When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Salt & Olive
Why Salt & Olive is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Salt & Olive in Salt Lake City offers a versatile dining experience combining fast casual and fine dining Italian cuisine. Housed in a beautifully restored historical building that used to be a car service station, this restaurant showcases architectural character with its original arched wood ceiling, exposed brick walls, and large windows that fill the space with natural light. It has a welcoming atmosphere with various seating niches making it ideal for small groups or intimate gatherings. The establishment features multiple concepts under one roof, including the Salt & Olive Café, a coffee shop in the front, and a fine dining area in the back, providing options for different moods and occasions. The talented head chef Neza, known for his expertise in Italian cooking, offers dishes that deliver authentic flavors and creativity. Salt & Olive accommodates both casual visits and special occasions, including private VIP rooms for larger parties, and has convenient reservation policies especially on weekends. With hours from morning coffee service through late dinner, it makes for a flexible meeting place for friends.
Here's what people think of Salt & Olive
As of recent, Salt & Olive holds a 4.3-star rating based on 738 reviews.
Reviews for Salt & Olive praise the restaurant for its unique blend of casual and fine dining Italian fare, with customers highlighting the enjoyable food quality and the charming historical ambiance. Positive feedback often mentions the friendly and welcoming staff, the architectural beauty of the space, and the delicious dishes prepared by Chef Neza that bring authentic and creative Italian flavors. Reviewers appreciate the versatility of the venue, noting the availability of private rooms and the inviting café area. On the other hand, some reviews point out inconsistencies in service and occasional staff shortages, which sometimes lead to confusion around hours and availability of certain areas like the café. Despite these minor negative remarks, most patrons express satisfaction overall. In conclusion, Salt & Olive is regarded as a delightful addition to Salt Lake City's dining scene, recommended for both casual meals and special gatherings, with ongoing improvements to service and space utilization expected.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Elle Robinson
Salt & Olive has such a beautiful, moody vibe — perfect for an intimate dinner if you’ve got a reservation. The food was delicious and the atmosphere made for a great night out. My only letdown was the espresso martini, which seemed to have been sitting too long at the bar — the foam had completely melted by the time it reached the table. Still tasty, just not as fresh as I’d hoped. It was very busy when we went, so walking in might offer a different experience. Also, heads up on parking — it’s limited and right in the center lane of the street, so plan ahead so you don’t miss your reservation window. Overall, I’d absolutely come back, just with a little more planning next time!
Ryan Pirouznia
Nice patio! The food was good. I had the truffle pizza. Warning, you better like truffle flavor if you get this. It has truffle infused ricotta on it, and that is mostly what you taste. I liked it, but I’m sure my breath smelled like a trolls after eating it. The lamb lollipops were very good, but a bit pricey for only two. Nice selection of craft cocktails!
sarah curtis
Louis our waiter was a sweetheart, he was attentive, but not overbearing and courteous. Food was yummy - good presentation, ample portion size, and full of flavor. I would have liked a hot plate but I never seem to find that anywhere. I just find my food goes cold too quick. It’s a busy area but still found parking at noon on Saturday. The wine options were fabulous, but a touch too expensive by the glass. The only real negative was the table felt like it needed a deep clean. I look forward to returning, as there are loads of menu options that I’m keen to try, especially for brunch. Cocktails look tasty too.
Paul Inkenbrandt
This place looks hip and interesting from the outside. It isn't a nice part of town and look like a nice place to visit. We went there and the hostess had his pick out a seat inside. The drink menu was nice and the options for mocktails was also good. The pizzas looked good. The surface was atrocious. A couple of times and sat with empty drinks for the duration of our meal. We ordered the cheesy bread a Caesar salad and some pasta dishes. The cheesy bread was burnt, which the cook attempted to cover with balsamic glaze. The pasta dishes were meh and not worth the price. We will not be returning.
Cason Eyre
I always enjoy my visits to salt and olive. The best food is their margarita pizza. The best appetizer is their peta bread and dip. I’ve also tried their spaghetti and it was great as well. Love the atmosphere as well.
