Communal

This placed lived up to its expectations. Everything had so much flavor and was cooked perfectly. We got the salmon hush puppies to start, then shared a Christiansen Farm Pork, potato gratin, and the sugar snap peas with mushrooms in a soy glaze. Everything was perfect and delicious. Our service was perfection and our dinner was amazing. It was fun to have a nice night out!

I always struggle with rating something 5 out of 5 stars. It implies there is no room for improvement. There is always room for improvement. In the case of rating Communal, I just felt that 4 stars wasn’t good enough. Unilocal,fix this and let me rate something 4.5 stars, please. Really though, Communal is excellent.
I’ve seen Communal on just about every list going around the internet; «Best Restaurants in Utah», «Top Restaurants in Utah County», «Places You Must Try», etc. After finally going there, I believe it should have a place on every one of those lists. As always with places that have been hyped, I went with some skepticism and planned on being at least slightly disappointed. Communal did not disappoint.
Environment: Communal hits all the latest trends, from the rustic chic décor to the music to the communal dining seating and to the «farm to table» concept that is all the rage. You must have a tolerance for beards and skinny jeans as the hipsters not only love to dine there, but also work there. For some the communal dining may be new, but for those who have experienced it, it’s no big deal. Give it a try and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to your neighbor and new friend. Not all the seating is communal, so I’m sure if you are uncomfortable they can seat you at a table for just you and your guests. Don’t be a anti-​social though, give communal dining a try at least once. You may like it. Communal fits in nicely with the evolving downtown Provo market and seems to be setting the pace for the new vibe being created there.
Food: The menu is fairly small and your choices are minimal, but they do a good job of hitting all the major groups; vegetarian, beef, chicken, pork, seafood and pasta. Their prices may seem high if you simply check out their menu online, but really they are reasonable. I don’t know if I missed it or not, but their website could do a better job of explaining that food is served «family style». Each entrée and side is designed to serve 2. I think by not being more clear on their site that they may alienate a great share of the Utah market that tends to be more tight with their money and the crowd that are not «foodies» who may rather spend less and get more regardless of product quality than to spend more and get a higher quality dining experience. The reality is that you can spend the same as other restaurants and get a greater dining experience once you realize the family dining concept applies here. We went expecting to pay $ 40 a person and were pleasantly surprised to spend $ 25 per person which includes tax and 20% tip.
The food is fresh and the farm to table concept shines here. Every protein, dairy product, vegetable and fruit is named after the farm that produced it and you know exactly where it came from. I believe their website lists all their purveyors. Even the chocolate and coffee are fresh from farm to your table. I promise you will be happy with the food. Our party of four ordered some amazing meatballs, roasted chicken, potatoes gratin, mashed potatoes and carrots. Every dish was served at perfect temps and flavorful. The meatballs were slightly salty, but amazing nonetheless. The side dishes were traditional with slightly unique twists and memorable. The food alone will keep us returning.
So, all in all, while Communal may not be a perfect «5», they most certainly are not a «4» either. They have every right to be on every «Must Eat At» list bouncing around social media and their concept is sound and their food is tasty. We will definitely be back. Not even the hipster beards or skinny jeans will keep us away! ;)
Great job, Communal.

Provo, UT-​The best risotto, delicious burratta, charcuterie board was fabulous. For dinner, the pork chops, steak and meatballs were amazing. Brussels sprouts for vegetable were great. Red rock and session (the better one) were both very nice drinks. Definitely recommend this place if you are in the beautiful city of provo.

This review will be two-​fold: brunch and dinner. I will say, both meet/​exceed my preconceived notions and expectations for Communal.
I’ve been for brunch a few times and every time, I’ve made sure to try something new. I guess, what I love most about Brunch at Communal is that is far less expensive than dinner, but they still offer unique and delicious dishes both savory and sweet. Easily my favorite thing on the brunch menu is the savory «pine state» biscuit and fried chicken. It makes me feel gluttonous and happy while providing more than grease, but an abundance of flavor. They have lighter options like the bruleed grapefruit, greek yogurt, and granola which makes for a absolutely delightful combo. Really, I just don’t see why someone would choose a place like Denny’s over Communal on a Saturday morning.
Dinner at Communal is on a whole different level than Brunch. It is also a little pricier but I will say now, it is totally WORTH IT. As soon as you are seated, you are given some of the most delicious dinner rolls (so delicious they give my Grandma a run for her money). These rolls are little doughy balls of heaven to say the least. We came for the full experience on one special occasion: started with the salmon hush puppies served with a ‘secret’ green sauce that I couldn’t identify exactly what all was in it. This dish will blow you away with new flavors, that for me at least, have never tasted before.
As for the main dishes, my two favorite have to be the pork and the short rib. I’m no hippie, but I truly feel you can taste the difference in pork that was once raised free-​range compared to another raised to kill. Communal takes their meat seriously, from start to finish, there is a lot of TLC that goes into each cut. You should ask about the process when you visit! The way they combine fruits and other unique ingredients with the preparation of the protein just really makes for some of the most flavorful meats I’ve tasted, I don’t care what anybody else says, this place knows how to prepare a dish. As far as side dishes go, mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts all day! both are great additions to the main dishes.
Finish off the experience with some dessert. The only thing you’ll regret is not getting one of everything they have on the menu. I will say, the butterscotch pudding is one dessert that has been on the menu since the very beginning.
Service is top notch. Not only are the servers great, the additional help from those keeping glasses full and the manager walking around making sure everything is good, all makes for a phenomenal dining experience.

