Feature Photo: M Outdoors / Shutterstock.com
The ancient Romans had a saying, “All roads lead to Rome.” This may be true when it comes to the cuisine of Salt Lake City, Utah. The city’s Italian restaurants have a long history dating back to the early 1900s, when the first wave of Italian immigrants arrived in search of a better life. Today, Salt Lake City is home to some of the best Italian restaurants in the country. Many of these eateries are family-owned and operated, and they pride themselves on serving authentic dishes made with only the freshest ingredients.
The trend has been growing in popularity in recent years, as more and more people are discovering the delicious food of Italy. Thanks to the increasing number of Italian restaurants in Salt Lake City, Utah, the city has become a foodie destination. The locals and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of Italian dishes, from pizza and pasta to tiramisu and gelato. You might even come across a pizza joint offering authentic wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, here are our top 10 best Italian restaurants in Salt Lake City, Utah.
# 10 – Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar
Started in 2016 by Joel LaSalle and Mikel Trapp, Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar was born from the ashes of the former Faustina restaurant. The new eatery features a menu of modern Italian cuisine expertly crafted by Executive Chef Paul Cafaro. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. The restaurant also boasts a private dining space, ideal for hosting everything from intimate gatherings of 10 to large parties of 100. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a place to celebrate a special occasion, Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar is sure to please.
Tables for parties of five or fewer will be reserved for a maximum of two hours. Some of their most popular starters include artisan meats and cheeses, seasonal accouterments, and house sourdough crackers. For something a little heartier, try the lobster dish. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! Their cannoli are made with raspberry-chocolate cream and Solstice chocolate and are garnished with honeycomb crunch. If you’re planning to visit Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar, keep in mind that the place is usually busiest around 7 pm, and you may have to wait up to 30 minutes for a table.
Address: 454 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Website: https://www.stanzaslc.com/
# 9 – Stoneground Italian Kitchen
Stoneground Italian Kitchen has to be in your place to try if you wish to enjoy some of the best fresh house-made pasta, Neapolitan-style pizzas, or any other Italian dish in the Salt Lake City area. The recipes are rustic and traditional, focusing on quality ingredients that make each dish special. The owner Bob McCarthy comes from an Irish-Italian background, influencing the menu and overall dining experience at Stoneground.
With the restaurant having opened its Salt Lake City doors in 2000, the locale has become one of the most iconic and romantic places to have dinner in the city. The environment is casual yet refined, with an urban-rustic vibe that makes you feel right at home, no matter how you’re dressed. The outdoor deck is perfect for enjoying your meal during fair weather celebrations. You can also dine inside at one of the window tables, which offer mesmerizing views of the Salt Lake City Public Library. Parking is free, and you can enter the building from the rear.
Address: 249 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Website: https://stonegrounditalian.com/
# 8 – Tuccis Cucina Italiana
Tuccis Cucina Italiana has served traditional Italian comfort food to the people of Salt Lake City, Utah, since 1997. The restaurant is locally owned and operated by its management team, who are passionate about creating and serving some of the best Italian food in the city. Tucci’s team takes pride in treating their customers like guests in their own homes, and they offer an excellent, made-to-order, authentic Italian meal with a lovely bottle of wine. The restaurant has a warm and easygoing atmosphere, and the food is always fresh and delicious. They have a wide variety of specials, including their popular Shrimp Puttanesca, a spaghetti pasta tossed with a light tomato sauce, sautéed shrimp, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of butter. It’s mild and spicy and one of their most popular dishes.
Address: 515 S 700 E #1D, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Website: https://tuccisslc.com/
# 7 – Valter’s Osteria
Valter’s Osteria has been in Salt Lake City long enough to figure out how to perfect the art of Italian dining. The restaurant is known for its owner and host, Valter Nassi, who always takes the time to greet guests and ensure they’re having a good time. The food at Valter’s Osteria is a mix of old favorites from Valter’s mother’s cooking and new, seasonal dishes that highlight the best available.
The restaurant is a contemporary twist on a Tuscan granary, with a full bar, outdoor dining in the summer, and a private room for special events. The banquet menu at Valter’s Osteria can be customized to meet your needs, making it the perfect place for parties, rehearsal dinners, showers, business dinners, presentations, and more. The only downside to Valter’s Osteria is that it’s so popular that you might have to wait for a table.
Address: 173 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Website: https://valtersosteria.com/
# 6 – Brio Italian Grille
Brio Italian Grille is another Italian restaurant that has mastered the art of perfection. The restaurant is a chain eatery that serves Tuscan-inspired grill fare. The menu includes a variety of pasta, flatbreads, steaks, chops, and seafood. The restaurant has a full bar with cocktails and an extensive wine list. The story behind Brio Italian Grille begins in Italy. The Tuscan country villas inspired the restaurant.
