The Top 10 Restaurants In Orem Utah

Located 40 miles south of Salt Lake City, Orem might not be the first place Utahns think of for great food. But this town is home to several excellent, locally owned restaurants that make the drive to the bigger city almost unnecessary. Check out these 10 restaurants in this happy valley college town.

Aubergine & Company

Cafe, Greek

If you’re looking for something fresh and out of the ordinary, Aubergine & Company is the answer. This bright and cheery cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and strives to provide healthful options that are also delicious and creative. Nearly everything is made in-house and from scratch, including breads, dressings, and condiments. Start your day off right with fresh, whole-fruit juice, an açai bowl, or a steaming cup of oatmeal with quinoa, chia, and flax seeds. Lunch and dinner menus include soups, salads, and sandwiches with interesting combinations, and the option to build your own. Aubergine also provides ample options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diners.

Asahi

Bar, Restaurant, Japanese

With Utah being completely landlocked, you might not think that good sushi is available. However, from this unlikely small town comes Asahi; a sushi place that just might make you a believer. In fact, many locals think this is the best sushi in the entire county. The restaurant itself is clean and modern, creating a casual yet chic vibe. Plating is important at Asahi, and each dish is impressively presented. The menu offers standards that you would expect from any sushi restaurant, like nigiri, sashimi, and classic rolls. But keep an eye on the daily specials and house features, as the chefs come up with creative rolls that keep regulars on their toes.

Bam Bam’s BBQ

Restaurant

Orem actually has a surprising number of barbecue spots, so the competition is fierce. Bam Bam’s BBQ stands out for its enthusiasm and mastery of grilled and smoked meats. A quick visit to the restaurant’s Facebook page proves that it is passionate about what it does and eager to share it with others. The menu is simple; it features six different meats, with a selection of four homestyle side dishes. Bam Bam’s is all about creating the perfect BBQ meat, and the menu certainly puts it into the spotlight. Bam Bam’s also strives to be active in the community, by teaching classes on smoking and BBQ and by teaming up with local food bloggers for special events.

Five Star BBQ

Cafe

Five Star BBQ is definitely worth a visit. Its location is a bit odd: on a busy road and amid industrial buildings. Once you get inside, the interior is simply decorated, comfortable, and unpretentious. The focus really is on a menu of top-notch barbecue classics. Chicken, beef brisket, and pork are seasoned with house made spice blends and rubs, then smoked to perfection. Customers also rave about the all-American side dishes, like the ‘slauced slaw,’ smoky beans, and herbed mashed potatoes. For something a little different, try the Chuck Anderson sandwich, which is a blend of brisket, pork, and chicken.

Joe’s Café

Cafe, Restaurant, American

If you’re hungry for something hearty, Joe’s Café serves southern-style eats from its quaint and cozy restaurant right on State Street, Orem’s main drag. The café is open daily for breakfast and lunch and offers the best deals in town. Try a steaming plate of biscuits and gravy with a side of grits. A fan favorite, especially for pint-sized diners, is an enormous plate of playfully small pancakes, smothered in butter and maple syrup. During lunch hours, fill up on gourmet sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs. One thing is for sure: you won’t leave Joe’s Café hungry.

Kohinoor

Restaurant, Indian

Sitting in a shopping center, surrounded by big-box stores and chain restaurants, Kohinoor is a gem in Orem’s dining scene. You might think it would be difficult to find something other than American food in this small town, but Kohinoor delightfully fills that void. The restaurant is family run and serves authentic Northern Indian cuisine. Using traditional recipes and presentation, Kohinoor delivers on all of the vibrant flavor you’d expect from Indian food. Go with a classic lamb dish, like coconut korma or vindaloo. The menu also features chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options. Wash it all down with a smooth and tangy mango lassi, and you’ll think you were just transported to the other side of the world.

Maria Bonita

Restaurant, Mexican

If you’re looking for a flavor trip south of the border in Utah County, then look no farther than Maria Bonita. This restaurant serves fresh Mexican cuisine in all of its bold, flavorful glory. The interior is decorated in warm colors, with rustic wood tables and accents. It creates an atmosphere that is inviting and homely. The menu is an impressive mix of standards and specialty items. Fan favorites include crispy flautas, carne asada nachos, and fish tacos. If you are looking for something on the lighter side, try a Maria Bonita salad, which is made up of mixed greens with shredded meat, cheese, tomatoes, and onions. For something a bit more sweet, order a refreshing piña colada, or a slice of house made tres leches cake.

Pizzeria 712

Restaurant, Italian

Not all pizza places are the same. Try Pizzeria 712. This restaurant was founded on the principles of good food, sustainability, and a welcoming place to be with people. Since opening the restaurant has gained a loyal local following for its creative flavor combinations and its dedication to high quality ingredients. The chefs proudly list on their website an impressive number of local farms where they source their produce, meats, and dairy. Those top-notch ingredients come together beautifully in dishes like a pizza with jalapeños, speck, sliced pineapple, and mozzarella. For something fall inspired, try a slice with butternut squash, bacon, caramelized onions, and gorgonzola cheese. Pizzeria 712 definitely elevates America’s favorite meal to a whole new level.

Savory & Sweet

Savory & Sweet is kind of a breath of fresh air. The small café is family-owned and completely adorable. It thrives on simplicity and honest, straightforward dishes. Open all day, the menus for each dining hour are small and uncomplicated yet offer a breadth of selection to appease any preference. For lunch or dinner, choose from a number of outstanding pastas, salads, or soups, like Tuscan tomato soup with garlic bread. But the real star of Savory & Sweet’s menu is the crêpe. There are over two dozen varieties, ranging from super-sweet dessert crêpes to fruit-filled, cheese filled, and even some with meats and vegetables for a substantial meal. Stick with the classic banana and nutella or go crazy with veggie florentine: artichokes, spinach, alfredo sauce, and diced tomatoes.

182 W Center St, Orem, UT, USA +1 801 802 6000

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