Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
- 4.6Food
- 4.7Service
- 4.5Ambience
- 4.2Value
Noise • Moderate
2026
From the OpenTable editors: This family-run Italian restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City from Matteo Sogne opened with the cooking of Modena at its heart. "Salt Lake Magazine" named it Utah's best restaurant in 2025. Chef Damiano Carlotto's menu keeps things focused. Start with the whipped brie before moving on to rigatoni alla vodka or the brasato, a slow-braised beef dish. The four house wines, a bianco, a rosso, and two Brunello di Montalcino options, give you plenty to work through alongside either. Featuring soft banquette seating, this spot is fun and comfortable without any stuffiness.
Executive chef: Damiano Carlotto
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Matteo Ristorante Italiano reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
Noise • Moderate
Salt Lake City
Most Booked
Salt Lake City
Most Booked
Richard
Denver1 review
Dined 5 days ago
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Stefanie
Salt Lake City2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
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Paige
Salt Lake City5 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2026
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Laurie
Salt Lake City1 review
Dined on July 3, 2026
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Jason
Unspecified1 review
Dined on July 3, 2026
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Sterling Gold
Salt Lake City3 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2026
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morgan
Salt Lake City1 review
Dined on July 1, 2026
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OpenTable Diner
Denver3 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2026
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Michael
Salt Lake City1 review
Dined on June 30, 2026
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Jason Gold
Louisville3 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2026
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August 11, 2025
Salt Lake City restaurateur Matteo Sogne debuts Strada Cucina Italiana as a more accessible extension of Matteo Ristorante Italiano, with a fast-casual, pasta-forward menu under 17 and a Strada pasta bar. The piece notes Matteo's kitchen vertical integration, catering capabilities, and a focus on balancing quality with value.
Published in Salt Lake Magazine
March 25, 2025
Portrait of Matteo Sogne detailing his Modena roots, family recipes, and the restaurant's move to downtown Salt Lake City. The piece highlights dishes like grandma's bolognese and balsamic-infused risotto, plus the wine program and team-driven hospitality.
Published in Salt Lake Magazine
February 14, 2025
The move relocates from Olive Garden to a larger downtown space with private dining, soundproofed rooms and an expanded bar. The menu features authentic antipasti, house-made pastas, seafood dishes, and a strong Italian wine list, signaling upscale dining in SLC.
Published in Utah Stories
December 5, 2024
The Italian restaurant has moved to a larger downtown venue, offering a quieter ambiance and easier parking. A forthcoming sandwich and pasta shop is planned for the old Toasters space in spring.
Published in The Salt Lake Tribune
November 29, 2024
Matteo Ristorante Italiano relocates to a downtown Salt Lake City space nearly doubling its footprint to about 6,000 square feet, with three private dining rooms and soundproofed ceilings for a quieter, more intimate dining experience. The expanded venue also features a larger bar and complimentary valet, while continuing the restaurant's renowned Italian hospitality and cuisine.
Published in Utah Stories
Yes, Matteo is a popular choice for date night and special occasions. Guests repeatedly praise the attentive service, handmade pastas, wine list and romantic, upscale-casual atmosphere. For a quieter, more intimate table ask for seating in the back room; note that nights with theater or concert crowds can be lively. Valet parking and thoughtful service make it easy to relax and enjoy a celebratory dinner.
Yes, families dine here often and guests frequently celebrate birthdays and family dinners at Matteo. The staff are described as welcoming and attentive to children; several reviews praise how servers engaged kindly with younger guests. There isn’t a dedicated kids’ menu noted, so for younger diners consider sharing pastas or ordering family-style to suit tastes. Call ahead if you need high chairs or specific accommodations.
Yes, the team at Matteo is frequently praised for accommodating dietary needs and table requests. Guests with celiac disease and gluten-free needs report the staff handled GF pasta and bread very carefully. For seating preferences, accessibility or celebration touches, call ahead when you book; that gives staff time to prepare and helps ensure a smooth experience.
Matteo recommends smart casual attire. Guests commonly dine in neat, polished clothing suitable for date nights and special occasions, you’ll see a range from business-casual to dressier outfits. The restaurant’s tone is upscale but not strictly formal.
Portions at Matteo tend to be moderate, many guests describe pasta and entrees as thoughtfully plated rather than oversized. Several guests note that some dishes feel a bit small for the price, while others recommend ordering family-style small plates and pastas to share so you try more items. If you prefer larger servings, consider adding an appetizer or sharing multiple pastas/secondi.
Matteo's atmosphere is upscale-casual Italian, warm, energetic and often lively. Guests praise the elegant presentation, authentic Italian feel, and strong hospitality; many call it one of Salt Lake City's top dining experiences. Noise levels vary: the back room tends to be quieter and the main room can be bustling (especially on weekends and theatre nights). Lighting is usually dim/romantic, though a few guests found some seating areas too bright or too quiet on occasion.
The restaurant lists daily dinner hours (4:30–9:30 PM), but guests and the owner do not explicitly confirm public-holiday openings. Because holiday hours can vary, call the restaurant or check your reservation for holiday schedules before planning a special outing.
Yes, guests report dining outside on pleasant nights, so Matteo offers outdoor seating or a patio option periodically. If al fresco dining is important to you, request patio seating when you make your reservation because availability can depend on weather and timing.
Matteo is open daily in the evenings, according to the restaurant they serve dinner daily from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Because holiday hours and special events can vary, guests recommend calling ahead or checking your reservation confirmation for holiday or performance-night adjustments.
For a quieter experience, aim for an early dinner or a weekday evening, guests say early seatings and midweek nights are calmer. If you want lively energy (pre-theater or celebratory crowds), weekend evenings and nights when nearby concerts are happening are busy and vibrant. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends or event nights.
Families do dine here frequently, and guests often bring children for birthdays and celebrations, staff are described as welcoming and attentive to families. Seating can be close at times (tables back-to-back) and some guests prefer the back room for more privacy. If you need wheelchair access or other specific accessibility accommodations, call ahead so the team can best prepare your table.
Busiest: weekend evenings and nights with nearby concerts or theater performances, guests frequently note lively, full dining rooms before shows. Quietest: early dinner seatings and weekday nights (midweek) tend to be calmer; the back room is often recommended for a quieter meal. Make a reservation if you want a specific cadence or quieter corner.
Weekdays, especially early weeknights, are generally best if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed meal. Guests report weekends (and nights with nearby performances) are lively and popular, so choose a weekday or an early seating on non-event nights for a calmer dining experience.
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