The owners wanted to bring the same dining experience to Salt Lake City, Utah. Today, you can enjoy a meal at Brio Italian Grille and feel as though you’re right in the heart of Italy. This Salt Lake City restaurant is the perfect place to gather with friends and family for an unforgettable meal. The popular dishes at Brio Italian Grille include lobster bisque, grilled salmon salad, and gorgonzola-crusted beef medallions. No matter what you order, you’re sure to enjoy a meal that’s full of flavor.
Address: 80 Regent St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Website: https://locations.brioitalian.com/us/ut/salt-lake
# 5 – Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant is another chain restaurant serving authentic Italian family-style food. The name Buca di Beppo means “Joe’s Basement” in Italian, and the restaurant was indeed originally located in the basement of a building in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The first Buca di Beppo opened in 1993, and the restaurant has expanded.
The Salt Lake City location has been serving delicious Italian food to the people of Salt Lake for over a decade now. It has some of the best and most authentic family-style Italian food in town. What sets Buca di Beppo apart from other Italian restaurants is its unique dining experience. The kitschy red-and-white tablecloths, the family-style servings, and the semi-private dining rooms all contribute to a one-of-a-kind dining experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Address: 202 W 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Website: https://locations.bucadibeppo.com/us/ut/salt-lake-city/202-w-300-s
# 4 – Caffé Molise
Since Caffé Molise opened its doors, locals have been raving about the food. The restaurant is home to some of the city’s best Northern Italian fare and unique wines. It offers a cozy atmosphere with a garden patio and is located in downtown Salt Lake City. Caffé Molise was inspired by the Molise region of Italy and featured fresh Italian cuisine focusing on regional specialties and local ingredients.
The restaurant is known for its made-to-order appetizers, pasta dishes, main dishes, and delectable desserts. It also has an award-winning wine and drinks menu. One downside is that the seating is limited, so diners are encouraged to keep their dining to a two-hour limit. Reservations are also recommended. Caffé Molise is the perfect pre-theatre, opera, symphony, concert, or sporting event dining location. It is conveniently located downtown, two blocks south of the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Address: 404 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
# 3 – Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant isn’t popular for its specials; they are known for maintaining high-class Italian standards food such as pasta and salads. The family-friendly chain is elegant, and dine-in focused with an extensive wine list. They have been serving some of the best Italian dishes for over a decade, and the chefs have always managed to uphold the restaurant’s reputation, even though they have changed over the years.
From popular dishes like the eggplant parmigiana to their steak and gorgonzola alfredo, they have something for everyone. The kids’ menu is impressive, with options like ravioli, macaroni, cheese, and mini pizzas. Tiramisu and chocolate bocci cake are some desserts you’ll find here. The best part is that they change their seasonal specials often, so there’s always something new to try.
Address: 2272 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Website: https://www.olivegarden.com/locations/ut/salt-lake-city/salt-lake-city-sugarhouse/1306
# 2 – Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
Maybe to some, Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana in Salt Lake City, Utah, is just another pizzeria. But to the majority, it is so much more. This pizzeria has been here since 2005 and was one of the first in the U.S. to recreate Pizza Napoletana exactly how it has been made in Napoli, Italy, for centuries. The restaurant recreates the pizza-making process as it was created in Napoli centuries ago and has even been certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN). This is a big deal because the VPN doesn’t certify just any pizzeria. Everything from the dough to the cooking process is authentic, and Settebello takes great pride in this.
Address: 260 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Website: https://www.settebello.net/
# 1 – The Old Spaghetti Factory
Our first spot goes to The Old Spaghetti Factory. This classic Italian restaurant chain has been around since 1969 and is still family-owned and operated. The Salt Lake City location is one of over 40 across 13 states, and there are also two in Japan. The restaurant is known for its unique décor, which includes antique lighting, stained glass displays, and large booths. The trolley car that guests can dine in is a fun touch.
The food is classic Italian fare, and the menu features all your favorites, from spaghetti and meatballs to lasagna. The restaurant also has a great selection of wine and beer. The Old Spaghetti Factory is perfect for a family celebration or a special dinner date. One downside of The Old Spaghetti Factory is that it can be a bit pricey. But the food is worth it, and you can’t beat the atmosphere.
Address: 189 Trolley Square, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Website: https://www.osf.com/
10 Best Italian Restaurants In Salt Lake City, Utah article published on BigCityReview.com© 2022
BigCityReview.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either Amazon affiliate photos in which we make a commission on any products purchased from Amazon, public domain creative commons photos or photos licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with BigCityReview.com. All photo credits have been placed at end of the article.
We are not responsible for any items purchased or locations visited based on our recommendations as we do not sell or manufacture any of the items we have reviewed. All health and beauty reviews are for entertainment purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice.
