pretty amazing. My husband ordered the ravioli but found the pasta to be tough. Overall this is a lovely but pricey upscale restaurant for special occasions. Overall most of the entree's ordered by our group were popular.
(4)Heather B.
Superb service, divine cuisine, great atmosphere! Everything we tried was delicious. We went for dinner. Staff was very friendly and service was impeccable. Thank you for offering something unique in SLC.
(5)Christopher K.
Talk about a classy restaurant that I could eat all three of my daily meals in, every day, for weeks on end, and never get sick of it. Bambara is that restaurant. I'm not kidding when I say I was so spoiled spending a week in Salt Lake City, staying at the Hotel Monaco, and having Bambara right there at my disposal all day every day. Everything I ate here was amazing - breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and of course, small plates at the bar on late, late nights. This place has it all. A great variety of dishes prepared with the very best of ingredients, all thoughtfully prepared down to the smallest detail. Breakfast was probably my favorite meal, and I loved mixing it up every day. I'm not a big pancakes guy, but I had to try them here. Boy, did they deliver. I'll still never understand why pancakes are pitched as an entree and not a side. Does anyone really need a giant stack of pancakes? I mean, after a few bites, I'm like, "I get it. Pancakes are good." A few bites are all I really need. A stack of pancakes, to me, seems like equivalent of eating a 30-egg omelette, or a box of donuts. I could only finish half a plate. And by all means get a side of their homemade pork breakfast sausage which was out of this world. I'll never be able to order sausage in a NJ diner again. Even the simple salads are good. My first meal at Bambara was a salad. I remember the bartender coming up to me, asking me how it was, and I said, "if they can do a salad this good, I can't wait to try everything else on the menu." Indeed. If you are in Salt Lake City and do not grab a bite here at some point, you will be missing out.
(5)R A.
New Menu: I had the duck. It was probably the best duck I have ever had. It wasn't chewy which duck can be at times. Appetizer was fantastic. Beet salad was also 5 star. Try the new menu.
(5)Alice C.
Th is a really nice fine dinning experience in SLC. Let's start with food, solid new American cuisines. The style here are slightly unique. Instead of highlighting one ingredient, they do at least a couple. Portion are generous. Butter lettuces, very fresh with excellent light gorgonzola dressing 9/10 My friend got a really good pork tenderloin and pork belly dish, 8/10 I got the chicken and tiger prawns, chicken slight dry, tiger prawn was very good 8/10 Drink, decent selection on local beer, decent wine selection, cocktails are very good, but pricey at $12-$15 per drink. Service was top notch that evening as we were two snow bums who just walked in. The restaurant layout are open where you can see all the kitchen actions, the black and white color theme of the place is elegant but not overly stuffy. After splitting a salad, one entree and two cocktails, I am short $70, not bad compare to the bay area dinning scenes. Nice place to take your date or feed your hungry stomach.
(4)Christopher M.
Great lunch spot located inside the Monoco Hotel. Food is good & the drinks are even better. Also, The Vault lounge attached to them is amazing!
(5)M A.
As I have come to detest Cocina Toscana, I have come to LOVE Bambara. Great food, good service, good atmosphere. Music is just right, not to loud etc. Great spot. Prices are a bit higher but I think it's justified.
(5)Ruben A.
Lamb sliders for lunch! The lamb was fresh and moist. Too many times I've had lamb that has a gamey taste. When it's fresher and cooked properly, it's divine. The pesto and feta cheese were really a nice complement to moist lamb slider. LOVED the fries. They were fried with what seemed like thyme and rosemary. Whatever it was, the fries were some of the best i've ever had.
(5)Shawn F.
Pricey, at about $100 for 2, but probably the best meal I've ever had anywhere. We ended up stranded in Salt Lake City for a night and decided randomly to come here. We weren't disappointed! The service was friendly and attentive, but not intrusive. My finance and I split the Spinach salad, fried peppers, filet of beef, and crab mashed potatoes. Who would have thought you could put crab in mashed potatoes or fry lemons? The food was like a work of art, complex, full of flavor and beautiful to behold. The cocktails we had were delicious as well, and fairly strong. If we ever find our way back to Salt Lake City, this is where we'll go.
(5)James S.
This was a remarkable find in Salt Lake City. The restaurant compares well with the best names in New Orleans. We especially loved the presentations, which were simple but elegant, the superb sauces and the outstanding service we received from Brandon. He recommended memorable dishes to us. The corn bisque was creamy and subtly flavored. The crab stuffed peppers were from heaven. The wedge butter lettuce salad with Maytag blue cheese and bacon fresh and balanced. The lamb chops with fried kale were perfectly cooked, flavored and presented. Their mango sorbet cleaned the palate and was a perfect finish. We split everything and it was under $60 per person without alcohol. If you love quality food qo, enjoy and share.
(5)Kay P.
Lamb sliders! It's times like this where I wish I was greek. The lamb sliders are tender and moist. The bread taste lightly grilled which gives it a nice crunch. They give you condiments on the side but why bother!? Don't do it. You'll ruin a most perfect slider. The juices in the lamb keep everything from Getting dry and..why are you still reading this? Go get one and thank me later . Baaaaaa says the lamb
(5)Ellie B.
Every now an again you just need to treat yourself to beautifully crafted food that is as delicious as it is beautiful. My husband an I celebrated out anniversary there an everything we had from wine, bread, crab stuffed peppers, roasted chicken to sea bass was incredible!! We luckily ate slow an had room for a little dessert. The FILO an cherries was amazing but the sorbet is what really topped it off for me! Ask to be seated in Taylor's section an your dining experience will be enhanced to joyous an you will feel like old friends netting for the very first time. If I'm ever back in Salt Lake I will be ratting here again!!
(5)Selwa L.
The Pinot noir poached salmon was amazing! This was the best meal I had all week during our stay in Salt Lake City. Very nice restaurant and despite being one of the dressier options downtown, they were very accommodating to our family and our baby. Our server brought her a side of blueberries so she could eat something along with everyone else in our party. (She won't sit still in a high chair unless she has food). Delicious. Would definitely eat here again. The food was better than the steak we had eaten the night before and less expensive! I was also able to go into the hotel lobby nearby and nurse my baby which was convenient.
(5)Lana K.
Great lunch spot, and far more affordable than the dinner prices. There's hardly ever people in the bar and when there is, it's always good conversation. Bartender is knowledgeable and happy to help.
(5)Kiki P.
Breakfast: Average and overpriced I ordered the Bambara Benedict which contains Smoked Pork, Breakfast Potatoes, and Chervil Hollandaise. I did not really enjoy this dish very much. The Hollandaise sauce was extremely rich and creamy. It was just too much. I also ordered a side of Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, extra crispy and this was delicious. The server did follow through with my request of extra crispy bacon which I appreciated. I ordered a slide of fruit as well and I really liked how they sliced the fruit very finely. Value: I think this restaurant is extremely overpriced for breakfast. Five dollars for a glass of orange juice is a bit absurd. My brunch came out to about $30 bux, which is a bit pricey for food that is just average. Dinner: Pretty good food, but still overpriced I went to Bambara with a large dinner party and we ordered the following appetizers: - Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips - Hamachi Crudo, Green Apple, Cabbage, Horseradish Sour Cream Kilauea Black Sea Salt, Walnut Oil - Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Garlic~Saffron Butter - Crispy Fried Calamari, Shishito Peppers, Fried Lemon, Sriracha Aioli - Hawaiian Tombo Tuna Tartare, Pinenuts, Pomegranate, Yuzu, Shallot My favorite of the above dishes would definitely be the tuna tartare. The rest of the dishes were average. The Hamachi crudo sounds like an interesting and unique dish, but I personally liked the tuna tartare better. My second course consisted of the Fuji Apple Salad, Belgian Endive, Watercress, St. Andre Cheese Toast, Spiced Pecans, served with Port Vinaigrette. I enjoyed this salad and would order it again. My third course included the Seared Diver Scallops, Wild Rice Risotto, Warm Frisée Bacon Mushroom Salad, and Porcini Mushroom Butter. I also ordered a side of Bacon Brussels Sprouts which went very well with this meal. The scallops were fresh and well cooked. For dessert, I had the Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake served with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, and Buttercrunch Toffee. I was disappointed in this cake. Did not like it very much. The toffee tasted stale. I also tried the truffle sampler which was a little better than the cake. Overall, I can't say this enough but this restaurant is significantly overpriced. You can probably find BETTER food for HALF the price elsewhere!
(3)Jereme L.
I had the duck entrée with the fennel salad and tuscan kale and red swiss chard. All of it was just simply amazing! I am a huge fan of duck and if it's not cooked right can often be dry. Not the case for my meal here, it came out the correct temperature and had a great taste profile. What really blew me away was how good the sides were and how well they paired with the duck. Some of the best food I had while in SLC!!!
(5)Scott W.
Wow. This is the best place I have eaten in a long time! House salad was amazing and the filet was even better. Stop here if you are in town!
(5)Sean W.
Amazing meal and service, very inviting dining room, cozy. We started with the blue cheese chips, try eating only one. The calamari was perfectly cooked served with amazing fried lemons. The scallop and tuna tartare were super fresh, however could have used a bit of heat. The cast iron mussels were beyond, so good, amazing broth. My steak was cooked perfectly, very large portion. My friends gnocchi with short ribs was mouthwatering, so flavorful. This was the best meal I've had in SLC in a very long time, years.
(4)Kayla M.
This is one of our favorite places to eat in all of Salt Lake City! There are so many great things about this restaurant, the food, the service, the wine list... I could go on and on. We fist went here for my boyfriend's birthday and were so impressed by the food and the atmosphere that it quickly became our go to spot for special occasions. Our two favorite dishes here are the filet mignon and the halibut, both are amazing! We love the Ball Buster wine and often purchase a whole bottle. The atmosphere is upscale, white linen table cloths and waiters in black vests. It's fairly intimate and would be a great place for a romantic dinner, however it's not really what I'd call mood lighting. The restaurant is set up so that almost anywhere you sit you have a view of the city out the windows. Even though it's on street level, it's fun to see what's going on out on the city street. The service is good and the waiters are attentive, just what you'd expect from a nicer place. We love their bar area too!!
(5)Aran S.
Great service! Cocktails could use some work, though. A bit noisy & bright too. Dim the lights in the main room!
(4)M P.
Didn't meet my expectations. The corn soup was the best part of the meal. Good wine selection and service. Food was just ok. Maybe it was an off night.
(3)Rosie T.
I love this place! My favorite drink is "The Monoco" it's a must try! It's a vodka with espresso and coffee liqueur! I have enjoyed the food and environment so far, and their bar The Vault is small but quite nice as well! I hope all of you have a an awesome time here :).
(5)John H.
It's been a long time since I have had a 5 star meal and I had to travel for work to find it. Bambara is located centrally in SLC within an old bank attached to the Monaco hotel. Brennan (sp) was our server who guided us thru the meal. Our group started with a variety of appetizers include the ahi tartare, calamari, stuffed and roasted poblano peppers. All were prepared and served perfectly. Next courses included watermelon salad, a beet salad and greens. All were very fresh, crisp and nicely presented. Very good flavors. Mains included the scallop dish, pork tenderloin and lamb t-bones. It hard to believe that there exists such a high level of consistency from any kitchen. These folks have it nailed. Incredible flavors and perfectly prepared. Your wish was the command. The only thing I would change would be a bit more of a wine list selection. However, those represented were all well chosen. All in all, it was worth the plane flight for the meal. Many thanks to the kitchen, our server (if I have his name close) and the rest of the staff for such good dishes and service. I will certainly be back. Tell your friends! Thank you
(5)Jay G.
This is the best overall, all-purpose, eatery in SLC. I usually stay in the Hotel Monaco when I'm in town and this place is partly why. The breakfast is stellar, the lunch is inventive, and the dinner ranges from white table cloth dining to a great place to dine with the game on at the bar. The deconstructed cob salad sounds gimmicky but it's Oh so good. The burger with red wine sauteed onions, just melts in your mouth. The breakfast is just bang on. You can't be disappointed with anything here, minus the slightly inflated check awaiting the end of your meal... but it's worth it.
(5)Beny Q.
This place looked different when I saw it in person as opposed to when I read about it online. Online it seemed like a casual place with good food, but when I saw the corner of the building as I was going to eat I saw that this place got fancier and fancier. The place is really fancy, the food is very tasty, and the waiter we talked to was the nicest person ever!
(4)Carl B.
The bisque! Eat it and love it. Also, the atmosphere and service was exemplary. I would reccomend to anyone looking for a fancy night out.
(4)Jay B.
Hard to beat. Best dinner in Salt Lake. I've been here at least 20-30 times. Staff is excellent and the place is very cool and modern. Def $$$.
(4)Bethany F.
Bambara is a truly lovely restaurant that anyone should feel relaxed in. Jake really made our dinner. He's got great suggestions without the overbearing style of service. The food is seriously top notch. Giant mussels in an amazing "manhattan" sauce, crab bisque, seared duck breast, and filet.. Nothing ceased to please. Thanks guys, it was incredible!
(5)Judy L.
came to bambara on thursday night. the service was impeccable, but the food was inconsistent. started off with the house potato chips with blue cheese and crab stuffed peppers, both very delicious. the scallops with corn risotto was also very well prepared. my entree was the ribeye with bone marrow and frites, requested black and blue. i was very disappointed with my dish. 1. the ribeye was very inconsistently cooked, cut into strips, and fanned out. the outer pieces were rare, but the inside pieces were medium and well done. not sure how this happened. 2. cutting the steak into strips dried the steak out, and it looks like it was cut, then cooked some more. 3. the bone marrow was COLD. it was like eating a stick of gritty butter. i asked the waiter whether this was a new style of eating bone marrow, he told me it was supposed to be hot. immediately brought me a properly cooked bone marrow which was delicious. didn't bother fixing the steak because the compound butter made the stake taste fine, i just prefer my beef very very rare. i would think that a restaurant of this caliber and $$$ would be much better at preparing a dish that they "highly recommend" as being a "customer favorite."
(3)Guy B.
Of all the fine restaurants in downtown Salt Lake City, Bambara may be the finest. Situated on the ground floor of the Hotel Monaco, Bambara is the home of executive chef Nathan Powers, possibly the most talented culinary mind in the state. During our recent visit to Bambara, we enjoyed several menu items, including the bleu cheese house cut potato chips and the cast iron roasted clams for appetizers, and the gnocchi with vegetable ragout and cast iron seared chicken and shrimp for entrees. Let me tell you something, these dishes, and all of the others on the menu, are absolute knockouts. The bleu cheese potato chips alone are worth a visit. The chips are crisp and the bleu cheese is the real deal. They don't skimp on the cheese, so be careful with this one. Come hungry! As for the clams, they are topped with a delicious mix of chopped roasted peppers, fennel and garlic, and a touch of pesto, all served in a delightful broth. Toasted bread is served on the side to sop up the broth. The entrees we ordered were awesome. The gnocchi is creamy, and the vegetable ragout provides a lovely complement. The red pepper sauce is really interesting, it's light and does not dominate the dish, as is often the case with gnocchi offerings. The chicken and shrimp are really well seasoned, perfectly cooked and served on a bed of garlicky chard and polenta. The dish is topped with delicately sliced onion rings that are lightly breaded in blue corn flour. Everything is done so well, it makes me want to sob. The service is always very attentive and prompt at Bambara, and the atmosphere is mellow and comfortable. I really have no complaints about this place. They took care of my wife and I last year when it was our 19th anniversary celebration, and I think we will go back there for our 20th. This place is top notch, a go-to restaurant for just about any occasion.
(5)Dmitry K.
Good, not great and over-priced. At these prices, steak should arrive exactly as ordered. We ordered medium-rare and got rare. The meat was fine, but not excellent. Beautiful space, good service. I prefer trying local/not chain, but Capitol Grille would have been a much better choice for the same money.
(3)Emily G.
Their lunch specials here are usually pretty good and come with an amazing turtle cookie - bonus! And by that, I mean a chocolate chip cookie with caramel and pecans, not a turtle-shaped cookie, if that was a deal-breaker for you. The blue-cheese house potato chips may shorten your lifespan, but you know...worth it. The steak salad is a little pricey, but IMO the best thing on the menu. I'd get that or a lunch special. The seared ahi tuna is also very good - I believe the tuna is flown in from the coast fresh daily.
(4)Denise L.
I don't get the great reviews for this place. We had the ruby and golden beet salad, which was pretty good. We ordered the scallops and steak for entrees, which were tasty but the portions were so small. Waiter was good and attentive at the start, then didn't show up for 20 minutes. I get that some people like the decor but it just doesn't work for me. Summary: Food: good, but small portions. Good cocktail list. Atmosphere: average Service: mediocore Won't be back. Too expensive for a B- experience.
(2)Beann P.
The ambience and decor are very nice! My only complaint is the cramped table seating! The server was polite by checking on us and taking drink orders. I ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare, Organic Quinoa, Avocado, Fresno Chili, Basil, Black Olive Creme Fraiche, Gaufrette Potato and the Organic Mixed Baby Lettuces, Smoked Utah Trout Crostini, Cider Vinaigrette. Neither were very appetizing needless to say. The Ahi Tartare did not have the unique, delicious taste to match Cheesecake Factory's and the salad was mediocre to say the least. The smoked Utah trout crostini looked like a piece of hard bread with paste slightly slathered on top. To top it off the waiter did not ask if five women wanted to split the check and brought over one whole tab. I was very unhappy to see an extra dollar added to my bill when reviewing my bank account, in which I called the manager and he promptly researched and credited the difference in one day. It's not about the money, but I wanted to let him know if servers were skimming tips which I've heard in other establishments (Brio). Nice place, mediocre food. P.S. Ask for validation so you only have to pay $5 for your valet instead of $10 (Pricey but I guess that's downtown for you)
(3)MaryPat K.
Had a business lunch here the other day. It was Wednesday and I had the special - mussels. They were so good! And the amazing cookie they gave me for dessert was yummy! I really enjoy the caliber of service and quality of food here every time I go!
(5)Jessie M.
Perfect for Sunday brunch! Great portions, decent price for the quality. Mimosas for $7! I'm in.
(5)Stephanie I.
I had prosciutto wrapped trout and potatoes. The food was so over salted that it ruined the meal. The blue cheese Potatoe chips were a bit greasy. I felt the food was overpriced and the server less than engaging. I am not one to complain but I hope the chef pays attention to what is being served. I've dined here before and it was very good.
(3)Kimya P.
Not cheap. Definitely delicious. $130 for the two of us (bill included a $38 bottle of wine). For appetizers: We had the crab stuff peppers resting in a pool of saffron infused butter - heavenly. Even more tasty were the blue cheese chips -- fatty melted helpings of blue cheese on top of perfectly toasted potato chips. For my entree: I had the salmon with the horseradish mashed potatoes - it was all pretty much perfect. The fish was cooked well, the peas were fresh, and the mashed potatoes creamy. Really, one creamy forkful after another. While I generally don't like to eat at hotel restaurants, Bambara is an exception worth noting and experiencing.
(4)Erica E.
We celebrated our anniversary here and had a wonderful experience. The chefs were very accommodating and even made baby food for our little one. Highly recommend, wish we lived closer to this restaurant, we would definitely go back!
(5)Jen D.
There for a business buffet dinner/meeting. Server was removing food without asking if we were done. Had a lot of leftovers that we paid for but the server Riley was extremely rude and said we could not take any leftovers with us because the food had been sitting out for 2 hours. Glad they feel it is necessary to waist food while so many people in he world are starving. Would not recommend, extremely RUDE service. And actually undesirable food.
(1)John S.
Not sure why we waited so long to try out this place. Very knowledgeable server. We got the corn chowder which was the perfect temperature. The filet was so tender. The pork loin was bliss. If you are looking for a nice fine dining experience with genuinely caring service, go here! Great wine list! They even have half bottles. The open kitchen adds flare to what might otherwise feel too formal. Very solid.
(5)Will C.
The best pan seared chicken I have ever had ! Pricey but reasonable. Overall I would highly recommend. Adults only
(5)Howie O.
Great power lunch or dinner spot to take business customers to. Atmosphere is really nice in this restaurant, I was impressed. I have tried a bunch of items on the menu and haven't found anything I didn't like.
(4)Jason C.
I went to this restaurant tonight with some colleagues for a business dinner. Our waiter was polite and very helpful. He recommended the scallops as his favorite item on the menu. That is what I ordered and I was blown away by how perfectly they were cooked and how tasty they were. I wish it would've come with more than five scallops but those five were like heaven! For dessert he recommended the turtle pie. I ordered that as well and found it to be a nice ending to the meal. It was rich but not overly so. All in all I was very happy with my experience tonight.
(5)Jenna W.
As Salt Lake City would have it, it's very difficult to find a celebration-worthy restaurant open on a Sunday evening. Thankfully, we were able to celebrate my birthday at Bambara. We made reservations just a few hours in advance, and they had special printed menus wishing me a happy birthday! Overall, the service was attentive, but did slow as our evening progressed. Bambara is a beautiful establishment to spend a celebratory evening. Now, on to the food! We had the the Blue Cheese Potato Chips. I do love me some home-made potato chips! And, the blue cheese made the dish really unique. As my main, I ordered the Chicken and Shrimp. While the dish was delicious, I do think it could have benefited from a sauce of some sort. My husband picked the better main - the Pork Tenderloin. Perfection! To finish, we had some version of chocolate molten cake for dessert which was nicely made. We had an amazing evening and already plotting our next trip back! Thanks for being open on a Sunday!
(5)A Z.
Solid 4 stars. Lovely bistro in the Hotel Monaco. Inviting entrance with open kitchen is a great precursor for your appetite. Few but appetizing and flavorful menu options. I got the crab stuffed peppers which were delicious, and the butter lettuce salad which was wonderful, light and crisp, tasted very fresh. For entree I chose the duck with watercress and pomegranate sauce. The duck was done perfectly well for my liking, and it was so flavorful and rich it may have been the best prepared duck I've ever had. The flavors on the plate were interesting, I enjoyed the pomegranate medley which I was interested to see how it would contrast with the rest of the dish. Didn't have time for dessert this round, but there were a few options I wished I could have tasted! Service was good, our server made sure to return and fill our drinks before they were empty, which I very much appreciate. Give this venue a go if you are looking for a treat for your taste buds.
(4)Leah B.
Bad. You guys, so bad. I feel like they are trying to be "inventive" whilst still pleasing the Utah crowd that wants big plates, because what we had was atrocious. The tuna tartare. I have nothing against quinoa. I like it. But why it was blended in with the already bland tuna, makes no sense. Let's take some of our bland fish (fyi don't thin tuna is bland, this just was) and mix it with some other bland shiz. The wedge: fine. You wanna get creative and use butter leaf? God speed. But why must you use ginormous slabs of bacon?? It's a salad! These "sides of inch thick bacon had no place on my wedge. A wedge is a classic. No need to get fancy, you screwed it up. Now for my chicken. I NEVER order chicken but the sides sounded tasty. The potatoes were gummy and my chard was gritty enough that I had to send it back. It came back. Still gritty. The chicken had ZERO flavor. The waiter tried to give us dessert on the house but we just had to get out. I've been here for lunch and enjoyed myself, but dinner was BAD. Our server was nice.
(1)Victoria H.
I ate at Bambara a year ago and thought it was good but not great. Last week when a high profile business opp came into town, the hosting sales team chose Bambara from a list of other great places. I maintain my good but not great rating. Our waiter did nothing to promote or recommend great dishes. He was put out by having to answer questions. We were lucky he came through to check our drinks, 15 or 20 min beyond consumption. When our meals were delivered we had to play musical chairs and were delighted when those who ordered steaks cooked to differing tastes landed in the right place. For this kind of money, you can do far batter.
(3)Chelle T.
Perfect spot to grab a sit-down lunch. Bambara offers a tantilizing menu with great options. I kept it light and ordered the organic mixed green baby lettuce salad with walnuts, goat cheese and orange vinaigrette - delicious! Several things on the menu looked tempting, though. My dining companion opted for the cobb salad and gave it two thumbs up. The server knew the menu and offered helpful suggestions. I'm looking forward to returning to sample more.
(3)Maria B.
Great dinner, good service. Portions are medium to large so don't over order, unless you want to take some home, nice atmosphere and never a long wait. Order dessert for sure, not the usual fair, they've made a solid effort at creating a dessert menu as diverse as the entrée menu. Pana cotta and crème brûlée trio's are divine.
(5)Nick B.
I was pleased with everything. The salad was great it was light and fresh with peaches. My entre was to die for. I had the scallops with risotto and it was full of flavors. This dish was also very fresh tasting and not too heavy. For desert we shared their ice cream sandwich and again I loved it. Great experience with great service but mosg important part for me shunned... The meal. As a signed my wife got the steak and fries and it was only ok for the price. Mine though was everything and more.
(5)Andrew S.
My most recent trip to Bambara was decent, and not nearly as good as past experiences I have had here. I got seared elk, and my partner got steak and frittes. The elk was presented beautifully but the dish was a little bland - especially compared to the bites of fillet I was able to steal of my BF's plate. With that said though, it seemed strange for his steak to be paired with shoe string french fries served in a wax paper stand you'd expect to see at a fancy burger place. We also ordered a side of risotto which was very bland. We also ordered two deserts - both were rather forgettable. Creme brulee is my favorite desert and hard to mess up, but the creme brulee we were served had very little caramelized sugar and it hadn't been torched properly so it was soft and grainy. Our other desert was a ginger cake of some kind; the cake was EXTREMELY dry, as if it had been made two days before or something and we didn't finish it. For what it's worth, the service was very good - appropriately attentive, good feedback when asked for advice on the menu, etc.
(3)Jennifer F.
Andrew is my new favorite server, and the location is amazing! The decor is remarkable and they make great use of the old bank that it once was! The food is truly exquisite: we started with the cheese tray and the espresso sprinkled cheese was incredibly unique and delicious. The bread was really great! The crab stuffed peppers were very good and this come from someone who could leave crab alone. The Idaho wrapped Idaho Trout is well worth it. The bacon sauteed Brussels Sprouts are amazing. The garlic mashed are good, not to die for but good. And then there was the hummus was really good. This was a truly great meal and I will be back!
(5)Joe N.
Simply delicious. The best tuna tartare I've ever had. Also, possibly the best lamb I've ever eaten. Chief perfectly and the sauce was phenomenal. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys Good. Will definitely be back
(5)Emad S.
Ordered the beef filet, the flavors were very good although the meet was not as tender as other steakhouses I've been to when traveling overseas. Also had the chocolate desert, very rich and beautiful. I do recommend this place and would go there again to try some more of their dishes.
(4)Steve M.
The food was fantastic. You've got to try the blue cheese chips. The scallops were awesome! My friend ordered the chicken and he raved about it the entire meal. Nice ambience. A little pricey but the food was great.
(5)Jeffrey W.
I definitely have mixed feelings about Bambara. They had great service and the ambiance and decor was excellent, but the food was quite disappointing. First of all, we tried the blue cheese potato chips, which had been recommended by a friend of my date. They were definitely sui generis, and a very interesting flavor. However, the chips became quite soggy after only a few minutes and thereafter became somewhat inedible. As an appetizer, I ordered the corn bisque and very much enjoyed it. It came in a quite substantial serving size and was sweet but not too sweet. It was also quite rich. My date had a salad, but I cannot personally comment on its quality, as I did not try it. For our entrees, I had the pumpkin ravioli and my date had the potato gnocchi. The pumpkin ravioli was the greatest disappointment of the night for me. The ravioli had nary a taste of pumpkin and the ravioli itself lacked in consistency and texture. It appeared to be slightly overcooked and did not have any distinctive flavor. In contrast, my date's potato gnocchi was quite good. The gnocchi mixed quite well with the arugula and the wild mushrooms. The sauce was notable but not overpowering. This dish, as with the corn bisque comes recommended. Overall, I would give them high marks for ambiance and decor but low marks for inconsistent food quality (especially at the prices charged). Thus, 3 out of 5 stars. .
(3)Scott G.
Great service and probably the best meal I've had in SLC while visiting over the past year. Try the mussels they are actually very tasty super fresh
(5)H Y.
I ordered salmon and it was cold when it arrived because it was sat out for a long time. It took about an hour to get my food. My husband ordered chicken and he liked this dish. Probably won't be back. Not worth the money.
(3)Brent W.
Let me start with saying that 3yrs ago the lamb shank I had here topped my list of favorites. Sine then I have been back twice. I ordered the Blue Cheese potato chips as an appetizer = Very Good The pear and almond salad = Very Good The New York strip medium = Poor (well done on the outside 1/4", charred, and medium in the middle, my guess is they cooked it cold). Brussel sprouts = just Nasty! Salty, under cooked, Horrid flavor. My wife ordered the Pork Tenderloin, with Hush puppies. The pork was tough, and the hush puppies tasted like they used old or rancid cooking oil. Normally I finish everything on my plate, it was so bad I couldn't even finish half of it. No, we didn't complain, and we still tipped our waitress well. It was all just so bad, I didn't know how I could politely complain.
(3)Katrina N.
I am already a fan of the Kimpton Hotel properties, but have to give them extra credit for have a remarkably good on-site restaurant in Salt Lake City. I had heard things about their brunch and wanted to try it too, but we had much too much fun (and too much food) at dinner. Now I have to go back :)
(4)Mike D.
This is absolutely one of my favorite places to dine in Utah. They have a unique menu which includes lots of local food and unique dishes like Buffalo. But more importantly, they know how to create a dining experience. I recently dined here on my teenage daughter's birthday. I forgot to make a reservation and the restaurants in the city were filled because of a large event that was in town. I called Bambara on my way there and asked if I could get a table and noted that it was my daughter's birthday. They made room for me, and within the 15 minutes between my call and our arrival, they had a custom menu printed with my daughters name on it. It was an unexpected touch and led to a very memorable birthday dining experience.
(5)Jennifer B.
Service was not good. MUCH was lacking. My food was a bit better than average (chicken and shrimp), but others in my party had average food (steak, trout). Will not visit again.
(3)Lucy C.
High class, hidden gem inside an old downtown hotel. Well worth the price.