I’m in Provo on business one week a month, and each visit I always have one dinner at Communal. I’ve also taken my team of 15 there many times — they enjoy a nice meal at the big, communal table. Generally, the food is excellent. However, the overall experience tonight was disappointing.
I met a co-​worker here after work, and we both arrived right at our 5:30p reservation time. As usual, the food was very good — we enjoyed everything we had. However, the restaurant filled up quickly, and once that happened, the waitress seemed to want us to rush through our meal. We had just taken our first bites of the entrees and sides when she brought the dessert menu. We ordered a dessert to split, and I ordered a cup of coffee (which I never got). She brought our bill when she delivered dessert.
Yeah, I get that you’re popular. Yeah, I get that you’re busy. But I don’t want the bum-​rush after 50 minutes — especially at one of the most expensive restaurants in Provo (our modest meal was $ 80 plus tip for two). Maybe you need to move to a bigger space, or put a little more time between your reservations. Otherwise, your regulars will start defecting. No matter how good the food is, bad service and being rushed through my meal just isn’t worth the prices you charge.

If you don’t think this is the best food in Provo, you crazy. Simple as that. The menu changes frequently and the whole team is legit. It’s pricey, but worth every penny. Actually, who even uses pennies anymore. It’s worth ever half dollar. Truly amazing, and again if you don’t like it, you’re a stuck up brat in my opinion. In fact, just a regular brat. Love this place.

This is by far my favorite restaurant in Utah county. I have tried everything in the menu that doesn’t contain meat and I’m never disappointed. My favorite things are the beet salad, faro salad, mashed potatoes and their trout when they have it. My husband and j usually order 2 salads, 2 sides and share a main dish. Perfect amount for us.

Food: Excellent. Rustic American. The two of us shared a main course and a variety of small plates of vegetables.
Wine: Excellent.
Service: Excellent.
Value: Excellent.
Atmosphere: Sophisticated rustic.

Always the best food in town. Well worth the money if you’ve got it. They often have great seasonal dishes with many locally sourced ingredients. Would always recommend

We came for brunch and were not disappointed! They made room for a party of 14(we did have a reservation) and everything I tried was delicious!

I love Communal. Food is amazing even if the menu might be a little restrict. Impeccable service, nice people around you won’t might yo share a table. This place is all about sharing. Please try the caramel pudding, it is flicking delicious!!!

4 stars for lunch. 3. stars for dinner. Why? Because dinner at Communal is not on point for the price point.
Lunch is great. Love it. Have had everything. From the fried chicken to the meatballs. Love it all. If you need to go, go for lunch. I give it 4 stars because my food is often over-​salted when I go. ¾ times to be precise. But here is the thing, service is so good and the ambience is great. Yeah it’s a little over salted, but I understand that mess ups happen.
Lunch recommendations? House made Sausage with the Potato Croquettes. OR the Club Sandwich.
Now dinner… It’s good. But it’s not great. I will not drop money on food that is just okay. The way I describe communal is an enhanced home cooking place. I’m not bashing the food. I think it’s great! I just think that the price does not reflect the quality you are given. Nothing smacks me in the face and says, wow Dan, you really haven’t lived until today.
Once again though, service at Communal is good. Granted the have 6 tables, but even the cooks and head chef are always smiling. Good people work there. Lower the price a little, and you got the 5 stars.
I’m giving it 4 stars because the service brought it up. Food: 3 stars (combined). Service: 5 stars (always).
Recommendations: DESSERT. If they ask, do not say no, do not collect $ 200. Stop. And pay the darn fee for the butterscotch pudding. You can thank me later.

Super service and well executed food. what a great find in the SLC/​Provo area. wonderful alcoholic and non-​alcoholic drinks.

Really great restaurant find in Provo. Very fresh, flavorful dishes. With the family style sharing, you get to try lots of different stuff. Highlights were the homemade sausage appetizer, fresh and roasted beet salad and meatballs. For mains pork and chicken were good and the corn on the cob is really tasty, dripping in butter!
There were a few misses… bone-​in rib eye is thin and didn’t have much flavor and was a bit of a throw away and a couple dishes were a spot over salted.
Service was very good, friendly and attentive and the manager checked in on us several times to ensure everything was going well. Definitely a place to go back to.

To be honest, i was not all that impressed with communal after all they hype i heard about it. Food was ok, but I’ve had better at similar establishments. We did get their pasta primavera, and that was one of the best things I’ve gotten at any restaurant. However my skirt steak was so tough i couldn’t cut through it and neither could my dining partner, we had to send it back to the chef to chop it up for us (kind of embarrassing on my part that I couldn’t cut through a freaking piece of meat so thin!). I know skirt steak has a membrane that is tough, but this piece was extreme and very chewy. Other food was alright but nothing to rave about.
Service was excellent. Our server was friendly and helpful.
Overall, I probably won’t rush over there again anytime soon, but you could try it and see for yourself.

