First impressions matter, and in this case, they went the distance.
Let’s be honest—hotel restaurants don’t typically scream excitement, but Mar Muntanya blew that expectation out of the water. From start to finish, this sixth-floor gem at the sleek Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City was nothing short of extraordinary. A stunning fusion of Northern Spain’s bold, authentic flavors and Utah’s unique flair, Mar Muntanya isn’t just about food—it’s about creating a dining experience as unforgettable as its breathtaking backdrop. Translating to "Sea and Mountain," the name perfectly captures the essence of the menu: refined coastal sophistication paired with hearty mountain soul.
Against all odds, I came to realize there is truly no more fitting home for such an exceptional restaurant than The Hyatt Regency itself—a destination in its own right. Opened in 2022, the hotel is a modern marvel, effortlessly blending luxury, comfort, and urban sophistication. The moment we stepped into our suite, our jaws hit the floor. As a die-hard Fairmont loyalist, I didn’t expect to be swayed—but this Hyatt didn’t just impress me, it converted me.
From the moment you step into the lobby, you’re embraced by an atmosphere of understated elegance—vast, welcoming, and undeniably elevated. After nearly twelve hours of travel and feeling decidedly underdressed for the tone of the space, I braced for a shift in demeanor but was pleasantly surprised to find my treatment at reception remained warm and respectful—a rare and commendable feat in today’s world.
As we made our way to our room, the property’s attention to detail immediately stood out. Every corner seemed designed to impress, from the rooftop pool (buried under two feet of snow during our visit) offering panoramic mountain views, to the thoughtfully curated guest rooms that balanced luxury and comfort with ease. The entire experience exuded an unspoken commitment to delivering an unforgettable stay—and as we would soon discover, the Hyatt delivered on every level.
But let’s not forget the true highlight of this experience: the culinary offerings. What truly sets this Hyatt apart is how seamlessly it integrates world-class dining into its overall ethos. Perched elegantly on the sixth floor, with access exclusively through the hotel itself, Mar Muntanya redefines the concept of hotel dining—surpassing even many of the Four Seasons experiences I’ve had. It stands as a testament that an exceptional restaurant can—and should—be the centerpiece of any luxury stay. Whether you’re here for business, adventure, or simply indulgence, the combination of the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City and Mar Muntanya creates a symphony of sophistication, warmth, and culinary artistry that lingers long after your return home.
Let’s start with the restaurant itself—because it’s nothing short of a showstopper.
From the moment you arrive at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City, it’s clear that every detail is designed to impress—and Mar Muntanya is no exception. Perched nearly 100 feet above the main floor, this sixth-floor gem embodies the hotel’s perfect balance of sophistication and warmth, creating a dining space that feels both literally and figuratively elevated.
Step inside, and you’re instantly transported to a space where every detail feels intentional. Warm, earthy tones meet modern, rustic design, creating an atmosphere that’s both effortlessly cozy and unapologetically chic—a seamless blend of inviting comfort and refined elegance. Towering windows frame jaw-dropping views of the Salt Lake skyline and surrounding peaks, setting the perfect backdrop for the artistry soon to arrive on the custom Robert Gordon porcelain in front of you.
The open kitchen is more than a feature—it’s becomes performance. Here, the chefs become the stars of their own culinary stage, orchestrating their craft with precision, passion, and just the right touch of theater. It’s close enough to feel the electric energy of a professional kitchen operating at this caliber, but far enough removed to keep you immersed in the magic without the tension that inevitably accompanies such high-level execution. Even from afar, every movement behind the counter feels purposeful, and as their guest, you’re invited to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Ultimate patio goals, to say the least.
If the indoor ambiance doesn’t already sweep you off your feet, the outdoor patio takes things to another level entirely. Draped in string lights and surrounded by crisp mountain air, it offers 360-degree views of towering peaks that make every moment feel effortlessly romantic and unforgettable. During our visit, with about a foot and a half of snow blanketing the city, the scene felt like something straight out of a winter postcard.