(5)Joseph M.
This place was amazing! Jake our server was the best. Very attentive but not pushy at all. We started with the Blue Cheese Chips and an off menu Clam appetizer and we both enjoyed both of them. Then I had the Sea Bass and my wife had the Pan Seared Chicken, both entree's were fabulous, we shared the Crab Mashed Potato's. So much flavor in every dish that was prepared. Don't grab for the salt and pepper before you taste your meal, it won't need it!!! Overall, just a great experience!!
(5)Julie K.
Bar food at best. I ordered the weirdest thing, homemade potato chips with blue cheese wtf? The brussels sprouts where the best thing on the menu... There are better places to dine..
(2)Pua P.
EXCELLENT FOOD. We had the Duck Toast appetizer, shared a filet of beef, and enjoyed the creme brulee trio with a glass of port. One of the better meals I've had in recent memory. Absolutely worth the price.
(5)James C.
My love affair with this restaurant goes back 10 yrs. I enjoyed my first meal, during a visit to SLC many years ago. I have since moved to SL from NY, and was amazed to see that Bambara was still a hot choice. I have had a number of meals, entertained guest from out town, and enjoyed cocktails in the Vault Bar. However, with time I have noticed server service, and food quality diminishing. This past Dec. while trying to enjoy holiday cocktails with a friend-table service in the bar area was horrible, and painfully slow. Food was just "ok". However today- was my worst experience. The restaurant was packed, ( probably because of Sundance) however, they were still able to seat me. I was seated by host, and left to sit, and sit, while staff personal glided by w/o so much as a "hello", or" I'll be with you shortly". Needless to say I felt stupid, and ignored. I hate it when restaurants ignore single diners and it seems to happen a lot more here in SLC. It's a shame with such limited choices there are in this town, that now, I have one less to select from......
(2)Sean F.
Great food, good portions, great location. Don't think, just go....
(4)Ilana K.
My new husband and I went here to celebrate our marriage together. I really liked the interior and decor. The appetizers were delicious, soup and calamari. The husband had the scallops which were delicious. Most of my meal was good as well. I had the duck, unfortunately the sides were good but the duck was really lacking. I ate 1 piece and had the husband try 1 and that was it. The server just took away the uneaten duck. The service was off, many times we looked for our server to order or for refills and it would be over 5 minutes before we got her attention. For a place that tries to be high class and the prices reflect it, it kind of missed the mark.
(3)Melissa C.
Sublime!!! Bambara is a must! I took my mom there for lunch the Saturday before Mother's Day and every thing was perfect. From the divine food to the superb service! We had Josh as our server and let's just say this man deserves a raise!!! He was wonderful! We asked if the juices had any added sugar and he went and checked all of them, (I saw him checking and reading the backs of the cartons) he returned and told us which ones were free from added sugars. He then continued throughout the entire meal to check for additives and such and informed us when something contained it, and offered a substitution. He went above and beyond! We asked some unusual dietary questions and if he didn't know he would say that's a good question and then go find out! He didn't just pretend and tell us a false answer. Amazing!!!! The food.........Out. Of. This. World. To call the chuck burger a burger is degrading! It is far superior to what the name implies! It is the best burger I have had in my entire life! I ordered it without the ciabatta roll, due to being gluten intolerant. I just ordered extra arugula. The Brie mixed with the bacon jam and freshly koshered and ground chuck is heavenly! The flavors just keep evolving in your mouth. It's astounding! The pickled vegetables on the side are fabulous, such flavor!!! I don't typically prefer pepperoncini peppers but these are full of flavor, sweet and wonderful along with the pickles and onions! (They are great with the side salad I substituted for the fries). The side salad had an apple cider vinaigrette that was so sweet and full of flavor, it was not the typical sharp vinaigrette that about knocks your socks off (and not in a good way). At the beginning of the meal I was looking at their TINY salt and pepper shakers and thought to myself, what good are these?!? Now I know......you don't need them! That's why they're tiny!! We then ordered sorbet. We got the coconut raspberry and the mandarin orange. Oh. My!!! As you are eating it you taste the sweetness and just as you are going in for the next bite you taste it.......fresh mandarin oranges, and I mean fresh!!!! Like you picked them up from a farmers market in California! The raspberry was good but I preferred the mandarin orange. I was so pleased with our experience that I cannot wait to go back! To the chef of Bambara...........if you don't have a Michelin star, you should!!! Such an amazing establishment!
(5)Jennifer S.
Amazing meal tonight at Bambara! Great atmosphere, attentive service and delicious food. We started with the blue cheese chips and they were definitely a great way to start off. I thoroughly enjoyed the pork tenderloin for my entree...the roasted peaches made the dish - delicious!
(5)Amy N.
Ate here for my 24th birthday this year with my fiance', his and my parents, and had a great time. We walked in to see that our menus were printed with "Happy Birthday Amy" and I nearly keeled over. So cool! I love that they'd personalize our experience there. I'm addicted to their Prosciutto-Wrapped Utah Trout. Absolutely amazing! It's pricy, but well worth the money. Definitely a great place for anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
(5)Hannah M.
Really fantastic. Breakfasts are great (especially if you're staying at the hotel). Dinners are equally great. The cheese plate (app) is all local and interestingly delicious. Main dishes are also great. Had the duck last night and will be going back again for it!
(5)Nikki C.
Bambara is so chic, the service is so good, decorated to perfection, and the food is superb to match. Even their iced tea is perfection. I love Bambara and go there for every special occasion. It never disappoints.
(5)Barry T.
Such a fun wait staff. I've had several good experiences here recently, and the kitchens are so willing to work with you and food allergies. The breakfast is a little on the more expensive side but the granola was really fantastic. Definitely on par with the good stuff I make back at home. The corn bisque for dinner was rather pleasing, and with a cheese plate (okay fine, there was an ice cream sandwich involved at the end as well... and two glasses of wine) - together made a nice light dinner after a rather strenuous ride up canyon park on a non-geared cruiser bike from the Monaco...
(4)Jamie W.
Party of 3 on a Saturday night. Had trouble deciding on a place to eat, and we are SO GLAD we landed on Bambara. We started off with a bottle of wine and a local cheese plate. Both of which were great pics. The atmosphere was cozy, and we could all focus on each other for conversation. We ordered the Pork Chop, filet, and chicken, each of which were masterfully presented and tasted divine. This was the best dinner I have ever had. I would recommend Bambara to anyone local to Salt Lake, or those there on vacation. The price of the meal was high, but it was right in line with how incredible it tasted. 5 starts hands down.
(5)Anne Marie S.
So I went with a co worker for lunch. Both of us were told , lunch prices are reasonable and dinner prices were high. The good: -We had a really good waiter, knew the menu well and was quick to attend tous. - The Corn Bisque was delicious!!!! Yes- delicious but it ended there. UPDATED: So the GM for Bambara reached out to me to understand why my visit was not good and invited me to come back to give them a second change. Well, if he cares enough to reachout to me, I will definitly give them a second chance. So I've edited my review to only highlight the positive and will update my review based on the second visit.
(2)Adrian B.
Went on a whim with my wife, brother, and sister in law. We were lucky and able to get a table with a quick call. We had a great time. Excellent food, great knowledgeable staff. Good atmosphere. Spendy but well worth it. I had the Potato Gnocchi and wow was it delicious, excellent texture and flavors. My wife was a little disappointed in her steak but I suspect she ordered it a bit too rare for the cut. It was solid.
(5)Kelly G.
I've lost count of the number of times I've dined at Bambara, 15? 20? Its always fantastic, for any meal, any time of day. I love dining in the private, wood paneled room in the back. Great for dinner parties, or more intimate get togethers. Always great service. Love the valet too!
(5)Loren W.
Corn bisque? More like a bowl of nacho cheese sauce. Cold bread and tasteless hummus. Hamachi smothered in flavored oil that overwhelmed the fresh fish. I played it safe with chicken, which wasn't bad. We wanted dessert but were too afraid of what horrible mess we would get, so we just left. Service was sub par and the hostess was clueless. I don't want to go back. I really had hope for this place.
(1)Dave F.
I had breakfast here 3 times and dinner, once on my last SLC journey. Breakfast is a solid 5 stars. Many mornings, I ran and came back wanting steel cut oats, OJ, good Coffee, a ton of water, wifi and a couple of egg whites on the side. By the way, I also requested fresh fruit on the oats. Sound high maintenance? Well maybe, yes. But, the restaurant delivered on all of this with prompt service, smiles and different crews each day. Breakfast is quiet and the ambiance is excellent. Everything is priced a little high, but not over the top. I will absolutely go back. But then there's Dinner: Solid 2 stars. Menu with very few items, especially if you want to eat light, like a seafood salad. I ordered a ceviche appetizer which was incredibly small and about $18. Entrees were $35 and up and there really wasn't anything simple. I was a little disappointed in the service and the restaurant was empty during a recent weeknight. Net-net, I left and had the "rest" of dinner elsewhere.
(3)Ray C.
I had 5 steaks during my stay in Utah, this was not only the worst one I had here, it was one of the worst I've ever had anywhere - wrong temp and zero flavor. Also, the grilled asparagus was burnt and tasted horrible, along with the free hummus they give you. Bad food for any price, absolutely terrible food for the prices they charge. Service was also slow, took about 45 minutes to get our food.
(1)Stephanie K.
Went there for mothers day brunch. Our reservation was at 1:15 and we were seated very quickly. We were asked whether we wanted a both our table and choose booth. We were told to start the buffet whenever we felt comfortable. My daughter and I went to the buffet and my husband stayed to order drinks. We were so packed in that the table beside and to the rear was blocking the entrance to the buffet room. Once we finally made it into the buffet room I was amazed at what a small buffet it was. They were or of shrimp, fruit and sausage. The elk sausage gravy was amazing and the biscuits really good. My daughter on the other hand did not find a lot to eat. The Internet said they would have ham and turkey Breast. The had new York strip roast instead of the ham. My daughter did enjoy the yogurt with house made granola and the fruit when it was finally replenished. She also got a piece of the steak roast and it was completely raw. She wanted rare and enjoys rare steak but this was still cold and raw. When we returned to the table we still did not have water or any drinks. The waiter finally came by and my husband and I ordered ice tea and my daughter got chocolate. When we received the ice tea or tasted funny. We finally asked the waiter and it was tropical tea. I wish he would have mentioned that before ordering. My husband finally was able to go to the buffet and he came back and had gotten the turkey which also was raw in the middle. The table beside us finally left and we were able to get to the buffet a little easier. As they say another a party at the table it got loud and crowded. The man who had seated then was rude to the table and also loud. The woman was yelling that out was a fire hazard to seat eleven people at that table and they were blocking the buffet room. She then started yelling at the server and calling people a**holes.... A lot of people. I had my daughter there and it was very uncomfortable. We finally wanted dessert and they were out of everything, éclairs, fruit tarts, mini cheesecakes and they just started taking trays off of the counter even though new people are being seated. We finally received our check and my daughter was charged as an adult, they charged is $4.00 for a hot chocolate which the server never stated that it was extra. So there went $150 that was completely unsatisfactory. Save your money when it comes to a buffet there. The man at the carving station did not even speak English so how does he even know what cut of meat or how we would like it cooked? Also my husband orders off of their alacart menu a salmon, they brought a lamb hash. None of us like lamb. Also when we wanted eggs from the alacart menu we were told they were no longer doing eggs...... Overall extremely disappointing!!
(1)Jenn K.
For our one night in SLC, we had dinner here, and was pleasantly surprised. Their service is very good, and everyone is so nice. We ordered the tuna tartare to start, which I found a bit too sweet for my taste, although boyfriend liked it a lot. I had the chicken breast, that I ordered primarily to get the chevre/truffle-oil mashed potatoes, which were super rich, and delicious. BF ordered the homemade tagliatelle with a cream/truffle oil sauce -- also super rich, but decadent. The semifreddo for dessert was very good as well.
(4)Christian A.
Came in near the end of their service for dinner and had the corn bisque, pork two ways (tenderloin and belly) and shishito peppers. I was pleasantly surprised by how fast the food arrived since I was famished. The meal began with the corn bisque which was silky smooth and rich. The sweetness of the corn and crab blended well with the richness of the broth and oils creating a really warm, comforting start to a meal. Seeing as how it was 23 degrees outside, this was a great start. It was slightly ok the salty side for me but I lapped it up nonetheless. The pork two ways came with hush puppies, a celery root purée and some julienned vegetables. The vegetables were delicious and had enough bite to them to provide a nice contrast to the protein which was super soft. The juices from the meat created a gravy which was delectable! The tenderloin was perfectly cooked medium and was super moist and soft. The chard provided a nice balance to the meal with its slight bitterness and complimented the rest of the items on the dish. The belly however, was not really to my liking with the exterior too crispy and hard to chew through. I personally like my belly to melt in my mouth but in this case, I had to chew quite a bit to get it through. It had the consistency of pulled pork, though some of the interior parts were nice and tender. The hush puppies were okay but nothing to write home about. While other could give this a 3 star review, the exceptional service is what set this meal apart. The staff is fantastic and I tip my hat to them. Would love to try the other dishes on the menu, including the duck. Looking forward to another visit.
(4)Draft M.
Delivered on expectations. Interesting combinations of flavors and a stylish experience --- well executed. Our group was in town on business and consulted Yelp to find this restaurant. We were not disappointed. Good place for a business dinner with your team or clients.
(4)Sierra B.
Incredible dessert, excellent service, creative menu items... but something is missing from the main menu offerings... they sound great but just don't quite deliver... could use a little more bold flavor and pizazz. There is great potential for this place, and I would come any day for dessert!
(3)Jennifer J.
The food is decent. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here. However, since we stayed at the hotel it was an easy choice. Service was good but food is pretty basic. Good but nothing worth noting. Breakfast was decent but again I wouldn't go out of my way to come here for that either.
(3)Peter L.
Visited SLC for work for 4 nights and ate here TWICE! Service was great, waitress explained in detail each dish we ordered and was very attentive throughout the night. First night, I ordered a Cedar Planked Adobo Salmon with salsa, the fish was cooked perfectly and can really taste the cedar plank aroma and along with the meal we opened a bottle of Saintbury Pinot Noir. Second night, ordered a Sauteed Prawn Fettucini with truffle sauce, good but not as good as the salmon. Restaurant was quiet and nicely spaced, we sat in the booths. Overall, thumbs up for this restaurant.
(4)Lexi S.
What a fabulous dining experience. Or first meal here was about 3 years ago and we left with no need to return. It was not memorable and highly priced. Recently, we were speaking with a friend who is a wine broker in the city and she mentioned that we must go back. Done. I'm grateful to our wise friend for pushing us in this direction. The service was impeccable. Water glasses were never empty, our particular server was very knowledgable and efficient. We dined for almost 2 hours on salad, great bread, the filet and sea bass. Wow, the filet was one of the most delicious cuts I've enjoyed. The accompanying sauces were divine and made the dish whole. The sea bass was beautifully cooked and seasoned to perfection. I love lentils as is, but the beluga lentils were quite special. Creamy but texturally lovely. The fennel in this dish added a much needed fresh crunch. Our dessert choice of the ice cream sandwich was good but nothing too out of this world. I mean you can't go wrong with ice cream swimming in chocolate and caramel. I omit 1 star solely on the wine list. Mark ups are necessary of course. But the mark ups on their wines were preposterous. I say this because I know that a half bottle of Korbel is about $7 which was listed as, I believe, $26. We saw many producers on the list that are not great in quality and priced low in the liquor store marked up about 300%. We chose a Malbec that was really ok and worked well for us. My complaint about their wine is minor in the big picture. This meal was indeed expensive, however, it was completely worth it. Our plates were empty and our palates were basking in unadulterated bliss. When a meal can accomplish such a feat, I can overlook the wine list and next time, simply bring my own bottle.
(4)Kacey C.
I would give it 5 stars in Salt Lake, 4 in DC.. so read that how you want. Sorry to sound snobby. My colleague and I ate there our last night of the conference and treated ourselves appropriately. The decor is funky, modern, very Kimpton style. It would be awesome if it weren't on the ground floor and had some views.. Our waiter was extremely friendly and warm, made his suggestions, offered to tweak items for my vegetarian diet. He was pushing the margaritas though, margs in Salt Lake in March? I don't know about that.. The hummus that comes out with the bread is amaaazing, I had a piece of bread just to try the hummus. We ordered the hand cut potato chips with blue cheese, yumz, cleared that plate. My colleague and I split the brussel sprouts so he could have bacon on his, and I think our waiter gave us two full orders but I didn't see the bill so I don't know for sure. They were seriously amazing, seriously, rival Estadio's in DC. I had the beet salad, it was fine typical beet salad. He ordered the scallops and ate every last bite without complaint. We split the waiter's ice cream sandwich dessert suggestion.. delicious. Glad I folded on my no dessert stance. We each had one glass of wine as well, bringing our total bill to to just under $100. I would definitely recommend Bambara to anyone searching out an enjoyable meal in SLC.
(4)Scott S.
Most likely the best big city restaurant in this town. The presentations are always spot on, while the portions are adequate. The seafood is fresh and the steaks mouth watering. Great stuffed peppers. A must stop during a week stay.
(5)Jason F.
Food is good. Atmosphere is likable and the hotel is well apportioned. Sometimes there is a wait for a table.
(4)Peter C.
The duck confi was brillant!
(4)Bob G.
We originally had a reservation at the Market Street Grill but after reading reviews and seeing the property, we switched to a reservation at Bambara. The food at Bambara is fine. My Tuna Tarter with yogurt and cucumber with blue cheese potato chips was excellent as was my red trout with green olives and celery tomato couscous fried basil cucumber tzatziki and mint coulis. My dining partner had watermelon gazpacho which was excellent and halibut . Desert was a roasted pear torte with marscapone ice cream. This place would rate 5 stars if not for the service. Our server strongly pushed several dishes before we mentioned our preferences, and he also pushed the "sauvignon blanc" wine as being the "driest white wine". Anyone who knows wines knows that sauvignon blanc is NOT anywhere near dry. The waiter also knocked the water glass all over the table. Salt Lake City doesn't have too many fine restaurants other than the "chains" and this place certainly is a fine dining establishment. It's too bad the service just doesn't live up to the food.
(4)Carly J.
I liked the ambiance more than I liked the food. But for the price I thought it was great.
(3)Phil K.
We had diner for about 20 following meetings all day at the eBay SLC offices. We were all a bit wiped out from travel+meetings, but diner at Bambara was a great finish to the day. We had the private room in the back, which was comfortable for our larger group and allowed for a little privacy with the glass door closed. The table started with drinks - we had wine and local beers (Polygamy Porter?!) for the most part. I was a bit surprised by the alcohol - I'd heard that SLC was dry, but maybe that only applies to liquor. Anyway, We had a full compliment of appetizers, including excellent home made potato chips topped with blue cheese. I also enjoyed the tuna tartar and crab-stuffed peppers, but I'd repeat the chips next time I go. My second appetizer was a good mixed greens salad with goat cheese... not sure why I needed a 2nd appetizer, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. My main course was a plate of seared scallops surrounding a small portion of mashed potatoes topped, sauced with something creamy/buttery delicious. The waiter called them "divers" scallops, which I've always thought that meant "extra large", but these were just normal sized. Just as well since there were 7 or 8 on the place, and the most important part is that they were cooked properly. Others around the table enjoyed salmon, lamb with Israeli cous cous, and rotisserie chicken. I had to take off before dessert to catch a flight, but I have no doubt that they were good. I'm not sure about the price since eBay was paying, but the atmosphere and quality would indicate fairly expensive, though probably not crazy. I'd recommend Bambara (and the Hotel Monaco) to any of my friends visiting SLC.
(5)Jay H.
I was recently in Salt Lake City and stayed at the incredible Hotel Monaco. While trying to decide where to eat, me and my girlfriend chose to eat at the restaurant in the hotel. While checking in we saw signs saying that Bambara was voted best restaurant in town, so how could we miss that. We were both glad we did! The food was wonderful! We started with calamari, which was fried light and crisp and just about perfect. Our waiter had an almost sommelier like knowledge of the wine list, he aided us in picking an excellent bottle. So good we took one up to our room for later. She had the scallops, which were divine. Cooked to perfection with a delicious sauce and risotto. I had the New York strip. This was beyond a doubt the best steak I've ever had! This place wasn't cheap, but the meal was worth every penny. Incredible food and incredible service, a wonderful romantic dinner.
(5)Lilly M.
Amidst a sea of greasy diners or average cafes - my colleague and I found this little gem for lunch while on a business trip. The decor is very nice, staff extremely friendly and the food was simple yet yummy and fairly inexpensive. We each had lemonade (raspberry for me, blueberry for her). It tasted very fresh with little bits of fruit in it. Then I had the turkey, apricot chutney whole wheat wrap with house made potato chips (yum) and she had some sort of balsamic grilled chicken sandwich on a whole grain bun. They bring out house made hummus and bread to start which is always a nice treat. Overall it was just what we wanted and all for $27.
(4)Katie M.
If you are in Salt Lake City and love food you MUST come here. I was here skiing with the family (4 people) - we all had appetizers, entrees, and dessert and every single dish was knock you on your ass delicious. Everyone in my family loves food, we hail from NYC (and its suburbs) and spend a lot of time eating out and cooking and we were all duly impressed. Bambara truly stands up to any restaurant in New York (or LA or San Fran for that matter). To be honest, I often find that "fine" dining outside of major cities can leave something to be desired. Whoa whoa whoa, don't get all mad - I know, not always - BUT a lot of the time what constitutes fine dining in say, Portland, ME (I have a lot of experience here) does not stack up against fine dining in NYC or other major cities. Well, Bambara proved this self-satisfied new yorker completely wrong with it's amazing food, great service, and fun ambiance. ONE OF THE BEST DINING EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. go here if you can.
(5)Michael B.
I am on the road yet again. This week's work takes me to Salt Lake. I've never been out of the airport before and it just figures that I didn't bring my camera because let me tell you something, this lake is massive. If I had three wishes, one of them would be to fill up the Great Salt Lake, it would make this place one of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth. The ring of snow-capped peaks is just dramatic. It helps that I got up a bit into the hills and looked out. Wow. As it stands, Salt Lake City looks just like Boise, only bigger. The food is better too, or at least this time I can afford a better class of restaurant, which brings us to Bambara. I just had one of the best soups in my life. I am ready to say that it is number two, just behind the lobster bisque at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. This was the Utah Corn Bisque. Remarkable. It has got to be the most satisfying bowl I've ever tasted, but nothing's going to outdo the smoothness and flavor of Boston. Still. What's so extraordinary about this is how it just filled my mouth with a kind of warm popcorny flavor. And it had heat. It was as spicy as anything could be without actually being spicy and this just added to the sense of fulfillment. The bisque was very smooth but not buttery so. It was filled with soup, not butter, so everything was flavor and nothing was filler. The texture was perfect, and then the bits of crab were delectable. Add a touch of sweetness with the cilantro oil and it just becomes a miracle. The whole bowl had a beautiful mustard yellow color. Considering that I was 15 years younger when I had that lobster bisque in Boston, this has got to be the better bisque to my more jaded palate. Congrats, Bambara. You are it. With my Sonoma-Cutrer I had their scallops which were fine, and their nicely spiced mashed potatoes with the bursty bubbles of caviar burre blanc and port wine syrup. I think I'm going to go back Wednesday for the duck. The service was exceptional and flawless. The attitude was cheery and attentive without being bothersome, you know like when they ostentatiously scrape the breadcrumbs off your table in other restaurants? They went out of their way to mix me up a Ceasar even though it was off the menu. Next time I'm sticking around for dessert too. The atmosphere was just right, bright with big windows above ground level, not too noisy. They clearly have improvised the place which was not always a restaurant. Yeah. I'm going back, which is rare when I'm out of town. Hmm. Doug S. is the only person I know here, but I'm stuffed. Time to watch TV and crash.
(5)Lisa F.
Hubby and I had a date night so we tried Bambara. I am so glad we did! Everything was great including the service. We had the Calimari & Shrimp appetizer. It was perfectly done and not overbreaded. The roasted lemon on it was fabulous. We each had a different salad they we fresh and tasty. I had the Sea Bass and my husband had the scallops. Both were so wonderful I kept stuffing my face even when I was full. The Sea Bass is supposed to be the focal point of the dish. It was great but what I was impressed with is the the potato, cabbage, bacon hash that it sat one was divine. Alot of things that sit on a 'bed of whatever' are good the bed of whatever is commonly just for looks. Not the case here. The scallops my husband had were also perfectly cooked and seared with a sauce to die for. Our waiter, Mike, was great. Attentive but not hovering. My only thing was that the booths were a little snug. However we are not small people so it was probably just us. We will ask for a table next time. Probably the best overall meal I have had in a year or so.
(4)Dann H.
Had heard much about this restaurant and was very excited by the looks of the menu. Also was impressed with the beautiful kitchen in the middle of the restaurant. The service was outstanding (even if he did keep disappearing, though I'm not sure where since there weren't that many parties but he never seemed to be with ours), but he was exceptionally friendly when he was around. The food was beautifully presented - each and every dish. The flavors did not match the presentation, in my experience. Food temperature was inconsistent (surprising given that it was NOT a busy night for the restaurant). And our table was surprisingly uncomfortable. I guess I should remember that we were in a bank vault - there were moments during the evening when that was apparent. I'm not sure I would choose to go back, though if someone invited me, I wouldn't suggest an alternative - it would be fine. I true 3 out of 5. A-OK. Nothing more.
(3)Jodi H.
Ate two bfasts here as I was staying at the hotel. Great service good food, a little expensive. I would eat here again if at the hotel alone or for a business meeting. A little too "formal" for the atmostphere of the hotel.
(3)k n.
I've always enjoyed Bambara -- the food, service, and atmosphere have always been top notch. Over the years I've had some fantastic business lunches, romantic dinners, even a New Year's Eve, at Bambara. Well, after meeting a friend for lunch this week, I can say that nothing has changed. The service was stellar, as usual. The atmosphere, reminiscent of an upscale French bistro, is still the same. The classic bleu cheese potato chips were as good as I remembered them. And the elk sliders hit the spot. I'm always disappointed when great restaurants rest on their laurels and slide into mediocrity. I'm glad that hasn't happened to Bambara.
(4)Easy E.
Best food I've eaten in SLC. If you're staying at the Monaco, don't bother leaving. And definitely don't bother with Market Street Grill. I recommend either the salmon or duck. This place gets both dishes right.
(5)Charlie B.
After walking into Bambara, which was a little fancier that I thought it would be (my mistake I did no research), I felt a little under dressed, as I was somewhat casual, but no part of the staff made me fell unwelcomed. However, the same cannot be said for the Hotel Monaco staff that seemed to ignore me as I was trying to just be pointed in the right direction of Bambara, which is on the bottom floor of their Hotel. It may be pet friendly hotel, but they were snobs to me. At Bambara's I ordered to share with a friend, the Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips. For my meal the Grilled Head-On Giant Shrimp with Grits, Red Pepper Marmalade, and Saffron Butter. Both were listed as appetizers but I was not into something real heavy. With this and the breads & hummus, I did have enough to eat. The Chips are a must and I would go back for just another order. I am not sure why the word Giant is used to describe the shrimp in size or portion (there were 3), and they were small with little taste. The taste of the overall dish was OK. I had a taste of my friends Roasted Beet, Watermelon & Jicama Salad, with Arugula, Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Shaved Ricotta Salata. That was excellent. Yes, I would go back and try the Lunch or Bar Menu.
(4)Gurpreet B.
I loved the ambiance and the food. They have an excellent wine list. One of the best dine-in restaurants in the down town area.
(5)Kris B.
Cool bar next door. Great service and great food. Must have the potato chips with blue cheese - so simple, yet so tasty. Had the pork duo as the main - loin was better, the ribs were a bit dry, but the service and ambience really made up for the slightly dry ribs.
(4)Steph W.
How can ANYONE think this place was worth the money? Decent ambiance. SUB PAR service. Decent food. I can't believe I paid the money I did for a piece of chicken I could have cooked better myself. I don't care how fancy this place looks...fancy tables and fancy looking servers did not cover up the bland tasting chicken I had to eat. Let me also say that the server was awful. Barely deserved the tip we gave him. He didn't even ask if my little brother wanted food. Well, YEAH, kids have to eat too. Yuck, I'll never be back.
(1)Damon R.
Reservation for 17th anniversary. First off, very nice ambience. Had great, kick back jams playing. Ordered the special--sea bass, wife ordered the filet. Both what you'd expect from an upscale restaurant--elegant touch to the offering. My bass made me think about an ordinary fish in the ocean, caught by the fine cuisine chefs at Bambara, and nurtured to baby bass perfection, then ended up on my plate for this glorious appointed time to be eaten! And, this was the first time my wife ordered a steak well done and raved about how juicy, tender, and moist it was! Miracle!! Because we had some vino in the lobby (complimentary to guests of the hotel daily between 5-6 pm), we both were feeling very nice prior to arriving for our fabulous meal. Waiter was cool, even though he forgot about our drinks (AMFs (adios mother effers). They were too strong but not a big deal, we're not those kind of patrons to trip on something like that. Great experience. Great food. Great atmosphere.
(5)Lauren M.
Went here for a work dinner. Food was great; we especially loved the tuna tartare appetizer.
(4)Kelly R.
One of Salt Lakes better restaurants. The best eggs benedict EVER! I also loved every single entree I've had. This is rich food, people. Don't go here unless you are serious about eating some, stinking, rich food. Love the open kitchen and the service was solid.
(4)David J.
Was here for a private birthday party. Service was top notch and so is the location. Casual atmosphere with people in suites as well as shorts. Terrific menu although heavy in the red meat. With that said, my steak was tough and poorly prepared. Others at the party had the same issue. While I would go back, I will stay away from the steak.
(4)Lorenzo D.
