Full disclosure: As a non-native of the Beehive State, I’ve felt a bit intimidated by Provo’s presumably squeaky-clean dining scene. Toeing a fine line between deep cultural respect and trepidation for overstepping, I’ve been wary of showing exposed shoulders, hesitant to ask if there’s a wine list. Craving spice, literally and metaphorically. But the rising tide of originality bobbing amid Utah County’s sea of chain franchises has submerged those self-limiting assumptions. It’s been a delicious journey.
To find new-to-me spots in Provo, I’m often inspired by the clinking glasses and glowing recaps of Utah County-based couple Brecken and Brad Langfoss of the @utahchefskiss Instagram feed. “I wanted to create a space that highlighted our growing food scene and help people discover unique places they might not find otherwise,” Brecken says about starting the popular channel almost four years ago.
“Utah County is definitely the land of chains,” she says of the Provo-Orem area where she grew up. “But we have these wonderful pockets of truly delicious, unique bites. You just have to be willing to explore a little.”
Granted, “closed Sundays” signs are as ubiquitous as the scarcity of bar licenses. But Utah County’s warm greetings and burgeoning culinary creativity are a welcome draw for any occasion.
DOWNTOWN CLASSICS
“Our ‘Main Street’ has always been incredible,” Brecken says about the intersection of University Avenue and Center Street, with spots we’ve both long admired, like fine-dining favorite Communal (102 N. University Ave., communalrestaurant.com), known for beautifully plated shared bites, fresh flavors, and a tidy wine and local beer list. I first dined at Black Sheep Cafe (19 N. University Ave., blacksheepcafe.com/provo) more than a dozen years ago, and its Indigenous/Southwestern menu still sets the standard for hyper-regional cuisine and cocktails.
FEEL-GOOD VIBES
In the heart of Happy Valley, it’s no surprise that big smiles and cheerful hospitality are a given, but a few spots are especially notable for their “big hug from the universe” aura. For well-executed coffee drinks, live jams, and über-inclusive ethos, Java Junkie (located in the Brier Barber Shop, 16 W. Center St.) can’t be beat. Golden Bees Caribbean Cuisine (151 N. University Ave.) serves up made-from-scratch traditional Haitian dishes with heart and soul in abundance. The Provo location of India Palace (98 W. Center St., indiapalaceprovo.com) nails the specialities of Northern India, with tasty vegetarian and carnivorous options alike.
DATE NIGHT
Sportelli’s Artisan Pasta is Brecken’s pick for best new(ish) Provo restaurant (410 N. University Ave., sportellis.com).
“They focus on build-your-own pasta bowls with really fresh ingredients, and it’s such a great addition to the area,” she says of the bright, fast-casual spot.
Backdoor BRGR (261 N. University Ave., backdoorbrgr.com) stands out for fun mid-century Spaghetti Western kitsch and killer half-pound Angus beef burgers accompanied by craveable waffle fries. There’s no shortage of spots to satisfy sweet cravings in Provo, but Pinguino’s Gelato (145 W. 200 North, pinguinosgelato.com) looks, feels, and most importantly tastes like a quality-driven Italian gelateria, with all nuts ground and real fruit blended fresh on-site.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
“In the last few years, we’ve seen a real rise in special, authentic international cuisines,” Brecken says of Provo’s evolving food scene. In a Rancho Market-adjacent strip mall, Chicken in the Kitchen (1700 N. State St.) serves up generous portions of some of the best Korean fried chicken I’ve had in the state. Just over the Orem border, Holy Taco’s menu is laser focused on perfecting al pastor pork and vegetarian classics, complete with fresh pineapple and house-made salsas (327 E. 1200 South, theholytaco.com).
Brecken’s pick for most overlooked spot in Provo is MMK’s Your New BFF Filipino Food (684 N. Freedom Blvd.), serving classic bilao combos on wooden platters (or boxed to-go) and home to a small market for hard-to-find Filipino treats. “There’s nothing else like it in Utah County, and I love that they do karaoke,” Brecken says.
SUNDAYS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS
A newer addition to Provo’s seasonal and locally sourced food scene is Block Restaurant, notable for its full bar, location adjacent to the Next Door watering hole, and midday brunch on Sundays (3330 N. University Ave., blockrestaurantgroup.com). Sundance Resort up Provo Canyon has been our family’s go-to for countless Easter and Mother’s Day celebrations at the Foundry Grill, and dinner at the Tree Room is an expected stop after a day of fly fishing on the Provo River or a peak fall leaf-peeping canyon drive. Drinks at the Owl Bar are an imperative part of the adventure (8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, sundanceresort.com/dining/).
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