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Rawtopia Living Cuisine and Beyond | Our Story

Crafted to Nourish, since 2005

Omar's food is made from scratch, with love and intention to benefit and nourish both people and the planet.
How Rawtopia began?

How Rawtopia began?

In 2004, founder Omar Abou-Ismail lost his father to cancer. He walked away from a career in geophysics and, on July 4th, 2005, opened Rawtopia in Salt Lake City's Sugarhouse neighborhood — guided by a single motto: "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" ~Hippocrates
Nutrients you can feel

Nutrients you can feel

We sprout our legumes, nuts, and seeds to reduce naturally occurring enzyme inhibitors, phytic acid (phytates), and tannins, while supporting improved digestion and nutrient absorption. We juice citrus, hand-peel ginger and garlic, and hand-cut greens and vegetables. We use no seed oils or processed ingredients, including refined sugars, artificial preservatives, or additives. We source organic ingredients from local farms, our own garden, and seasonal harvests, preserving herbs and produce at peak freshness for year-round flavor and nourishment. We also prioritize high-quality animal proteins, including grass-fed bison, lamb, and beef, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised, farm-fresh eggs.
A refuge at the Wasatch foothills

A refuge at the Wasatch foothills

In 2017, Rawtopia moved to the Olympus Hills Shopping Center in Millcreek, nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains. Fresh flowers on every table, lush greenery filling the room — the space was designed to feel like a small garden pulled indoors.
Flavors rooted in heritage

Flavors rooted in heritage

Our menu is rooted in the recipes and traditions passed down by Omar’s mother and Head Chef, Jinan Abu-Ismail. Inspired by their childhood in Lebanon and West Africa (Ghana and Nigeria), alongside flavors from around the world, our menu features authentic Lebanese favorites—including Tabbouleh, Baba Ganoush, plant-based Labneh, hummus, Fassoolia, Mujadara, Cauliflower Delight, and lamb kafta—traditional West African Egusi, Coconut Curry Rice, fresh fish and bison tacos, handcrafted burgers, vibrant salads, and globally inspired dishes. Every meal is made from scratch with exceptional organic ingredients and a deep respect for culinary heritage.
Still guided by the same mission

Still guided by the same mission

Two decades of devoted guests, award-winning press recognition, featured on Martha Stewart’s television series Martha Cooks on Roku, and more than 1,100 five-star reviews later, Omar’s is still the same organic kitchen built on patience and principle—still sprouting, still cooking from scratch, and still crafting bold, flavorful food that nourishes our guests while supporting organic agriculture