The Vault, the bar section of the restaurant. Sat at the bar here for a glass or two of wine, (actually had three, but hey, I was staying upstairs in the hotel, which is also very nice) and to get something to eat, alone, in town for business a month ago. The barman was OK. Not very engaging, but not rude. Maybe a tad aloof, which is fine, but if you're a bartender.... this is why I don't give 5 stars. Other than him, it's all the stars. He was also slow to keep his bar top clean. Unacceptable. Good bar to strike up a conversation with person next to you, comfortable seating, great surrounding. I really liked this place. Food: The burger is seriously fantastic. I am a SNOB. True. This burger was better than any I have had in my life. I am going to make a special trip every time I'm in SLC to go have this burger. Also had the calamari, which were quite good, maybe an 8 of 10 compared to other restaurants from around the country. Wine selection by the glass was good. Not anything special or imaginative, but good, and in this location, priced fairly. Can't wait to go back. CinCin!
(4)Nick C.
If I'm downtown for lunch, I love stopping by the vault for a burger and a drink. The burger is amazing and well priced. The dining area is much more formal, and is a wonderful dining experience. I made a reservation for my mothers birthday here. The hostess asked if it was for a special occasion, and asked for my mothers name. When we looked at the menu they had customized ours to wish her a happy birthday. Very thoughtful. The food is well conceived and executed. My favorite was a scallop dish that unfortunately is a seasonal or special item I haven't seen for a while. The menu always changes, but never misses.
(5)Zachary H.
It's good but I wish it was a little simpler. They might be trying too hard. But the steak frites are way good and solid. The complementary bread and hummus need a major makeover. Dry and tasteless. They have a house water (still or sparkling) that is really awesome. I am going back.
(4)Diane C.
Bambara seems an unlikely spot to pick up a burger, but those who have tasted it know that Bambara has one of the best burger's in town. My mom described it as flavorful and texturely pleasing from the soft toasted bun, crunchy lettuce, and juicy burger...all paired with perfectly seasoned pomme frites and a pickle. Bambara, voted City Weekly's 2008 reader's choice for Best Atmosphere, it is the perfect spot for a business meeting , late lunch with your mom, pre and post theater eats, and everything in between. We recently sampled the desserts and believe me, they were all delicious. The combination of class, service, and impeccably executed dishes makes Bambara a must. I find myself pleasantly satisfied with everything from the blue cheese chips, a popular appetizer, to the complimentary red pepper hummus served with house-made bread. P.S. Make sure to tell them if you're coming in for a special occasion when making a reservation!
(5)James P.
Very nice atmosphere! The Blue Cheese Chips were great! I was also able to sample the Lobster Bisque (Great), Chicken & Shrimp (Good) the Cheese Grits were Fantastic! Also the Short Rib Gnocchi was Great!
(4)Vida A.
Stayed at the Monaco over the weekend and had dinner with friends on a Saturday night. Before i start, I am a big fan of Bambara. I have always had good service and food. The power lunch is really delicious. This night, it wasnt super busy and im sure Bistro 222 is taking away from there business since its a few doors down and a better price point. It seems everything has gone up price wise on the Bambara menu. Our server when she would show up was on top of it but we wouldn't see her for periods at a time. I had to ask for bread which should show up automatically. If you like blue cheese you must order the chips, they are insane, so good, you inhale them. My gnochi was really good but not $29 good. My bf had the cassolet and it was tasty. A friend had a pear salad, seemed ok but the disaster was the steak. For $42 she got beef jerky in which she sent it back but by the time she got it we were all done with our meals. At that point a manager should have came over and offered a dessert or something but nada. Charged full price and no apology.
(3)Michael y.
Looks like its a stuffy place, but you can be casual, waiter seemed stuffy, considering it was snowing heavily outside, and biz inside the place was at a manageable pace, bread needs to come out warm!! so with the service and the bread i deduct a point I had the bison short ribs with tri-tip and ravioli, and it was incredible!! the bison and the sauce was heavenly, the ravioli was a litte over cooked. my dessert of the creme brule trio was a finishing touch. my colleague had the steak and was delicious. expensive no doubt, but perfect if you are staying downtown and meeting outta towners
(4)jamie a.
I would give it 3 1/2. I come so often for business and the breakfast is enjoyable. They dont have splenda or equal for coffee which is a bit odd.. but okay. Staff is always friendly, and dining items are unique.
(3)Tizzle L.
Yuck! Salty salmon!
(2)Joseph S.
I had to give Bambara three stars because, for the cost, there are so many better choices in SLC. Get a reservation at The Copper Onion or Ruth's Chris instead, you'll be much happier.
(3)Jaimie K.
So the Boyfriend and I finally had the chance to try this restaurants after reading mixed reviews about it. We didn't make a reservation and walked in at about approximately 7:30ish on a Friday, seated right away. NOT COMPLAINING! I LOVE the fact that you can see the kitchen action going on from the seats. The houndstooth booth seats receives an additional star in my book!! We were seated and then greeted by the friendly staff. We ordered the tuna tartare, seared scallops, & sea bass... All were absolutely delicious! It honestly is so hard to find a good restaurant that serves fresh ingredients and i'm glad Bambara exceeds that standard. I would like to come back for their brunch over the weekends and for the Utah trout; I'm a sucker for local fishes.
(4)PrincessPeac H.
Salt Lake City has caused me to reevaluate my whining about how "early" everything closes in San Francisco. I was originally thinking I might stop at the Olive Garden. I grew up eating there and I have an affection for the place, but I thought I should try something I can't get at home. Also awesome, this place is open after 9:00 (10:00)!! My service was more or less great, although I ordered one salad and was delivered another. My salad was a spinach salad with red pears, feta cheese and olive oil and balsamic. It was quite good, but could have been prepared better with the same ingredients (for example, not drowning the lettuce in dressing). I ordered the trout for my main. I was excited to see "Utah trout" on the menu because I'm a yuppie and therefore like local. My dish was a big pile of food. Couscous, topped with a big piece of trout, topped with a yogurt/cucumber salad that tasted like raita. They were all very good (except that the couscous had raw halved heirloom cherry tomatoes in it which made for a weird texture). The components of the dish were great, and actually the raita and couscous went well together, but it didn't make any sense for the trout to be there. There was also some oily mint chutney sort of thing drizzled across the top and I have no idea why that was there. The ambiance was pretty standard for a restaurant in this price range surround by (or in this case inside of) hotels.
(3)Laura G.
I chose Bambara for dinner with some out-of-town guests (mostly because they were staying at the Hotel Monaco and because my girlfriend was excited to try it), and the food didn't disappoint. I needed something soft to eat (that's a different story), so I went with the gnocchi (from the menu: potato gnocchi, sweet corn, smoky bacon, pea sprouts, cherry tomatoes, basil mascarpone, sweet corn butter). It was really good, but I can't point to one specific part of it that stood out to me; it was more so the combination of all these flavor components that made me happy. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food, too. The interior is nice, and Bambara is definitely going for the upscale feel many Kimpton establishments have. Our server was attentive and seemed content enough to let us eat our meal without rushing us, even though we got a late start. The one thing that kind of threw a wrench into the service was the weirdness of the Utah liquor laws. I know, I know - I live here, so I should know better. But Bambara is by far the strictest enforcer of these wacky laws that I've experienced in recent memory, and that makes for some awkward moments. For example, we ordered drinks in the adjoining bar (The Vault) while waiting for our table. When our table was ready, the bartender had to carry our drinks into the restaurant for us; we couldn't do it ourselves, so that created some confusion while we sorted it out. The other moment was when my friend ordered a second drink, and our server refused to set her second drink down until she finished or relinquished the first one. She wasn't going to be wasteful, so she gulped down the last bit of cocktail while the server stood and waited so she could get her next drink. Bambara is pricey. I don't usually have a problem with that if I feel like the meal is worth it, but I'll have to go back again to make that determination for sure. And next time, I'll make sure to finish my drinks before ordering the next round.
(4)Sam V.
I've only been here for lunch, as I'm pretty sure that's the only meal I can afford here without breaking the bank. (Being an eating out enthusiast on a poor college student's budget really puts a damper on where you can justify eating out). Anywho, the lunch. After looking at the lunch menu, I saw that the prices are fairly reasonable. Albeit, for downtown, there are a lot of other options where you can spend half as much, but you won't be getting the amazing service, decor, and ambiance of Bambara. For my lunch, I got the blue cheese chips, the corn bisque, and the turkey wrap. First of all, the blue cheese chips. Seriously? I have hated blue cheese probably my entire life, and I could devour the entire plate of these. They are so delicious and have just the right balance of cheese and they make you forget the fact that you are eating a plate of freshly fried chips coated with layers of ooey gooey cheese and make you think that you've attained dairy nirvana. As for the corn bisque and the turkey wrap. They were very solid. Everything on the lunch menu seems great actually, and all of the ingredients are good quality and everything is done with a flair. But in all seriousness, I just can't stop thinking of the blue cheese chips... there goes my diet.
(4)Jeffrey S.
I love the look of Bambara. So pretty, and such a great location in the Hotel Monaco in the heart of downtown. There are so many other dining options, but Bambara seems to hold its own and I was eager to try it. With a colleague staying at the hotel we opted to stay out of the frigid December weather and kick it at Bambara for lunch. There was both hustle and bustle this day, but we were seated almost immediately after just showing up. I'm a sucker for butternut squash anything, so when they had butternut squash ravioli on the menu, I knew I was in. I wasn't blown away by the dish, but neither was I underwhelmed. It was butternut squash ravioli and totally satisfactory. A little pricey, but I've got nothing bad to say about it. I wish I had something great to say about it, though, and I don't know that this small tasting is going to woo me back. Our server couldn't have been nicer, but unfortunately he could have been better. A little awkward, and a little slow in getting back with us each time he left. I should give the staff lots of leniency, because after the meal we stuck around at our table for well over an hour to take a conference call and do some work. The restaurant had officially closed, but they allowed us to stay. Eventually, though, their evil eye permeated the room and we left. Patience only goes so far when you have to finish the place settings for dinner. With great dining all around, it's tough to want to come back here, but the convenience of having it in the hotel builds in a constant crowd and a convenient reason to come back. Not high on my list, but I wouldn't object. And bonus for seeing an American Idol runner-up in the hotel lobby right before the meal.
(3)Bobby And Estee F.
Absolutely perfect meal! Every single thing we had was delicious and unlike anything we've had in the past. We had excellent entrees and a spectacular dessert. Our server Cassie was very helpful and made some outstanding recommendations for us. The turtle ice cream sandwich is amazing!
(5)Melissa E.
Nice location in downtown SLC. Menu not extensive. Hand cut potato chips for appetizer tasty but greasy if you don't eat them fast. Service attentive.
(3)Kate M.
I went to Bambara for the first time on Christmas Eve. I had never been there, but as one of the few places open, we wanted to give it a try. With reservations, we did have to wait to be seated, but holidays are always crazy time wise, so we weren't worried. We chose to eat off the holiday menu primarily, so take my comments as you may since these items aren't available. A salad that was bright and lovely to start, with blood oranges and arugula. Very good, though a little overpriced. I had the veal dinner. It offered you a veal loin that was roasted and a braised veal cheek. Both were delicious and offered enough differences from one another both in taste and texturally. Dessert was a peppermint and chocolate yule log. I could only eat a bite or two, but it was still delicious two days later out of the box. Our server was attentive, given the crowd, I was pleased. I would like to try this place on perhaps a quieter evening and get a better idea of their traditional menu.
(4)Darcy N.
I can't believe this amazing seafood came out of SLC. Kudos to the friendly staff and absolutely incredible meal.
(5)Kathryn S.
Stayed at the Hotel Monaco so this was a convenient choice to meetup with a friend for lunch, before heading to the airport. We were so busy chatting that we didn't really take time to peruse the menu. So... we chose the Power Lunch special they were having, which happen to be this amazing mushroom linguine pasta! To begin we had their crazy good blue cheese potato chip nacho thing -- Holy Cow! Followed by the organic house salad -- crazy good! And if that wasn't enough deliciousness, they brought us a chocolate chip cookie that was to DIE for! A return trip to SLC would be worth it just to go back! Don't pass this place up!
(5)Donna S.
ambiance//**** good lighting + high ceilings + intimate booth seatings ~ privacy service//*** the waitstaff were very nice and cordial...we were able to dine at our ease food//*** while the food was good while it lasted...i don't *remember* much except vaguely enjoying the veal ~*~ w00t! fine dining in SLC!^^
(3)james w.
This place is always great. I had the filet on my most recent visit. It came cooked perfect and was delicious. The best part of every meal here is always the desert. I need to come back soon so I can try them all.
(5)Sheri S.
It's expensive, but it's worth it. A must try... The blue cheese chips. Is you like blue cheese, they're to die for!!
(5)Kim C.
Food is delish, but you must be prepared for the price...hotel markup is serious here. And what's up with the Red Pepper in, like, everything? I mean, hummus can just be hummus. You don't have to color it. Okay, I've got that off my chest. Now for the plusses: Breakfast has some lovely options, but I stick with the basics: Eggs and Bacon. Eggs were properly cooked as ordered, and the bacon struck me as downright awesome. Coffee is better than most around SLC (another one of those things that is not appreciated by the majority of SLC locals -- luckily this hotel isn't for the locals). They come to the table with coffee and orange juice in hand. For lunch, they offered a quick business lunch of salad (very good, if small-ish) cheeseburger, and fresh baked cookie, which was in fact, freshly baked (and nicely wrapped to go without me asking). The hotel bar, The Vault (alluding to what must have been the original purpose of the building), supplies all the drinks for the restaurant, so once again, they're delicious but you pay for the privilege. I wouldn't make this a regular event unless I'm staying at the Hotel Monaco, but when the boredom of Salt Lake City food starts getting you down, hop over on TRAX and mix it up a little.
(4)Andrew D.
Expensive, but worthwhile. Better ambiance for lunch than for dinner. Bar is wonderful to meet folks from out of town.
(4)Emily W.
Went here on my bday for lunch. My boyfriend def picked the right place. Everything- the food, the iced tea, the ambience and decor- was delightful and the service was en pointe! We will certainly be back.
(5)Bud H.
This place can be a little hit-and-miss. I've had some amazing meals (short ribs, trout) and some not-so-amazing meals (New York strip that should never have been served, a very overdone burger). The appetizers are usually really good and the service is great. Just wish it was a little more consistent.
(3)G C.
This place is great, open kitchen, good energy, fun bar. Went there for a quick work dinner, really enjoyed it. If I could give it 3.5 stars I would. I got the wedge, good, and Sea Bass - awesome....until it got tough half way through. So out was a no turning back moment because my colleagues were well on their way to being done. Service was pretty good, not stellar...could be that we were say at the high-tops near their open kitchen.
(4)Grace M.
I recently stayed at the Hotel Monaco for the sixth time. I look forward to it each year, partly because of Bambara. For the first time ever, I was disappointed. The food very hit or miss. I called to order room service and got two people who had no idea how to take my order. When I finally got my food, I have to say it was phenomenal. BUT I had two breakfasts and one lunch there that were just not up to the usual standard. The French toast was soggy and barely cooked. The bacon was not cripsy, etc. I did the grab and go breakfast once, and the blueberry muffin was inedible. I had a burger for lunch, and it was just ok. Eating here used to be a thrill, but it definitely has slipped recently.
(2)Kirstin N.
My husband an I dined here for our anniversary dinner. The atmosphere was great and the staff was friendly! I had the chicken which was amazing! It was on the salty side which I love but I know some might not. The asparagus was cooked perfectly and the Mac n cheese was delish. I really enjoyed my entree. My husband ordered the ribeye with bone marrow. The meat quality was great and they cooked it as ordered. It was a little on the plain side for a steak in our opinion, so if you like a basic steak it was great. The side of fries were also addicting. Kept meaning to stop munching on them! We had also ordered the blue cheese chips which were awesome and definitely something worth trying. We managed to save room for the creme brûlée trio, which I gotta say was disappointing. The blackberry flavor was just terrible, didn't even finish it. The raspberry and blueberry flavors were ok. However, to me it just tastes like a creamy jam I was spooning into my mouth. I should've tried the mojito sorbet I was deciding between!
(4)Alan M.
Not as good as it once was.
(3)N H.
I am disgusted at the way they treated the patrons of Ballet West, and my own mother. The manager is condescending and failed to even feign discontent over a clerical error on their part. He openly voiced his annoyance towards my mother and her guests. I disapprove of the way they humiliated her, and I am sure that any food created under a manager so full of hate probably only purely tastes like his sour attitude.
(1)J. B.
We absolutely love Bambara! We work close by and love to come here for lunch. The menu is fabulous and we look forward to the daily Powers Lunch Specials that include a warm, delicious cookie. The French onion soup is excellent and gets us over there right away when it is featured. The corn bisque with crab is offered daily and is also excellent. The blue cheese chips are a guilty pleasure and our absolute favorite item is the Cobb Salad with steak. It is so good! The service is always top notch and all of the food we have tried is phenomenal in both taste and presentation. As we go to other local restaurants for lunch, we end up paying a similar amount for food and service that is not as good, which always leaves us wanting to go back to Bambara. It is worth it!
(5)Samantha H.
I am so disappointed I had to come back and modify my previous review. I stopped in tonight after work and ordered the filet (medium rare) and ham hock mac and cheese, along with salad and wine. The salad and wine were good but when my entree came out I was disappointed to find that not only was my steak well done without a single touch of pink, it had already been cut in half for me. Of all the times I have ordered filet here or anywhere else, that has never happened. I asked the server why it was cut and his answer was "that's what we do here". I didn't understand, as it never had been before, but let's move on. I had to send the steak back because it was incredibly overcooked and leathery. Of course, my side dish was left with me to get cold and gross before my steak came back. When the new steak came it appeared to be better, probably closer to medium than medium rare, but I'll survive. Unfortunately, I found that not a single bite was cooked like another and parts were so charred I actually had to cut them off. When you pay $41 for a steak, you really don't want to waste any of it. The manager stopped by and I explained the situation to him, also telling him I've had this dish here several times, even as recently as last week. His only solution was to offer me dessert. I declined, as to me that is really not the acceptable and correct solution. I am extremely disappointed and do not think I wil be back. For that price, I can get a better steak somewhere else. I would welcome management to contact me about this.
(1)Meghann M.
The food was good, and the atmosphere is nice. Everything tasted fresh.
(4)Lou P.
I've stayed at the Monaco for years. While many hotel restaurants are grim, at best; I feel like Bambara is one of SLC's finer restaurants. Food is always generous portions and well prepared. The staff is professional, friendly, and happily answer menu questions. I'm in SLC for extended periods twice a year; and while I've come to enjoy many places in Salt Lake; Bambara is home away from home.
(5)Troy F.
Have eaten here several times on trips to SLC. The menu has a seasonal rotation. I've been wowed by flavors and creativity on occasion. Have to say tonight was a dud for 2 reasons. The brussel sprouts w/bacon were way too salty. Now the big dud; the squash ravioli were savory and may have been good, if they weren't overpowered by all the perfumes and colognes the staff were wearing. Horrible! How can a chef allow his creations to be destroyed by cheap perfume? I won't be back.
(2)Laura T.
Great food, fabulous atmosphere! I came by quite late right before the kitchen closed and they offered the full menu in The Vault, their trendy lounge area for more atmosphere. Wonderful service. Would come back again and recommend it to others! I had the Utah local prosciutto wrapped trout. Very good after a long work night.
(5)Jodi S.
I read a lot of good reviews about this place. So I decided to give it a try. The staff was super friendly and attentive. We asked our waiter where to go boarding the next day, he didn't know, but he brought over someone who did. The food was awesome!! Super flavorful and fresh. I would highly recommend this resturaunt to anyone.
(4)Paula Rose W.
The power lunch at Bambara is an amazing deal! You get to choose between a soup or salad, a burger or turkey wrap, and you get a warm, freshly baked cookie to go! A friend and I both had the burger which was HUGE! Huge and delicious that is. We watched quite a few of the turkey wraps pass us by and we agreed they looked drool worthy as well. We were also treated to calamari as an app, and they were fried to perfection! The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. If you've been looking to switch up your lunch routine downtown I highly recommend this place. I believe these lunches were designed to get people seated, fed and out the door in a timely manner, so don't hesitate to give it a whirl.
(4)Spencer M.
One of the only five star reviews I have ever posted. Although it's been a while since I went here the food was some of the best I have ever had. Their legendary corn bisque is incredible and jonah crab adds a nice sweet touch to this great appetizer. Although no longer offered, their buffalo steak was incredibly lean and tender and I loved every bit of it. I was able to try the lambshanks and the organic chicken and each proved every bit as excellent as the buffalo. Every aspect of this meal was excellent and the service provided was incredible despite the fact that I almost burst out laughing every time I saw our server's "bicentennial" mustache. Truly an epic sight to behold, I wish I could grow a great mustache like and offer such excellent wine pairings. Keep up the great work Bambara you guys really show what great potential Salt Lake City has.
(5)Cal R.
Appetizers, desserts excellent. Entrees very good, but seemed a bit long to get served. Wait staff very good. Clientele well dressed casual.
(4)JJ L.
We stayed at the Monaco Hotel and came here in the morning for breakfast so we didn't have to go out in the cold. The service was slow to start and we were served cold coffee at first until we asked for fresh coffee. We waited for some time for our food and I had to ask if our food was almost ready. It wasn't, but our waiter offered us fruits and muffins. Then he came back to tell us our meal would be comped due to the delay. The food was excellent when it came. The service was redeemed when he offered us the fruits while we waited. It's good to see a restaurant doing the right things to make customers satisfied.
(4)Ryan B.
Ho hum! Maybe it was because were with a big group. That's what I wanted to say. Appetizers were good. Loved the hamachi and cheeses. Beet salad was good, but I wasn't expecting the dairy product gluing the beets down. Unfortunately, my sea bass (as well as the other two patrons sea bass who ordered it with me) was horrifically dry. One side of mine was brick hard. Returned it to get the gnocchi instead, but no avail it was awful. Hard gnocchi is not my favorite. Dessert was fun. Tried a friends scallops and they were great. Tried another friends filet and was pleased. I just got the bad dinner for the night.
(3)Kasey S.
We have been very satisfied with our food every time we go.
(5)Dolores G.
Again, another fab sustainable restaurant in SLC. I'm really starting to fall in love with this town. For starters they offered a foccacia, lavash, and sourdough bread basket served with a roasted red bell pepper hummus. $$ free.99 = 5 stars The silky corn bisque with jonah crab was also very tasty = 4 stars.. In lieu of sitting in the bar area, I opted to sit in front of the chefs for a great view of the kitchen - can we say "Food Network Live". All of the food that was coming out looked great. I was sipping on a yummy malbec and really enjoying the view while waiting for my next course. I received the spinach and goat cheese ravioli and was greatly disappointed. The pasta was cooked to perfection but the dish was not seasoned at all. = 2 stars Ended my meal with a watermelon sorbet. It tasted like summer on a spoon. It was refreshing and not overly sweet = 4 stars. Overall, I had a good experience. The service was impeccable but I was very disappointed with the ravioli. Salt and seasoning on food is basic cooking 101, hence the three stars.
(3)Jeff F.
Since when does the restaurant at a hotel serve up really exceptional food? I didn't know that happened anywhere, but apparently Bambara (attached to the Monaco) didn't get the memo. In a nutshell... Amelia provided exceptional service, great energy in the place, the PEI mussel app special was very good, the bison carpaccio was good but really tiny portion, the recommended Ahi tuna disappeared off my plate quickly, the cedar plank salmon was absurdly good (and this isn't one of those I've never had good salmon before situations - lived in seattle for six years) because it was perfectly done and moist, and lastly I didn't get a taste of the pork chops, but I believe those were well-received at the table. I would definitely go back and explore the menu some more Update.... Went back a couple days later and had the burger for lunch... excellent!
(4)Amy S.
I went to Bambara to celebrate my arrival in Salt Lake City. The service was friendly and prompt, and we were seated right away. We started with the tuna tartare, which was served with potato chips. The tuna was great, but we found the potato chip pairing to be a bit odd. The bread had a wonderful, buttery flavor to it, but we weren't fans of the hummus it was served with. As for dinners, I had the bison entree which was terrific - great seasoning, perfectly paired with Maytag blue cheese. The pork entree was meh - nothing too exciting. We split profiteroles for dessert - delicious! This restaurant would have gotten four stars if it weren't for the wine menu. I'm used to 100% mark up, but we noticed that one wine in particular was marked up close to 300%. After we saw that, we decided to stay away from the wine altogether.
(3)Mario S.
Grilled cheese is recommended (thick sourdough bread, sharp VT cheddar, grilled onions), the accompanying "very slow roasted tomato soup" was awesome, blue cheese-smothered house-made potato chips are a must. Speaking of cheese, the decor, layout of the restaurant has sort of a resort dining tone. Not a deal breaker, but there is a flimsy feel to it. Good for your next tuck-in-your-shirt and let's talk profits, opportunities and market timing (business) meals.
(3)Pam S.
Moo. FINALLY, a place that can cook a steak worthy enough for my delicate palate. It was the evening of Joe Biden's speech at the DNC, and my boss wanted somewhere to watch it. As she was paying for my meal, I wasn't going to complain. Someone had suggested the bar at the Hotel Monaco, and after a heated debate about where to park, we managed to make it in here. I LOVE LOVE LOVE wood-paneled bars with an old mens' club feel and an awesome wine menu. It makes me feel like sliding into my seamed stockings and showing a little bit of garter. Okay, so we had to pay a "membership fee" because it's Salt Lake City, but it just added to the mystique. Being the smoking hot siren that I am, I HAD to order me some meat. Meat- steak- almost mooing. The waitress was really sweet with my co-worker and I when we wanted to substitute our potato sides for one another's. When she placed that plate down in front of me, I was in heaven. The gleaming red piece of beef gazed up at me, just waiting to be devoured, and the chevre mashed potatoes were to die for. Although we were extremely gluttonous already, we also split a dessert. What it was, I can't remember, but it was GOOOOOD. So we couldn't actually HEAR the speeches, but they did turn on the closed captioning. I'm not going to take away a star, but why are the couches so low?
(5)Tim C.
Bambara was a restaurant I stumbled upon one night before the opera began, and let me tell you, it has been a favorite ever since. They have a wine list that rivals a phone book, hounds tooth print seats, an open kitchen, the best stuffed peppers since the days of Jesus, and a cocktail called the Monaco that will make you cry tears of joy (and alcohol). I give this restaurant 6 stars. Boom, that just happened!
(5)E P.
Really good service, very decent food. The salads are the best deal, with delicious combinations at around 9 bucks (our pear/ gorgonzola salad was very nice, lightly sweet- the gorgonzola was a bit on the bitter side, sadly). The bleu cheese potato chips are good- imagine taking some potato chips and throwing bleu cheese on them and baking for a bit. Not so much what I'd call innovative, but yummy for sure. My butternut squash ravioli was basically chilling in a butter/oil pool, but other than that it was tasty. The chunks of fresh green apple really added a savory zing, and the onions were perfect- but worth $20? Not so sure about that. I make a lot of allowances for food pricing for ingenuity, difficulty of execution, fresh ingredients- but really, other than being a very decent ravioli I'm not sure why it was so expensive. Keep in mind that out of towners don't know what great food is within arm's reach and will pay 20 bones for a pasta dish, and I can understand the "highway robbery" approach. It is what it is, but why settle for goodness when greatness is so close? I had a martini called an Othello, some cranberry juice with blueberry vodka or something like that. I had asked for a girly drink and I got it. Again, not like the crazy martinis next door at Red Door, or the gourmet ones from Metropolitan, but I didn't get a real close gander at the drink menu, either. The berries with creme fraiche is a lovely and light dessert, and if you like decadent chocolate you can't do much better than the cake.
(4)Gwendolynn W.
I have recently moved from Salt Lake to LA and had tickets to go see the Lion King. We decided to grab drinks at Bambara as it is across the street. We sat in the bar and I ordered a glass of house red and white wine from the bartender. To my SHOCK when I got my bill I was charged for two $14 glasses of wine. Knowing that this is not the price for the I ordered my boyfriend asked a waiter to double check with the bartender on the prices. He came back with our new bill for a total of $12. I think that it is crazy that the bartender would take it upon himself to charge me for the most expensive wine at the bar and think that I would just pay for it. I am not cheap but do not like being taken advantage of. We will never go back here for drinks and if you choose to be mindful of your bill.
(1)Adam W.
Ambiance is attractive, with the focus on the exhibition kitchen center stage. Staff are friendly, professional and know the menu. The food is mainstream, but well prepared and attractively presented. Our caesar salad featured white anchovies--so good!--and a kicky garlic dressing, not overly applied. The grilled lamb sirloin, served on skewers of fresh rosemary, was flavorful and fork tender. The fillet mignon was a revelation: absolute perfection, and unlike the typical example, this fillet did not give up flavor for texture. All of these things went down perfectly with a bottle of Taurino Salice, one of the more reasonably priced selections available. Dessert was--no surprise--the cheese plate. I do love a cheese plate. This one featured three cheeses including a local cheddar and a fabulous blue, along with some fruit (quince!) and crusty bread. We splurged with some nice port and ice wine. My most recent visit was consistent with prior visits. I've never had a bad meal here. Bonus: the restaurant welcomes single diners (on a prior visit, I was seated at a table offering good light for reading the book I brought to dinner). You will be pleased.
(4)Loralyn S.
the serving staff is amazing, just truly wonderful. but food-wise, i've had better for the price and wouldn't go back. none of the breads offered were very appetizing, i thought the highly-praised corn bisque was good but not the best I've ever had, i wouldn't recommend the tuna tartar at all, and wine by the glass was not a very good selection.
(3)Daniel M.
Went here for valentines day a few years back. Awesome service, and great food
(4)Joe V.
Maybe it was just a bad cut? Ordered the steak frites - and while it was cooked to order - medium-rare - I was disappointed that about 1/3 of the steak had a vein or grizzle running through it. Poor job of quality control in the kitchen. The large cone of fries was very tasty. Other diners in my party of 4 ordered the scallops and were very happy with their selection. Oh well - bad on me.
(2)Julie D.
