Salt Lake City has no shortage of places to grab a quick bite, but finding a spot that checks all the boxes for fun, food, and family entertainment can be tricky. You want a place where the kids are welcome, the portions are big enough to feed a hungry crew, and the quality keeps the adults happy.
Enter Little World, located at 1356 S State St. At first glance, you might drive past it. Reviews frequently describe it as a “hole in the wall” or note that it “looks a little run down.” But as any seasoned foodie knows, those are often the hallmarks of the best authentic eats.
With a solid 4.5-star rating from over 2,000 reviews on delivery apps and a fierce local following, Little World proves that you should never judge a book by its cover. Whether you are looking for a late-night takeout fix or a casual sit-down dinner where you can explore new flavors, this Chinese mainstay offers a unique “world” of flavor hiding in plain sight.
Here is your ultimate guide to dining at Little World Salt Lake City.
1. The Atmosphere: Dive Bar Vibes with a Welcoming Heart
Entertainment Value: Low-key & Authentic
Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately: the look. If you are looking for fancy chandeliers, white tablecloths, or a modern Instagram aesthetic, this isn’t the place. Multiple reviewers warn that the restaurant looks “old,” “dingy,” and a little “sketchy,” particularly at night.
However, in the context of family entertainment, this atmosphere offers something different: authenticity. The lack of pretense means the focus is entirely on the food and the people. The restaurant exudes the energy of a bustling Chinatown in a bustling city. One reviewer described the staff moving in a “frenetic way,” trimming snow peas between taking orders and serving tables. It is casual, cozy, and good for groups.
The Verdict for Families:
Don’t let the exterior deter you. The vibe is strictly “come as you are.” It is loud, busy, and full of the smells of a hard-working wok. For families with curious kids, it is a great introduction to a no-frills, authentic dining experience.
2. The Food: A Culinary Adventure for the Whole Family
This is where Little World truly shines. The menu is enormous—over 250 to 300 items. You could eat here every week for a year and never order the same thing twice.
The key to success at Little World is knowing what to order. While they do serve the American staples like General Tso’s Chicken, the real magic lies in the authentic Cantonese dishes on the back page of the menu.
The “Safe” Hits (For picky eaters)
If you have kids who stick to the classics, Little World does not disappoint with a twist on American-Chinese favorites.
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Pot Stickers: Multiple reviews from sources like Salt Lake City Weekly and customers claim these are the best in town. Handmade with pork and Napa cabbage, they are a must-order.
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Chicken Lo Mein: Unlike the thick, doughy noodles at many chains, Little World uses thin noodles (vermicelli style) with bean sprouts. The portions are “massive” and often provide two meals in one box.
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Sweet & Sour Chicken/Pork: A reliable classic that comes out crispy and glazed just right.
The Adventurous Spread (For foodie parents)
This is where the “entertainment” aspect kicks in. Eating at Little World can be a culinary field trip.
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Anchovy & Chicken Fried Rice: This is the dish Little World is famous for among critics. One reviewer from the Salt Lake Tribune described it as “Chinese cheese” due to its funky, umami-rich aroma. It is surprising and delicious.
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Roast Duck: Skip the chicken wings and order the BBQ Roast Duck. Served in soup with egg noodles and bok choy, or over rice, it is tender and flavorful.
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Salt Baked Squid or Clams in Black Bean Sauce: If the family is feeling brave, the seafood dishes are fresh and carry authentic wok-hei (the “breath of the wok”) that is hard to find in landlocked Utah.
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Singapore Noodles: A great “bridge” dish. It has curry spice (mild enough for most) with shrimp, pork, carrots, and green onions. It is flavorful without being too scary for novice eaters
3. Logistics: Hours, Delivery, and Tips for a Smooth Visit
Hours:
Be careful with the Sunday hours. While they are open until midnight most nights, some listings show limited Sunday hours (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM), while others show 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Pro Tip: Call ahead on Sundays (801-467-5213) to confirm.
Delivery & Takeout:
Little World is a powerhouse of delivery apps. You can find them on DoorDash and Uber Eats, where they maintain a high rating. Because the food travels well (especially the noodles and fried rice), it is a favorite for night shift workers and late-night cravings, as they are one of the only places open late.
The “Dine-In” Experience:
While delivery is convenient, you lose a little magic. Dishes like Pan Fried Noodles or Hot Pots lose their crispy texture in a styrofoam box. If you want the full experience, eat in. Just be prepared for a wait, as the kitchen gets slammed with takeout orders.
4. The Family Verdict: Is Little World worth the trip?
Yes.
For families looking for a break from the chain restaurants of Salt Lake City, Little World offers a genuine experience.
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For the Parents: You get access to authentic Cantonese BBQ and Chef Specials (like Eggplant Hot Pot or Beef with Tofu) that are complex and satisfying
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For the Kids: They get the massive portions of lo mein, fried rice, and shrimp balls.
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For the Wallet: It is consistently rated as “Inexpensive” ($). One reviewer noted they got “more than a bang for your buck” due to the generous serving sizes.
The Only Downside: Consistency can vary. A few reviewers noted that sometimes the Ham Fried Rice is dry or the Mongolian Beef has too many carrots. However, the overwhelming consensus (see the 4.5-star rating) is that when they are on, they are the best in the valley.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Deducted one star for the dive-y appearance, but earned full points for flavor, portion size, and that rare “hidden gem” feeling.
FAQ: Little World Salt Lake City
Here are the answers to the most common questions about Little World based on recent customer experiences.
1. What are the exact hours of operation?
Hours vary by source, but generally:
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Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight) .
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Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Some sources say 6:00 PM, so call ahead).
2. Is Little World good for picky eaters?
Yes. They have a full section of Americanized Chinese food. The Sweet & Sour Chicken, Chicken Lo Mein, and Fried Rice are very accessible and highly rated by customers who say they “don’t like adventurous food”.
3. What is the “must-order” dish at Little World?
If you only order one thing, make it the pot stickers (many call them the best in SLC) or the Anchovy & chicken fried rice for the adventurous eater. For a safe bet, the Singapore Noodles are consistently praised .
4. Does Little World deliver?
Yes. They are available on DoorDash and Uber Eats. They are famous for packaging the food well so it stays hot, making them a top choice for late-night delivery.
5. Is it safe to eat there? I heard it looks “sketchy.”
The consensus from recent reviews is yes, it is safe. Reviewers acknowledge the building is old and dingy (located on State Street), but they consistently report that the staff is “super friendly” and “personable,” and the food quality makes the atmosphere irrelevant.
6. Do they have a physical menu with a lot of options?
Yes. Do not just look at the menu board on the wall. Make sure you ask for the full paper menu. The best authentic dishes (Chef’s specialties, hot pots, and BBQ meats) are often on the back page of the menu.
7. Is the food halal?
The menu contains pork (ham fried rice, roast pork, and cha siu) and standard meat preparations. There is no specific mention of Halal certification in the reviews. Vegetarian and vegan options are available (Tofu dishes, Vegetables), but cross-contamination is possible.
8. Why do people call it a “hidden gem”?
Because of its exterior. Google Maps sometimes hides it as a “little dot,” and many people drive past it to go to Panda Express. Those who stop are surprised by the authentic Cantonese flavors (the owners speak Cantonese) and the huge portion sizes for the price.
