Orem has long been known more for big‑box shopping and chains than for destination dining, but that’s been changing.
A new wave of independent restaurants and polished fast‑casual spots has brought global flavors, better coffee, and genuinely interesting food to this Utah Valley city. These five picks highlight the newer side of Orem’s food scene.
1. Aubergine & Company (Orem)
Aubergine & Company brings Mediterranean‑inspired, health‑conscious food to a bright, modern space.
It feels like the kind of place where you can eat well without feeling like you’re “being good.”
The menu focuses on bowls, salads, pitas, and plates built around fresh vegetables, grains, legumes, and lean proteins.
Falafel, grilled chicken, hummus, baba ghanoush, roasted veggies, and vibrant toppings all show up, plus cold‑pressed juices and smoothies. Build‑your‑own options let you customize to your taste and dietary needs.
It’s popular for lunch and early dinners and works especially well if you’re juggling different diets in one group—gluten‑free, vegetarian, and dairy‑free diners all have solid choices.
2. Bam Bams BBQ (Orem Location)
Bam Bams, originally beloved in nearby Provo, has extended its reach into Orem with a location that brings legit, smoke‑ringed barbecue to town.
The space is casual and family‑friendly, with a counter‑service setup and picnic‑table, laid‑back vibes.
On the menu: brisket, pulled pork, ribs, turkey, and sausage by the pound or in sandwiches, plus classic sides like mac and cheese, beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.
Meats are smoked low and slow, with bark, smoke, and juicy interiors that keep locals coming back.
It’s the kind of place where you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank, and it’s especially popular on game days or for takeout feasts.
3. Five Sushi Brothers (Orem)
Five Sushi Brothers started as a late‑night sushi spot and has built a cult following with its playful rolls and fun, casual atmosphere.
The Orem location brings that same energy closer to home for a lot of Utah Valley diners.
The menu leans heavily into creative specialty rolls—think spicy, crunchy, saucy combinations with cheeky names—alongside classic nigiri, sashimi, and simpler rolls for traditionalists.
There are usually vegetarian and cooked options for those who aren’t into raw fish.
The vibe is relaxed and youthful, making it a favorite among students and young professionals looking for something more exciting than another burger or burrito.
4. Station 22 Orem (Extension of a Provo Favorite)
An offshoot or close cousin of Provo’s Station 22–style comfort food ethos, Orem’s newer Americana‑leaning spots channel that same spirit: Southern‑influenced, from‑scratch dishes with a modern twist.
Think rustic‑chic interiors, reclaimed wood, and a menu built around hearty, nostalgic plates.
Expect fried chicken, chicken and waffles, loaded mac and cheese, meatloaf, and big burgers with house‑made toppings. Starters might include fried pickles, poutine‑style fries, or skillet cornbread. It’s comfort food that feels intentional rather than thrown together.
Sodas, house‑made lemonades, and inventive non‑alcoholic drinks play a big role here, fitting right into Utah County’s beverage culture.
5. Joe’s Café (Orem)
Joe’s Café is a diner‑style breakfast and lunch spot with an outsized personality. The space is simple and no‑nonsense, but the portions and the warmth of the place have made it a local favorite.
The menu is classic American diner fare turned up: huge pancakes, loaded omelets, biscuits and gravy, burgers, and sandwiches. Expect big plates, straightforward flavors, and the sense that you’re being seriously fed.
Lines on weekend mornings aren’t unusual, and that’s part of the charm—Joe’s feels like the kind of local institution Orem didn’t have enough of just a few years ago.
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