Three Salt Lake City Restaurants Approved For NBA Dining

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Three Salt Lake City restaurants have been cleared as COVID-19 safe for visiting NBA teams.

Among the many issues the league faces with the regular season back in full swing, where teams can eat while on the road may seem low on the priority list. But considering these restaurants frequently serve as celebration destinations or locales for team building away from home, they play a more pivotal role in the NBA’s day-to-day operation than one may expect.

Three of Salt Lake City’s most well-known restaurants make the cut according to ESPN‘s Kevin Arnotvitz. Valter’s Osteria just blocks from Vivint Arena,  Manoli’s in the 9th and 9th area, and Red Iguana just west of the arena in Rose Park.

The Three NBA Approved Salt Lake City Restaurants

Valter’s has become a well-known stop on the NBA circuit. In 2018, Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr told The Ringer’s Bill Simmons that the Salt Lake City Italian restaurant was his favorite eatery in any NBA city.

when Valter's is featured on #RHOSLC pic.twitter.com/SmgyIGOW3l

— JP Chunga (@JP_Chunga) December 13, 2020

Manoli’s offer an original take on Greek food in one of Salt Lake City’s hippest areas. Manoli Katsanevas is the chef and co-owner of the restaurant that focuses on utilizing local, seasonal ingredients.

Finally, the famous Red Iguana also makes the list. The highly decorated Mexican restaurant has been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives is a favorite for most Salt Lake City locals.

Just blocks away from Vivint Arena, Red Iguana offers authentic Mexican food and a collection of mole dishes that have helped it build its stellar reputation.

Of course @kevinarnovitz would do a deep dive into NBA approved establishments for team dining, and of course, it’s fantastic. AK https://t.co/RJtvpuW5SR

— Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) December 28, 2020

To meet the NBA standards, reach restaurant “must have outdoor space or a secure private room that doesn’t share air space with the rest of the establishment. Servers must wear masks and faceguards, maintain a distance of 6 feet and be in the same room with players and coaches only when absolutely necessary. There must be a secure entrance and exit path to limit exposure to the restaurant staff and other diners.”