Every once in a while, restaurants save the best for first. Sure, we love a great dessert or a note-perfect main dish. But after a long wait for a table, nothing soothes the starving stomach like a flavor- and calorie-laden appetizer. Some restaurants even go so far as to offer “meals” that consist of a sampling of different appetizers. We like that kind of thinking.

If you are looking for a flavorful and inviting start to your meal, here are some local establishments with an app(etizer) for that.

Harvest Restaurant

The last time we dined at Thanksgiving Point’s Harvest Restaurant, we used our finger to wipe the plate clean of the last bit of sweet chili sauce on the Rock Shrimp Nachos. These tortilla crisps are made with queso fresco, pico de gallo, avocado and the aforementioned finger-lickin’ chili sauce.  We were so full afterwards we could barely finish our meal, but it was worth it. Also worth ordering is Harvest’s Spinach Artichoke Dip, made with a creamed spinach and artichoke cheese dip, and served with pita chips.

— 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, (801) 768-4990, www.thanksgivingpoint.org/dine/harvest_restaurant.html

Spark

Spark would make our list based solely on one starter: The Pork Lollipops. You have to love a fancy restaurant that serves meat on a stick. This appetizer is made from pork wrapped in fried wontons and set on skewers, and served with orange sweet chili, sweet soy vinegar and chipotle aioli dipping sauces. The Dueling Edamame deserves a mention as well, with its double take on a Japanese-restaurant staple. One pot is served chilled with lemon and salt, the other is served warm and sautéed with bacon. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of house-made, nonalcoholic drinks to help you wash down all that fried pork and soybeans.

— 86 N. University Ave, No. 140, (801) 701-6780, www.sparkprovo.com

Foundry Grill

Set amidst the stunning scenery of Provo Canyon, Foundry Grill has the kind of warm, rustic atmosphere that makes you want to linger. So why not order a number of appetizers? Some of our favorites are BBQ Pork Quesadillas, made with jack cheese, caramelized onion and a jalapeño barbecue sauce, and the Exotic Mushroom Bruschetta, made with mushrooms, roasted shallots and goat cheese. Most people either love or detest beets. If you are in the former group, try the Marinated Roasted Beets, made with smoked prosciutto, candied pecans and goat cheese. If you are in the latter group, you can opt for the Calamari Salad or the Prince Edward Island Mussels instead.

— Sundance Resort, North Fork of Provo Canyon, 1-866-932-2295, www.sundanceresort.com/dine/foundry_grill.html

The Happy Sumo Restaurant and Sushi Bar

At Happy Sumo, you can go for tame and traditional starters, such as the delightfully salted Edamame, the comforting miso soup or the Asian-style crab cakes. Or you can get a bit more adventurous with your appetizers. For instance, you could order Dragon Scales, made from tempura-fried Spicy tuna served with green scallions and ponzu and eel sauce. Or you could load up on Turtle Shells, which are actually servings of Panko-crusted avocado stuffed with spicy tuna and topped with eel sauce. Delicious!

— 4801 N. University Ave., Provo (in the Shops at Riverwoods), (801) 225-9100, and other Utah locations, www.happysumosushi.com

Texas Roadhouse

The wait is typically long enough at Texas Roadhouse in Lehi that if you haven’t filled up on the free peanuts, you’ll be more than happy to dive into the selection of starters when seated. Appetizers here are standard (but tasty) Western fare — most things are fried, slathered with sauce or topped with cheese. We recommend the Rattlesnake Bites, made from a combination of diced jalapeños and jack cheese that is hand-battered and lightly fried. You can also order Tater Skins (topped with cheddar cheese, bacon and sour cream) or Boneless Buffalo Wings (served with mild or hot sauce, celery and bleu cheese dressing). Or, make it a meal and order all three in a combo appetizer. Sometimes a bunch of appetizers is the best meal of all.

— 1402 E. Main St., Lehi, (801) 768-4474, and other Utah locations, www.texasroadhouse.com