Orem has a solid food scene that gets overlooked because everyone keeps talking about Provo. If you actually live here, you already know the spots. This list is for the people who want real recommendations from someone who eats in Utah County regularly, not a recycled Yelp roundup. Here are the Orem restaurants worth your time.
Best Sit-Down Spots
Guru’s Cafe is the kind of place that has been around long enough to earn its reputation. The menu is eclectic in the best way, with bowls, wraps, and sandwiches that actually have flavor. Vegetarians and meat-eaters both leave happy, which is harder to pull off than it sounds. It gets busy at lunch, so go early or expect a wait.
Brick Oven Pizza has been a Utah County institution since most locals can remember. The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is genuinely good, and the dining room is big enough that you can actually bring your whole family without it being a logistical problem. The root beer is house-made and worth ordering.
Los Hermanos is the Mexican restaurant in Orem that people drive out of their way for. The green enchiladas are the move. The service is fast, the prices are fair, and it never feels like a tourist trap version of Mexican food.
Bombay House is one of the best Indian restaurants in the state, not just Orem. The butter chicken and lamb dishes are consistently excellent, and the naan comes out fresh and soft every time. Reservations are a good idea on weekends.
Sammy’s Eatery is a go-to for burgers done right. Nothing fancy, just solid ingredients and portions that make sense for the price. The shakes are thick and the fries are good. It has the feel of a local spot rather than a chain trying to look like one.
Spark brings a little more ambiance than most Orem options. It works well for a date night or a dinner where you want the space to feel intentional. The menu rotates and the cocktail program is worth paying attention to if that’s your thing.
Best Thai and Asian Food
Spicy Thai earns its name. The pad see ew and curry dishes are the standouts, and they don’t water things down for a Utah audience unless you ask. The portions are generous and the lunch specials are a good deal. It’s a no-frills room but the food more than makes up for it.
Best Casual and Fast-Casual
Costa Vida is the fast-casual Mexican chain that Utah County has fully adopted as its own at this point. The sweet pork burrito is the default order for a reason. It’s consistent, fast, and filling. Not the most adventurous choice, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Hires Big H is old-school Utah burger culture. The double burger with fry sauce is the classic order and it holds up. The milkshakes are thick and the vibe feels like a diner that has been here since your parents were teenagers, because it basically has been.
La Casita is a local Mexican spot that flies a little under the radar compared to some of the bigger names. The food is straightforward and the prices are reasonable. Good for a quick lunch or a low-key dinner.
Best Breakfast and Bakeries
Kneaders is the Utah bakery chain that has earned its loyal following. The french toast is genuinely excellent, and the soups and sandwiches at lunch are better than you’d expect from a bakery-cafe. The chunky cinnamon french toast specifically is worth a trip on its own.
Worth the Drive
The Creamery is the kind of dessert spot that becomes a regular habit once you go once. The ice cream is made with quality ingredients and the flavor selection is better than anything you’ll find at a national chain. Go after dinner and expect a line on warm evenings.
Orem keeps adding new spots every year, and the food quality across the board has gone up noticeably in the last few years. The restaurants on this list have staying power because they do the basics right and the locals keep showing up.
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