I was in SLC looking for a very nice evening out. I chose this restaurant based on yelp reviews. Sure, this is nice restaurant and I had a nice meal. But I don't think it's anything too, too special. I had the organic greens, with champagne vinaigrette, apricot Stilton,candied walnuts, and pear. The salad with nice and fresh. For my entree, I had sauteed prawns. They were served with fettuccini, tomato concasse, prosciutto, Parmesan and truffle butter. The pasta was only okay, I suspect that is was not homemade. Also, the dish was a little too "buttery" for my taste. Dessert was yummy. I had the strawberry and pistachio Bavarian dessert. Service was adequate, but not outstanding. The restaurant had a nice ambiance to it, but nothing spectacular. Only 3 stars for Bambara.
(3)Farhad M.
Holy crap, this place was awesome. My coworker and I popped into the bar for a quick dinner on the way to our hotels and boy were we pleasantly surprised. Note we only had appetizers/drinks so this review (and rating) does not focus on the entree selections Bartender was awesome and made great conversation about whiskies (no doubt rare considering it's Salt Lake City). Food: - Potato leek soup was delicious. It was the special of the day but I'd totally recommend getting it if it's offered. Coworker had their famous corn bisque and he loved it too - Duo of scallop sashimi and tuna tartare: totally yummy as well. What they did with the scallops was awesome - layered fresh jalapenos and micro-thin apple slices inbetween each scallop and drizzled with olive oil. Tuna was tombo tuna (which I did not notice before ordering as I would have rather had Ahi). - Crab stuffed peppers: not bad. Not amazing but pretty good. I think I was a little let down because we left the dish sit for a bit while we ate the other apps and it cooled down. Regardless, it was still very tasty. Order comes with 3 peppers but you can add a 4th for $5. - Trio of creme brulee: 3 mini ramekins of different types of creme brulee flavors: pumpkin, mexican chocolate, and tangerine. Tangerine tasted funky, a bit too sweet. My favorite was the pumpkin but bartender said it's going to be rotated off very soon for a more spring-ish flavor. I wasn't really looking at prices since it was a work dinner, but with a couple drinks each we set back about $150 in total (w/ tax, w/o tip). Overall quite good and worth checking out for a quick meal at the bar
(5)Sandy G.
Had dinner here last night. The lamb was outstanding and I had excellent service
(4)Maggie S.
I was staying at the hotel and went for breakfast. The service was good, but the oatmeal was astonishingly gross and the latte was . . . well, it was not a latte. It was something involving a coffee-flavored beverage and some amount of foam, but it was . . . not a latte. I reckon from other reviews that they may shine at more savory dishes later in the day, but for breakfast? I'd hit up Jamba Juice and Ink Coffee instead.
(2)Narciso A.
Was invited to this restaurant by a vendor. They raved about it. All of the raving was right! The food here was excellent. I really enjoyed the Arugula Salad with puff pastry. Everything here was melt-in-your-mouth delish. I ordered the Chicken and Shrimp dish. Compliments to the chef.
(5)Scott I.
Normally I would be giving you an excellent review but tonight you missed the mark badly. Ordered the ribeye with frittes and marrow - my son ordered the same thing and the girls ordered scallops. Everyone else has a good meal - Mine no marrow? The ribeye was a pile of fat and sinewy mess - would have sent it back, But didn't see the waiter, and needed to make the play across the street. What a bummer a $400 tab and I wish I would of enjoyed something on my plate besides the frittes... I wish chefs would take a moment to see what they are cooking before throwing a pile of fat on a plate!
(2)Diamond B.
I love the Four Season's white table cloth experience when I go to a new city. If I can't get the Ritz or the Four Seasons I start looking for some place applicable. The Bombara inside the beautiful Monaco restaurant fit the bill to a tee. The hotel is stately and elegant with it's cream and white trim walls. When I asked my friend (a local to Salt Lake City) about the beautiful ambiance she said the Monaco used to be an upscale bank, and you can still tell by the sophisticated decor. The sign says perfection at any price. Well for us that meant $150, but 3 if us ate. I was the only one that enjoyed a glass of $12 wine, but is WAS good wine. My friends had tea/lemonade. The food was filling, so we didn't get apps or dessert. The food could have been a bit more timely coming out, but when it did was really delicious. The wine was tasty as well and if asked they will recommend a wine to go with the decadent food. While there we enjoyed the scallops, (yes, I ordered them. Okay, so I'm a bit repetitive, but the server said it was better then the lamb- so I went for it!!) fillet and gnocchi. It was all delicious. If you'd like an upscale experience before you leave Salt Lake, give Bambara a try.
(5)Andrew C.
Only ate breakfast while staying at the Hotel Monaco on business trip. A little pricey, but has the convenience factor, if you're staying at the Hotel Monaco. I had the Buttermilk Biscuit with Spicy Utah Elk Sausage Gravy, Fried Egg, Breakfast Potatoes ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bamb… ). Overall pretty good. Biscuit was a little dense. They were happy to bring more gravy. We also came to the Vault for drinks in the evening. Mixed drinks were up and down (perhaps depending on the bartender?) so beer seemed like a more consistent choice. One night it was packed and the staff was overwhelmed so we rarely saw our waitress and even trying to get a drink at the bar took forever.
(3)Emily D.
A wonderful surprise, and one of the best meals I have had in Salt Lake City. The atmosphere was formal, but not stuffy. The service was prompt, but not overdone. My husband had the lamb, which was one of the most expensive entrées at $41. He proclaimed it the best lamb his taste buds had ever beheld. I opted for the gnocchi, as all gnocchi holds a special place in my heart and stomach and I can rarely resist it. At $25 it was the cheapest entrée. Served with a creme sauce and accompanied by mushrooms, carrots, and braised short ribs that were fork tender - it was blissful. We began the meal with an exceptional ahi tartaee and two house salads with beautiful greens and light pomegranate dressing. The resaurant was extremely accommodating to my husband's dairy allergy and offered to make any entrée of his choosing dairy free - a rare find in the allergy world. The meal was pricey, but exceptional and I would definitely reccomend it for any special occasion.
(5)David G.
I love Bambara! Always an enjoyable experience. On my last visit in the summer of 2015 I remember thinking that it's gotten a bit more pricey. Regardless, the food and service were, as always, spot on. If you're downtown SLC and want a great meal, Bambara will not disappoint.
(4)Jason R.
Very good food and attentive service. Clams were a bit salty but filet was excellent. Prices on the high end but worth it.
(4)James H.
Great atmosphere, decent service, but surprisingly average food. My lunch special: Tuna Belly Confit Melt Sandwich was better than most Tuna sandwiches but not by much. The best part of my meal was the corn bisque with bits of crab. I'll avoid the lunch special menu next time though as I think quality is being sacrificed for both speed and price.
(3)Thérèse HC W.
Because of my friend's birthday, I finally have a chance to come down here. When I first got here, I've noticed something different on the menu, my friend's name was on it, and that's not it, they've even put a Happy Birthday on it. How thoughtful! Love the appetizer-Crispy Fried Calamari, and the entrees-Grilled Diver Scallops and Ribeye Steak Frites. We didn't order any dessert because we've prepared my friend a birthday cake, but I'll definitely try out their dessert next time.
(4)Sarah S.
Well it happened. I can die now. What's really the point of living when you know you have had all life has to give you. Knowing that you have already had the best thing out there is rather depressing. I would never say I'm an affectionate person. I'm not a cuddler, nor a kissy kiss person. I have had friends lose family members and at the funeral all i did was pat them on the shoulder with an "I'm touching you, so you know it means something" face. So I'm sure the chef was surprised when i walked back into his kitchen, interrupting the whole meal service to stand in front of him. I'm sure the kitchen staff thought i was going to go postal or something. But no, i just hugged the man, and whispered, "thank you" in his ear. He laughed and I left fully satisfied with the one person I deemed good enough to receive a hug from me. I hope this demonstrates the level of quality of the meal.
(5)Kim K.
Excellent meal top to bottom! Bambara has a very cool vibe. Clearly in an old bank building, very cool. The interior is sleek, modern, and classy. The open kitchen is also really cool. The food was delicious. Amazing bleu cheese potatoes, awesome pork shank, and killer desserts. Everything was fresh, piping hot, and expertly cooked. Service was attentive, friendly, and hospitable. Prices were completely reasonable. Great meal - would return any time!
(4)Kevin R.
I haven't been to Bambara for several years. We booked a reservation and were promptly seated. We each ordered several appetizers and cocktails. I wasn't particularly wowed by the appetizers which were the Duck Liver Costini, Cast Iron Roasted Clams and the Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips. The Chips were basically Lays Potato Chips with Blue Cheese melted over them. I don't like Duck Liver, so I can't comment. The Roasted Clams were OK, but not particularly flavorful. For the Entree, I had the Short Rib Ravioli. It has a LOT of smoky bacon. And mostly it was Ravioli with a LOT of Spaghetti Squash over the top. It was pretty good, but I didn't eat the Fried Farm Egg on top of it because I do not like runny eggs. Other entrees were the Rib eye Steak Frites (meat was tough, fries weren't anything special) and others had the Gnocchi and the Halibut which I did not try. The best part of the meal was the Charlotte Russe and the Turtle Ice Cream Sandwich. I believe the bill for the 4 of us including cocktails was just over $300 which seems little pricey. Service was good although the water girl spilled water on the table several times despite there being at least 2 iPhones on the table. I'd like to try Brunch there sometime, but would only go back for dinner if someone else was paying.
(4)Joshua D.
Really great food. Their beet salad had some of the best tasting beets I've ever had. The quality of their other dishes was high, though there were little things about some of them that I think could use adjusting.
(4)Becky U.
The service and atmosphere were good, however the food was lacking. The impression I got from the menu was overly complicated dishes. For example an abundance of sauces, spices and ingredients not complimenting each other but taking away from the overall dish. Less is more sometimes.
(3)Piyali F.
Love this place! I travel to SLC for work frequently, and my company recently hosted an event here so I ended up having a couple meals at the hotel's restaurant, Bambara. High quality food, great wine selection, and they are GREAT about catering to food allergies.
(5)Bridget H.
I went here later in the evening upon arriving in town (and the Hotel Monaco). It was the middle of the week and already 9pm so I was easily able to get a table, though I did notice the restaurant did get more crowded on the weekend. The server was nice, and I just ordered an entrée since it was late and I was tired. Despite it just being a "quick meal" for me, the gnocchi was definitely the best gnocchi I have ever had. The gnocchi themselves were light and fluffy and the entire plate, with the fresh pesto, seasonal vegetables, and delicious mushrooms was a delight to eat.
(4)Jackie F.
Exceptional service and food was had by all! Succulent mahi mahi and duck were among the menu items selected by me and my guest, and both were superb. The waiter was especially knowledgeable and helpful, and his expertise went a long way in helping us select both our wine and dishes. I will definitely be returning to Bambara the next time I'm in SLC!
(5)Bill R.
Wonderful atmosphere. Beautifully decorated restaurant. Extremely friendly and attentive staff. Started with some apps... Crab stuffed red pepper. What a crowd pleaser! The table couldn't get enough. Fresh crab flavor not heavy with breading. Ruby and golden beets salad. Fresh roasted beets with grains and hazelnut. Excellent but could use a bit of salt. Others had the wedge. Notable slabs of house cured bacon. Real nice. Entree: Scallops with corn and bacon risotto was excellent. Pan seared crust outside and tender inside. The risotto could be an entree on its own. Outstanding flavors and textures. My only issue with this dish was the amount of garnish. Literally a handful of alfalfa sprouts! Really had to dig through the pile to get down to the good stuff. In fact every plate at the table was over-garnished in some way--the pork loin dish looked like it had a tree limb on it. My own issues with garnish aside, every plate at the table was excellent! Swordfish, filet, strip, pork loin, scallops were all noteworthy items. We all commented that there was just too much good stuff on the menu. Desserts were just as good. We were surprised that they looked kind of small, but don't be fooled...they are rich, flavorful, and delicious. You'll be glad they exercise portion control. Those looking for libation will appreciate the full liquor license. Plenty of reds, whites, and sparkling available. Full bottles, half bottles, and by the glass. As well as cocktails. Extremely happy to have found this place. Given the chance, I shall return.
(4)F J F.
Giant disappointment. The amount of salt added to all of the dishes made some inedible. We tried 5 appetizers ..the duck pate was the worst of them and unpalatable then the salty chips..the salads were acceptable. Service was confusing and non attentive..when he finally took the time at the end of the meal , we explained constructively what we experienced. The waiter said we should have said something....which brought to light..no one ever asked how the food was after serving. ok...we always have a good time and the restaurant and hotel are neat and fun ..but it was $500 for 4.....and should be better overall.
(2)Brandon B.
Phenomenal. Best burger on the planet. Try and you'll see why. I'm not even joking. And be sure to have the house chips with bleu cheese as a primer. Then sub the fries for a spring mix salad. The vinaigrette cuts through the beef fat nicely.
(5)Anna K.
Came here after picking up my boyfriend from his flight in Salt Lake. Our group ordered the blue cheese chips and calamari as our appetizers. We all agreed that we found the blue cheese chips to be a bit weird, but still pretty good. The calamari was excellent. The sauce was great and the crispness was perfect. Our entrees were incredible. Mine was the scallops which were quite salty, but they were over a creamy risotto which was perfect. I'm definitely a fan of the Brussel sprouts on the side which I believe were cooked with pancetta.
(4)Amy S.
Really good food. The service wasn't as attentive as I'd hoped. The portions are very generous - I had the salmon crusted in potato and literally couldn't finish it. Would definitely go again if I went back to SLC.
(4)Rumesha A.
I was staying at the Hotel Monaco and came in for dinner - The Blue Cheese Chips - I would avoid them. Dripping with oil and with melted blue cheese on them. It was a heart attack on a plate and not even worthy dying for! All I could taste was the oil - The lamb chops - for $46, I expected an amazing dish. The lamb was cooked well (medium rare) but there was definitely a heavy hand on the salt on the kale chips. The aioli was heavy and distracting - a lighter sauce would have paired with the lamb - Flourless chocolate cake - this was pretty good and I was loath to leave a few bites on my plate. All the desserts were top notch - Service was attentive and courteous. Our server wasnt very knowledgeable on the wine list but definitely knew his food. I'll try another meal but I'm sure Salt Lake City has a better restaurant for me to sample.
(3)Stephen L.
Amazing dinner with my favorite wine: Charles Krug Carb... Loved the appetizer, main dish and dessert. The service is great, we we're put in the VIP/isolated room so it's not noisy and we could have our own conversation. This is one of the best restaurant in SLC. We started with the appetizer of the chips (Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips), really good... then I ordered the duo for the main dish, which covers the ribs and bacon-covered-tenderloin (could not go wrong with bacon), it's just perfect ! Again, on the overall, it was an excellent dinner !
(5)Shawn F.
Pricey, at about $100 for 2, but probably the best meal I've ever had anywhere. We ended up stranded in Salt Lake City for a night and decided randomly to come here. We weren't disappointed! The service was friendly and attentive, but not intrusive. My finance and I split the Spinach salad, fried peppers, filet of beef, and crab mashed potatoes. Who would have thought you could put crab in mashed potatoes or fry lemons? The food was like a work of art, complex, full of flavor and beautiful to behold. The cocktails we had were delicious as well, and fairly strong. If we ever find our way back to Salt Lake City, this is where we'll go.
(5)Lynette D.
This seemed like a great choice we were hungry and it is in our hotel although very pricy. Our waiter Jason was just amazing no matter what the food he made the experience a 5 star ...if there was a waiter option star he would get a 5 The wine a pinot noir was very nice can't recall the name but it was suggested by Jason and was very good $12 a glass one of the least expensive but very good Starter we decided on the duck toast it was very tasty and presentation was great ..it was a little busy because there was so much going on on the plate ..but if you pushed everything aside and focused on the duck on the toast it was over salted and seemed like it was cooked several days ago and then reheated ..if you cook a lot you will get this and I understand a restaurant can not cook everything "today"but it seemed more than a day or two old. The over salted is also a good sign of this. Also the frothy thing is over just don't Seared Maine Scallops we decided to split this and it was nice they split this for us on our own plates The pungent smell that comes with not so fresh scallops was overwhelming and almost turned me against the entire plate. if it smells this strong there is something just wrong with the entire thing, where they frozen and thawed? I realize we are not on a coast here but OMG it was just overbearing. I did eat one then I just gave the plate to my husband who didn't want it either. The brussel sprouts were undercooked and the pork belly was cold like an after thought..oh yeah just throw that on top cold maybe no one will notice. I didnt' even eat the risotto so I can not comment on this part. Again a buy plate and simplicity can often be the best part of a plate I would have rather had one great scallop than 4 smelly ones covered in all kinds of things I am not even clear what most of it was. $41 no thank you I would not order this again The free bread OMG the best part of the meal .... this bread is so good I would have just had the wine and free bread all night ...however they bring this spread that I tired thinking it looked good ...it was horrible. I told my husband "I can't quite put my finger on what it is but it seems like something left over the chef was not quite sure what to do with so he did this" when I asked Jason what exactly it was he said it was a mixture of hummus and some other beans with something, something ...I knew it ! OMG just don't ...if you need to make something to go with such a spectacular bread just do a whipped butter with a simple herb ..sometimes simplicity is a perfect answer. Desset Chocolate cake with ice cream and toffee ..perfect! clearly they have this portion of the meal perfect. This was amazing Also it was our Lexi (puppy) 4th birthday and we asked Jason what he could do for her that we could take back to the room for her. He put a scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped it with a puff pasty little crispy thing that was perfect ! The only thing was Lexi tired with all her 5 pounds of might to eat it in one bite ! welcome to her first brain freeze which we realized was happening when she fell onto her side licking her lips and got up and only licked the rest of it !! LOL not funny but we all remember that first brain freeze right !
(3)Nancy B.
Terrific meal, great setting, and service to match. Best beet salad I've had, with both golden and red beets, combined with extra creamy goat cheese and a very special vinaigrette. I loved that they let me switch out a different vegetable to accompany the potato crusted salmon. Just perfect.
(5)Jenny J.
Tuna tartar was superb. Just had sushi the night before and it didn't do it for me. Not that this was sushi but this meal experience helped to offset the average meal that I had the night before. My entree was the goat cheese ravioli with mushrooms. I just didn't feel like a meat dish even though the steak that my companion had looked delish. Didn't matter as the ravioli was a hit for me and just the dish that I was craving. Very flavorful without being overly salty or heavy. Mango pana cotta for desert was just the right ending. I was very full but the choices for desert were just too good to pass up. I recommend and give this place a solid 4 star except that they screwed with my bill. I paid the tip in cash and they somehow added an extra 40 bucks to my bill. They gave me a bogus explanation that it was some systems error. BS and a terrible end to what was an enjoyable meal.
(3)Christopher L.
I've eaten here several times and I believe that is one of the best restaurants in Salt Lake City. The last time I visited Bambara I had Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with saffron sauce for an appetizer and pan seared duck served with risotto for an entree. All food was prepared and served to the highest standard.
(5)Bowdoin S.
Bambara is conveniently located in downtown Salt Lake City in the Hotel Monaco and fortunately there is a lot of parking options nearby. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with some nice lounge music playing in the background which fortunately was not too loud. I had lunch here and started out with the silky corn bisque at the suggestion of my waiter and I was not disappointed. It takes a lot for a soup to impress me and this soup was very tasty and well balanced. There is some nice heat that works well with the sweet taste of the corn which was not overpowering. There was a decent amount of the crab which added some nice texture. I had to try the beet salad which was really good. First of all, the presentation was exquisite with the nice colors of the golden and ruby beets with the mandarin orange slices (and I think grapefruit) in the periphery. One of my pet peeves with many beet salad offerings is when there is too much arugula and not enough beets, but they give a great abundance of high quality beets here, but the chef gives an abundant amount of both golden and red beets which are well cooked and extremely tasty. There was some nice acidity provided by the orange vinaigrette and citrus as well. The walnuts added some nice texture as well. My only criticism was that the goat cheese was a little too runny, but the dish was really good. My server Mike was knowledgable, friendly, and on top of things, and I look forward to my next visit where I can explore more of the menu.
(4)Rod S.
We came here for brunch before the Opera. It's not $3 mimosas. But, that's not what you come here for. You come here for fine dining, excellent service and hopefully very good food. You can pretty much assume most hotels have "hotel" food. That's competent food done by the numbers that's somewhat overpriced. Fortunately, Kimpton hotels break the mold. I've always had well prepared food worth the price. In Utah, the cocktails are over priced, but decent. There are more trendy places and arguably better values at other very good places downtown, but nothing really embodies grand dining and elegance as well. I've been here for dinner with the wife recently as well. It was also up to snuff. You can spend more at Grand America, but I find it all to sterile there. Over the years Hotel Monaco has been through ups and downs. Probably more downs than ups. I'm thrilled it's in an up phase.
(4)Christopher K.
Talk about a classy restaurant that I could eat all three of my daily meals in, every day, for weeks on end, and never get sick of it. Bambara is that restaurant. I'm not kidding when I say I was so spoiled spending a week in Salt Lake City, staying at the Hotel Monaco, and having Bambara right there at my disposal all day every day. Everything I ate here was amazing - breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and of course, small plates at the bar on late, late nights. This place has it all. A great variety of dishes prepared with the very best of ingredients, all thoughtfully prepared down to the smallest detail. Breakfast was probably my favorite meal, and I loved mixing it up every day. I'm not a big pancakes guy, but I had to try them here. Boy, did they deliver. I'll still never understand why pancakes are pitched as an entree and not a side. Does anyone really need a giant stack of pancakes? I mean, after a few bites, I'm like, "I get it. Pancakes are good." A few bites are all I really need. A stack of pancakes, to me, seems like equivalent of eating a 30-egg omelette, or a box of donuts. I could only finish half a plate. And by all means get a side of their homemade pork breakfast sausage which was out of this world. I'll never be able to order sausage in a NJ diner again. Even the simple salads are good. My first meal at Bambara was a salad. I remember the bartender coming up to me, asking me how it was, and I said, "if they can do a salad this good, I can't wait to try everything else on the menu." Indeed. If you are in Salt Lake City and do not grab a bite here at some point, you will be missing out.
(5)R A.
New Menu: I had the duck. It was probably the best duck I have ever had. It wasn't chewy which duck can be at times. Appetizer was fantastic. Beet salad was also 5 star. Try the new menu.
(5)Ruben A.
Lamb sliders for lunch! The lamb was fresh and moist. Too many times I've had lamb that has a gamey taste. When it's fresher and cooked properly, it's divine. The pesto and feta cheese were really a nice complement to moist lamb slider. LOVED the fries. They were fried with what seemed like thyme and rosemary. Whatever it was, the fries were some of the best i've ever had.
(5)Alice C.
Th is a really nice fine dinning experience in SLC. Let's start with food, solid new American cuisines. The style here are slightly unique. Instead of highlighting one ingredient, they do at least a couple. Portion are generous. Butter lettuces, very fresh with excellent light gorgonzola dressing 9/10 My friend got a really good pork tenderloin and pork belly dish, 8/10 I got the chicken and tiger prawns, chicken slight dry, tiger prawn was very good 8/10 Drink, decent selection on local beer, decent wine selection, cocktails are very good, but pricey at $12-$15 per drink. Service was top notch that evening as we were two snow bums who just walked in. The restaurant layout are open where you can see all the kitchen actions, the black and white color theme of the place is elegant but not overly stuffy. After splitting a salad, one entree and two cocktails, I am short $70, not bad compare to the bay area dinning scenes. Nice place to take your date or feed your hungry stomach.
(4)Christopher M.
Great lunch spot located inside the Monoco Hotel. Food is good & the drinks are even better. Also, The Vault lounge attached to them is amazing!
(5)M A.
As I have come to detest Cocina Toscana, I have come to LOVE Bambara. Great food, good service, good atmosphere. Music is just right, not to loud etc. Great spot. Prices are a bit higher but I think it's justified.
(5)Sarah V.
An expensive restaurant by Salt Lake City standards. We were in the old Chairmans office for small groups - it's a gorgeous room. The servers were attentive and knew the menu well. I ordered the pork chops and it was succulent and superb. Friends ordered the fries with blue cheese appetizer and it looked pretty amazing. My husband ordered the ravioli but found the pasta to be tough. Overall this is a lovely but pricey upscale restaurant for special occasions. Overall most of the entree's ordered by our group were popular.
(4)Heather B.
Superb service, divine cuisine, great atmosphere! Everything we tried was delicious. We went for dinner. Staff was very friendly and service was impeccable. Thank you for offering something unique in SLC.
(5)Krystal M.
Wonderful dinner. I was staying in the hotel and dined here on a Sunday evening. Our waiter David was very helpful and knowledgeable. We had the corn bisque which really was fantastic, just a little rich. We then had the filet mignon and scallops for entrees. Scallops were divine! We were tired the night we ate here so opted for just a glass of wine each, and was pleasantly surprised to see a good "by the glass" menu and opted for the Caymus Conundrum. Kept dessert simple with sorbet. Overall very pleased with this meal and dining experience. Best so far in SLC.
(4)Jay G.
This is the best overall, all-purpose, eatery in SLC. I usually stay in the Hotel Monaco when I'm in town and this place is partly why. The breakfast is stellar, the lunch is inventive, and the dinner ranges from white table cloth dining to a great place to dine with the game on at the bar. The deconstructed cob salad sounds gimmicky but it's Oh so good. The burger with red wine sauteed onions, just melts in your mouth. The breakfast is just bang on. You can't be disappointed with anything here, minus the slightly inflated check awaiting the end of your meal... but it's worth it.
(5)James S.
This was a remarkable find in Salt Lake City. The restaurant compares well with the best names in New Orleans. We especially loved the presentations, which were simple but elegant, the superb sauces and the outstanding service we received from Brandon. He recommended memorable dishes to us. The corn bisque was creamy and subtly flavored. The crab stuffed peppers were from heaven. The wedge butter lettuce salad with Maytag blue cheese and bacon fresh and balanced. The lamb chops with fried kale were perfectly cooked, flavored and presented. Their mango sorbet cleaned the palate and was a perfect finish. We split everything and it was under $60 per person without alcohol. If you love quality food qo, enjoy and share.
(5)Kay P.
Lamb sliders! It's times like this where I wish I was greek. The lamb sliders are tender and moist. The bread taste lightly grilled which gives it a nice crunch. They give you condiments on the side but why bother!? Don't do it. You'll ruin a most perfect slider. The juices in the lamb keep everything from Getting dry and..why are you still reading this? Go get one and thank me later . Baaaaaa says the lamb
(5)Ellie B.
Every now an again you just need to treat yourself to beautifully crafted food that is as delicious as it is beautiful. My husband an I celebrated out anniversary there an everything we had from wine, bread, crab stuffed peppers, roasted chicken to sea bass was incredible!! We luckily ate slow an had room for a little dessert. The FILO an cherries was amazing but the sorbet is what really topped it off for me! Ask to be seated in Taylor's section an your dining experience will be enhanced to joyous an you will feel like old friends netting for the very first time. If I'm ever back in Salt Lake I will be ratting here again!!
(5)Selwa L.
The Pinot noir poached salmon was amazing! This was the best meal I had all week during our stay in Salt Lake City. Very nice restaurant and despite being one of the dressier options downtown, they were very accommodating to our family and our baby. Our server brought her a side of blueberries so she could eat something along with everyone else in our party. (She won't sit still in a high chair unless she has food). Delicious. Would definitely eat here again. The food was better than the steak we had eaten the night before and less expensive! I was also able to go into the hotel lobby nearby and nurse my baby which was convenient.
(5)Lana K.
Great lunch spot, and far more affordable than the dinner prices. There's hardly ever people in the bar and when there is, it's always good conversation. Bartender is knowledgeable and happy to help.
(5)Kiki P.
Breakfast: Average and overpriced I ordered the Bambara Benedict which contains Smoked Pork, Breakfast Potatoes, and Chervil Hollandaise. I did not really enjoy this dish very much. The Hollandaise sauce was extremely rich and creamy. It was just too much. I also ordered a side of Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, extra crispy and this was delicious. The server did follow through with my request of extra crispy bacon which I appreciated. I ordered a slide of fruit as well and I really liked how they sliced the fruit very finely. Value: I think this restaurant is extremely overpriced for breakfast. Five dollars for a glass of orange juice is a bit absurd. My brunch came out to about $30 bux, which is a bit pricey for food that is just average. Dinner: Pretty good food, but still overpriced I went to Bambara with a large dinner party and we ordered the following appetizers: - Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips - Hamachi Crudo, Green Apple, Cabbage, Horseradish Sour Cream Kilauea Black Sea Salt, Walnut Oil - Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Garlic~Saffron Butter - Crispy Fried Calamari, Shishito Peppers, Fried Lemon, Sriracha Aioli - Hawaiian Tombo Tuna Tartare, Pinenuts, Pomegranate, Yuzu, Shallot My favorite of the above dishes would definitely be the tuna tartare. The rest of the dishes were average. The Hamachi crudo sounds like an interesting and unique dish, but I personally liked the tuna tartare better. My second course consisted of the Fuji Apple Salad, Belgian Endive, Watercress, St. Andre Cheese Toast, Spiced Pecans, served with Port Vinaigrette. I enjoyed this salad and would order it again. My third course included the Seared Diver Scallops, Wild Rice Risotto, Warm Frisée Bacon Mushroom Salad, and Porcini Mushroom Butter. I also ordered a side of Bacon Brussels Sprouts which went very well with this meal. The scallops were fresh and well cooked. For dessert, I had the Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake served with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, and Buttercrunch Toffee. I was disappointed in this cake. Did not like it very much. The toffee tasted stale. I also tried the truffle sampler which was a little better than the cake. Overall, I can't say this enough but this restaurant is significantly overpriced. You can probably find BETTER food for HALF the price elsewhere!
(3)Jereme L.
I had the duck entrée with the fennel salad and tuscan kale and red swiss chard. All of it was just simply amazing! I am a huge fan of duck and if it's not cooked right can often be dry. Not the case for my meal here, it came out the correct temperature and had a great taste profile. What really blew me away was how good the sides were and how well they paired with the duck. Some of the best food I had while in SLC!!!
(5)Scott W.
Wow. This is the best place I have eaten in a long time! House salad was amazing and the filet was even better. Stop here if you are in town!
