Orem doesn't get the same food attention as its neighbor Provo, and that's a mistake. While Provo's downtown Center Street corridor gets the headlines, Orem has quietly built one of the most diverse dining scenes in Utah Valley — anchored by a handful of genuinely excellent restaurants and a growing wave of international kitchens that reflect the city's changing demographics.
The difference between eating in Orem and Provo is subtle but real. Orem's best restaurants tend to be less concentrated — spread across shopping centers, strip malls, and side streets rather than one walkable corridor — but what they lack in Instagram-friendly storefronts, they make up for in quality and value. Some of the best meals in Utah County are hiding in Orem.
This guide covers the 15 restaurants worth knowing about, organized by what you're looking for.
The Must-Visit Restaurants
1. Pizzeria 712
Wood-Fired Pizza · $$$ · 320 N State St
The best pizza in Utah Valley, and it's not particularly close. Pizzeria 712 makes thin, soft, chewy Neapolitan-style pizza in a wood-fired oven with ingredients that would feel at home in a much larger city. The Margherita is the benchmark — simple, perfectly executed, and a reminder of what pizza is supposed to taste like. The braised short rib appetizer is legendary among regulars. The menu changes seasonally, and the specials are almost always worth ordering.
What to order: Margherita or Bianco pizza. Short rib appetizer. Whatever seasonal special they're running.
Good to know: No reservations for small parties. Go early on weekends or expect a wait. Worth it.
2. Slackwater
Gastropub · $$ · 4855 N University Ave (Riverwoods)
Slackwater is the kind of restaurant every neighborhood wishes it had — a well-executed gastropub with creative pizzas, shareable plates, craft cocktails, and an atmosphere that works equally well for a Tuesday night dinner and a Saturday group outing. The pizza here is different from Pizzeria 712 (thicker, more creative toppings) and excellent in its own right. The patio at Riverwoods is one of the best outdoor dining spots in the valley.
What to order: The Slackwater pizza, loaded fries, and any seasonal cocktail.
3. La Vaca Steakhouse
Steakhouse · $$$ · Near Orem/Provo border
A proper steakhouse with serious cuts, an impressive wine list, and service that feels polished without being stuffy. La Vaca has become the go-to for special occasions in the Provo-Orem area — anniversaries, celebrations, and business dinners where the food needs to deliver. The ribeye is the star, and the bread course sets the tone for the entire evening.
4. Bangkok Wasabi
Thai-Japanese Fusion · $$ · 31 W Center St
One of the most interesting restaurants in Orem. Bangkok Wasabi combines Thai and Japanese cuisines in ways that shouldn't work but consistently do — fresh sushi alongside flavorful curries, all in a modern space with genuine attention to plating and presentation. The pad Thai is excellent, the sushi rolls are creative, and the lunch specials make this an outstanding value.
What to order: Green curry, any specialty sushi roll, and the mango sticky rice for dessert.
5. Di Napoli
Italian · $$ · 60 W Center St
Authentic, family-run Italian in the heart of Orem. Di Napoli takes its pasta seriously — handmade, properly sauced, and served in generous portions. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, the kind of neighborhood Italian spot where you recognize the same families dining every week. The chicken parmesan and lasagna are excellent, and the tiramisu is made in-house.
International Flavors
6. Haveli Modern Cuisine
Indian · $$ · Orem
Orem's best Indian restaurant, offering a menu that goes beyond the usual tikka masala (though that's excellent too). Haveli brings modern presentation to traditional Northern Indian recipes — the lamb vindaloo has genuine heat, the naan is fresh and pillowy, and the lunch buffet is one of the best deals in the valley.
7. Tai Lai Shun
Taiwanese/Chinese · $ · Orem
A small, unassuming spot that serves some of the most authentic Taiwanese and Chinese food in Utah County. The menu is extensive — hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, hot pots, and Taiwanese classics — and the prices are remarkably affordable. This is the kind of restaurant that Yelp reviewers describe with phrases like "hidden gem" and "best kept secret," and for once, they're right.