And just when you think it can’t get better, Mar Muntanya’s outdoor terrace globes steal the show. These climate-controlled, transparent domes are the ultimate game-changer for a cozy date night, holiday party, or any special occasion—especially in a city like Salt Lake, where snow is a frequent and magical companion. Seating up to eight guests, the globes let you soak in the city skyline and snow-covered mountain vistas without feeling a single chill. Complete with Bluetooth speakers, they allow you to set your own vibe with the perfect soundtrack, creating a uniquely personal and unforgettable dining escape.
Prepare for the pintxos and tapas you know and love, with an elevated twist.
Mar Muntanya reimagines traditional Spanish cuisine, infusing each dish with creativity and a touch of Utah-inspired flair. Inspired by the lively culinary traditions of the Basque Country and Catalonia, the restaurant invites guests to embrace "Tapas Style" dining—a little here, a little there, and always room for more.
Now, let’s address a common misconception: tapas and pintxos are often thought of as simple, cheap bites—great for a quick snack but lacking in refinement. That couldn’t be further from the truth at Mar Muntanya. Here, tapas are elevated into an art form, and as a professional chef and restaurant owner, that exact approach is what drew me in. The menu is a celebration of thoughtful collaboration—a seamless unity of a concept so much larger than the restaurant or even Salt Lake City itself. It blends the bounty of local farmers, growers, and artisans with the unmistakable essence of Spain, through carefully sourced imported ingredients and flavor profiles. Every dish tells a story, not just of the food, but of the people and cultures behind it, making each bite a reflection of true culinary artistry.
Each plate, while small, is intentionally crafted with precision and care, designed to deliver big, bold flavors that linger long after the last bite. The presentation is thoughtful, the flavors layered, and the quality unmistakable. At Mar Muntanya, tapas aren’t just an appetizer—they’re an experience, turning “a little here, a little there” into something extraordinary and thoughtful.
In the end, our dining endeavors that evening felt more like a curated experience than just a meal. Our server suggested we start with two to three dishes and then let him guide the rest of the evening based on our preferences. It wasn’t just thoughtful—it was collaborative, turning what could have been a simple dinner into a fully interactive journey.
This guided approach brought a refreshing sense of trust and excitement to the table. Instead of navigating what could easily feel like an overwhelming menu—especially for those less immersed in the culinary world—we leaned into their expertise. It was clear from the start that the team wanted to craft something uniquely ours, and with each plate, they showed us exactly why we could trust them to lead the way.
Every course felt like a perfectly timed surprise, each dish revealing itself with just enough anticipation to keep us engaged and intrigued. And every single time, they delivered.
It’s this kind of intentional service—an invitation to explore without the burden of decision-making—that sets Mar Muntanya apart. The result is more than just a meal; it’s a dynamic and personalized dining adventure that makes you feel seen, understood, and delightfully cared for every step of the way.
For those of you thinking, “I could never!” or “I’m far too picky for something like this,” let me gently nudge you toward stepping out of your comfort zone. Trust me, this isn’t about forcing yourself into unfamiliar territory—it’s about discovering just how rewarding it can be to let go and embrace the unexpected.
At Mar Muntanya, the team is there to guide you, tailoring every dish to your preferences while encouraging you to try something new. You’ll find that even the dishes you might not have chosen for yourself are thoughtfully prepared in a way that just *works*. It’s a chance to expand your palate, experience flavors you didn’t know you loved, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the adventure of dining.
So go ahead—take a chance, say yes to something different, and let this incredible team show you what’s possible when you let them do what they do best. You might just surprise yourself.
Tapas & Pintxos: Forget ordinary small plates—these are bite-sized bursts of joy. The “funeral croquetas” are a playful nod to Utah’s iconic funeral potatoes, featuring creamy, cheesy potato casserole filling encased in a crispy cornflake shell. It’s comfort food elevated to gourmet, and trust me, after one bite, you’ll be planning your next visit.
