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Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Orem, Utah
683 University Pkwy
Orem, UT 84097
(801) 765-1222
I know we’re supposed to give a fair and objective opinion at Utah County Reviews, but I have to admit that if I am looking forward to a fancy night out, Carabba’s in Orem, Utah is one of my very favorite restaurants in Utah County. In my opinion, the Steak Marsala is the best steak in Utah County (sorry, Outback), and when it’s paired with their fettucine alfredo, it is an absolutely heavenly indulgence. Carabba’s hits every detail “spot on” even before your meal arrives with an excellent house salad and delicious warm Italian bread dipped in herbed olive oil.
While this restaurant is not cheap whether you’re counting your pennies or your calories, it is a necessary occasional luxury (and is definitely worth getting a babysitter). We love Carabba’s…and don’t worry, you can always take some home in a box!
A couple “heads up” tips, however:
- Not the best place for kids: it’s not Carraba’s fault on this one, just a bit nice to take a “terrible-two year old”. We’ve taken kids once; if they sit you in a booth where you can keep the kids in it’s not terrible, but if you are seated at a table in the middle of everyone else, better bring your patience and lots of games for the kids to keep the occupied.
- Timing is everything: although Carrabba’s in Orem is fairly prompt once you’re seated, you better plan to wait if you go on a Friday or Saturday night. Going at about 5:00 worked great for us with a group of about 20 people. But at around 5:30 on it’s chaos (and they don’t really take reservations). I say “really” because it seems like its on a case-by-case basis depending on the mood of the manager. In addition to the traffic, there isn’t a great deal of space to just hang out and wait – it’s a struggle to even put your name in when the place is packed. So – go early or go somewhere else is our recommendation.
What do you all think of Carrabba’s Restaurant in Orem, Utah?
I absolutely love it! Their bread is so yummy with the herbs they put in the oil. Their Mahi Mahi special is the BEST Mahi Mahi I’ve ever had. Too bad it’s not always on the menu.
I had their lamb chop last time I went. It was by far the biggest and best one I’ve had. Definitely worth to money and wait. Good thing I don’t have any kids!!
Thanks for the comment although I’m not sure I’ll venture to order the lamb chops – isn’t lamb really chewy? You gotta try the Steak Marsala next time!
I recently had Mahi Mahi at Magelby’s in Provo, Utah and wasn’t impressed at all. I would need a bit more convincing to test it at Carrabba’s in Orem but we’ll see. I can’t get enough of the Steak Marsala!
Thanks for the comment!
I love the Grilled Salmon, It is probably the best Salmon around, but the last time that I went there a friend had the Filet Florentina, and it was AWESOME, Probably the best piece of steak that I have had in a while. I highly recommend that if you are willing to spend the money.
Like Becky said, we feel that Carrabba’s steak is one of the best in Utah County, right up there with Chef’s Table. It’s hard to want to go there and try something new when I’m so satisfied with the Steak Marsala.
I’ll need to be convinced!
I ate at this location on New Years Eve and was seated in the kitchen so I could hear the dishes clanking instead of the conversation at my table. The the waitress came over and told me my card was declined so my husband paid cash when in fact my card was not declined it was charged for my meal. When I returned home and looked online at my account it was in fact charged the amount we had paid in cash. I called and asked to speak to the manager but instead got the waitress who said she didnt know what had happened and she wished she would have shown me the slip showing the decline. What should have happened is the manager should have gotten on the phone with me and at least tried to make me feel better about my experience. The atmosphere was terrible and the customer service was even worse. Wont eat here again!!!!