(5)Sean W.
Amazing meal and service, very inviting dining room, cozy. We started with the blue cheese chips, try eating only one. The calamari was perfectly cooked served with amazing fried lemons. The scallop and tuna tartare were super fresh, however could have used a bit of heat. The cast iron mussels were beyond, so good, amazing broth. My steak was cooked perfectly, very large portion. My friends gnocchi with short ribs was mouthwatering, so flavorful. This was the best meal I've had in SLC in a very long time, years.
(4)Kayla M.
This is one of our favorite places to eat in all of Salt Lake City! There are so many great things about this restaurant, the food, the service, the wine list... I could go on and on. We fist went here for my boyfriend's birthday and were so impressed by the food and the atmosphere that it quickly became our go to spot for special occasions. Our two favorite dishes here are the filet mignon and the halibut, both are amazing! We love the Ball Buster wine and often purchase a whole bottle. The atmosphere is upscale, white linen table cloths and waiters in black vests. It's fairly intimate and would be a great place for a romantic dinner, however it's not really what I'd call mood lighting. The restaurant is set up so that almost anywhere you sit you have a view of the city out the windows. Even though it's on street level, it's fun to see what's going on out on the city street. The service is good and the waiters are attentive, just what you'd expect from a nicer place. We love their bar area too!!
(5)Aran S.
Great service! Cocktails could use some work, though. A bit noisy & bright too. Dim the lights in the main room!
(4)M P.
Didn't meet my expectations. The corn soup was the best part of the meal. Good wine selection and service. Food was just ok. Maybe it was an off night.
(3)Rosie T.
I love this place! My favorite drink is "The Monoco" it's a must try! It's a vodka with espresso and coffee liqueur! I have enjoyed the food and environment so far, and their bar The Vault is small but quite nice as well! I hope all of you have a an awesome time here :).
(5)John H.
It's been a long time since I have had a 5 star meal and I had to travel for work to find it. Bambara is located centrally in SLC within an old bank attached to the Monaco hotel. Brennan (sp) was our server who guided us thru the meal. Our group started with a variety of appetizers include the ahi tartare, calamari, stuffed and roasted poblano peppers. All were prepared and served perfectly. Next courses included watermelon salad, a beet salad and greens. All were very fresh, crisp and nicely presented. Very good flavors. Mains included the scallop dish, pork tenderloin and lamb t-bones. It hard to believe that there exists such a high level of consistency from any kitchen. These folks have it nailed. Incredible flavors and perfectly prepared. Your wish was the command. The only thing I would change would be a bit more of a wine list selection. However, those represented were all well chosen. All in all, it was worth the plane flight for the meal. Many thanks to the kitchen, our server (if I have his name close) and the rest of the staff for such good dishes and service. I will certainly be back. Tell your friends! Thank you
(5)Beny Q.
This place looked different when I saw it in person as opposed to when I read about it online. Online it seemed like a casual place with good food, but when I saw the corner of the building as I was going to eat I saw that this place got fancier and fancier. The place is really fancy, the food is very tasty, and the waiter we talked to was the nicest person ever!
(4)Carl B.
The bisque! Eat it and love it. Also, the atmosphere and service was exemplary. I would reccomend to anyone looking for a fancy night out.
(4)Jay B.
Hard to beat. Best dinner in Salt Lake. I've been here at least 20-30 times. Staff is excellent and the place is very cool and modern. Def $$$.
(4)Judy L.
came to bambara on thursday night. the service was impeccable, but the food was inconsistent. started off with the house potato chips with blue cheese and crab stuffed peppers, both very delicious. the scallops with corn risotto was also very well prepared. my entree was the ribeye with bone marrow and frites, requested black and blue. i was very disappointed with my dish. 1. the ribeye was very inconsistently cooked, cut into strips, and fanned out. the outer pieces were rare, but the inside pieces were medium and well done. not sure how this happened. 2. cutting the steak into strips dried the steak out, and it looks like it was cut, then cooked some more. 3. the bone marrow was COLD. it was like eating a stick of gritty butter. i asked the waiter whether this was a new style of eating bone marrow, he told me it was supposed to be hot. immediately brought me a properly cooked bone marrow which was delicious. didn't bother fixing the steak because the compound butter made the stake taste fine, i just prefer my beef very very rare. i would think that a restaurant of this caliber and $$$ would be much better at preparing a dish that they "highly recommend" as being a "customer favorite."
(3)Denise L.
I don't get the great reviews for this place. We had the ruby and golden beet salad, which was pretty good. We ordered the scallops and steak for entrees, which were tasty but the portions were so small. Waiter was good and attentive at the start, then didn't show up for 20 minutes. I get that some people like the decor but it just doesn't work for me. Summary: Food: good, but small portions. Good cocktail list. Atmosphere: average Service: mediocore Won't be back. Too expensive for a B- experience.
(2)Jen D.
There for a business buffet dinner/meeting. Server was removing food without asking if we were done. Had a lot of leftovers that we paid for but the server Riley was extremely rude and said we could not take any leftovers with us because the food had been sitting out for 2 hours. Glad they feel it is necessary to waist food while so many people in he world are starving. Would not recommend, extremely RUDE service. And actually undesirable food.
(1)Guy B.
Of all the fine restaurants in downtown Salt Lake City, Bambara may be the finest. Situated on the ground floor of the Hotel Monaco, Bambara is the home of executive chef Nathan Powers, possibly the most talented culinary mind in the state. During our recent visit to Bambara, we enjoyed several menu items, including the bleu cheese house cut potato chips and the cast iron roasted clams for appetizers, and the gnocchi with vegetable ragout and cast iron seared chicken and shrimp for entrees. Let me tell you something, these dishes, and all of the others on the menu, are absolute knockouts. The bleu cheese potato chips alone are worth a visit. The chips are crisp and the bleu cheese is the real deal. They don't skimp on the cheese, so be careful with this one. Come hungry! As for the clams, they are topped with a delicious mix of chopped roasted peppers, fennel and garlic, and a touch of pesto, all served in a delightful broth. Toasted bread is served on the side to sop up the broth. The entrees we ordered were awesome. The gnocchi is creamy, and the vegetable ragout provides a lovely complement. The red pepper sauce is really interesting, it's light and does not dominate the dish, as is often the case with gnocchi offerings. The chicken and shrimp are really well seasoned, perfectly cooked and served on a bed of garlicky chard and polenta. The dish is topped with delicately sliced onion rings that are lightly breaded in blue corn flour. Everything is done so well, it makes me want to sob. The service is always very attentive and prompt at Bambara, and the atmosphere is mellow and comfortable. I really have no complaints about this place. They took care of my wife and I last year when it was our 19th anniversary celebration, and I think we will go back there for our 20th. This place is top notch, a go-to restaurant for just about any occasion.
(5)Dmitry K.
Good, not great and over-priced. At these prices, steak should arrive exactly as ordered. We ordered medium-rare and got rare. The meat was fine, but not excellent. Beautiful space, good service. I prefer trying local/not chain, but Capitol Grille would have been a much better choice for the same money.
(3)Bethany F.
Bambara is a truly lovely restaurant that anyone should feel relaxed in. Jake really made our dinner. He's got great suggestions without the overbearing style of service. The food is seriously top notch. Giant mussels in an amazing "manhattan" sauce, crab bisque, seared duck breast, and filet.. Nothing ceased to please. Thanks guys, it was incredible!
(5)Emily G.
Their lunch specials here are usually pretty good and come with an amazing turtle cookie - bonus! And by that, I mean a chocolate chip cookie with caramel and pecans, not a turtle-shaped cookie, if that was a deal-breaker for you. The blue-cheese house potato chips may shorten your lifespan, but you know...worth it. The steak salad is a little pricey, but IMO the best thing on the menu. I'd get that or a lunch special. The seared ahi tuna is also very good - I believe the tuna is flown in from the coast fresh daily.
(4)Beann P.
The ambience and decor are very nice! My only complaint is the cramped table seating! The server was polite by checking on us and taking drink orders. I ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare, Organic Quinoa, Avocado, Fresno Chili, Basil, Black Olive Creme Fraiche, Gaufrette Potato and the Organic Mixed Baby Lettuces, Smoked Utah Trout Crostini, Cider Vinaigrette. Neither were very appetizing needless to say. The Ahi Tartare did not have the unique, delicious taste to match Cheesecake Factory's and the salad was mediocre to say the least. The smoked Utah trout crostini looked like a piece of hard bread with paste slightly slathered on top. To top it off the waiter did not ask if five women wanted to split the check and brought over one whole tab. I was very unhappy to see an extra dollar added to my bill when reviewing my bank account, in which I called the manager and he promptly researched and credited the difference in one day. It's not about the money, but I wanted to let him know if servers were skimming tips which I've heard in other establishments (Brio). Nice place, mediocre food. P.S. Ask for validation so you only have to pay $5 for your valet instead of $10 (Pricey but I guess that's downtown for you)
(3)MaryPat K.
Had a business lunch here the other day. It was Wednesday and I had the special - mussels. They were so good! And the amazing cookie they gave me for dessert was yummy! I really enjoy the caliber of service and quality of food here every time I go!
(5)Jessie M.
Perfect for Sunday brunch! Great portions, decent price for the quality. Mimosas for $7! I'm in.
(5)Stephanie I.
I had prosciutto wrapped trout and potatoes. The food was so over salted that it ruined the meal. The blue cheese Potatoe chips were a bit greasy. I felt the food was overpriced and the server less than engaging. I am not one to complain but I hope the chef pays attention to what is being served. I've dined here before and it was very good.
(3)Kimya P.
Not cheap. Definitely delicious. $130 for the two of us (bill included a $38 bottle of wine). For appetizers: We had the crab stuff peppers resting in a pool of saffron infused butter - heavenly. Even more tasty were the blue cheese chips -- fatty melted helpings of blue cheese on top of perfectly toasted potato chips. For my entree: I had the salmon with the horseradish mashed potatoes - it was all pretty much perfect. The fish was cooked well, the peas were fresh, and the mashed potatoes creamy. Really, one creamy forkful after another. While I generally don't like to eat at hotel restaurants, Bambara is an exception worth noting and experiencing.
(4)Erica E.
We celebrated our anniversary here and had a wonderful experience. The chefs were very accommodating and even made baby food for our little one. Highly recommend, wish we lived closer to this restaurant, we would definitely go back!
(5)John S.
Not sure why we waited so long to try out this place. Very knowledgeable server. We got the corn chowder which was the perfect temperature. The filet was so tender. The pork loin was bliss. If you are looking for a nice fine dining experience with genuinely caring service, go here! Great wine list! They even have half bottles. The open kitchen adds flare to what might otherwise feel too formal. Very solid.
(5)Will C.
The best pan seared chicken I have ever had ! Pricey but reasonable. Overall I would highly recommend. Adults only
(5)Howie O.
Great power lunch or dinner spot to take business customers to. Atmosphere is really nice in this restaurant, I was impressed. I have tried a bunch of items on the menu and haven't found anything I didn't like.
(4)Jason C.
I went to this restaurant tonight with some colleagues for a business dinner. Our waiter was polite and very helpful. He recommended the scallops as his favorite item on the menu. That is what I ordered and I was blown away by how perfectly they were cooked and how tasty they were. I wish it would've come with more than five scallops but those five were like heaven! For dessert he recommended the turtle pie. I ordered that as well and found it to be a nice ending to the meal. It was rich but not overly so. All in all I was very happy with my experience tonight.
(5)Jenna W.
As Salt Lake City would have it, it's very difficult to find a celebration-worthy restaurant open on a Sunday evening. Thankfully, we were able to celebrate my birthday at Bambara. We made reservations just a few hours in advance, and they had special printed menus wishing me a happy birthday! Overall, the service was attentive, but did slow as our evening progressed. Bambara is a beautiful establishment to spend a celebratory evening. Now, on to the food! We had the the Blue Cheese Potato Chips. I do love me some home-made potato chips! And, the blue cheese made the dish really unique. As my main, I ordered the Chicken and Shrimp. While the dish was delicious, I do think it could have benefited from a sauce of some sort. My husband picked the better main - the Pork Tenderloin. Perfection! To finish, we had some version of chocolate molten cake for dessert which was nicely made. We had an amazing evening and already plotting our next trip back! Thanks for being open on a Sunday!
(5)A Z.
Solid 4 stars. Lovely bistro in the Hotel Monaco. Inviting entrance with open kitchen is a great precursor for your appetite. Few but appetizing and flavorful menu options. I got the crab stuffed peppers which were delicious, and the butter lettuce salad which was wonderful, light and crisp, tasted very fresh. For entree I chose the duck with watercress and pomegranate sauce. The duck was done perfectly well for my liking, and it was so flavorful and rich it may have been the best prepared duck I've ever had. The flavors on the plate were interesting, I enjoyed the pomegranate medley which I was interested to see how it would contrast with the rest of the dish. Didn't have time for dessert this round, but there were a few options I wished I could have tasted! Service was good, our server made sure to return and fill our drinks before they were empty, which I very much appreciate. Give this venue a go if you are looking for a treat for your taste buds.
(4)Leah B.
Bad. You guys, so bad. I feel like they are trying to be "inventive" whilst still pleasing the Utah crowd that wants big plates, because what we had was atrocious. The tuna tartare. I have nothing against quinoa. I like it. But why it was blended in with the already bland tuna, makes no sense. Let's take some of our bland fish (fyi don't thin tuna is bland, this just was) and mix it with some other bland shiz. The wedge: fine. You wanna get creative and use butter leaf? God speed. But why must you use ginormous slabs of bacon?? It's a salad! These "sides of inch thick bacon had no place on my wedge. A wedge is a classic. No need to get fancy, you screwed it up. Now for my chicken. I NEVER order chicken but the sides sounded tasty. The potatoes were gummy and my chard was gritty enough that I had to send it back. It came back. Still gritty. The chicken had ZERO flavor. The waiter tried to give us dessert on the house but we just had to get out. I've been here for lunch and enjoyed myself, but dinner was BAD. Our server was nice.
(1)Victoria H.
I ate at Bambara a year ago and thought it was good but not great. Last week when a high profile business opp came into town, the hosting sales team chose Bambara from a list of other great places. I maintain my good but not great rating. Our waiter did nothing to promote or recommend great dishes. He was put out by having to answer questions. We were lucky he came through to check our drinks, 15 or 20 min beyond consumption. When our meals were delivered we had to play musical chairs and were delighted when those who ordered steaks cooked to differing tastes landed in the right place. For this kind of money, you can do far batter.
(3)Chelle T.
Perfect spot to grab a sit-down lunch. Bambara offers a tantilizing menu with great options. I kept it light and ordered the organic mixed green baby lettuce salad with walnuts, goat cheese and orange vinaigrette - delicious! Several things on the menu looked tempting, though. My dining companion opted for the cobb salad and gave it two thumbs up. The server knew the menu and offered helpful suggestions. I'm looking forward to returning to sample more.
(3)Scott G.
Great service and probably the best meal I've had in SLC while visiting over the past year. Try the mussels they are actually very tasty super fresh
(5)H Y.
I ordered salmon and it was cold when it arrived because it was sat out for a long time. It took about an hour to get my food. My husband ordered chicken and he liked this dish. Probably won't be back. Not worth the money.
(3)Pua P.
EXCELLENT FOOD. We had the Duck Toast appetizer, shared a filet of beef, and enjoyed the creme brulee trio with a glass of port. One of the better meals I've had in recent memory. Absolutely worth the price.
(5)Nick B.
I was pleased with everything. The salad was great it was light and fresh with peaches. My entre was to die for. I had the scallops with risotto and it was full of flavors. This dish was also very fresh tasting and not too heavy. For desert we shared their ice cream sandwich and again I loved it. Great experience with great service but mosg important part for me shunned... The meal. As a signed my wife got the steak and fries and it was only ok for the price. Mine though was everything and more.
(5)Maria B.
Great dinner, good service. Portions are medium to large so don't over order, unless you want to take some home, nice atmosphere and never a long wait. Order dessert for sure, not the usual fair, they've made a solid effort at creating a dessert menu as diverse as the entrée menu. Pana cotta and crème brûlée trio's are divine.
(5)Andrew S.
My most recent trip to Bambara was decent, and not nearly as good as past experiences I have had here. I got seared elk, and my partner got steak and frittes. The elk was presented beautifully but the dish was a little bland - especially compared to the bites of fillet I was able to steal of my BF's plate. With that said though, it seemed strange for his steak to be paired with shoe string french fries served in a wax paper stand you'd expect to see at a fancy burger place. We also ordered a side of risotto which was very bland. We also ordered two deserts - both were rather forgettable. Creme brulee is my favorite desert and hard to mess up, but the creme brulee we were served had very little caramelized sugar and it hadn't been torched properly so it was soft and grainy. Our other desert was a ginger cake of some kind; the cake was EXTREMELY dry, as if it had been made two days before or something and we didn't finish it. For what it's worth, the service was very good - appropriately attentive, good feedback when asked for advice on the menu, etc.
(3)Jennifer F.
Andrew is my new favorite server, and the location is amazing! The decor is remarkable and they make great use of the old bank that it once was! The food is truly exquisite: we started with the cheese tray and the espresso sprinkled cheese was incredibly unique and delicious. The bread was really great! The crab stuffed peppers were very good and this come from someone who could leave crab alone. The Idaho wrapped Idaho Trout is well worth it. The bacon sauteed Brussels Sprouts are amazing. The garlic mashed are good, not to die for but good. And then there was the hummus was really good. This was a truly great meal and I will be back!
(5)Joe N.
Simply delicious. The best tuna tartare I've ever had. Also, possibly the best lamb I've ever eaten. Chief perfectly and the sauce was phenomenal. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys Good. Will definitely be back
(5)Jeffrey W.
I definitely have mixed feelings about Bambara. They had great service and the ambiance and decor was excellent, but the food was quite disappointing. First of all, we tried the blue cheese potato chips, which had been recommended by a friend of my date. They were definitely sui generis, and a very interesting flavor. However, the chips became quite soggy after only a few minutes and thereafter became somewhat inedible. As an appetizer, I ordered the corn bisque and very much enjoyed it. It came in a quite substantial serving size and was sweet but not too sweet. It was also quite rich. My date had a salad, but I cannot personally comment on its quality, as I did not try it. For our entrees, I had the pumpkin ravioli and my date had the potato gnocchi. The pumpkin ravioli was the greatest disappointment of the night for me. The ravioli had nary a taste of pumpkin and the ravioli itself lacked in consistency and texture. It appeared to be slightly overcooked and did not have any distinctive flavor. In contrast, my date's potato gnocchi was quite good. The gnocchi mixed quite well with the arugula and the wild mushrooms. The sauce was notable but not overpowering. This dish, as with the corn bisque comes recommended. Overall, I would give them high marks for ambiance and decor but low marks for inconsistent food quality (especially at the prices charged). Thus, 3 out of 5 stars. .
(3)Brent W.
Let me start with saying that 3yrs ago the lamb shank I had here topped my list of favorites. Sine then I have been back twice. I ordered the Blue Cheese potato chips as an appetizer = Very Good The pear and almond salad = Very Good The New York strip medium = Poor (well done on the outside 1/4", charred, and medium in the middle, my guess is they cooked it cold). Brussel sprouts = just Nasty! Salty, under cooked, Horrid flavor. My wife ordered the Pork Tenderloin, with Hush puppies. The pork was tough, and the hush puppies tasted like they used old or rancid cooking oil. Normally I finish everything on my plate, it was so bad I couldn't even finish half of it. No, we didn't complain, and we still tipped our waitress well. It was all just so bad, I didn't know how I could politely complain.
(3)Katrina N.
I am already a fan of the Kimpton Hotel properties, but have to give them extra credit for have a remarkably good on-site restaurant in Salt Lake City. I had heard things about their brunch and wanted to try it too, but we had much too much fun (and too much food) at dinner. Now I have to go back :)
(4)Mike D.
This is absolutely one of my favorite places to dine in Utah. They have a unique menu which includes lots of local food and unique dishes like Buffalo. But more importantly, they know how to create a dining experience. I recently dined here on my teenage daughter's birthday. I forgot to make a reservation and the restaurants in the city were filled because of a large event that was in town. I called Bambara on my way there and asked if I could get a table and noted that it was my daughter's birthday. They made room for me, and within the 15 minutes between my call and our arrival, they had a custom menu printed with my daughters name on it. It was an unexpected touch and led to a very memorable birthday dining experience.
(5)Jennifer B.
Service was not good. MUCH was lacking. My food was a bit better than average (chicken and shrimp), but others in my party had average food (steak, trout). Will not visit again.
(3)Lucy C.
High class, hidden gem inside an old downtown hotel. Well worth the price.
(5)Joseph M.
This place was amazing! Jake our server was the best. Very attentive but not pushy at all. We started with the Blue Cheese Chips and an off menu Clam appetizer and we both enjoyed both of them. Then I had the Sea Bass and my wife had the Pan Seared Chicken, both entree's were fabulous, we shared the Crab Mashed Potato's. So much flavor in every dish that was prepared. Don't grab for the salt and pepper before you taste your meal, it won't need it!!! Overall, just a great experience!!
(5)Julie K.
Bar food at best. I ordered the weirdest thing, homemade potato chips with blue cheese wtf? The brussels sprouts where the best thing on the menu... There are better places to dine..
(2)James C.
My love affair with this restaurant goes back 10 yrs. I enjoyed my first meal, during a visit to SLC many years ago. I have since moved to SL from NY, and was amazed to see that Bambara was still a hot choice. I have had a number of meals, entertained guest from out town, and enjoyed cocktails in the Vault Bar. However, with time I have noticed server service, and food quality diminishing. This past Dec. while trying to enjoy holiday cocktails with a friend-table service in the bar area was horrible, and painfully slow. Food was just "ok". However today- was my worst experience. The restaurant was packed, ( probably because of Sundance) however, they were still able to seat me. I was seated by host, and left to sit, and sit, while staff personal glided by w/o so much as a "hello", or" I'll be with you shortly". Needless to say I felt stupid, and ignored. I hate it when restaurants ignore single diners and it seems to happen a lot more here in SLC. It's a shame with such limited choices there are in this town, that now, I have one less to select from......
(2)Emad S.
Ordered the beef filet, the flavors were very good although the meet was not as tender as other steakhouses I've been to when traveling overseas. Also had the chocolate desert, very rich and beautiful. I do recommend this place and would go there again to try some more of their dishes.
(4)Steve M.
The food was fantastic. You've got to try the blue cheese chips. The scallops were awesome! My friend ordered the chicken and he raved about it the entire meal. Nice ambience. A little pricey but the food was great.
(5)Sean F.
Great food, good portions, great location. Don't think, just go....
(4)Ilana K.
My new husband and I went here to celebrate our marriage together. I really liked the interior and decor. The appetizers were delicious, soup and calamari. The husband had the scallops which were delicious. Most of my meal was good as well. I had the duck, unfortunately the sides were good but the duck was really lacking. I ate 1 piece and had the husband try 1 and that was it. The server just took away the uneaten duck. The service was off, many times we looked for our server to order or for refills and it would be over 5 minutes before we got her attention. For a place that tries to be high class and the prices reflect it, it kind of missed the mark.
(3)Nikki C.
Bambara is so chic, the service is so good, decorated to perfection, and the food is superb to match. Even their iced tea is perfection. I love Bambara and go there for every special occasion. It never disappoints.
(5)Melissa C.
Sublime!!! Bambara is a must! I took my mom there for lunch the Saturday before Mother's Day and every thing was perfect. From the divine food to the superb service! We had Josh as our server and let's just say this man deserves a raise!!! He was wonderful! We asked if the juices had any added sugar and he went and checked all of them, (I saw him checking and reading the backs of the cartons) he returned and told us which ones were free from added sugars. He then continued throughout the entire meal to check for additives and such and informed us when something contained it, and offered a substitution. He went above and beyond! We asked some unusual dietary questions and if he didn't know he would say that's a good question and then go find out! He didn't just pretend and tell us a false answer. Amazing!!!! The food.........Out. Of. This. World. To call the chuck burger a burger is degrading! It is far superior to what the name implies! It is the best burger I have had in my entire life! I ordered it without the ciabatta roll, due to being gluten intolerant. I just ordered extra arugula. The Brie mixed with the bacon jam and freshly koshered and ground chuck is heavenly! The flavors just keep evolving in your mouth. It's astounding! The pickled vegetables on the side are fabulous, such flavor!!! I don't typically prefer pepperoncini peppers but these are full of flavor, sweet and wonderful along with the pickles and onions! (They are great with the side salad I substituted for the fries). The side salad had an apple cider vinaigrette that was so sweet and full of flavor, it was not the typical sharp vinaigrette that about knocks your socks off (and not in a good way). At the beginning of the meal I was looking at their TINY salt and pepper shakers and thought to myself, what good are these?!? Now I know......you don't need them! That's why they're tiny!! We then ordered sorbet. We got the coconut raspberry and the mandarin orange. Oh. My!!! As you are eating it you taste the sweetness and just as you are going in for the next bite you taste it.......fresh mandarin oranges, and I mean fresh!!!! Like you picked them up from a farmers market in California! The raspberry was good but I preferred the mandarin orange. I was so pleased with our experience that I cannot wait to go back! To the chef of Bambara...........if you don't have a Michelin star, you should!!! Such an amazing establishment!
(5)Jennifer S.
Amazing meal tonight at Bambara! Great atmosphere, attentive service and delicious food. We started with the blue cheese chips and they were definitely a great way to start off. I thoroughly enjoyed the pork tenderloin for my entree...the roasted peaches made the dish - delicious!
(5)Amy N.
Ate here for my 24th birthday this year with my fiance', his and my parents, and had a great time. We walked in to see that our menus were printed with "Happy Birthday Amy" and I nearly keeled over. So cool! I love that they'd personalize our experience there. I'm addicted to their Prosciutto-Wrapped Utah Trout. Absolutely amazing! It's pricy, but well worth the money. Definitely a great place for anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
(5)Hannah M.
Really fantastic. Breakfasts are great (especially if you're staying at the hotel). Dinners are equally great. The cheese plate (app) is all local and interestingly delicious. Main dishes are also great. Had the duck last night and will be going back again for it!
(5)Barry T.
Such a fun wait staff. I've had several good experiences here recently, and the kitchens are so willing to work with you and food allergies. The breakfast is a little on the more expensive side but the granola was really fantastic. Definitely on par with the good stuff I make back at home. The corn bisque for dinner was rather pleasing, and with a cheese plate (okay fine, there was an ice cream sandwich involved at the end as well... and two glasses of wine) - together made a nice light dinner after a rather strenuous ride up canyon park on a non-geared cruiser bike from the Monaco...
(4)Jamie W.
Party of 3 on a Saturday night. Had trouble deciding on a place to eat, and we are SO GLAD we landed on Bambara. We started off with a bottle of wine and a local cheese plate. Both of which were great pics. The atmosphere was cozy, and we could all focus on each other for conversation. We ordered the Pork Chop, filet, and chicken, each of which were masterfully presented and tasted divine. This was the best dinner I have ever had. I would recommend Bambara to anyone local to Salt Lake, or those there on vacation. The price of the meal was high, but it was right in line with how incredible it tasted. 5 starts hands down.
(5)Anne Marie S.
So I went with a co worker for lunch. Both of us were told , lunch prices are reasonable and dinner prices were high. The good: -We had a really good waiter, knew the menu well and was quick to attend tous. - The Corn Bisque was delicious!!!! Yes- delicious but it ended there. UPDATED: So the GM for Bambara reached out to me to understand why my visit was not good and invited me to come back to give them a second change. Well, if he cares enough to reachout to me, I will definitly give them a second chance. So I've edited my review to only highlight the positive and will update my review based on the second visit.
(2)Adrian B.
Went on a whim with my wife, brother, and sister in law. We were lucky and able to get a table with a quick call. We had a great time. Excellent food, great knowledgeable staff. Good atmosphere. Spendy but well worth it. I had the Potato Gnocchi and wow was it delicious, excellent texture and flavors. My wife was a little disappointed in her steak but I suspect she ordered it a bit too rare for the cut. It was solid.
(5)Kelly G.
I've lost count of the number of times I've dined at Bambara, 15? 20? Its always fantastic, for any meal, any time of day. I love dining in the private, wood paneled room in the back. Great for dinner parties, or more intimate get togethers. Always great service. Love the valet too!
(5)Loren W.
Corn bisque? More like a bowl of nacho cheese sauce. Cold bread and tasteless hummus. Hamachi smothered in flavored oil that overwhelmed the fresh fish. I played it safe with chicken, which wasn't bad. We wanted dessert but were too afraid of what horrible mess we would get, so we just left. Service was sub par and the hostess was clueless. I don't want to go back. I really had hope for this place.
(1)Dave F.
I had breakfast here 3 times and dinner, once on my last SLC journey. Breakfast is a solid 5 stars. Many mornings, I ran and came back wanting steel cut oats, OJ, good Coffee, a ton of water, wifi and a couple of egg whites on the side. By the way, I also requested fresh fruit on the oats. Sound high maintenance? Well maybe, yes. But, the restaurant delivered on all of this with prompt service, smiles and different crews each day. Breakfast is quiet and the ambiance is excellent. Everything is priced a little high, but not over the top. I will absolutely go back. But then there's Dinner: Solid 2 stars. Menu with very few items, especially if you want to eat light, like a seafood salad. I ordered a ceviche appetizer which was incredibly small and about $18. Entrees were $35 and up and there really wasn't anything simple. I was a little disappointed in the service and the restaurant was empty during a recent weeknight. Net-net, I left and had the "rest" of dinner elsewhere.
(3)Christian A.
