Welcome back, hungry humans! This is Part 2 of my definitive Provo eats list. After dozens of meals, untold calories, and a lot of enthusiastic fork-dropping, here are 14 more unforgettable bites from a city that keeps outdoing itself. Let’s dig in. 

Best-in-state Indian food? Tandoor

I’ve eaten my way through Tandoor’s menu since it opened five years ago—and let me tell you, there’s not a dud in the bunch. The butter chicken, coconut korma, and chicken tandoor all deserve the spotlight, but don’t sleep on the dal, dosas, kachumber salad, and Jhal Muri puff rice. The Hyderabadi peanut eggplant is also fantastic, as is the Peshwari naan and free mango ice cream to finish the meal. The best Indian comfort food in Utah. Full stop.

Gold standard Thai: Thai Papaya

I don’t say this lightly: Thai Papaya is in a league of its own. The fresh spring rolls, chicken satay, and papaya salad taste like they came straight from Bangkok. Add mango curry, red curry, and a life-altering pad Thai, and you have a clear winner. But don’t miss the laab pork, pad ga-ree, and the dessert trio combo. Every bite screams, “We know exactly what we’re doing.”

Best burgers, sandwiches, and fries: Chubby’s

Where to begin? Chubby’s doesn’t just serve great food—it serves ridiculous food in the best way. Shrimp po boy, jalapeño ranch burger, Chubby cheesesteak, Utah burger, and a Reuben that could make Brooklyn jealous. Chicken tenders? Better than Canes. Add beer-battered fries, cinnamon scones, mac & cheese, and world-class shakes (banana cream, cookie dough, Oreo pudding) and it’s game over. This place is the GOAT of greasy spoons.

Mountainside fine dining: Foundry Grill

Foundry Grill isn’t just about the food—it’s the experience. Nestled in the pines of Sundance, the salmon, cheeseburger, Brussels sprouts, and mac & cheese all deliver. But the real winner? That cookie skillet with graham cracker ice cream. Cozy, classy, and worth every penny—even if the bill makes your eyebrows twitch. ProTip: Order the kids cheeseburger for $12 and a ton of food if you want to save.

Italian comfort food: La Dolce Vita

This place feels like a hug. From the bruschetta to the spinach calzone, every dish tastes like it came from an Italian grandmother who’s cooked the same amazing pasta for 50 years. Try the penne al pesto, spaghetti marinara, spinach ravioli, gnocchi, and Margherita pizza. Finish with a cannoli, tiramisu, or chocolate mousse cake. If carbs are a religion, this is the temple.

Comfort pizza done right: Brick Oven

Provo’s pizza legend still has it. I’m partial to the Italiano Romano and Garlic Chicken, but the deep dish lasagna, rosemary chicken tortellini, and full-on pasta bar make this a family pleaser. Don’t skip the Brown Cow root beer milkshake or Sasquatch cookie with your choice of toppings. Classic, comfort, and still crushin’ it.

Best big-portion Mexican: Maria Bonita

Feel good Tex-mex with ginormous portions. My recommendation: Start with chips and salsa, house guac, and the refreshing Mexican cucumbers. From there, the chimichanga, veggie flauta, enchiladas, and molcajete are serious taste explosions. Save room for tres leches, sopapillas, and piña colada in a whole frozen pineapple. You’ll leave smiling—and possibly dancing.

Most creative Indian food: Swad Cabin

It’s complicated. I can’t decide which Indian restaurant I like best. So I give you two. Although Swad Cabin might not have the same value, comfort food, or service as Tandoor, they are arguably more innovative. For example, their Honey Gobi, Dahi Papdi, Makai Kofta, Dal Makhani, and Baigan Bharta are all worth writing home about. So is the Royal Falooda, Kheer, and Gulab Jamun. It’s inventive, wow inducing, full of flavor (aka “Swad”). Just go already.

The new king of hot dogs: Salty’s Grill

Simple food, perfectly executed. That’s the best way to describe Salty’s. Try the Sriracha Bacon Burger, Rosemary Garlic, or OG Cheeseburger. Bonus points for the burger tacos, burger salad, and those glorious fries, tots, and onion rings. But the Salty Dog is the real start of the loaded-topping show. Immense flavor and bite. Summer grill vibes all year round.

Most ambitious fine dining: The Continental

The dining room stuns, and Chef Adams brings incredible ambition to the kitchen. Service? Spotty. Food? Brilliant. The bread and steak are five-star, and the cauliflower pibil wowed me. The pavlova with custard and mint though? A poetic end. It’s a bit uneven right now (growing pains?), but when this place hits, it hits hard.

Best fire-roasted artisan pizza: Mozz

Mozz is the best pizza in town. The Margherita is textbook perfection. The Speck/Cauliflower? Smoky heaven. The Honey Serrano? Unexpected favorite. Don’t miss the garlic bread, house salad, or fresh-baked cookies, though. You can tell this place is run by folks who truly love food. And that mosaic oven? Fire. Love it.

Best fast-food health: Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Big menu, lots of clean options. The Bahama Mama, Island Green, and Mango Magic smoothies are standouts. But I really dig the jalapeño corn, chia oats bowl, and PB crunch pita. It’s basically the Subway of smoothie spots and health bowls: fast, customizable, and consistent. Not a must-visit, but it fills a healthy niche if you’re in a hurry.

Best fried chicken (Korean or not!): Bonchon

I can’t explain it but don’t even need to. Bonchon is both the best fried chicken restaurant and Korean restaurant in town. Their soy garlic and hot sauce drumsticks and wings are dangerously good. Fried food perfection. Pair them with bulgogi fries, japchae, bao buns, and Korean potstickers, and you’ve got yourself a party. Heck, even the udon broth is elite. Either way, finish strong with the crispy Korean donuts, which may be one of the best donuts in town? Long story short, Bonchon has no business being this good at so many things. But they are.

Best gelato, if not ice cream? Vinci Gelato

If gelato had a national anthem, Vinci would be singing lead vocals. My family’s favorites: brown butter, dark chocolate, almond, pistachio, cherry, and the surprise hit—licorice. Bonus: the affogatos (hot chocolate or espresso gelato floats) are transcendent. Vinci doesn’t just belong in the local ice cream conversation—it’s top three in the state. Bravo.

Now go eat like it’s your last meal, Provo. You’re in very good hands.

SEE ALSO: Best Provo Restaurants: Part 1