Top Five Places to Eat in Provo, UT
Provo is located about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City. It is probably best known as the home of BYU, but it is also a popular destination for outdoor adventurers. When you get a break from skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, camping, or fishing and are ready to get a bite to eat, there are plenty of great places to satiate your appetite in Provo. As a Provo resident since 2007, I've had a chance to try quite a few. Here are my top five choices.
Sensuous Sandwich
Downtown
163 West Center Street
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 377-9244
When it comes down to finding the deli sandwich with the highest quality for the lowest price, Sensuous Sandwich wins hands down.
After trying various delis around Provo such as Gandolfo's, Ernie's, and the deli juggernaut that is Subway, Sensuous wins. They keep the deli sandwich making business simple, adopting the strategy that has made In-n-Out Burger so successful. No fancy frills, just the freshest bread, meat, cheese, veggies, and sauces Provo has to offer.
Their bread is fresh and delicious. I've been there many times, and never once have I had bread that did not taste like it was baked that day.
Additionally, unlike other deli-makers, Sensuous never skimps. My sandwiches from Sensuous are always packed full of flavorful goodness (and sometimes spilling out of the same).
Sensuous also caters; providing sandwiches of up to 7 feet in length! Great for parties.
Sandwiches are sold by the inch, which is also great for when a 6 inch might not do the trick, but you're not quite feeling up for the foot long today.
Oh, and did I mention the prices? For their high quality sandwiches, (especially for Provo, UT) you pay no more than $0.68 an inch (A foot long is $6.49, or $0.54 an inch).
I recommend calling in and ordering ahead if you're coming in around lunchtime, as it fills up quickly. Their phone number again is (801) 377 -9244.
They can also be found in Orem in the Burlington Coat Factory Center.
Café Zupas
408 W 2230 N
Provo, Utah 84604
(801) 377-SOUP (7687)
Located in the bustling shopping center most famous for the Dollar Theater, Café Zupas provides a delicious meal that doesn't make you feel guilty you ate there an hour later like some fast food joints.
As a guy, I have to admit that I was skeptical at first of Zupas. I mean, where's the beef? However, deciding to try something new, I went there with my sister a couple years ago, not expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised by the clean, warm atmosphere, fresh, healthy menu, and friendly, helpful customer service. This place has helped me to fall in love with paninis and soups. (I'm still not a salad fan when it's trying to act like an entree, but lot's of others love 'em)
After picking two out of the three options available (salad, panini, soup), you are rewarded with a delicious, soft roll, and a chocolate covered strawberry as a bonus. Although I've never been disappointed, my favorite combination was a Honey bacon club with a warm bowl of Tomato Basil with Orzo Pasta.
Fresh ingredients, exceptional service (they even clean up after you!), and reasonable prices make Café Zupas hard to resist.
IN-N-OUT
350 E. University Pkwy
Orem, UT 84058
1-800-786-1000
I understand that IN-N-OUT is actually technically in Orem, but the news that they were coming to Utah Valley was just too exciting to ignore. The IN-N-OUT brand needs no introduction. It indeed delivers "quality you can taste".
Famous for it's "right before your eyes", lightning quick service (unless there's a line going around the building), indisputable freshness, not-so-secret menu, and Southern California roots, IN-N-OUT provides a simple menu of items that helps visitors save some of the time and energy wasted on deciding what to order for eating an extra beef patty and slice of cheese on a 3 by 3.
In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I grew up in California, and that much of my fondness towards IN-N-OUT is sentimental in nature.
Bajio (or Costa Vida/Cafe Rio)
4801 N University Ave
Provo, Utah 84604
(801) 224-6668
I know everyone in Provo is in love with Cafe Rio, but hey, call me ignorant, but I like short lines with my delicious americanized Mexican food.
I put Bajio/Costa Vida/Cafe Rio, because I honestly cannot tell a drastic difference between the three. I put Bajio first because of their more spacious dining rooms, and due to the fact that they actually have two locations in Provo, although one is in the Riverwoods.
Guru's Cafe
45 East Center Street
Provo, Utah 84606
801-375-GURU (4878)
For a unique menu, accompanied by not-so-unique prices, check out Guru's just east of the corner University and Center.
Their menus consists of a variety of salads, burritos, sandwiches, rice bowls, pastas, and soups. They also offer breakfast, and a wildly unique environment (you have to go there to see what I mean).