Came in near the end of their service for dinner and had the corn bisque, pork two ways (tenderloin and belly) and shishito peppers. I was pleasantly surprised by how fast the food arrived since I was famished. The meal began with the corn bisque which was silky smooth and rich. The sweetness of the corn and crab blended well with the richness of the broth and oils creating a really warm, comforting start to a meal. Seeing as how it was 23 degrees outside, this was a great start. It was slightly ok the salty side for me but I lapped it up nonetheless. The pork two ways came with hush puppies, a celery root purée and some julienned vegetables. The vegetables were delicious and had enough bite to them to provide a nice contrast to the protein which was super soft. The juices from the meat created a gravy which was delectable! The tenderloin was perfectly cooked medium and was super moist and soft. The chard provided a nice balance to the meal with its slight bitterness and complimented the rest of the items on the dish. The belly however, was not really to my liking with the exterior too crispy and hard to chew through. I personally like my belly to melt in my mouth but in this case, I had to chew quite a bit to get it through. It had the consistency of pulled pork, though some of the interior parts were nice and tender. The hush puppies were okay but nothing to write home about. While other could give this a 3 star review, the exceptional service is what set this meal apart. The staff is fantastic and I tip my hat to them. Would love to try the other dishes on the menu, including the duck. Looking forward to another visit.
(4)Draft M.
Delivered on expectations. Interesting combinations of flavors and a stylish experience --- well executed. Our group was in town on business and consulted Yelp to find this restaurant. We were not disappointed. Good place for a business dinner with your team or clients.
(4)Sierra B.
Incredible dessert, excellent service, creative menu items... but something is missing from the main menu offerings... they sound great but just don't quite deliver... could use a little more bold flavor and pizazz. There is great potential for this place, and I would come any day for dessert!
(3)Stephanie K.
Went there for mothers day brunch. Our reservation was at 1:15 and we were seated very quickly. We were asked whether we wanted a both our table and choose booth. We were told to start the buffet whenever we felt comfortable. My daughter and I went to the buffet and my husband stayed to order drinks. We were so packed in that the table beside and to the rear was blocking the entrance to the buffet room. Once we finally made it into the buffet room I was amazed at what a small buffet it was. They were or of shrimp, fruit and sausage. The elk sausage gravy was amazing and the biscuits really good. My daughter on the other hand did not find a lot to eat. The Internet said they would have ham and turkey Breast. The had new York strip roast instead of the ham. My daughter did enjoy the yogurt with house made granola and the fruit when it was finally replenished. She also got a piece of the steak roast and it was completely raw. She wanted rare and enjoys rare steak but this was still cold and raw. When we returned to the table we still did not have water or any drinks. The waiter finally came by and my husband and I ordered ice tea and my daughter got chocolate. When we received the ice tea or tasted funny. We finally asked the waiter and it was tropical tea. I wish he would have mentioned that before ordering. My husband finally was able to go to the buffet and he came back and had gotten the turkey which also was raw in the middle. The table beside us finally left and we were able to get to the buffet a little easier. As they say another a party at the table it got loud and crowded. The man who had seated then was rude to the table and also loud. The woman was yelling that out was a fire hazard to seat eleven people at that table and they were blocking the buffet room. She then started yelling at the server and calling people a**holes.... A lot of people. I had my daughter there and it was very uncomfortable. We finally wanted dessert and they were out of everything, éclairs, fruit tarts, mini cheesecakes and they just started taking trays off of the counter even though new people are being seated. We finally received our check and my daughter was charged as an adult, they charged is $4.00 for a hot chocolate which the server never stated that it was extra. So there went $150 that was completely unsatisfactory. Save your money when it comes to a buffet there. The man at the carving station did not even speak English so how does he even know what cut of meat or how we would like it cooked? Also my husband orders off of their alacart menu a salmon, they brought a lamb hash. None of us like lamb. Also when we wanted eggs from the alacart menu we were told they were no longer doing eggs...... Overall extremely disappointing!!
(1)Jennifer J.
The food is decent. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here. However, since we stayed at the hotel it was an easy choice. Service was good but food is pretty basic. Good but nothing worth noting. Breakfast was decent but again I wouldn't go out of my way to come here for that either.
(3)Lexi S.
What a fabulous dining experience. Or first meal here was about 3 years ago and we left with no need to return. It was not memorable and highly priced. Recently, we were speaking with a friend who is a wine broker in the city and she mentioned that we must go back. Done. I'm grateful to our wise friend for pushing us in this direction. The service was impeccable. Water glasses were never empty, our particular server was very knowledgable and efficient. We dined for almost 2 hours on salad, great bread, the filet and sea bass. Wow, the filet was one of the most delicious cuts I've enjoyed. The accompanying sauces were divine and made the dish whole. The sea bass was beautifully cooked and seasoned to perfection. I love lentils as is, but the beluga lentils were quite special. Creamy but texturally lovely. The fennel in this dish added a much needed fresh crunch. Our dessert choice of the ice cream sandwich was good but nothing too out of this world. I mean you can't go wrong with ice cream swimming in chocolate and caramel. I omit 1 star solely on the wine list. Mark ups are necessary of course. But the mark ups on their wines were preposterous. I say this because I know that a half bottle of Korbel is about $7 which was listed as, I believe, $26. We saw many producers on the list that are not great in quality and priced low in the liquor store marked up about 300%. We chose a Malbec that was really ok and worked well for us. My complaint about their wine is minor in the big picture. This meal was indeed expensive, however, it was completely worth it. Our plates were empty and our palates were basking in unadulterated bliss. When a meal can accomplish such a feat, I can overlook the wine list and next time, simply bring my own bottle.
(4)Kacey C.
I would give it 5 stars in Salt Lake, 4 in DC.. so read that how you want. Sorry to sound snobby. My colleague and I ate there our last night of the conference and treated ourselves appropriately. The decor is funky, modern, very Kimpton style. It would be awesome if it weren't on the ground floor and had some views.. Our waiter was extremely friendly and warm, made his suggestions, offered to tweak items for my vegetarian diet. He was pushing the margaritas though, margs in Salt Lake in March? I don't know about that.. The hummus that comes out with the bread is amaaazing, I had a piece of bread just to try the hummus. We ordered the hand cut potato chips with blue cheese, yumz, cleared that plate. My colleague and I split the brussel sprouts so he could have bacon on his, and I think our waiter gave us two full orders but I didn't see the bill so I don't know for sure. They were seriously amazing, seriously, rival Estadio's in DC. I had the beet salad, it was fine typical beet salad. He ordered the scallops and ate every last bite without complaint. We split the waiter's ice cream sandwich dessert suggestion.. delicious. Glad I folded on my no dessert stance. We each had one glass of wine as well, bringing our total bill to to just under $100. I would definitely recommend Bambara to anyone searching out an enjoyable meal in SLC.
(4)Kris B.
Cool bar next door. Great service and great food. Must have the potato chips with blue cheese - so simple, yet so tasty. Had the pork duo as the main - loin was better, the ribs were a bit dry, but the service and ambience really made up for the slightly dry ribs.
(4)Steph W.
How can ANYONE think this place was worth the money? Decent ambiance. SUB PAR service. Decent food. I can't believe I paid the money I did for a piece of chicken I could have cooked better myself. I don't care how fancy this place looks...fancy tables and fancy looking servers did not cover up the bland tasting chicken I had to eat. Let me also say that the server was awful. Barely deserved the tip we gave him. He didn't even ask if my little brother wanted food. Well, YEAH, kids have to eat too. Yuck, I'll never be back.
(1)Damon R.
Reservation for 17th anniversary. First off, very nice ambience. Had great, kick back jams playing. Ordered the special--sea bass, wife ordered the filet. Both what you'd expect from an upscale restaurant--elegant touch to the offering. My bass made me think about an ordinary fish in the ocean, caught by the fine cuisine chefs at Bambara, and nurtured to baby bass perfection, then ended up on my plate for this glorious appointed time to be eaten! And, this was the first time my wife ordered a steak well done and raved about how juicy, tender, and moist it was! Miracle!! Because we had some vino in the lobby (complimentary to guests of the hotel daily between 5-6 pm), we both were feeling very nice prior to arriving for our fabulous meal. Waiter was cool, even though he forgot about our drinks (AMFs (adios mother effers). They were too strong but not a big deal, we're not those kind of patrons to trip on something like that. Great experience. Great food. Great atmosphere.
(5)David J.
Was here for a private birthday party. Service was top notch and so is the location. Casual atmosphere with people in suites as well as shorts. Terrific menu although heavy in the red meat. With that said, my steak was tough and poorly prepared. Others at the party had the same issue. While I would go back, I will stay away from the steak.
(4)Sheri S.
It's expensive, but it's worth it. A must try... The blue cheese chips. Is you like blue cheese, they're to die for!!
(5)Lorenzo D.
The Vault, the bar section of the restaurant. Sat at the bar here for a glass or two of wine, (actually had three, but hey, I was staying upstairs in the hotel, which is also very nice) and to get something to eat, alone, in town for business a month ago. The barman was OK. Not very engaging, but not rude. Maybe a tad aloof, which is fine, but if you're a bartender.... this is why I don't give 5 stars. Other than him, it's all the stars. He was also slow to keep his bar top clean. Unacceptable. Good bar to strike up a conversation with person next to you, comfortable seating, great surrounding. I really liked this place. Food: The burger is seriously fantastic. I am a SNOB. True. This burger was better than any I have had in my life. I am going to make a special trip every time I'm in SLC to go have this burger. Also had the calamari, which were quite good, maybe an 8 of 10 compared to other restaurants from around the country. Wine selection by the glass was good. Not anything special or imaginative, but good, and in this location, priced fairly. Can't wait to go back. CinCin!
(4)Nick C.
If I'm downtown for lunch, I love stopping by the vault for a burger and a drink. The burger is amazing and well priced. The dining area is much more formal, and is a wonderful dining experience. I made a reservation for my mothers birthday here. The hostess asked if it was for a special occasion, and asked for my mothers name. When we looked at the menu they had customized ours to wish her a happy birthday. Very thoughtful. The food is well conceived and executed. My favorite was a scallop dish that unfortunately is a seasonal or special item I haven't seen for a while. The menu always changes, but never misses.
(5)Zachary H.
It's good but I wish it was a little simpler. They might be trying too hard. But the steak frites are way good and solid. The complementary bread and hummus need a major makeover. Dry and tasteless. They have a house water (still or sparkling) that is really awesome. I am going back.
(4)Diane C.
Bambara seems an unlikely spot to pick up a burger, but those who have tasted it know that Bambara has one of the best burger's in town. My mom described it as flavorful and texturely pleasing from the soft toasted bun, crunchy lettuce, and juicy burger...all paired with perfectly seasoned pomme frites and a pickle. Bambara, voted City Weekly's 2008 reader's choice for Best Atmosphere, it is the perfect spot for a business meeting , late lunch with your mom, pre and post theater eats, and everything in between. We recently sampled the desserts and believe me, they were all delicious. The combination of class, service, and impeccably executed dishes makes Bambara a must. I find myself pleasantly satisfied with everything from the blue cheese chips, a popular appetizer, to the complimentary red pepper hummus served with house-made bread. P.S. Make sure to tell them if you're coming in for a special occasion when making a reservation!
(5)James P.
Very nice atmosphere! The Blue Cheese Chips were great! I was also able to sample the Lobster Bisque (Great), Chicken & Shrimp (Good) the Cheese Grits were Fantastic! Also the Short Rib Gnocchi was Great!
(4)Vida A.
Stayed at the Monaco over the weekend and had dinner with friends on a Saturday night. Before i start, I am a big fan of Bambara. I have always had good service and food. The power lunch is really delicious. This night, it wasnt super busy and im sure Bistro 222 is taking away from there business since its a few doors down and a better price point. It seems everything has gone up price wise on the Bambara menu. Our server when she would show up was on top of it but we wouldn't see her for periods at a time. I had to ask for bread which should show up automatically. If you like blue cheese you must order the chips, they are insane, so good, you inhale them. My gnochi was really good but not $29 good. My bf had the cassolet and it was tasty. A friend had a pear salad, seemed ok but the disaster was the steak. For $42 she got beef jerky in which she sent it back but by the time she got it we were all done with our meals. At that point a manager should have came over and offered a dessert or something but nada. Charged full price and no apology.
(3)Michael y.
Looks like its a stuffy place, but you can be casual, waiter seemed stuffy, considering it was snowing heavily outside, and biz inside the place was at a manageable pace, bread needs to come out warm!! so with the service and the bread i deduct a point I had the bison short ribs with tri-tip and ravioli, and it was incredible!! the bison and the sauce was heavenly, the ravioli was a litte over cooked. my dessert of the creme brule trio was a finishing touch. my colleague had the steak and was delicious. expensive no doubt, but perfect if you are staying downtown and meeting outta towners
(4)jamie a.
I would give it 3 1/2. I come so often for business and the breakfast is enjoyable. They dont have splenda or equal for coffee which is a bit odd.. but okay. Staff is always friendly, and dining items are unique.
(3)Tizzle L.
Yuck! Salty salmon!
(2)Joseph S.
I had to give Bambara three stars because, for the cost, there are so many better choices in SLC. Get a reservation at The Copper Onion or Ruth's Chris instead, you'll be much happier.
(3)Jaimie K.
So the Boyfriend and I finally had the chance to try this restaurants after reading mixed reviews about it. We didn't make a reservation and walked in at about approximately 7:30ish on a Friday, seated right away. NOT COMPLAINING! I LOVE the fact that you can see the kitchen action going on from the seats. The houndstooth booth seats receives an additional star in my book!! We were seated and then greeted by the friendly staff. We ordered the tuna tartare, seared scallops, & sea bass... All were absolutely delicious! It honestly is so hard to find a good restaurant that serves fresh ingredients and i'm glad Bambara exceeds that standard. I would like to come back for their brunch over the weekends and for the Utah trout; I'm a sucker for local fishes.
(4)PrincessPeac H.
Salt Lake City has caused me to reevaluate my whining about how "early" everything closes in San Francisco. I was originally thinking I might stop at the Olive Garden. I grew up eating there and I have an affection for the place, but I thought I should try something I can't get at home. Also awesome, this place is open after 9:00 (10:00)!! My service was more or less great, although I ordered one salad and was delivered another. My salad was a spinach salad with red pears, feta cheese and olive oil and balsamic. It was quite good, but could have been prepared better with the same ingredients (for example, not drowning the lettuce in dressing). I ordered the trout for my main. I was excited to see "Utah trout" on the menu because I'm a yuppie and therefore like local. My dish was a big pile of food. Couscous, topped with a big piece of trout, topped with a yogurt/cucumber salad that tasted like raita. They were all very good (except that the couscous had raw halved heirloom cherry tomatoes in it which made for a weird texture). The components of the dish were great, and actually the raita and couscous went well together, but it didn't make any sense for the trout to be there. There was also some oily mint chutney sort of thing drizzled across the top and I have no idea why that was there. The ambiance was pretty standard for a restaurant in this price range surround by (or in this case inside of) hotels.
(3)Laura G.
I chose Bambara for dinner with some out-of-town guests (mostly because they were staying at the Hotel Monaco and because my girlfriend was excited to try it), and the food didn't disappoint. I needed something soft to eat (that's a different story), so I went with the gnocchi (from the menu: potato gnocchi, sweet corn, smoky bacon, pea sprouts, cherry tomatoes, basil mascarpone, sweet corn butter). It was really good, but I can't point to one specific part of it that stood out to me; it was more so the combination of all these flavor components that made me happy. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food, too. The interior is nice, and Bambara is definitely going for the upscale feel many Kimpton establishments have. Our server was attentive and seemed content enough to let us eat our meal without rushing us, even though we got a late start. The one thing that kind of threw a wrench into the service was the weirdness of the Utah liquor laws. I know, I know - I live here, so I should know better. But Bambara is by far the strictest enforcer of these wacky laws that I've experienced in recent memory, and that makes for some awkward moments. For example, we ordered drinks in the adjoining bar (The Vault) while waiting for our table. When our table was ready, the bartender had to carry our drinks into the restaurant for us; we couldn't do it ourselves, so that created some confusion while we sorted it out. The other moment was when my friend ordered a second drink, and our server refused to set her second drink down until she finished or relinquished the first one. She wasn't going to be wasteful, so she gulped down the last bit of cocktail while the server stood and waited so she could get her next drink. Bambara is pricey. I don't usually have a problem with that if I feel like the meal is worth it, but I'll have to go back again to make that determination for sure. And next time, I'll make sure to finish my drinks before ordering the next round.
(4)Sam V.
I've only been here for lunch, as I'm pretty sure that's the only meal I can afford here without breaking the bank. (Being an eating out enthusiast on a poor college student's budget really puts a damper on where you can justify eating out). Anywho, the lunch. After looking at the lunch menu, I saw that the prices are fairly reasonable. Albeit, for downtown, there are a lot of other options where you can spend half as much, but you won't be getting the amazing service, decor, and ambiance of Bambara. For my lunch, I got the blue cheese chips, the corn bisque, and the turkey wrap. First of all, the blue cheese chips. Seriously? I have hated blue cheese probably my entire life, and I could devour the entire plate of these. They are so delicious and have just the right balance of cheese and they make you forget the fact that you are eating a plate of freshly fried chips coated with layers of ooey gooey cheese and make you think that you've attained dairy nirvana. As for the corn bisque and the turkey wrap. They were very solid. Everything on the lunch menu seems great actually, and all of the ingredients are good quality and everything is done with a flair. But in all seriousness, I just can't stop thinking of the blue cheese chips... there goes my diet.
(4)Jeffrey S.
I love the look of Bambara. So pretty, and such a great location in the Hotel Monaco in the heart of downtown. There are so many other dining options, but Bambara seems to hold its own and I was eager to try it. With a colleague staying at the hotel we opted to stay out of the frigid December weather and kick it at Bambara for lunch. There was both hustle and bustle this day, but we were seated almost immediately after just showing up. I'm a sucker for butternut squash anything, so when they had butternut squash ravioli on the menu, I knew I was in. I wasn't blown away by the dish, but neither was I underwhelmed. It was butternut squash ravioli and totally satisfactory. A little pricey, but I've got nothing bad to say about it. I wish I had something great to say about it, though, and I don't know that this small tasting is going to woo me back. Our server couldn't have been nicer, but unfortunately he could have been better. A little awkward, and a little slow in getting back with us each time he left. I should give the staff lots of leniency, because after the meal we stuck around at our table for well over an hour to take a conference call and do some work. The restaurant had officially closed, but they allowed us to stay. Eventually, though, their evil eye permeated the room and we left. Patience only goes so far when you have to finish the place settings for dinner. With great dining all around, it's tough to want to come back here, but the convenience of having it in the hotel builds in a constant crowd and a convenient reason to come back. Not high on my list, but I wouldn't object. And bonus for seeing an American Idol runner-up in the hotel lobby right before the meal.
(3)Bobby And Estee F.
Absolutely perfect meal! Every single thing we had was delicious and unlike anything we've had in the past. We had excellent entrees and a spectacular dessert. Our server Cassie was very helpful and made some outstanding recommendations for us. The turtle ice cream sandwich is amazing!
(5)Melissa E.
Nice location in downtown SLC. Menu not extensive. Hand cut potato chips for appetizer tasty but greasy if you don't eat them fast. Service attentive.
(3)Kate M.
I went to Bambara for the first time on Christmas Eve. I had never been there, but as one of the few places open, we wanted to give it a try. With reservations, we did have to wait to be seated, but holidays are always crazy time wise, so we weren't worried. We chose to eat off the holiday menu primarily, so take my comments as you may since these items aren't available. A salad that was bright and lovely to start, with blood oranges and arugula. Very good, though a little overpriced. I had the veal dinner. It offered you a veal loin that was roasted and a braised veal cheek. Both were delicious and offered enough differences from one another both in taste and texturally. Dessert was a peppermint and chocolate yule log. I could only eat a bite or two, but it was still delicious two days later out of the box. Our server was attentive, given the crowd, I was pleased. I would like to try this place on perhaps a quieter evening and get a better idea of their traditional menu.
(4)Darcy N.
I can't believe this amazing seafood came out of SLC. Kudos to the friendly staff and absolutely incredible meal.
(5)Kathryn S.
Stayed at the Hotel Monaco so this was a convenient choice to meetup with a friend for lunch, before heading to the airport. We were so busy chatting that we didn't really take time to peruse the menu. So... we chose the Power Lunch special they were having, which happen to be this amazing mushroom linguine pasta! To begin we had their crazy good blue cheese potato chip nacho thing -- Holy Cow! Followed by the organic house salad -- crazy good! And if that wasn't enough deliciousness, they brought us a chocolate chip cookie that was to DIE for! A return trip to SLC would be worth it just to go back! Don't pass this place up!
(5)Donna S.
ambiance//**** good lighting + high ceilings + intimate booth seatings ~ privacy service//*** the waitstaff were very nice and cordial...we were able to dine at our ease food//*** while the food was good while it lasted...i don't *remember* much except vaguely enjoying the veal ~*~ w00t! fine dining in SLC!^^
(3)james w.
This place is always great. I had the filet on my most recent visit. It came cooked perfect and was delicious. The best part of every meal here is always the desert. I need to come back soon so I can try them all.
(5)Lauren M.
Went here for a work dinner. Food was great; we especially loved the tuna tartare appetizer.
(4)Kelly R.
One of Salt Lakes better restaurants. The best eggs benedict EVER! I also loved every single entree I've had. This is rich food, people. Don't go here unless you are serious about eating some, stinking, rich food. Love the open kitchen and the service was solid.
(4)Kim C.
Food is delish, but you must be prepared for the price...hotel markup is serious here. And what's up with the Red Pepper in, like, everything? I mean, hummus can just be hummus. You don't have to color it. Okay, I've got that off my chest. Now for the plusses: Breakfast has some lovely options, but I stick with the basics: Eggs and Bacon. Eggs were properly cooked as ordered, and the bacon struck me as downright awesome. Coffee is better than most around SLC (another one of those things that is not appreciated by the majority of SLC locals -- luckily this hotel isn't for the locals). They come to the table with coffee and orange juice in hand. For lunch, they offered a quick business lunch of salad (very good, if small-ish) cheeseburger, and fresh baked cookie, which was in fact, freshly baked (and nicely wrapped to go without me asking). The hotel bar, The Vault (alluding to what must have been the original purpose of the building), supplies all the drinks for the restaurant, so once again, they're delicious but you pay for the privilege. I wouldn't make this a regular event unless I'm staying at the Hotel Monaco, but when the boredom of Salt Lake City food starts getting you down, hop over on TRAX and mix it up a little.
(4)Andrew D.
Expensive, but worthwhile. Better ambiance for lunch than for dinner. Bar is wonderful to meet folks from out of town.
(4)Emily W.
Went here on my bday for lunch. My boyfriend def picked the right place. Everything- the food, the iced tea, the ambience and decor- was delightful and the service was en pointe! We will certainly be back.
(5)Bud H.
This place can be a little hit-and-miss. I've had some amazing meals (short ribs, trout) and some not-so-amazing meals (New York strip that should never have been served, a very overdone burger). The appetizers are usually really good and the service is great. Just wish it was a little more consistent.
(3)G C.
This place is great, open kitchen, good energy, fun bar. Went there for a quick work dinner, really enjoyed it. If I could give it 3.5 stars I would. I got the wedge, good, and Sea Bass - awesome....until it got tough half way through. So out was a no turning back moment because my colleagues were well on their way to being done. Service was pretty good, not stellar...could be that we were say at the high-tops near their open kitchen.
(4)Grace M.
I recently stayed at the Hotel Monaco for the sixth time. I look forward to it each year, partly because of Bambara. For the first time ever, I was disappointed. The food very hit or miss. I called to order room service and got two people who had no idea how to take my order. When I finally got my food, I have to say it was phenomenal. BUT I had two breakfasts and one lunch there that were just not up to the usual standard. The French toast was soggy and barely cooked. The bacon was not cripsy, etc. I did the grab and go breakfast once, and the blueberry muffin was inedible. I had a burger for lunch, and it was just ok. Eating here used to be a thrill, but it definitely has slipped recently.
(2)Kirstin N.
My husband an I dined here for our anniversary dinner. The atmosphere was great and the staff was friendly! I had the chicken which was amazing! It was on the salty side which I love but I know some might not. The asparagus was cooked perfectly and the Mac n cheese was delish. I really enjoyed my entree. My husband ordered the ribeye with bone marrow. The meat quality was great and they cooked it as ordered. It was a little on the plain side for a steak in our opinion, so if you like a basic steak it was great. The side of fries were also addicting. Kept meaning to stop munching on them! We had also ordered the blue cheese chips which were awesome and definitely something worth trying. We managed to save room for the creme brûlée trio, which I gotta say was disappointing. The blackberry flavor was just terrible, didn't even finish it. The raspberry and blueberry flavors were ok. However, to me it just tastes like a creamy jam I was spooning into my mouth. I should've tried the mojito sorbet I was deciding between!
(4)Alan M.
Not as good as it once was.
(3)N H.
I am disgusted at the way they treated the patrons of Ballet West, and my own mother. The manager is condescending and failed to even feign discontent over a clerical error on their part. He openly voiced his annoyance towards my mother and her guests. I disapprove of the way they humiliated her, and I am sure that any food created under a manager so full of hate probably only purely tastes like his sour attitude.
(1)J. B.
We absolutely love Bambara! We work close by and love to come here for lunch. The menu is fabulous and we look forward to the daily Powers Lunch Specials that include a warm, delicious cookie. The French onion soup is excellent and gets us over there right away when it is featured. The corn bisque with crab is offered daily and is also excellent. The blue cheese chips are a guilty pleasure and our absolute favorite item is the Cobb Salad with steak. It is so good! The service is always top notch and all of the food we have tried is phenomenal in both taste and presentation. As we go to other local restaurants for lunch, we end up paying a similar amount for food and service that is not as good, which always leaves us wanting to go back to Bambara. It is worth it!
(5)Samantha H.
I am so disappointed I had to come back and modify my previous review. I stopped in tonight after work and ordered the filet (medium rare) and ham hock mac and cheese, along with salad and wine. The salad and wine were good but when my entree came out I was disappointed to find that not only was my steak well done without a single touch of pink, it had already been cut in half for me. Of all the times I have ordered filet here or anywhere else, that has never happened. I asked the server why it was cut and his answer was "that's what we do here". I didn't understand, as it never had been before, but let's move on. I had to send the steak back because it was incredibly overcooked and leathery. Of course, my side dish was left with me to get cold and gross before my steak came back. When the new steak came it appeared to be better, probably closer to medium than medium rare, but I'll survive. Unfortunately, I found that not a single bite was cooked like another and parts were so charred I actually had to cut them off. When you pay $41 for a steak, you really don't want to waste any of it. The manager stopped by and I explained the situation to him, also telling him I've had this dish here several times, even as recently as last week. His only solution was to offer me dessert. I declined, as to me that is really not the acceptable and correct solution. I am extremely disappointed and do not think I wil be back. For that price, I can get a better steak somewhere else. I would welcome management to contact me about this.
(1)Meghann M.
The food was good, and the atmosphere is nice. Everything tasted fresh.
(4)Lou P.
I've stayed at the Monaco for years. While many hotel restaurants are grim, at best; I feel like Bambara is one of SLC's finer restaurants. Food is always generous portions and well prepared. The staff is professional, friendly, and happily answer menu questions. I'm in SLC for extended periods twice a year; and while I've come to enjoy many places in Salt Lake; Bambara is home away from home.
(5)Troy F.
Have eaten here several times on trips to SLC. The menu has a seasonal rotation. I've been wowed by flavors and creativity on occasion. Have to say tonight was a dud for 2 reasons. The brussel sprouts w/bacon were way too salty. Now the big dud; the squash ravioli were savory and may have been good, if they weren't overpowered by all the perfumes and colognes the staff were wearing. Horrible! How can a chef allow his creations to be destroyed by cheap perfume? I won't be back.
(2)Laura T.
Great food, fabulous atmosphere! I came by quite late right before the kitchen closed and they offered the full menu in The Vault, their trendy lounge area for more atmosphere. Wonderful service. Would come back again and recommend it to others! I had the Utah local prosciutto wrapped trout. Very good after a long work night.
(5)Jodi S.
I read a lot of good reviews about this place. So I decided to give it a try. The staff was super friendly and attentive. We asked our waiter where to go boarding the next day, he didn't know, but he brought over someone who did. The food was awesome!! Super flavorful and fresh. I would highly recommend this resturaunt to anyone.
(4)Paula Rose W.
The power lunch at Bambara is an amazing deal! You get to choose between a soup or salad, a burger or turkey wrap, and you get a warm, freshly baked cookie to go! A friend and I both had the burger which was HUGE! Huge and delicious that is. We watched quite a few of the turkey wraps pass us by and we agreed they looked drool worthy as well. We were also treated to calamari as an app, and they were fried to perfection! The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. If you've been looking to switch up your lunch routine downtown I highly recommend this place. I believe these lunches were designed to get people seated, fed and out the door in a timely manner, so don't hesitate to give it a whirl.
(4)Spencer M.
One of the only five star reviews I have ever posted. Although it's been a while since I went here the food was some of the best I have ever had. Their legendary corn bisque is incredible and jonah crab adds a nice sweet touch to this great appetizer. Although no longer offered, their buffalo steak was incredibly lean and tender and I loved every bit of it. I was able to try the lambshanks and the organic chicken and each proved every bit as excellent as the buffalo. Every aspect of this meal was excellent and the service provided was incredible despite the fact that I almost burst out laughing every time I saw our server's "bicentennial" mustache. Truly an epic sight to behold, I wish I could grow a great mustache like and offer such excellent wine pairings. Keep up the great work Bambara you guys really show what great potential Salt Lake City has.
(5)Cal R.
Appetizers, desserts excellent. Entrees very good, but seemed a bit long to get served. Wait staff very good. Clientele well dressed casual.
(4)JJ L.
We stayed at the Monaco Hotel and came here in the morning for breakfast so we didn't have to go out in the cold. The service was slow to start and we were served cold coffee at first until we asked for fresh coffee. We waited for some time for our food and I had to ask if our food was almost ready. It wasn't, but our waiter offered us fruits and muffins. Then he came back to tell us our meal would be comped due to the delay. The food was excellent when it came. The service was redeemed when he offered us the fruits while we waited. It's good to see a restaurant doing the right things to make customers satisfied.
(4)Ryan B.