8. Dumpling Bao
Chinese Dumplings · $ · Orem
Handmade dumplings done with care and sold at prices that feel almost too low for the quality. Dumpling Bao has built a devoted following for its soup dumplings, pan-fried potstickers, and bao buns. If you love dumplings, this is a mandatory visit.
9. Maria Bonita
Mexican · $$ · Orem
Authentic, homestyle Mexican food with bold flavors and generous portions. Maria Bonita is where you go when you want real enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, and a molcajete big enough to share. The salsas are made fresh, the tortillas are genuine, and the horchata is excellent. For the full Mexican food scene, see our Best Mexican Food guide.
10. Vessel Kitchen
Healthy/Fast-Casual · $$ · Multiple locations
A Utah-born fast-casual concept focused on bowls, salads, and grain-based plates made with high-quality ingredients. Vessel Kitchen has gained a following among the health-conscious crowd for offering meals that are genuinely nutritious without sacrificing flavor. The bowls are customizable, the ingredients are fresh, and it's one of the best quick-service options in the area.
Casual Favorites
11. TRUreligion Pancake & Steakhouse
Brunch/American · $$ · 40 N State St
A brunch destination that has become an Orem institution. TRUreligion occupies a beautifully restored historic building and serves elevated diner-style breakfast — think creative pancake flights, biscuit dishes, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. The steakhouse side at dinner is solid too, but brunch is where this place shines. Expect a wait on weekends.
12. Rodizio Grill
Brazilian Steakhouse · $$$ · Riverwoods
An all-you-can-eat Brazilian churrascaria where gauchos carve meats tableside. Rodizio is more of an experience than a quiet dinner — the energy in the room, the parade of different meats, and the impressive salad bar make it ideal for celebrations and group outings. The picanha and lamb are standouts.
13. Guroott
Korean · $$ · Orem
Korean comfort food done well — bibimbap, japchae, kimchi stew, and Korean fried chicken. Guroott fills a niche that was missing in Orem and has quickly earned a loyal following. The portions are generous and the flavors are authentic. A great option when you're craving something beyond the usual American/Mexican/Italian rotation.
14. Pitada Brazil
Brazilian · $$ · Orem
Authentic Brazilian cuisine in a casual setting. Pitada brings the flavors of Brazil — açai bowls, coxinhas, pão de queijo, and traditional plate lunches — to Utah Valley. It's a different experience from the all-you-can-eat churrascaria format of Rodizio, offering a more everyday taste of Brazilian cooking.
15. Via 313 Pizza
Detroit-Style Pizza · $$ · Orem
Detroit-style pizza — thick, rectangular, with a crispy caramelized cheese edge — done with genuine care. Via 313 brought this style to Utah Valley and immediately earned a following. The crust is the star: crunchy on the edges, soft and airy inside, with quality toppings piled on. A great alternative to thin-crust options.
The Orem Dining Scene: What to Know
It's spread out. Unlike Provo's walkable Center Street, Orem's best restaurants are scattered across the city. You'll need a car to restaurant-hop. State Street and University Avenue are the two main corridors.
Riverwoods is the hub. The Shops at Riverwoods on University Avenue concentrates several restaurants (Slackwater, Rodizio, and others) in a walkable outdoor shopping area. It's the closest Orem gets to a dining district.
Lunch deals are better. Many Orem restaurants offer significantly better value at lunch — buffets, specials, and smaller-portioned options at lower prices. Bangkok Wasabi and Haveli both have excellent lunch deals.
Check for UVU discounts. Several Orem restaurants offer student discounts for UVU students. Always ask.
Related Guides
- 25 Best Restaurants in Provo
- Best Mexican Food in Provo
- Best Date Night Restaurants
- Center Street Dining Guide
- Eating on a Student Budget
- Best Korean Food & BBQ
Last updated: April 2026. Restaurant hours, menus, and prices change frequently — always verify directly.