Top 10 Places to Eat in Provo, Utah
Visiting Provo
Provo is located about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, UT. It is best known as the home of Brigham Young University (or BYU). It is also a popular destination for outdoor adventurers seeking an adrenaline rush.
When you get a break from skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, etc in Provo. and are ready to get a bite to eat, there are plenty of great places to satiate your appetite. As a Provo resident since 2007, I've had a chance to try quite a few.
Below are my top ten choices. Please leave a comment if you've been to Provo and your favorite food establishment isn't included in this list.
10. The Spoon
75 West Center Street
Provo, Utah 84601
(801) 345-2157
The Spoon is located within NuSkin's headquarters on Center Street. It features many healthy and unique menu items including burgers, fish, pasta, and soups. While it is located within NuSkin's building, it is open to the public.
One of the unique things about The Spoon is that you order your food on a touch screen kiosk rather than from an actual person. The kiosk allows you to see the different menu items by category along with their respective prices.
While you can pay for a soda or other specialty drink, every meal comes with a free flavored water from their beverage station. There are many options to choose from and they change regularly.
9. La Jolla Groves
4801 N University Ave
#610, Provo, UT 84604
(801) 224-5111
This is a newer restaurant in Provo that has become quite popular. It is a little fancier (and thus expensive) than other restaurants on this list, but the food is fresh and unique.
The decor is also one of a kind - the set up makes you feel like you're actually eating in a grove of trees. The food they offer is described on their website as "New American Cuisine." It also offers gluten free items.
8. Macaroni Grill
4801 N University Ave #50
Provo, UT 84604
(801) 765-1688
Macaroni Grill is a restaurant chain with locations all over the United States, so it's not a unique place like lots of others on this list. However, their high quality Italian food is deserving to make the list.
My favorite part of dining at Macaroni Grill is actually the bread they serve before your meal arrives. It's usually fresh and warm and is accompanies by olive oil and fresh ground pepper to dip it in.
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7. Old Towne Grill
295 W Center St
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 375-2183
This place is relatively new, but it has left a very positive impression on my wife and I the couple times we've been there. Their burger is especially delicious and unique.
It offers a unique atmosphere as it is found in a bar/dance club on Center Street in Provo. Those familiar with Provo know that it is not known for their bars and dance clubs. If that's something that interests you and you want to grab some food at the same time, this place is for you!
6. Guru's Cafe
45 East Center Street
Provo, Utah 84606
801-375-GURU (4878)
If you're in the mood for something a little more unique and are willing to pay a little more than for other restaurants where you're not waited on, check out Guru's just east of the corner University and Center.
Their menu consists of a variety of salads, burritos, sandwiches, rice bowls, pastas, and soups. They also offer breakfast, and a refreshingly unique dining area (you have to go there to see what I mean).
5. Tucanos Brazilian Grill
4801 N University Ave #790
Provo, UT 84604
(801) 224-4774
If you're a carnivore and have a big appetite, be sure to check out Tucanos Their all you can eat Brazilian barbeque is guaranteed to fill you up. It's a little expensive, but it is definitely worth the price considering the quality, not to mention the quantity.
The majority of those who dine at Tucanos get the "churrasco," which is basically getting attacked with delicious meats until you can't take anymore. The churrasco features a wide variety of meats such as turkey wrapped in bacon, chicken, steak, and fish, as well as other items like grilled vegetables and pineapple.
Be sure to sign up for their Birthday Club to get a free meal during your birthday month.
4. Bombay House
463 N University Ave
Provo, Utah 84601
(801) 373-6677
This place converted me to Indian food. I do not pretend to be a connoisseur of international cuisine, but I tried this place out once after seeing the insanely high reviews online. I was not disappointed.
I usually get their chicken tikka masala with garlic naan. It never lets me down. The rice that comes with it is also delicious with it's unique spices.
3. The Sensuous Sandwich
163 West Center Street
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 377-9244
When it comes down to finding the deli sandwich with the highest quality for the lowest price, Sensuous Sandwich wins hands down.
After trying various delis around Provo such as Gandolfo's and Subway, I feel that Sensuous tops them all. They keep the deli sandwich crafting business simple. They don't mess around with fancy frills, just the freshest bread, meat, cheese, veggies, and sauces Provo has to offer.
Their bread is fresh and delicious. I've been there many times, and never once have I had bread that did not taste like it was baked that day. I actually recently found out that they get their bread from Provo Bakery.
Additionally, unlike other deli-makers, Sensuous never skimps. My sandwiches from Sensuous are always packed full of flavorful goodness.
Sensuous also caters. They offer sandwiches of up to 7 feet in length! If you're throwing a party this would be a great way to make everyone happy.
Sandwiches are sold in 2 inch increments, which is also great for when a 6 inch might not do the trick, but you're not quite feeling up for a foot long. Their sizes range from 4 inches to 24 inches.
Oh, and did I mention the prices? For their high quality sandwiches, (especially for Provo, UT) you pay no more than $0.75 an inch (A foot long is $7.19, or $0.60 an inch).
I recommend calling in and ordering ahead if you're coming in around lunchtime, as it fills up quickly. Their phone number is (801) 377-9244.
They also have a location in Orem at the corner of State Street and University Parkway.
2. Café Zupas
408 W 2230 N
Provo, Utah 84604
(801) 377-SOUP (7687)
Located in the bustling shopping center most famous for the Dollar Theater, Café Zupas provides a delicious meal that doesn't make you feel guilty you ate there an hour later like some fast food joints.
As a guy, I have to admit that I was skeptical at first of Zupas. I mean, where's the beef? However, deciding to try something new, I went there with my sister a couple years ago, not expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised by the clean, warm atmosphere, fresh, healthy menu, and friendly, helpful customer service. This place has helped me to fall in love with paninis and soups. (I'm still not a salad fan when it's trying to act like an entree, but lot's of others love 'em)
After picking two out of the three options available (salad, panini, soup), you are rewarded with a delicious, soft roll, and a chocolate covered strawberry as a bonus. Although I've never been disappointed, my favorite combination was a Honey bacon club with a warm bowl of Tomato Basil with Orzo Pasta.
Fresh ingredients, exceptional service (they even clean up after you!), and reasonable prices make Café Zupas hard to resist.
1. Cafe Rio
2250 N University Parkway #A-16
Provo, UT 84604
(801) 375-5133
If you're a fan of Americanized Mexican food with high quality ingredients, look no further. Their award winning pork barbacoa is absolutely to die for. If you've never been here before and want to try it out, I highly recommend you try it!
The other meats they offer are chicken breast, chile roasted beef, fire grilled chicken, fire grilled steak, and fire grilled salmon.
Ordering is hectic - multiple employees frantically ask for your preferences as you move down the line. As such, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with their menu a bit before ordering. Once you choose a meat and the type of food you'd like it inside of (burrito, salad, tostada, tacos, etc.), they'll ask you what type of beans you want, whether you'd like mild, medium, or hot sauce, and plenty of other questions so they can customize your meal to fit your taste.
My recommendation is the pork barbacoa salad. If you want a little lighter version of this meal, get a pork barbacoa tostada and ask for a flour tortilla. It's pretty much the same meal, you just get a smaller tortilla. It's also about $3 cheaper than the salad.
Be sure to get a frequent diner's card if you plan on returning (if you live close to one I bet you won't be able to resist) since you get a free meal after you buy ten. They currently have locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.
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