Ho hum! Maybe it was because were with a big group. That's what I wanted to say. Appetizers were good. Loved the hamachi and cheeses. Beet salad was good, but I wasn't expecting the dairy product gluing the beets down. Unfortunately, my sea bass (as well as the other two patrons sea bass who ordered it with me) was horrifically dry. One side of mine was brick hard. Returned it to get the gnocchi instead, but no avail it was awful. Hard gnocchi is not my favorite. Dessert was fun. Tried a friends scallops and they were great. Tried another friends filet and was pleased. I just got the bad dinner for the night.
(3)Kasey S.
We have been very satisfied with our food every time we go.
(5)Dolores G.
Again, another fab sustainable restaurant in SLC. I'm really starting to fall in love with this town. For starters they offered a foccacia, lavash, and sourdough bread basket served with a roasted red bell pepper hummus. $$ free.99 = 5 stars The silky corn bisque with jonah crab was also very tasty = 4 stars.. In lieu of sitting in the bar area, I opted to sit in front of the chefs for a great view of the kitchen - can we say "Food Network Live". All of the food that was coming out looked great. I was sipping on a yummy malbec and really enjoying the view while waiting for my next course. I received the spinach and goat cheese ravioli and was greatly disappointed. The pasta was cooked to perfection but the dish was not seasoned at all. = 2 stars Ended my meal with a watermelon sorbet. It tasted like summer on a spoon. It was refreshing and not overly sweet = 4 stars. Overall, I had a good experience. The service was impeccable but I was very disappointed with the ravioli. Salt and seasoning on food is basic cooking 101, hence the three stars.
(3)Jeff F.
Since when does the restaurant at a hotel serve up really exceptional food? I didn't know that happened anywhere, but apparently Bambara (attached to the Monaco) didn't get the memo. In a nutshell... Amelia provided exceptional service, great energy in the place, the PEI mussel app special was very good, the bison carpaccio was good but really tiny portion, the recommended Ahi tuna disappeared off my plate quickly, the cedar plank salmon was absurdly good (and this isn't one of those I've never had good salmon before situations - lived in seattle for six years) because it was perfectly done and moist, and lastly I didn't get a taste of the pork chops, but I believe those were well-received at the table. I would definitely go back and explore the menu some more Update.... Went back a couple days later and had the burger for lunch... excellent!
(4)Amy S.
I went to Bambara to celebrate my arrival in Salt Lake City. The service was friendly and prompt, and we were seated right away. We started with the tuna tartare, which was served with potato chips. The tuna was great, but we found the potato chip pairing to be a bit odd. The bread had a wonderful, buttery flavor to it, but we weren't fans of the hummus it was served with. As for dinners, I had the bison entree which was terrific - great seasoning, perfectly paired with Maytag blue cheese. The pork entree was meh - nothing too exciting. We split profiteroles for dessert - delicious! This restaurant would have gotten four stars if it weren't for the wine menu. I'm used to 100% mark up, but we noticed that one wine in particular was marked up close to 300%. After we saw that, we decided to stay away from the wine altogether.
(3)Sandy G.
Had dinner here last night. The lamb was outstanding and I had excellent service
(4)Maggie S.
I was staying at the hotel and went for breakfast. The service was good, but the oatmeal was astonishingly gross and the latte was . . . well, it was not a latte. It was something involving a coffee-flavored beverage and some amount of foam, but it was . . . not a latte. I reckon from other reviews that they may shine at more savory dishes later in the day, but for breakfast? I'd hit up Jamba Juice and Ink Coffee instead.
(2)Pam S.
Moo. FINALLY, a place that can cook a steak worthy enough for my delicate palate. It was the evening of Joe Biden's speech at the DNC, and my boss wanted somewhere to watch it. As she was paying for my meal, I wasn't going to complain. Someone had suggested the bar at the Hotel Monaco, and after a heated debate about where to park, we managed to make it in here. I LOVE LOVE LOVE wood-paneled bars with an old mens' club feel and an awesome wine menu. It makes me feel like sliding into my seamed stockings and showing a little bit of garter. Okay, so we had to pay a "membership fee" because it's Salt Lake City, but it just added to the mystique. Being the smoking hot siren that I am, I HAD to order me some meat. Meat- steak- almost mooing. The waitress was really sweet with my co-worker and I when we wanted to substitute our potato sides for one another's. When she placed that plate down in front of me, I was in heaven. The gleaming red piece of beef gazed up at me, just waiting to be devoured, and the chevre mashed potatoes were to die for. Although we were extremely gluttonous already, we also split a dessert. What it was, I can't remember, but it was GOOOOOD. So we couldn't actually HEAR the speeches, but they did turn on the closed captioning. I'm not going to take away a star, but why are the couches so low?
(5)Tim C.
Bambara was a restaurant I stumbled upon one night before the opera began, and let me tell you, it has been a favorite ever since. They have a wine list that rivals a phone book, hounds tooth print seats, an open kitchen, the best stuffed peppers since the days of Jesus, and a cocktail called the Monaco that will make you cry tears of joy (and alcohol). I give this restaurant 6 stars. Boom, that just happened!
(5)E P.
Really good service, very decent food. The salads are the best deal, with delicious combinations at around 9 bucks (our pear/ gorgonzola salad was very nice, lightly sweet- the gorgonzola was a bit on the bitter side, sadly). The bleu cheese potato chips are good- imagine taking some potato chips and throwing bleu cheese on them and baking for a bit. Not so much what I'd call innovative, but yummy for sure. My butternut squash ravioli was basically chilling in a butter/oil pool, but other than that it was tasty. The chunks of fresh green apple really added a savory zing, and the onions were perfect- but worth $20? Not so sure about that. I make a lot of allowances for food pricing for ingenuity, difficulty of execution, fresh ingredients- but really, other than being a very decent ravioli I'm not sure why it was so expensive. Keep in mind that out of towners don't know what great food is within arm's reach and will pay 20 bones for a pasta dish, and I can understand the "highway robbery" approach. It is what it is, but why settle for goodness when greatness is so close? I had a martini called an Othello, some cranberry juice with blueberry vodka or something like that. I had asked for a girly drink and I got it. Again, not like the crazy martinis next door at Red Door, or the gourmet ones from Metropolitan, but I didn't get a real close gander at the drink menu, either. The berries with creme fraiche is a lovely and light dessert, and if you like decadent chocolate you can't do much better than the cake.
(4)Gwendolynn W.
I have recently moved from Salt Lake to LA and had tickets to go see the Lion King. We decided to grab drinks at Bambara as it is across the street. We sat in the bar and I ordered a glass of house red and white wine from the bartender. To my SHOCK when I got my bill I was charged for two $14 glasses of wine. Knowing that this is not the price for the I ordered my boyfriend asked a waiter to double check with the bartender on the prices. He came back with our new bill for a total of $12. I think that it is crazy that the bartender would take it upon himself to charge me for the most expensive wine at the bar and think that I would just pay for it. I am not cheap but do not like being taken advantage of. We will never go back here for drinks and if you choose to be mindful of your bill.
(1)Adam W.
Ambiance is attractive, with the focus on the exhibition kitchen center stage. Staff are friendly, professional and know the menu. The food is mainstream, but well prepared and attractively presented. Our caesar salad featured white anchovies--so good!--and a kicky garlic dressing, not overly applied. The grilled lamb sirloin, served on skewers of fresh rosemary, was flavorful and fork tender. The fillet mignon was a revelation: absolute perfection, and unlike the typical example, this fillet did not give up flavor for texture. All of these things went down perfectly with a bottle of Taurino Salice, one of the more reasonably priced selections available. Dessert was--no surprise--the cheese plate. I do love a cheese plate. This one featured three cheeses including a local cheddar and a fabulous blue, along with some fruit (quince!) and crusty bread. We splurged with some nice port and ice wine. My most recent visit was consistent with prior visits. I've never had a bad meal here. Bonus: the restaurant welcomes single diners (on a prior visit, I was seated at a table offering good light for reading the book I brought to dinner). You will be pleased.
(4)Loralyn S.
the serving staff is amazing, just truly wonderful. but food-wise, i've had better for the price and wouldn't go back. none of the breads offered were very appetizing, i thought the highly-praised corn bisque was good but not the best I've ever had, i wouldn't recommend the tuna tartar at all, and wine by the glass was not a very good selection.
(3)Daniel M.
Went here for valentines day a few years back. Awesome service, and great food
(4)Joe V.
Maybe it was just a bad cut? Ordered the steak frites - and while it was cooked to order - medium-rare - I was disappointed that about 1/3 of the steak had a vein or grizzle running through it. Poor job of quality control in the kitchen. The large cone of fries was very tasty. Other diners in my party of 4 ordered the scallops and were very happy with their selection. Oh well - bad on me.
(2)Julie D.
I was in SLC looking for a very nice evening out. I chose this restaurant based on yelp reviews. Sure, this is nice restaurant and I had a nice meal. But I don't think it's anything too, too special. I had the organic greens, with champagne vinaigrette, apricot Stilton,candied walnuts, and pear. The salad with nice and fresh. For my entree, I had sauteed prawns. They were served with fettuccini, tomato concasse, prosciutto, Parmesan and truffle butter. The pasta was only okay, I suspect that is was not homemade. Also, the dish was a little too "buttery" for my taste. Dessert was yummy. I had the strawberry and pistachio Bavarian dessert. Service was adequate, but not outstanding. The restaurant had a nice ambiance to it, but nothing spectacular. Only 3 stars for Bambara.
(3)Farhad M.
Holy crap, this place was awesome. My coworker and I popped into the bar for a quick dinner on the way to our hotels and boy were we pleasantly surprised. Note we only had appetizers/drinks so this review (and rating) does not focus on the entree selections Bartender was awesome and made great conversation about whiskies (no doubt rare considering it's Salt Lake City). Food: - Potato leek soup was delicious. It was the special of the day but I'd totally recommend getting it if it's offered. Coworker had their famous corn bisque and he loved it too - Duo of scallop sashimi and tuna tartare: totally yummy as well. What they did with the scallops was awesome - layered fresh jalapenos and micro-thin apple slices inbetween each scallop and drizzled with olive oil. Tuna was tombo tuna (which I did not notice before ordering as I would have rather had Ahi). - Crab stuffed peppers: not bad. Not amazing but pretty good. I think I was a little let down because we left the dish sit for a bit while we ate the other apps and it cooled down. Regardless, it was still very tasty. Order comes with 3 peppers but you can add a 4th for $5. - Trio of creme brulee: 3 mini ramekins of different types of creme brulee flavors: pumpkin, mexican chocolate, and tangerine. Tangerine tasted funky, a bit too sweet. My favorite was the pumpkin but bartender said it's going to be rotated off very soon for a more spring-ish flavor. I wasn't really looking at prices since it was a work dinner, but with a couple drinks each we set back about $150 in total (w/ tax, w/o tip). Overall quite good and worth checking out for a quick meal at the bar
(5)Mario S.
Grilled cheese is recommended (thick sourdough bread, sharp VT cheddar, grilled onions), the accompanying "very slow roasted tomato soup" was awesome, blue cheese-smothered house-made potato chips are a must. Speaking of cheese, the decor, layout of the restaurant has sort of a resort dining tone. Not a deal breaker, but there is a flimsy feel to it. Good for your next tuck-in-your-shirt and let's talk profits, opportunities and market timing (business) meals.
(3)Hayden A.
personal favorite of salt lake city. great service and delish meals well worth their price. A must for a foodie in slc!
(5)Sarah C.
My family arranged for a banquet room to celebrate an event, and it was terrible. I have always wanted to try Bambara, but I really wish I had done so before my family went to the trouble to arrange an event there in my honor... it was embarrassingly bad. I had to apologize to all my out-of-town relatives and explain that "Utah REALLY isn't like this!" afterwards. My duck confit was cold, dry and quite flavorless. When I say cold, I mean COLD. As were the entrees for a few other members of our party, I later found out. The dessert, a pineapple cake, was quite good however. Our waiter was harsh, rude, tried to rush us at every moment (we reserved the banquet room, if he wanted to hurry us, maybe they shouldn't have booked us?) and he smelled very strongly of alcohol. I drink, but I would never show up to work smelling like vodka was coming out of my pores... it's disgusting, and reflects poorly on the restaurant. Also, the fire alarm test went off twice while we were there.... does that really need to happen while there is a private party, or during business hours at all? I would not have allowed my family to book there had I known they'd be blaring sirens the entire time. Utterly unprofessional place and certainly not worth the dry, cold food. I was humiliated to have my family gathering there.
(1)Kelly P.
We are here in Salt Lake City on a business trip and we looked on yelp for some help with dinner. After reading a wide range of reviews, we decided to give it a shot. My friend and I started with the calamari and shrimp, along with the blue cheese potato chips. The calamari and shrimp was great, cooked perfectly. My only complaint was that the aoli was drizzled on the top, I would have liked it on the side. The potato chips were good, but we are spoiled, there is a place in Napa that blows these out of the water. It was alot for two people, so we skipped salad and soup and headed directly to dinner. I ordered the Halibut, it was recommended by the waiter. It was cooked perfectly and served with a crab and asparagus hash, very yummy. My friend had the pork tenderloin, he said it was juicy, also cooked perfectly. We finished the meal with the trio of creme brule, there was a caramel, dark chocolate, and peanut butter. The caramel was my favorite and my friend liked the peanut butter, although, he was not a big fan of the desert. We would recommend this restaurant.
(4)Ruben M.
I usually tend to avoid hotel restaurants like the plague when I travel for business, but Bambara is far from a hotel restaurant. It happens to be in the same space as a hotel. The staff was friendly and attentive. The food was incredible! You MUST try the blue cheese hand cut potato chips. They are a bit rich, but sooo tasty! I had the beef fillet and it was cooked exactly the way I ordered it...medium rare! The wine list impressive, but not out of control with the prices, there are options. All in all one of the best restaurants I've been to on any business trip!! As a bonus their bar, The Vault, is also an excellent place to end the night.
(5)Jeannette A.
Loved the decor and the overall feel of the restaurant. Very hip and modern. Then the food was amazing. Definitely try the Blue Cheese Chips...they are well known and are so delicious! Don't eat too many because you want to save room for the main Entree. I had the Filet, and it was the most tender filet i've had in years (honestly). It was tender and easy to digest. Two thumbs up!
(5)Chris M.
Amazing food. I had the bison and the pear tart. My date had the beef filet and creme brulet. All of the dishes were delicious. The look and feel of the restaurant is great too. My only complaints would be the noisiness of the restaurant and the price given such. I'd be willing to pay for this level of delicacy and style, but not if I can't hear my date's comments. Too loud and too expensive, but good for a date before the capital theatre or abravenal hall on a special occasion.
(4)Scott R.
I have been going to Bambara for at least the last 7 years now. I have never once been disappointed in the food or the service. They have a menu that is constantly changing. I love this because I can order something different every time. They have a very good wine selection. And if you get there early make sure you go to club Bambara for a drink while you wait. All of there entrees do have sides already on the plate. I like this since I don't have to ordered everything al a carte. And hope that the side I ordered will go good with my entree. When my friends ask were to go for a nice night out I always recommend Bambara first. Make sure you try the blue cheese chips to start.
(5)Andrea B.
My husband and I go here once or twice per year. It's one of our favorite restaurants in the Salt Lake area. The entire menu is wonderful, and the corn bisque in particular is to die for. Great liquor and wine selection, good coffee, and attentive customer service.
(5)Rob W.
Worth staying at this Kimpton for the restaurant alone. Had an excellent steak frites for dinner, also good scallop & ahi appetizer. For lunch, Fish tacos we're extremely tasty if you like me wet (slaw & guacamole).
(4)Tom W.
Only try this restaurant if you like delicious food and great service. Really, read some of my other reviews and you will see. A five star review from me... pretty tough to come by. Our experience was quite the opposite of Deb T. My wife had the pork chop and man was it good. Full of flavor and perfectly prepared. I had the duo of bison. A bison flat iron steak and a bison short rib, outstanding! Portion size was fine, clearly meeting my expectations. Neither my wife or I could finish our portions which was OK by me. The pork chop didn't loose much on the ride home. Yep, still good. Give this one a try, a little pricey but well worth it.
(5)Madhu R.
Fantastic food --even some organic dishes, reasonably priced for the superior quality, friendly staff, and amazing atmosphere! In the lobby of the Hotel Monaco, so it's really in a prime location.
(5)Mike S.
Kimpton once again bucks the trend of a hotel restaurant being an afterthought. Bambara at The Hotel Monaco offers fresh, tasty, well prepared dishes in a very nice and large space, that are as good as any place in Salt Lake City, with a clubby bar to boot. I hate to admit that over a three night stay I had 2 dinners and a lunch here, violating my usual rule when traveling of "never go to the same place twice". However, I was tired and it was just too good an option to pass up. A place I'm more than happy to suggest to my traveling friends.
(4)Christopher W.
I like the idea of Bambara, the atmosphere, the attitude, the whole scene... BUT the food does not live up to it's price. I'm not a food snob, I go out to eat for the experience and just to do something to get out of the house, but for their prices, it wasn't worth it. I'm not totally opposed to going back but it will not be my first choice if I'm downtown.
(2)Susan H.
Sharp, attractive interior and great service. The menu reads better than it tastes, unfortunately. Prices are a tad high for the overall experience. The roasted beet salad is good, but not phenomenal. The bread basket is quite good. The pork chop is beautifully presented, quite large and very tasty. Overall, is was enjoyable.
(3)Sarah P.
Bambara came to me with high marks from a co-worker who had been in Salt Lake City for business and had eaten there twice. I took a team of 7 plus joined another team of 8 there for dinner last night. The meal started off with a few plates of the homemade chips (I love a place that has homemade potato chips) with bleu cheese on top. They were very delicious and not overly greasy like some can be. I had a salad, which was fine, though kind of lacked in the veggie department. I wish places would stop trying to be so "creative" and "artsy" with their salads. First of all, it takes all the HEALTHY out of salad and makes it just as fattening as the entree and second of all, some stuff is NOT meant to be in a salad. So I ordered mine SANS watermelon and ended up with literally, a place full of spinach and carmelized onions. UGH! I had the "house specialty" filet mignon and I have to say, it was a bit undercooked. I ALWAYS order medium rare but my god, this thing was almost still breathing. I like a red steak but it was not even really warm on the inside. The potatoes that came along with it were the highlight of the meal. Bacon and bleu cheese potatoes I think. Very yummy. I could have made a meal of those. I had sorbet for dessert which was okay but a little TOO sweet. All in all, it was a nice dining experience, due to the company, but the food was only so-so.
(3)Alissa M.
Great place for dinner. Their corn soup is out of this world! Ambiance was very nice. I had the Ahi Tuna with Mushroom Risotto which was really good. Others had the Bison which they weren't impressed with. I'm going to need to go back though because I don't think their food prices matched the quality. Verdict it still out...
(3)Greg L.
Bambara is probably one of the best in SLC. Great menu and wine list. The restaurant is in the Hotel Monaco but it feels like it's not.
(5)Kirk H.
Bambara is my favorite $$$ restaurant in Salt Lake City. For special occasions, this is where we choose to dine. And it is always so worth it. The food is always so...it is more than just flavorful...it is food I crave. And the service is always great. However last night was an extremely amazing dinner. I had butternut squash soup, which was the BEST I have ever had. It was very thin and smooth (others I have had are so thick and chunky). And the flavor was perfect. It was not too sweet so it tasted like a soup and not a dessert. The Fuji apple salad was great. Of course the bleu cheese chips were amazing as always. Then our waiter recommended the grilled venison, with a huckleberry syrup...oh wow! It was cooked medium rare and the meat just had such flavor. Then with the huckleberry sweetness it was perfect! Overall dinner was a home run!! Bambara stays on the top of my list!!
(5)Belange H.
Nice ambiance and good wine list. My boyfriend took me here for my birthday, they specialize the menu and print your name on there for special occasions, which is a perk. We ordered the filet mignon and halibut. Both were a bit bland and forgettable; halibut was a bit dry. The potatoes with bleu cheese and the corn hash with bacon were unique and tasty. Good service and good bread. Overall an ok experience. Probably would not be back for the food.
(3)A E N.
I finally tried Bambara as part of the Dine-O-Round promotion. On this particular night they served a salad, salmon over a croquette, and an ice cream for dessert. I actually upgraded and spent a little more to get the peach tartlett with honey ice cream for dessert. I was pleased with the food and the service. We went in about 6.15 on a Saturday and had no delay in getting seated, even without a reservation, though I get the feeling reservations are in general recommended. It probably sweetened the deal to have the Dine-O-Round pricing, but overall I'd recommend this place and plan on eating here again.
(4)Deb T.
I'd been to Bambara a few times before, but don't recall it as being at all memorable. But since it's been a few years since I was last there, presumably everything has only gotten better at the restaurant, right? Not so sure. I've traveled a lot and have eaten in all sorts of establishments, from local diners & dives, to family-run/family-style places, to high-end/swanky restaurants...all around this country and in quite a few others. And I can't understand why Bambara gets as many 4- and 5-star ratings as it does. Service: slightly above average. Atmosphere: confused (classy? trendy? casual? intimate? touristy? what?) Food: average, at best. Portion sizes: inconsistent (salads are large, rest runs small). Prices: overpriced, esp. for portion size and quality. Last night I went to the opera with a friend who has never been to Bambara. Since she enjoys/prefers classier types of restaurants/settings, and she's heard Bambara would supposedly fit that bill for her and it's right across the street from the theater, we ate there at her suggestion. From the start, none of the entrees appealed to me, and I'd thought about just doing an appetizer and salad or salad and dessert...but my friend was getting an entree, so I did the same...but in the end, should've gone with my initial thought and passed on the entree. We saw other people's salads being served and noticed they seemed rather large (would be enough for a meal rather than as a side salad)...but our waiter said he'd be happy to have us split a salad, so we chose the Ruby & Golden Beet Salad (with Local Goat Cheese, Roasted Hazelnuts, Arugula, Tangerine Vinaigrette)...and it was absolutely delicious...the golden beets were especially tender and the tangerine vinaigrette was superb. They don't serve San Pellegrino but have a local sparkling water (whose name I can't recall right now)...and it was surprisingly good. And here is where we both should have just ordered dessert and gone on with our evening, rather than having an entree. When asked for suggestions on the entrees, our waiter (who was helpful and attentive throughout) recommended the Maple Brined Pork Porterhouse Chop (Rosemary Polenta, Cider Glaze, Mushroom Jus, Apple Fennel Slaw), the Seared Maine Dayboat Scallops (Winter Squash Risotto, Garlic Seared Chard, Mushroom Vinaigrette), the Chef''s Signature Steak Frites (Herbed Fries, Peppercorn Jus, Bearnaise), and the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Duet (Grilled Breast & Leg Confit, Liver Butter, Watercress, Sweet Potato Oven Wedges, Pomegranate Syrup). My friend loves seared tuna, and he promised the tuna was fresh that day. So she ordered the Cast Iron Seared Hawaiian Tuna (Cauliflower Puree, Lavender Salt, Roasted Beets, Mache, Tangerine Brown Butter). With none of the entrees "jumping out at me," I went with the pork chop. When I'd asked how large a chop it was, the waiter boasted "16 ounces!" So I imagined having to check a takeout box with half a chop in it at the theater's coat check room as I entered the opera. But that didn't happen...and not because I licked my plate clean. The 16 ounces of pork chop was mostly the bone and fat/grizzle. I should've asked for a surgical knife to cut out what little meat there was surrounded by all the rest. And what little was there was bland, with no hint of having been maple-brined or any other seasoning added to it. And having looked forward especially to the rosemary polenta and apple-fennel slaw, I was disappointed in both, with no evidence of rosemary in the (dry) polenta, and both apple and fennel tastes decidedly missing from the slaw (how is that possible?!), which was additionally difficult to manage as the slices were much too long and piled precariously high atop the chop. Even the cider glaze was missing any taste of apple. My friend's plate arrived with 2 incredibly small slices of seared tuna (perhaps 1.5" x 2"). She was happy to have more of the beets we'd enjoyed in our split salad, but couldn't taste or smell any lavender and said the cauliflower puree was OK but thin. But at least she was happy with the taste of the minuscule portion of tuna she had...but for $29, that's not saying much (though it's more than I can say about my $28 entree). I almost gave 3 stars, due to this particular waiter's service...but in my book, that's not enough to counter the rest of our experience. I'm not sure if my friend would want to try eating there again, but I know I likely won't be giving Bambara yet another try at pleasing me anytime soon...esp. not at their prices. If I'm needing an across-the-street-from-the-theater place to eat, I'm going to stick with a place I can actually recommend to people: The Olive Bistro.
(2)Thommee H.
We got the recommendation from a local and weren't disappointed. Very solid New American Bistro. All the dishes (calamari, beet salad, poached pear salad, cheese plate, swordfish, scallops, filet, and roasted chicken, 3 styles of creme brulee and the hot chocolate cake) that I and my dining companions got, were all perfectly prepared, well executed, well seasoned, and well flavored. Andrew, our server was terrific (probably talked us into ordering more than we would've on our own, but in a good way!). Nothing bad to say about, but can't give it 5 stars because I didn't leave with that "to die for" feeling.
(4)Patti C.
I went to SLC for a snowboarding weekend and went to this restaurant based on the reviews on Yelp! The restaurant is great overall, including food and ambience but the service was okay. We ordered an appetizer, salad, and entree to share. We started off with the beets salad with goat cheese and blood orange. The beets were fresh and balanced very well with the goat cheese. The goat cheese seemed like it was whipped (if that's possible) and was very light so it would be a good dish for people that don't like goat cheese. We also got sautéed mushrooms, baked brie, yukon potato puree, feuille de brick, pinot noir syrup, and truffle oil. This was a great dish! The mushroom was very flavorful and the truffle oil made the dish very tasty. However, we found the baked brie to be warm, not hot like we would expect. We had sesame crusted ahi tuna, bamboo rice cake, shiitake mushroom salad, and blonde miso. The tuna was pretty fresh but I feel the dish was just a little bit above average. The bamboo rice cake was just mediocre. It sort of tasted like an onigiri but I've had better at Japanese restaurants. We ended our meal and trip with the crème brulee with apricot confit. The crème bruelee was good but not spectacular and I'd rather take fresh berries than apricot confit. But I have to give props to the restaurant for trying to be original. I would go there again if I'm in town but I wouldn't go to SLC because of the restaurant.
(4)Joe R.
Good for lone diners. Wonderful food and wine choices. Don't miss the honey ice cream. Extremely helpfull staff. I was dining alone and ordered the blue cheese potato chips. The waiter volunteered that it was a big serving & I could probably get by with a half order, which was not on the menu. Indicative of the good service.
(5)Jessica L.
WHAT?! THIS is the nicest place to eat downtown...for real? So I came here with high expectations - I mean, its $$$ on Yelp, highest rated downtown and in the fancy hotel. I was far from wow-ed First off, I liked the Ambiance - large room, central cooking area, comfy tables, large windows. My server was nice but also kind of schmuck-y. I liked that other servers took my empty plates and did not wait for busers or my waiter to do it. I had the tune tartar appetizer and for $12 I expects something I could NOT make myself. It tasted fine but whatever. I had a glass of red wine and my pour was $hit. For $$$ I expect a nice big pour in a nice big glass - I got neither. For my meal I had scallops. I received 5 diver scallops nicely seared in a Meyer lemon sauce - the sauce was not too heavy nor tart. But thank god it was there as nothing on my plate had flavor. My dish also came with mashed potatoes and some long string bean thing. The bean was raw - yuck. The potatoes were ODDLY similar to the packaged kind that you just add water too and they come out all smooth and perfectly white. double boo. This place is not dressy, you can come casual. One suggestions for the cooks - since the prep/cooking area is in the center of the restaurant and raised above the seats we can HEAR everything you say. So thanks for singing Beck's Loser Sous chef, and other guy I am glad you are excited to see Body Worlds.
(3)Adam M.
Great meal with excellent service. Our waiter was very helpful and made great recommendations. The corn bisque with crab was incredible, I could have eaten 6 bowls of it. Blue cheese chips were good but greasy, and the beet salad was nice. Mac & cheese was great & steak was perfectly cooked. I would come back for sure
(4)Lorenza W.
Our first impression of the Bambara was not a good one, we walked in with reservations, and 2 walk ups were seated before us. We were entertaining a very important client and were a little embarrassed. To make matters worse our client asked Steve, the Host when we were to be seated and he was rude and pretentious, which made us begin to regret taking her here. But after we were seated our waitress Shaye totally saved the day. She was professional, attentive and friendly. If we do return we will definitely ignore the host Steve and request Shaye's section.
(3)Claire M.
I love Kimpton Hotels. I have yet to visit a Kimpton Hotel bar/restaurant that isn't swoon-worthy for its decor, amazing drinks, and atmosphere. However, I have yet to be overly thrilled with the food at the ones I've visited in D.C. and San Diego. I'm sad to say that although the filet mignon was a miracle in meat form, Salt Lake's food also disappointed. No matter -- I loved my experience there anyway. My server at dinner was so friendly and helpful -- it's not his fault my food was oversalted and my meat a tad too pink. He was chatty and welcoming and kept me stocked up on drinks and bread. (Ooh, the bread actually merits its own star -- focaccia and red pepper hummus. I never eat dinner bread, but I ate all five pieces of focaccia on the table. That's another good thing: Bambara doesn't skimp on the free stuff, even for its single diners.) But most of the stars are for the wonderful bartender, Austin, a dead ringer for Jim from The Office. I asked him to make me whatever he wanted, six times, and every drink was more spectacular than the next. The last one mixed vodka and fresh raspberries and lemons and I really wanted another -- but I needed to retain some control of my legs for my short walk back to my hotel. Even in my drunken haze, though, I did note the bartender only charged me for three drinks. I really like Bambara. :)
(4)Amy O.
One of my favorites in SLC!
(5)Tess R.
This is probably the only place I stay where I actually sit down to eat breakfast, here at Bambara at the Hotel Monaco. The servers are incredibly attentive and so helpful. They worked with my anti-melon issues and had no problem making a melonless plate! The fresh blueberries, strawberries, bananas, pineapple, oranges, and grapes were a perfect start to the day, along with a good cup of coffee and a toasted bagel. I was here for lunch several weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the salmon on lentils. It was tasty and savory, yet not so heavy that you need a 3 pm nap! Very convenient if you're staying at the Hotel Monaco, and worth a try if you're a local looking for a nice night out.
