When I first wrote about Ogden’s Table 25 restaurant, it had just opened. That was in the fall of 2021. I was intrigued by the then-new eatery since the married couple who opened the restaurant – Jaimie and Justin Buehler – had most recently worked for a number of years at the Copper Onion in Salt Lake City. I’ve been a big fan of Ryan Lowder’s Copper Onion since it opened in 2010 and Lowder’s well-mentored employees have gone on to open a number of great eateries and bars of their own.

The name Table 25 has both practical and somewhat romantic origins. Most obvious is that the restaurant – previously home to Jessie Jeans – is located on Ogden’s Historic 25th Street. But there’s more to the story behind Table 25. California-born Jamie Buehler was raised in Australia before moving back to California, which is where she met her future husband and Ogden native, Justin Buehler. They happened to be seated at table #25 in a restaurant, which is where they hatched the notion to eventually operate a restaurant of their own. It was also the beginning of their personal relationship. With Table 25, the dream of operating their own restaurant came to fruition.

During that first visit – nearly five years ago – there were hits and there were misses. But I really liked the vibe of Table 25 and saw that it had real potential to become one of Ogden’s flagship restaurants. Following a more recent visit, I believe that it has realized that potential. 

Ahi Poke

One could easily make a light meal out of some of the “small plate” offerings at Table 25; the portions are generous. Starters include Elk Meatballs with house marinara ($13); Brussels Sprouts with spiced caramel, furikake and lime ($12); Pork Ribs with honey butter glaze ($16); house made Focaccia with cranberry butter ($8); and more. We thought the Ahi Poke ($18) – listed as a small plate – was spectacular. And again, it was a very large and generous serving, easily shared by two. Sushi grade cubes of ahi tuna were served in a large bowl with jasmine rice, radish, pickled carrots, sprouts, cucumber, edamame, avocado and wasabi aioli. 

A portion of the Table 25 menu lists “Handhelds” which include Chicken Katsu ($16); Shrimp Tacos ($18); French Dip ($17) and “The Burger” ($18). The salad section of the menu runs the gamut from a Simple Arugula Salad ($8) and Romaine Caesar ($11) to a seasonal Market Salad ($16) and Wagyu Bavette Steak Salad ($22). 

Cacio e Pepe

I was gobsmacked by the high quality of the Cacio e Pepe ($16) pasta dish I ordered. It was perfectly cooked homemade pasta with a nice, toothsome bite, served simply, but sensationally with a simple cracked black pepper and aged parmesan coating and adorned with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and julienned scallion. I was a bit baffled when I asked our server if the pasta was homemade and she said, “No, but I can find out where they get it from.” Well, I was certain that the perfect pasta was made in-house and so I went over to the exhibition kitchen and asked the chef about it. Indeed, it is made daily at Table 25. Other fresh pasta options include Shrimp Spaghetti with ancho chile and poblano cream ($24); Butternut Squash Gnocchetti with sage brown butter ($18); Fettuccine Stroganoff ($25) and Elk Bolognese Pappardelle.  

I miss the great food champion, Anthony Bourdain. In fact, I’ve never quite been able to delete his number from my phone contacts. I love that Table 25 pays tribute to Tony with a terrific black and white framed photo and lengthy quote of his which succinctly captures the spirit and reality of restaurant work. 

R.I.P. Anthony Bourdain

Table 25 – given its size – has a surprisingly robust drink menu, including a good selection of craft brews, seasonal and classic cocktails, hot beverages, mocktails, and a healthy selection of Red, White, Sparking and Rosé wines. 

Idaho Rainbow Trout

I look forward to returning to Table 25 to try some of the tempting entrees such as Bison Short Rib Birria with consomme ($34); Salmon with pesto cream ($28); the Fried Chicken with mashed Yukon Gold potatoes ($26); and Blackened Ahi Tuna with tomato beurre blanc ($30). My wife thoroughly enjoyed her entree which was Idaho Rainbow Trout ($27) with jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, ponzu and soy glaze. More recently, the chef changed that dish to Rainbow Trout with a Cajun crust, polenta, wilted greens, Spanish olives, and Creole pan sauce, evolving the dish from Asian influences to a tasty nod to New Orleans.  

I think that Table 25 has sorted out the glitches that accompanied their early days and now they are clicking on all cylinders. Yes, you may have to pay now for street parking in Historic Ogden, but by all means, make a plan to visit this warm and welcoming restaurant sooner rather than later. 

Photos by Ted Scheffler

Culinary quote of the week: “I was at this restaurant. The sign said ‘Breakfast Anytime.’ So I ordered French Toast in the Renaissance.” – Steven Wright