If you're new to Provo, here's something nobody warns you about: most locally owned restaurants close on Sundays. The first time it happens — you're hungry, it's Sunday afternoon, and your three favorite spots are all dark — it's genuinely surprising.
This isn't universal, but it's common enough that planning matters. Here's what's actually open.
Reliably Open on Sundays
Chain Restaurants
These are your safest bets for Sunday dining in Provo. All maintain regular Sunday hours:
Fast Casual: Chick-fil-A is the notable exception among chains — it's closed on Sundays. Most other national chains operate normally: Café Rio, Costa Vida, Panda Express, Wendy's, McDonald's, Taco Bell, and other fast-food options.
Sit-Down Chains: Olive Garden, Applebee's, Chili's, Black Bear Diner (Orem), IHOP, and Denny's all serve on Sundays with normal hours.
Pizza: Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesars deliver and serve on Sundays. Two Jacks Pizza is also typically open.
Independently Owned (Usually Open Sundays)
These local spots break from the norm and serve on Sundays — but always check current hours before driving over, as seasonal schedules can vary:
Slackwater (Riverwoods) — Pizza, pub fare, and a solid atmosphere. One of the better quality options for Sunday dining.
River Rock Café — Located in the Provo Marriott. Surprisingly good hotel restaurant food. Open for breakfast through dinner on Sundays.
Several Asian restaurants — Multiple Chinese, Thai, and Japanese restaurants maintain Sunday hours, including some sushi spots. Always call ahead to confirm.
The Sunday Strategy
Experienced Provo residents develop a Sunday food strategy. Here are the most common approaches:
Meal prep on Saturday. The most popular solution. Cook enough on Saturday to cover Sunday meals. Many families make this a tradition — Sunday dinner is often the best home-cooked meal of the week.
Grocery run + home cooking. Smith's, Walmart, and Trader Joe's are all open on Sundays. Buy fresh ingredients and cook something you wouldn't normally make during the week.
Drive to Orem or beyond. Orem has slightly more Sunday options, and Salt Lake City (45 minutes north) operates on a completely different schedule with most restaurants open seven days a week.
Order delivery. DoorDash and Uber Eats operate on Sundays in Provo, though restaurant selection is limited to whatever's open. Expect longer delivery times since fewer places are available.
What About Coffee on Sunday?
If you need coffee on a Sunday morning, your options are limited but they exist. Gas station coffee is always available (Maverik has surprisingly decent options). Some coffee shops in Orem maintain Sunday hours. Starbucks locations are generally open.
The Honest Take
The Sunday closure situation is one of Provo's genuine cultural quirks. If you're used to cities where every restaurant operates seven days a week, the adjustment takes a few weeks. Once you've been here a month, you'll have your Sunday routine figured out — whether that's a Slackwater pizza, a home-cooked meal, or a FrontRunner trip to Salt Lake City for brunch.
For the complete restaurant landscape on other days, see our 25 Best Restaurants in Provo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are most Provo restaurants closed on Sunday?
Are there any good restaurants open on Sunday in Provo?
Are grocery stores open on Sunday in Provo?