Provo and Orem, Utah are big college scenes with Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University in close proximity to each other. The good news is there is plenty of delicious food to enjoy whether you’re in college or not. Here are 11 of the best restaurants in Provo that you need to try today. Or at least as soon as possible.
Of course it would be nearly impossible to have tried every single available option in the Provo and Orem area but these are my favorites that I have tried and fully recommend. I know you’ll like them too. They are listed in no particular order!
This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.
El Gallo Giro
You can find delicious authentic Mexican food and big serving sizes here at El Gallo Giro. Everything is made fresh in house and there is plenty of seating room indoors and out. El Gallo Giro makes the list of best restaurants in Provo for its authenticity, affordable prices and, of course, the delightful flavor of their food. They offer a variety of homemade salsas to top your tacos with and their horchata is amazing.
Favorites: Asada Tacos, Beans and Horchata
Address: 346 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84601
Five Sushi Brothers
Seafood in Utah, a landlocked state, may not initially sound appetizing and yet Five Sushi Brothers does it. They serve delicious sushi rolls late into the night. As one of the few late night eateries in Provo, this is the place to go when cravings hit you after about 10pm! Take your pick from traditional sushi rolls or even a dessert roll if you’re feeling something sweet.
Favorites: Tiger Mom, Phat Bro
Address: 445 Freedom Blvd 200 W, Provo, UT 84601
BYU Creamery on Ninth
For your classic burger, fries and a milkshake that will definitely hit the spot (especially after a hike) come to the Creamery on Ninth. This place has been around almost as long as BYU and they have the best burgers and ice cream around hands down.
Favorites: Double burger with seasoned curly fries and ice cream.
Address: 1209 900 E, Provo, UT 84604
More To Do in Northern Utah:
- Must Try Desserts in the Provo and Orem Area (Coming soon)
- Visiting Sand Dunes in Utah at Little Sahara
- Guide to Goblin Valley State Park, UT
Cupbop
One of the best restaurants in Provo, Cupbop, is a fun spot that started as a food truck and has grown into a delicious chain serving Korean BBQ to the masses. This flavorful bowl of food is absolutely delicious and yet has unique flavors from any other restaurant I’ve tried. The bowl is filling and easy to customize based on what sauces you add on top.
Favorites: Rock Bop Bowl with all the toppings and Mandoo on the side.
Address: Multiple Locations
JDawgs
A hotdog may not initially seem like anything special but the people at JDawgs have a way of making them spectacular. From toppings to their signature JDawg sauce this is no ordinary hot dog. This is the perfect inexpensive meal to grab that will still fill you up.
Favorites: Beef Dog and special sauce.
Address: Multiple Locations
Guru’s Cafe
Guru’s offers a wide variety of foods from sandwiches and wraps to tacos and pastas. There is bound to be something on the menu you can enjoy no matter what you are craving today. For a long while I craved this Thai peanut pasta everyday. It took a lot of willpower not to eat out all the time.
On top of great food Guru’s Cafe is in the perfect location on Center Street and has a great atmosphere. It is a fun place to eat out with friends or enjoy a casual date out.
Favorites: Thai Peanut Pasta and the Sweet Potato Fries
Address: 45 E Center St, Provo, UT 84606
Roll Up Crepes
Roll Up Cafe serves delicious sweet or savory crepes. I have a major sweet tooth so I love the sweet crepes, especially for dessert. But if you are feeling something light and savory for lunch then head on over to try a crepe.
Favorites: Heart Throb, Summer Fling or the Nutella Shake
Address: 538 E University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84097
Communal
A unique take on eating out, every dish you order at Communal is meant to be shared with the table, just like a meal you would eat at home. You can feel like you’re home with relatives without having to cook a single dish. A win-win to be sure.
Address: 102 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84601
More To Do in Utah:
- Adventurous Day Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah
- Swimming in the Great Salt Lake
- 2 Days in Arches National Park
Zao Asian Cafe
The best way I can describe Zao Asian Cafe is as an asian Chipotle. They serve healthy noodle and rice bowls with sauces like curries and teriyaki to go on top. You go down the line and customize your dish from the base to the meat to the toppings. It all tastes so yummy and I love that it is on the healthier side of quick food restaurants.
Favorites: Brown rice, chicken, wok seared vegetables, corn, with yellow curry sauce topped with carrots, guac, and peanuts.
Address: 1352 State St, Orem, UT 84097
Kneaders
If you have a chance to grab brunch in Provo the endless french toast at Kneaders always hits the spot. Kneaders is part restaurant and part bakery so you can order delicious breads to take home for dinner or grab a chicken salad sandwich for lunch.
Favorites: French Toast and the Chicken Salad Croissant
Address: Multiple Locations
Tucanos
For a little more upscale restaurant, Tucanos is the place to go. It is a brazilian steak house that is actually on the affordable side. There is an all you can eat food bar and then meat on skewers is brought around and served directly to you! Everything is cooked to perfection and is delicious. Plus, if you are part of their rewards program you get a free meal on your birthday!
Favorites: The grilled pineapple, steak and bacon wrapped anything.
Address: 545 E University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84097
Best Places to Eat in Provo
There you have it, the best restaurants in Provo, at least in my humble opinion. Are there any others that you feel deserve to be added? Leave them in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this post with anyone headed to Provo in the near future.
Tucanos*
Fixed, thanks for the heads up!