Slate

Slate offers a dining experience quite unlike any we’ve previously encountered locally. The singular vibe begins even before you enter the restaurant, located inside the Provo Marriott. That’s because it almost requires a double or triple take just to realize where the restaurant is. (Hint: It is beyond a wide open “great room” separating the lobby from the restaurant.) We loved everything we sampled here, from the Smoked Bacon Cheddar Dip, Beer Battered Onion Rings and Mountain Scones to the Barbecue Chicken Flatbread, Roasted Turkey BLT sandwich and the Cedar Plank Trout. Also, be sure to try the Triple Berry Lemonade and several yummy dessert options.

— 101 W. 100 North (Provo Marriott Hotel), Provo, (801) 377-4700, ext. 2547

Paradise Bakery & Cafe

It might seem like a risky proposition to boldly use the word paradise to describe your eating establishment, but Paradise Bakery & Cafe in American Fork finds itself on solid ground. Paradise boasts great soups (we highly recommend The Roasted Tomato and the Sonoma Chicken Stew), fresh sandwiches (the Chicken Artichoke Panini and the Chicken Walnut Salad were both divine), salads, desserts and breakfast options (quiche pie anyone?). Paradise is also great for kids, with a tailored menu offering macaroni and cheese, as well as the following sandwiches: grilled cheese, turkey or ham, and peanut butter and jelly. You may not want to live in Paradise all the time, but it’s sure a great place to get stranded for a meal.

— 562 W. Main St., American Fork, (801) 216-8484, www.paradisebakery.com