Seafood Stars: The “Mar” in Mar Muntanya shines brightest here. Their oysters topped with beef tartare and a vibrant spruce mignonette are a flavor-packed revelation—like the ocean got dressed up for the red carpet. And the charred octopus? Smoky, tender, and perfectly complemented by its accompaniments, it was the highlight of my night.
Big Plates, Big Energy: For a feast-worthy main, the Roast Beast Feast is the showstopper. A wagyu tomahawk ribeye served with house-made sauces, it’s indulgent, impressive, and unapologetically over-the-top. Though not our order, our server gave us a peek at it on its way out—and the owner, seated nearby, graciously let us try a taste. Truly a meal fit for royalty.
As for our entrees, the Campfire Elk Loin stole the show with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, a blackberry demi-glace, Iberico bacon, and a sage crumb. I’ve never been one for pairing berries with hearty meats, but this dish turned me into a believer. My plus one opted for the 22 oz. Grassfed Chuleton, perfectly crusted and paired with smoky shishito peppers—a carnivore’s dream. Our only complaint was that there weren't more shishito peppers to go around, but every single one was prepared to absolute perfection.
From pintxos to entrees, Mar Muntanya seamlessly marries the rustic flavors of Northern Spain with Utah’s adventurous spirit, crafting dishes that feel both familiar and completely unexpected.
Drinks to Match
No great meal is complete without the perfect drink, and Mar Muntanya ensures your glass is as memorable as your plate. Their cocktail menu celebrates Spanish gin and tonic culture, featuring botanicals that elevate each sip into a sensory masterpiece. (Did you know Spain is one of the world’s top gin consumers? Same—and as a gin fan, I was thrilled to see it take center stage here.)
Not into gin? Their curated selection of Spanish wines is just as impressive. We paired our meal with a bottle of Tempranillo, recommended by our server, and it complemented everything—especially the charred octopus—with its bold, smooth flavors.
And let’s talk about the water. Yes, the water. Ask for Vichy Catalan, a sparkling volcanic mineral water imported from Spain, and prepare to be amazed. It’s crisp, refreshing, and elevates the simplest sip into an experience. Trust me—you’ll never look at sparkling water the same way again. We sure haven't.
Let me tell you why a visit to Mar Muntanya needs to be pushed to the top of your to-do list.
Mar Muntanya isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience you’ll want to savor from start to finish. In fact, it left such a mark on us that we came back the very next morning, this time for breakfast, and found ourselves even more enchanted than we were the first time around. With a few hours to kill before our flight home, we settled in—emails on one side, indulgence on the other—and let the magic of Mar Muntanya stretch into the afternoon.
I opted for a refreshing smoked octopus salad featuring fresh grapefruit, blood orange, fennel, cucumber, and Fresno pepper, all drizzled with olive oil, fresh herbs, and lime. It was light, vibrant, and absolutely mouth watering. My date, on the other hand, went all in with a rich patty melt made with elk, bison, and wagyu on house-made sourdough, layered with chabrin cheese, Iberico bacon, and a riff on fry sauce that somehow made an already decadent sandwich even better.
Nearly a year and a half later, while reminiscing about that trip, my partner said, “We could’ve eaten every single meal there, every day, and I would’ve been happy.” He’s not wrong.
Playful twists on classic Spanish dishes, fresh and thoughtful ingredients, and unbeatable views—this is the kind of place you’ll dream about returning to, and dream about we do. If it weren’t a ten-hour drive from home, we’d be regulars. Whether you’re planning a casual night out, celebrating something special, or just looking for an excuse to treat yourself, Mar Muntanya brings the heart and soul of Northern Spain to Salt Lake City, one unforgettable bite at a time.
Restaurant: Mar Muntanya
Parking: Street parking and valet available.
Phone: (385) 433-6700
Email: info@mar-muntanya.com
Website: mar-muntanya.com
For special events and large party reservations, check out their Tock page.
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