(4)Ryan E.
Delicious. Polite and friendly wait staff. Gorgeous down town location. Parking was easy! Portions are a bit small for the price. Wish I could rate this restaurant a 4.5
(4)Eddie L.
Not a bad choice in SLC for dinner and presumably lunch. My gnocchi with corn butter and pea shoots was a change from the ordinary and done very well and the mixed greens salad was fresh and simple in a good way. Atmosphere was nice as was the service. I will definitely make a return visit.
(4)Djipopo S.
Excellent food and service.
(5)Carol M.
Excellent service and food
(5)Jerome B.
There are very few times where I have paid over $50 a person and had to food sooooo horrendous that I stopped eating and left. This was my experience at this restaurant. I ate there with my fiance and her coworker the 04/09.... and I had the halibut, and they had the short ribs. We were all in fear once we had the "humus" that accompanied their bread. Thank god for the drink (only good thing that night) to wash the taste out of my mouth before dinner. Then came "their best meal" the halibut... Although it wasnt the WORST fish i have had, it was far from notable. And the accompaniments were... well... Unfortunately, the short ribs, after 5 minutes of picking, were left for the waiter. I tasted them as well... horrible. The positives: Staff were very friends. Atmosphere is good. its a shame the food is beyond sub-par. After paying out bill, we all returned to the Marriott Hotel and ate the free food on the 12th floor... thank god for the executive lounge.
(1)Oski B.
I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner here while staying at the Hotel Monaco. Yes, I'm THAT lazy that I didn't want to walk further than the lobby to eat my meals. Breakfast was fine. I'd ordered the blueberry pancakes and fruit plate, but was told that they hadn't gotten their blueberries delivered that morning so they served the buttermilk ones. Whatever, that's fine. It's kind of hard to screw up pancakes. The grilled flatiron steak that I ordered for lunch was recommended by the chef to be served medium rare. It came out pretty close to rare so I felt like a bear eating some animal that I'd just killed with my paws. The watercress was nearly impossible to eat without looking like a tool. The fries, or "herbed frites," were pretty tasty, though. For dinner, I had the maple brined pork porterhouse chop served with beehive cheddar grits, roasted mushrooms, and apple-fennel slaw. It was a pretty generous portion and reasonable at $25. The chocolate bundt cake with espresso ice cream and hazelnut brittle made for a great dessert.
(3)William B.
Get the potato chips. On its less-good notes, the restaurant veers toward the overly complicated, but my planked salmon (served on an actual, though unnecessary, plank) and my piquillo peppers were very yummy.
(4)Ryan S.
We had a great dinner experience here. The food and service was fantastic. We started with the crab stuffed piquillo peppers which were amazing. I had the seared ahi tuna and the girl had the brined pork chop with polenta. Great food.
(4)Martha M.
Stumbled across this restaurant which is nestled in a pretty lavish hotel in the heart of SLC. I had just arrived in SLC for a business trip and was looking for a place to have a late dinner with a co-worker. We found this place as we walked up Main Street. By the time we sat down it was about 9:30 local time (11:30 eastern time...yawn)...The place was relatively empty but we were welcomed by the host as if we were the first patrons of the evening. We shared an artisans cheese plate which was lacking on the cheese but overall wasn't too bad. For the entree I tried the fillet mignon which was a little too rare for my liking but because I had not eaten anything since leaving Philly, 5 hours prior, I ate every last bit. The service was very good and extremely friendly. As it turns out we were the last ones to leave and no one tried to rush us out as it approached closing time.
(4)David S.
Good but not great food, very nice space, overpriced.
(3)Cori L.
Such a fun place to have eat! The food is delicious (a must try is the blue cheese chips) and the atmosphere is swanky and fun! This is a good place for a date or business.
(5)Keely A.
THE best restaurant in Utah. Excellent service, wonderful menu, gorgeous decor. My husband and I go here to celebrate special events and we've never been disappointed.
(5)Erik M.
We had a nice experience and a great waiter (it seemed). The food was delicious. The homemade tortellini with pulled pork in tomato sauce was unique. The portions were perfect, we left full but not stuffed. The house vinaigrette was very good on our mixed greens salad. The dessert was also good. The wife had a pomegranate martini that was spectacular. Here's the problem, we ordered the pre-theater special before going to see "Wicked" across the street. The waiter said any changes to the special would only be a dollar or so more. It's really three or more. Not such a big thing, we knew the restaurant was pricey. But the issue that really go under our skin was when were at the theater reading our program and saw a 10% discount on the pre-theater special if we mention we had tickets. We DID mention that to our waiter, we had a long discussion about the theater with him. We were never offered the discount. Understandably, this sounds a bit whiny. However, on a $100 tab that's quite disappointing. When you go to a pricey place you expect two things: great food and remarkable service. You definitely don't want to feel like you have to work for a good deal. Bambara is one of the few fancy restaurants. The food is excellent for Salt Lake City, but only average for a larger city. The service is adequate. Just go with an open wallet and don't expect any special deals.
(3)Chelsea C.
Dinner at Bambara was by far the worst fine dining experience I have ever had. 50% of fine dining is food/wine, 30% is atmosphere and the remaining 20% is service. Bambara was lacking all 3. The food was mediocre at best, my boyfriend said his steak was comparable to those served at Outback. The wine was HORRENDOUSLY overpriced--We bought a half bottle of 2004 Ravenswood Zin for $40. A full bottle retails at $11 in stores. The seating was all in booths, which is fine, but a little tacky. The main issue was the carpeting. I am not lying when I say that it looks like it belongs in the hallway of a Super 8. It was not only worn and dull, but it was FILTHY. Our reservation was for 8 PM on a Monday night. I refuse to believe that between 4, presumably when the restaurant opens, and 8, that such a mess could've formed on the carpet. It looked like the carpet from an episode of Hoarders. The fabric on the seats of the booths was equally as worn. For how much the up charge at this place, one would think that they could afford to reupholster. The service was OK. It was like eating at any other restaurant...I like to think that servers in fine dining are working on a career in serving and should have a passion for food and spirits. Good servers can continue working well into their 60s and make a pretty incredible living if they enjoy their work. Our waiter, on the other hand, presented himself as though he earned his wings at Applebees (or maybe outback...perhaps he brought the mediocre steak with him?) His name tag was handwritten and I noticed everyone else's was as well. One of the waitresses was wearing this TACKY synthetic weave and all of their aprons were FILTHY and the patterns were cheesy and outdated. By the time we received the bill I was outraged. Honestly, we had a better meal the night before (with better service AND atmosphere) at P.F Changs. How embarrassing. Shame on the owners and management at Bambara. From now on I will stick to Pago, which is a MUCH better bang for your buck in SLC.
(1)Karin B.
I ate here because I had a friend who once worked at this restaurant and it was an easy choice because I was staying at the hotel. I thought the food was excellent and worth the food dollar investment.
(4)Charlie M.
Great food. Beet salad was delicious. Seared Ahi was perfect, although small. And the homemade ice cream was amazing.
(5)Deborah S.
Once again--my cousin Mike knew what he was doing: you do not take a gal from San Francisco, have her come to Salt Lake City, and not have her stay in a great hotel that also has one of the best restaurants in the city. The menu had depth and could have been from a restaurant anywhere in SF. I was impressed. I saw how large the portions were so I did not order a starter and just ordered my main, sear scallops and a side, roasted brussel sprouts. Service was good, and the food was fabulous. The wine list was decent and the bar in the back had a great selection of single malt scotches--even though they measure everything like a chemist. It is a bit pricey, but when on business travel, what the hell?!
(4)Ron C.
Excellent food. Loved the silky corn chowder. Pasta was creative and tasty. Highly recommend.
(4)Cameron C.
Really enjoyed my first experience at Bambara. The service was just a bit slow, but it was a very busy night. Ordered a daily-special soup which tasted like a melted down version of all of the best toppings on a loaded baked potato. Also ordered the fillet and it was down right spectacular! Not your run of the mill fillet -- it was served partially sliced up and in a guacamole sauce, carmelized onions, potatoes, and some awesomely prepared bacon chunks (not bits... chunks!). Appetizers were also top notch, especially the stuffed peppers. For SLC it was in a nice central location and the atmosphere was good for a business meal or a dinner out with someone special. Will have to go back a few times to form a solid impression, but could be one of my new favorites spots in Salt Lake.
(5)Jessica P.
Bambara serves up small, bland plates for a high price tag. I've been here several times and have yet had my mind changed.
(1)Lauren G.
The food was very good, but I'm not sure good enough to match the price I paid for it. I had the butternut squash and it was very good, but it had a bit too much butter.
(3)Paul R.
Wonderful dining experience here. Professional wait and kitchen staff. Highly recommended.
(5)Daniel M.
We came here after fleeing the culinary horror that is Caffe Molise. The service was fast and friendly, the menu was diverse, and the food was tasty, albeit somewhat overpriced. They can certainly get away with it, seeing as they seem to be one of the few games in town. In a foodie city, this would probably rank as a nice neighborhood restaurant on the rise. Here in Salt Lake, it is the town's hottest ticket. The crab bisque was tasty and well prepared with just enough crab to add a little bit to each bite. The tuna tartare had a nice flavor, and the crisp provided a welcome crunch. Finally, the house made tagliatelle had solid flavor and we enjoyed the fresh-made pasta. If you are a Salt Lake resident desperately wondering why you'd even bother paying restaurant prices, come here. If you are a visitor desperately hoping for something to eat, come here, and if the menu doesn't do it for you, there is a Carl's Jr. just down the street.
(3)Bob G.
We originally had a reservation at the Market Street Grill but after reading reviews and seeing the property, we switched to a reservation at Bambara. The food at Bambara is fine. My Tuna Tarter with yogurt and cucumber with blue cheese potato chips was excellent as was my red trout with green olives and celery tomato couscous fried basil cucumber tzatziki and mint coulis. My dining partner had watermelon gazpacho which was excellent and halibut . Desert was a roasted pear torte with marscapone ice cream. This place would rate 5 stars if not for the service. Our server strongly pushed several dishes before we mentioned our preferences, and he also pushed the "sauvignon blanc" wine as being the "driest white wine". Anyone who knows wines knows that sauvignon blanc is NOT anywhere near dry. The waiter also knocked the water glass all over the table. Salt Lake City doesn't have too many fine restaurants other than the "chains" and this place certainly is a fine dining establishment. It's too bad the service just doesn't live up to the food.
(4)Carly J.
I liked the ambiance more than I liked the food. But for the price I thought it was great.
(3)Phil K.
We had diner for about 20 following meetings all day at the eBay SLC offices. We were all a bit wiped out from travel+meetings, but diner at Bambara was a great finish to the day. We had the private room in the back, which was comfortable for our larger group and allowed for a little privacy with the glass door closed. The table started with drinks - we had wine and local beers (Polygamy Porter?!) for the most part. I was a bit surprised by the alcohol - I'd heard that SLC was dry, but maybe that only applies to liquor. Anyway, We had a full compliment of appetizers, including excellent home made potato chips topped with blue cheese. I also enjoyed the tuna tartar and crab-stuffed peppers, but I'd repeat the chips next time I go. My second appetizer was a good mixed greens salad with goat cheese... not sure why I needed a 2nd appetizer, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. My main course was a plate of seared scallops surrounding a small portion of mashed potatoes topped, sauced with something creamy/buttery delicious. The waiter called them "divers" scallops, which I've always thought that meant "extra large", but these were just normal sized. Just as well since there were 7 or 8 on the place, and the most important part is that they were cooked properly. Others around the table enjoyed salmon, lamb with Israeli cous cous, and rotisserie chicken. I had to take off before dessert to catch a flight, but I have no doubt that they were good. I'm not sure about the price since eBay was paying, but the atmosphere and quality would indicate fairly expensive, though probably not crazy. I'd recommend Bambara (and the Hotel Monaco) to any of my friends visiting SLC.
(5)Jay H.
I was recently in Salt Lake City and stayed at the incredible Hotel Monaco. While trying to decide where to eat, me and my girlfriend chose to eat at the restaurant in the hotel. While checking in we saw signs saying that Bambara was voted best restaurant in town, so how could we miss that. We were both glad we did! The food was wonderful! We started with calamari, which was fried light and crisp and just about perfect. Our waiter had an almost sommelier like knowledge of the wine list, he aided us in picking an excellent bottle. So good we took one up to our room for later. She had the scallops, which were divine. Cooked to perfection with a delicious sauce and risotto. I had the New York strip. This was beyond a doubt the best steak I've ever had! This place wasn't cheap, but the meal was worth every penny. Incredible food and incredible service, a wonderful romantic dinner.
(5)Lilly M.
Amidst a sea of greasy diners or average cafes - my colleague and I found this little gem for lunch while on a business trip. The decor is very nice, staff extremely friendly and the food was simple yet yummy and fairly inexpensive. We each had lemonade (raspberry for me, blueberry for her). It tasted very fresh with little bits of fruit in it. Then I had the turkey, apricot chutney whole wheat wrap with house made potato chips (yum) and she had some sort of balsamic grilled chicken sandwich on a whole grain bun. They bring out house made hummus and bread to start which is always a nice treat. Overall it was just what we wanted and all for $27.
(4)Ray C.
I had 5 steaks during my stay in Utah, this was not only the worst one I had here, it was one of the worst I've ever had anywhere - wrong temp and zero flavor. Also, the grilled asparagus was burnt and tasted horrible, along with the free hummus they give you. Bad food for any price, absolutely terrible food for the prices they charge. Service was also slow, took about 45 minutes to get our food.
(1)Katie M.
If you are in Salt Lake City and love food you MUST come here. I was here skiing with the family (4 people) - we all had appetizers, entrees, and dessert and every single dish was knock you on your ass delicious. Everyone in my family loves food, we hail from NYC (and its suburbs) and spend a lot of time eating out and cooking and we were all duly impressed. Bambara truly stands up to any restaurant in New York (or LA or San Fran for that matter). To be honest, I often find that "fine" dining outside of major cities can leave something to be desired. Whoa whoa whoa, don't get all mad - I know, not always - BUT a lot of the time what constitutes fine dining in say, Portland, ME (I have a lot of experience here) does not stack up against fine dining in NYC or other major cities. Well, Bambara proved this self-satisfied new yorker completely wrong with it's amazing food, great service, and fun ambiance. ONE OF THE BEST DINING EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. go here if you can.
(5)Michael B.
I am on the road yet again. This week's work takes me to Salt Lake. I've never been out of the airport before and it just figures that I didn't bring my camera because let me tell you something, this lake is massive. If I had three wishes, one of them would be to fill up the Great Salt Lake, it would make this place one of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth. The ring of snow-capped peaks is just dramatic. It helps that I got up a bit into the hills and looked out. Wow. As it stands, Salt Lake City looks just like Boise, only bigger. The food is better too, or at least this time I can afford a better class of restaurant, which brings us to Bambara. I just had one of the best soups in my life. I am ready to say that it is number two, just behind the lobster bisque at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. This was the Utah Corn Bisque. Remarkable. It has got to be the most satisfying bowl I've ever tasted, but nothing's going to outdo the smoothness and flavor of Boston. Still. What's so extraordinary about this is how it just filled my mouth with a kind of warm popcorny flavor. And it had heat. It was as spicy as anything could be without actually being spicy and this just added to the sense of fulfillment. The bisque was very smooth but not buttery so. It was filled with soup, not butter, so everything was flavor and nothing was filler. The texture was perfect, and then the bits of crab were delectable. Add a touch of sweetness with the cilantro oil and it just becomes a miracle. The whole bowl had a beautiful mustard yellow color. Considering that I was 15 years younger when I had that lobster bisque in Boston, this has got to be the better bisque to my more jaded palate. Congrats, Bambara. You are it. With my Sonoma-Cutrer I had their scallops which were fine, and their nicely spiced mashed potatoes with the bursty bubbles of caviar burre blanc and port wine syrup. I think I'm going to go back Wednesday for the duck. The service was exceptional and flawless. The attitude was cheery and attentive without being bothersome, you know like when they ostentatiously scrape the breadcrumbs off your table in other restaurants? They went out of their way to mix me up a Ceasar even though it was off the menu. Next time I'm sticking around for dessert too. The atmosphere was just right, bright with big windows above ground level, not too noisy. They clearly have improvised the place which was not always a restaurant. Yeah. I'm going back, which is rare when I'm out of town. Hmm. Doug S. is the only person I know here, but I'm stuffed. Time to watch TV and crash.
(5)Scott S.
Most likely the best big city restaurant in this town. The presentations are always spot on, while the portions are adequate. The seafood is fresh and the steaks mouth watering. Great stuffed peppers. A must stop during a week stay.
(5)Jason F.
Food is good. Atmosphere is likable and the hotel is well apportioned. Sometimes there is a wait for a table.
(4)Peter C.
The duck confi was brillant!
(4)Lisa F.
Hubby and I had a date night so we tried Bambara. I am so glad we did! Everything was great including the service. We had the Calimari & Shrimp appetizer. It was perfectly done and not overbreaded. The roasted lemon on it was fabulous. We each had a different salad they we fresh and tasty. I had the Sea Bass and my husband had the scallops. Both were so wonderful I kept stuffing my face even when I was full. The Sea Bass is supposed to be the focal point of the dish. It was great but what I was impressed with is the the potato, cabbage, bacon hash that it sat one was divine. Alot of things that sit on a 'bed of whatever' are good the bed of whatever is commonly just for looks. Not the case here. The scallops my husband had were also perfectly cooked and seared with a sauce to die for. Our waiter, Mike, was great. Attentive but not hovering. My only thing was that the booths were a little snug. However we are not small people so it was probably just us. We will ask for a table next time. Probably the best overall meal I have had in a year or so.
(4)Dann H.
Had heard much about this restaurant and was very excited by the looks of the menu. Also was impressed with the beautiful kitchen in the middle of the restaurant. The service was outstanding (even if he did keep disappearing, though I'm not sure where since there weren't that many parties but he never seemed to be with ours), but he was exceptionally friendly when he was around. The food was beautifully presented - each and every dish. The flavors did not match the presentation, in my experience. Food temperature was inconsistent (surprising given that it was NOT a busy night for the restaurant). And our table was surprisingly uncomfortable. I guess I should remember that we were in a bank vault - there were moments during the evening when that was apparent. I'm not sure I would choose to go back, though if someone invited me, I wouldn't suggest an alternative - it would be fine. I true 3 out of 5. A-OK. Nothing more.
(3)Jodi H.
Ate two bfasts here as I was staying at the hotel. Great service good food, a little expensive. I would eat here again if at the hotel alone or for a business meeting. A little too "formal" for the atmostphere of the hotel.
(3)k n.
I've always enjoyed Bambara -- the food, service, and atmosphere have always been top notch. Over the years I've had some fantastic business lunches, romantic dinners, even a New Year's Eve, at Bambara. Well, after meeting a friend for lunch this week, I can say that nothing has changed. The service was stellar, as usual. The atmosphere, reminiscent of an upscale French bistro, is still the same. The classic bleu cheese potato chips were as good as I remembered them. And the elk sliders hit the spot. I'm always disappointed when great restaurants rest on their laurels and slide into mediocrity. I'm glad that hasn't happened to Bambara.
(4)Easy E.
Best food I've eaten in SLC. If you're staying at the Monaco, don't bother leaving. And definitely don't bother with Market Street Grill. I recommend either the salmon or duck. This place gets both dishes right.
(5)Charlie B.
After walking into Bambara, which was a little fancier that I thought it would be (my mistake I did no research), I felt a little under dressed, as I was somewhat casual, but no part of the staff made me fell unwelcomed. However, the same cannot be said for the Hotel Monaco staff that seemed to ignore me as I was trying to just be pointed in the right direction of Bambara, which is on the bottom floor of their Hotel. It may be pet friendly hotel, but they were snobs to me. At Bambara's I ordered to share with a friend, the Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips. For my meal the Grilled Head-On Giant Shrimp with Grits, Red Pepper Marmalade, and Saffron Butter. Both were listed as appetizers but I was not into something real heavy. With this and the breads & hummus, I did have enough to eat. The Chips are a must and I would go back for just another order. I am not sure why the word Giant is used to describe the shrimp in size or portion (there were 3), and they were small with little taste. The taste of the overall dish was OK. I had a taste of my friends Roasted Beet, Watermelon & Jicama Salad, with Arugula, Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Shaved Ricotta Salata. That was excellent. Yes, I would go back and try the Lunch or Bar Menu.
(4)Gurpreet B.
I loved the ambiance and the food. They have an excellent wine list. One of the best dine-in restaurants in the down town area.
(5)Beth F.
Lots of rules here in Salt Lake City (I'm visiting). I asked if I could taste an unfamiliar wine on their list and they were required to charge me .50 for it. Apparenty no free booze in SLC. Not even a sip. I also wanted to bring a glass of wine up to my room after dinner (Bambara is located at the Monaco Hotel) but no go. No open containers outside the restaurant...even though the elevators can be seen from where I'm sitting (I'm writing this yelp from my table) and are just across a small hallway (I wouldn't be taking it outside or anything!). The menu is okay. I was hoping for something light for dinner. This is not the place for that. I ordered the scallops in a meyer lemon sauce and just asked that they don't give me the creamed cauliflower and bumped up the broccolini. The scallops were really good. Seared on the outside, tender and creamy on the inside and nicely seasoned. But the meyer lemon sauce had no flavor. How do you do that with such a fabulous ingredient. I had to ask the server for lemon wedges and this helped the dish. They were also not very generous with the broccolini considering it was the only other thing on the plate. Oh, they forgot to include the chinese long beans that should've been a part of the dish according to the menu discription. The broccolini tasted like broccolini. It was steamed without any seasoning at all. Not very yummy, But at least they were light and I guess I should be grateful for consuming less sodium. So now I have to decide if I want to sit here a while longer to have another glass of wine. Hmmmmm, what to do, what to do. I should also mention that my server was great.
(3)Jenn K.
For our one night in SLC, we had dinner here, and was pleasantly surprised. Their service is very good, and everyone is so nice. We ordered the tuna tartare to start, which I found a bit too sweet for my taste, although boyfriend liked it a lot. I had the chicken breast, that I ordered primarily to get the chevre/truffle-oil mashed potatoes, which were super rich, and delicious. BF ordered the homemade tagliatelle with a cream/truffle oil sauce -- also super rich, but decadent. The semifreddo for dessert was very good as well.
(4)Peter L.
Visited SLC for work for 4 nights and ate here TWICE! Service was great, waitress explained in detail each dish we ordered and was very attentive throughout the night. First night, I ordered a Cedar Planked Adobo Salmon with salsa, the fish was cooked perfectly and can really taste the cedar plank aroma and along with the meal we opened a bottle of Saintbury Pinot Noir. Second night, ordered a Sauteed Prawn Fettucini with truffle sauce, good but not as good as the salmon. Restaurant was quiet and nicely spaced, we sat in the booths. Overall, thumbs up for this restaurant.
(4)Wendy H.
I've heard a lot about this restaurant, all positive, so I was excited to finally try it. My husband and I had dinner here with another couple last night. The restaurant atmosphere seems fine, although I would have liked lower lighting and candles on the table in the section where we sat. It just seemed bright and not quite right for the type of restaurant. We had three different salads and they were all great. I would really recommend any of their salads. We had the frites as an appetizer and they are very good. I like the selection of dinner items on the menu. Everyone's food looked good and everyone liked the entrees. I had the scallops - it was just ok. We ordered two desserts - some kind of chocolate cake and a banana pudding. They were decent. Overall I think it is good food, but not great food. And I think it is a little on the expensive side. I would recommend it, but not with a lot of expectations. I would go there again, but won't be rushing there.
(2)eric n.
Delicious. Nice Ambience. Expensive. One of the swankier places in Salt Lake, the restaurant is on the ground floor of the Hotel Monaco.
(4)The I.
Excellent But Expensive - My wife and I dined here last night. We are in Utah for a vacation. We started with the Ceasar and Boston Lettuce salads, both of which were excellent. She had pan-friend scallops while I had the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin. Again both entrees were excellent as were the various breads with red pepper humus. For dessert we shared a chocalate bundt cake with expresso ice cream - also very good. We each had a cup of good tasting, but somewhat weak decaf coffe. We had preceded the meal with a cocktail each, but after I complained to the waiter that my cocktail was weak and my wife's was mostly ice, he informed us that in Utah a coctail can only contain 1.5 oz. of liquor. So we switched to an excellent Russian River (Sonoma - Cutrer) chardonnary, which ran $27 per half bottle. With tip, the bill came to $162. Granted, the liquor plus tip part of the bill was around $55. Still, the restaurant is expensive, but we would go back - just skip the cocktails.
(4)Linda T.
I had a friend in town, and he picked Bambara after looking through Yelp reviews. We felt very out of place in our ski jackets (after all, it was in an upscale hotel), but they treated us like royalty just the same. We got the chips + blue cheese because of the Yelp reviews. It was like upscale nachos with blue cheese, really salty. Good because we were starving, but I wouldn't get it again for what it was. Menu seemed limited (it was only ~2 pages if I remember correctly), but I like it because it clearly states what you are getting with fairly accurate descriptions. Friend got the ahi and was disappointed. Serving size was normal aka too small for him. (Note, he is not a big guy.) I tried some of his dish and thought it was pretty good. It came with a rice-cake thingy and I thought that was special. I got the pork chop and it was slightly too much for me. It was good though, very tender and juice. Sides included some buttersquash spaghetti and greens, both of which I loved. I also want to add that the culinary presentation of both dishes were awesome. A lotta thought went into it obviously. Expect entrees to be between $18-$35 (which we expected beforehand). I'd go back again if I felt like being pampered or was taking a well-deserved visitor/guest. They have an open kitchen and open bar area. It has a good date atmosphere, but I saw families there too. Tip: parking at night is hard to find but free at the meters.
(5)Paul K.
Really great food in a nice atmosphere - who knew you could find this in Mormon country? I have a feeling this is one of the more expensive restaurants in Salt Lake, which makes getting seating not too hard...we got in at 8pm on Friday. Look forward to coming back - all the American basics done well like Pork Tenderloin, Salmon, and Filet Mignon....also did enjoy the chips with blue cheese, but I have to say the portions were normal - not overly large as some reviewers seem to indicate.
(4)spiff e.
i was actually kind of impressed with what salt lake had to offer, via bambara. a curlicue motif was used throughout, from the menus, bread basket and window frames to the carpet and booth upholstery. actually, it was so matchy-matchy it was kinda cheesy. ohhhh, speaking of cheese, it actually reminds of the curlicues found at cheesecake factory. anyway. their menu had a bunch of stuff that looked good, but i decided on the roasted corn bisque with peekytoe crab and cilantro oil to start, and then the pan seared alaskan halibut with basil mashed potatoes and tomato pine nut-truffle vinaigrette as my main dish. i've been on a truffle binge lately. the bisque came in a large portion and was delicious, with huge chunks of peekytoe crabmeat. yummy, down to the last spoonful. the halibut however was a tad disappointing. i couldn't taste the truffle at all! but aside from that, it tasted good. and definitely left me feeling stuffed. i don't think i even ate half of it and i couldn't even order dessert at that point. i kept myself amused when there wasn't food in front of me by watching the flame-throwing in the open-air kitchen and sipping on my glass of gewurtz.
(4)Chelsea S.
Went here for dinner with co-workers. The food was excellent and the prices were fair, given the quality of the food and the portion sizes. For appetizers we got the potato chips with blue cheese and the polenta crusted calamari. By no means where either lo-fat or lo-calorie, but thy were delicious. I'd definitely order both again. For entrees I got the ahi, which was probably the top three ahi dishes I've ever had - and I order it about two times a month. The guys both got the New York strip steak. They said it was good quality and yummy, although there was a bit too much sauce on it. We also ordered a nice bottle of Bogle Shiraz - nice price, too. We didn't have any room for dessert and didn't even bother looking at the menu. Finally, the staff couldn't have been more attentive or informed. Next time I want a nice dinner in Salt Lake, I'll head back here.
(5)Brianne K.
Bambara is frequently thought of as one of the nicest restaurants in Salt Lake...and for good reason. The food is spot on, the service was excellent, and they have a decent wine list. The scallops (one of their signature dishes) were absolutely fantastic, and the ahi tuna tartare was great too. If you're looking for an appetizer, get the blue cheese potato chips. Pure gooey, sinful heaven!!!
(4)Fernando A.
It is fancy and perhaps will impress those who you are with when dining here. But I would rather hangout at the small bar in the back and then hit the town than eat a meal here. It is a good option for lunch since the prices are much cheaper than at Dinner but I would cross the street and hit the Atlantic or House of Kabob anytime.
(2)Layla P.
I loved this place! We had the crab stuffed peppers and cucumber salad, great way to start a meal. The halibut was fabulous and the salmon pretty good. It was quite expensive so be ready to spend a lot. Hip and lively with an open kitchen.
(5)c d.
It was a little pricey but the entree I had was fantastic - Seared Tuna with large butter beans and mushrooms. I had them hold the Anchovy Aioli. Even with no alcohol or apps, the price (incl'g tax) was $30. But WORTH IT.
(4)Randy S.
I joined a vendor and some of their peeps and another client for dinner here. The place is located in an old former bank building that has been converted to a little boutique hotel. The restaurant space was cavernous, but nice (bar area was swanky). We ordered a couple of apps for the table - Achiote-Masa Crusted Calamari, Manchego, Lime Jalapeno Aioli and Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Corn Tartar Sauce, Crisp Pancetta. I thought the calamari ended up being more like pieces of fried breading with little/no calamari; however, I thought the stuffed peppers were quite tasty. I had the caesar salad (with anchovies!!!) and filet mignon with vegetables. The salad was above average and the filet was just average. The wine was pretty damn good though - 2006 Atteca Garnacha - and it was something I've actually had before in SLC!!! I thought the service was also above average and we all had a good time. It's expensive, but worth checking out...
(3)