Salt & Olive Brings Italian Variety to Salt Lake City

What the reviews suggest

Salt & Olive has a 4.4-star Google rating based on 1,025 reviews, a sizable body of feedback that points to broad approval. Those public comments describe a moderately priced Italian restaurant with several dining areas and a menu that works for very different appetites. Pasta and pizza come up often. So do seafood, steak and salads.

The atmosphere gets some of the clearest praise. Reviewers call the restaurant relaxing, quiet and comfortable, noting its sense of history and enough visual interest to make the room part of the meal. One lunch was particularly peaceful with the windows open. Another diner liked the Back Room and wanted to return for the Front Room. Reviews mention both indoor and outdoor seating, plus space for larger groups.

Food with range

No single signature order dominates the public reviews. Instead, diners praise a wide spread of dishes. The grilled salmon drew specific enthusiasm for its cream sauce, while the lobster mac and cheese was described as creamy and packed with plentiful lobster pieces. Carpaccio, a bread basket with bean dip, a steak sandwich, truffle pizza and tagliatelle also received positive comments.

The braised beef ribs earned strong praise too, though that same reviewer found the accompanying risotto lacking in flavor. At lunch, another group reported well-cooked proteins and vegetables across orders of lamb lollipops, steak salad, garlic fries and pasta with shrimp. The gluten-free pasta got unusually direct approval. That matters for diners who often have trouble finding a well-prepared alternative.

The range seems to be a large part of Salt & Olive’s appeal, especially for mixed groups. Some diners can order a substantial meat dish while others stick with pasta, pizza, seafood or salad. The review samples cover only part of a potentially changing menu, so current availability should be confirmed directly with the restaurant.

Service and menu logistics

Service comments run favorable overall. Reviewers describe the staff as attentive, personable and useful when making recommendations. One diner specifically praised a helpful reservation interaction. Another party appreciated that a manager checked on the table. Based on those reports, Salt & Olive appears to suit occasions when guests want more guidance than they would get from a quick counter-service meal.

Menu clarity is the main logistical snag. One first-time visitor found the online menu confusing when compared with the menus provided at the restaurant, pointing to separate daytime Front Room and evening Back Room selections. Anyone going for a particular dish may want to confirm the room and service period first.

Bottom line

Taken together, the public ratings and reviews present Salt & Olive as a versatile, atmosphere-forward Salt Lake City restaurant for relaxed lunches, dinners and group outings. Comfortable surroundings come up repeatedly, along with broad choice and engaged service. Its 4.4 rating reflects consistency across a large number of Google reviews. Still, the sample includes one serious isolated concern: a diner reported finding a piece of plastic wrap in a rib dish. Paired with the bland risotto noted in the same review, that complaint shows the kitchen’s execution is not flawless.

The larger pattern remains positive. Salt & Olive looks best suited to diners who care about menu variety and a comfortable setting, particularly when a group wants meat, seafood, pasta and gluten-free possibilities in one place.