Set between the peaks of Mount Timpanogos and the bustle of Utah Valley, Orem combines university-town youthfulness with small-town family roots—and its restaurants reflect this blend of generational tradition and modern flair.
Whether you’re after a long, lingering breakfast, fresh global flavors, or celebratory dinners with a mountain view, Orem’s best kitchens come with a side of warmth and a hundred local stories.
1. Communal
Make the short trip to downtown Provo—Orem’s twin city—for a memorable dinner at Communal, a wood-and-brick kitchen that showcases the very best of Utah farms.
The ever-changing seasonal menu is served “family style” and features local trout with roasted squash, grilled steak with chimichurri, creative vegetarian plates, and house-baked bread with honey butter.
Long communal tables foster conversation among strangers-turned-friends, while the open kitchen means you can watch the chefs at work and chat about the origin of any ingredient on your plate. Servers offer wine advice or can recommend the perfect local soda for kids and non-drinkers.
2. Kneaders Bakery & Cafe
A Utah classic, Kneaders is the sort of homey spot that’s equally beloved by students, retirees, and busy families.
Their thick slices of French toast—soaked in cinnamon custard, baked to a golden finish, and topped with strawberries and housemade whipped cream—have a fan club all their own.
For lunch, locals pack the sunlit booths for turkey-bacon-avocado sandwiches, daily soups, stacked club salads, and slices of seasonal pie.
You’ll find old friends lingering over coffee and newcomers tucking pastries into boxes for road trips into the mountains.
3. Pizzeria Seven Twelve
Known for its loyal local following and a serious devotion to craft, Pizzeria Seven Twelve slings wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas crowned with fresh mozzarella, charred veggies, local honey, and (for the adventurous) figs and prosciutto or spicy arugula.
The dough is fermented for days, resulting in a deeply flavorful crust.
The team is passionate—they’ll happily talk cheese with you all night—and the vibe is airy but intimate, with indie music and laughter from groups of friends, couples, and food-loving families.
4. Mozz Artisan Pizza
Tucked into a vibrant, contemporary space in University Place, Mozz is Orem’s answer to creative, chef-driven pizza for the Instagram era.
Choose from a menu that balances Italian inspiration (basil and burrata, spicy soppressata) with Utah whimsy—try their “Beehive” pizza, topped with local honey and soppressata.
Starters like truffle fries or burrata with roasted tomatoes shine just as bright.
5. CHOM Burger
Casual but never boring, CHOM is the city’s modern burger joint—artfully designed, family-owned, and committed to quality.
The menu makes room for the classics (double cheeseburger, golden fries, creamy shakes) alongside creative signatures: blue cheese and bacon, spicy green chile, or veggie patties for plant-based eaters.
House-prepped toppings, crumbly fry seasoning, and thick malts all raise the experience.
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