My husband and I have heard great things about communal, so we went for our anniversary dinner and it did not disappoint! We ordered the flatbread as a starter, asparagus, short ribs, mashed potatoes, skirt steak and the butterscotch pudding for dessert. This was a lot of food for two people but we were hungry and wanted to bring food home. Usually one protein would be plenty for two people to share. The flatbread wasn’t my favorite but the rest of our food tasted like there was some kind of magic involved! I also ordered the basil limeade and all I can say is ORDER THE BASIL LIMEADE!
The restaurant has a cool/​intimate atmosphere, the service was great, and the food was amazing. Hopefully we’ll be back soon.

Thanks to other great reviews, we checked this place out while in Provo for the weekend. Hands down, AMAZING. the staff are all super friendly and knowledgeable about the sourcing of ingredients.
I had the chopped salad — first of all the egg was perfect, still soft in the middle. I had been given a heads up about the blue cheese and they were right. The sungolds were soooo good. My party had the burger with fries and the turkey club. Everything was great. The chef even gave us a side of fried to share.
Overall, friendly knowledgeable service, a clean and inviting space, an open kitchen and some of the best food I’ve had.
I came back to edit because I went once again for dinner. Still amazing. I love how all the staff works collaboratively to make this an amazing dining experience. Also, a great tip: If you’re eating solo — ask about half orders!

First, let me start by saying that I am from Atlanta and I am only visiting for a week for work. I came across this place ONLY because of the existing reviews on Unilocal.
Walking in, I was immediately greeted by the hostess. Because I was by myself I was seated right away. I sat at the bar area. My server, GIBSON, was phenomenal. He was kind, warm, and very attentive. He asked if I ever ate there before and of course I said no. He recommended getting half portions for my sides. Keep in mind that Communal is a the type of restaurant that serves large portions encouraging people to share, hence the name.
While I was waiting for my food I was observing the cooks prepare the food. It was like watching a flawless and organized operations. They had a cook to cook all the meats, a cook for the sides and a kitchen facilitator. It was very impressive! They were pushing out food and everything is cooked to every order.
I ordered the pork chops ($ 32), gold mashed potatoes, and the squash. Omgee, I died and went to heaven. The pork chops may seem pricey, but it is definitely worth every penny.
Overall, I had a splendid time. Gibson was fantastic and the cooks were amazing! If I am ever Provo, Utah I would be returning.

THIS IS A 3.8. After reading all the hype… I was very… how do i say… felt adequate? The food is good but… I also spent $ 35 dollars on a ribeye that was… okay. Good flavor, but I need to be able to eat the fat easily, it should be less chewy… if I’m dropping 35 bones!
The potatoes were good and there were a lot, the sausage appetizer was really yummy, but the mustard after taste was gross. I loved it when it entered my mouth, and after strongly regretted it.
The ambiance is awesome, as far as decorations lighting the kitchen being visible. But its almost TOO small, super loud in there, and I came away smelling like cooked meat… which personally… I don’t mind.
The butterscotch pudding? SHARE IT! its big and cost 8 dollars. the mix of cookies and stuff… i felt like a kid again, but a kid who’s sugar tolerance level has been lowered over 20 years.
VERDICT: This is high dining… for Provo. We spent 80 dollars for all the aforementioned items including tip. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY over priced. Higher quality than most places, but seriously… as good as it gets? Dear Unilocalers 5’s should be saved for only the best food eaten. If this is the best food you’ve eaten, I’ll invite you over to my house and charge you far less, and you’ll have to rate me a 5.

I have been here several times with family for all types of meal occasions. Communal has an initial high impression, with the warmth and coziness of the restaurant and the beautiful artesian food. However, the food taste does not match the presentation. Many dishes go overboard to look creative with unique ingredients (for a Provo restaurant) and are presented well, but the taste and satisfaction is often lacking as food that is often «alright», with a few pleasant surprises.
We attended a birthday party with appetizers and dessert. The hummus appetizer had pita bread that was cooked, just charred. So cold bread with too much black char on it and hummus that could lose out to hummus from Smiths grocery store down the road.
I did love the raspberry lemonade they brought. It was much too sweet, but that made it last for a while as I added water to it ever few sips.
My dessert was a brownie with ice cream. I had the impression it would be a hot gooey brownie, but it turned out to be a somewhat moist brownie with ice cream with some fancy choclate and caramel drizzle.
There are other dishes which are nice and that I enjoy. The dishes do change seasonally so they can be hard to keep track of for the semi-​frequent visitor. My advice is go with the simplest sounding meal item.
I like the communal, but it falls short of what it could and what I want it to be. It’s differentiation is more the artisan appearance of the meal, the ambience and the décor, which I see as why so many women seem to love it. Take a date there, but go someplace else if you are looking to rave about the scrumptious taste of everything.
I would give communal a 3 ½ stars but will err on the side of generosity. My mom and sister would give it a 5.