How to reach Salt & Olive
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Why Salt & Olive may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Salt & Olive with your friends? Salt & Olive in Salt Lake City offers a uniquely inviting atmosphere that perfectly balances casual camaraderie with sophisticated dining. Whether you want to catch up over a hearty Italian meal or enjoy a lively night out with cocktails, this place provides a distinctive setting that welcomes groups of all sizes. The communal tables in the front area foster a sense of togetherness, inviting diners to share stories and laughter much like at a charming Italian beer hall. Meanwhile, the bar and lounge spaces cater to more intimate conversations or solo visitors seeking a relaxing drink. This variety in ambiance ensures that your group can find the right vibe to suit your mood, making it a versatile venue for friends or family meetups. The food, crafted by chef Neza—a respected name in Salt Lake City’s Italian culinary scene—adds to the appeal with flavorful dishes that pair beautifully with their inventive cocktails. The warm atmosphere, combined with attentive service and thoughtfully prepared cuisine, creates a compelling reason for any group to choose Salt & Olive as their gathering spot.
What activities and features make Salt & Olive perfect for group meetups? Salt & Olive offers multiple activities that cater specifically to group dynamics. The shared communal tables encourage mingling and interaction, making it easy for friends or family to connect even when seated with others. This layout transforms dining into a convivial event where conversations flow naturally over shared pizzas and plates. The open-concept kitchen also adds an engaging visual element, providing a backdrop of chefs at work that sparks interest and conversation. For groups wanting a more private experience, the restaurant provides a sophisticated back room with a distinct atmosphere, perfect for celebrations or business dinners that require a quieter space. Meanwhile, the bar area is ideal for those who want to start their evening with signature cocktails like the Salt & Olive Dirty Martini, featuring house-made brine for a savory twist. The elegant lounge with plush seating and chic décor is especially suited for casual hangouts or girls’ nights out, offering a stylish yet comfortable environment. These diverse spaces and experiences allow for a range of group activities, from hearty meals and casual drinks to more formal gatherings.
How does Salt & Olive’s food and drink menu enhance group gatherings? The menu at Salt & Olive is thoughtfully designed to appeal to various tastes within a group setting. Signature starters such as the house-cured olives with fennel, lemon, and chili flakes make for perfect shared snacks that engage the palate and stimulate lively conversation. Pizzas and pasta dishes crafted by chef Neza feature authentic Italian flavors, satisfying those who want quality and tradition without compromise. The versatility of offerings—from lighter bites like beef carpaccio to rich indulgences such as creamy rigatoni—means there’s something for every preference and appetite. Moreover, the innovative cocktail menu, including specialty martinis made with in-house brine, heightens the overall dining experience by pairing wonderfully with the food’s bold flavors. This careful curation of food and drink ensures that groups can easily mix and match dishes and beverages to create a customized, celebratory meal. The culinary experience at Salt & Olive thus becomes a centerpiece of social pleasure, encouraging communal enjoyment and memorable moments.
What about the ambiance and service at Salt & Olive makes it ideal for social gatherings? Salt & Olive boasts an ambiance that strikes a fine balance between lively and refined, making it a welcoming destination for socializing across different group types. The front casual dining area, with its communal and high-top tables, fosters a vibrant buzz, enriched by the open kitchen that adds a touch of theater to the meal. In contrast, the back lounge and private rooms offer calm and cozy settings perfect for intimate conversations or special occasions. The décor features thoughtful touches such as pink velvet stools and cherry blossom wall art, conveying a trendy yet comfortable atmosphere that appeals especially to groups seeking a stylish venue. Service at Salt & Olive is noted to be attentive and warm, helping to make guests feel cared for without being intrusive—ideal for relaxed gatherings where guests can focus on each other. This blend of thoughtful design, dynamic spaces, and attentive service enables groups to experience a memorable outing, whether it’s a casual meetup or a celebratory dinner.
How accessible and accommodating is Salt & Olive for different group sizes and occasions? Salt & Olive’s layout and service philosophy reflect a genuine understanding of the needs of various group sizes and occasions. Its large communal tables accommodate both small and large groups, enabling easy seating arrangements without the need for strict reservations. For groups seeking privacy or a more exclusive experience, the separate back room provides an elegant alternative with enough space for medium-sized parties. The staff’s flexibility and readiness to assist with special requests, combined with the variety of seating options, ensure that gatherings from casual brunches to formal celebrations can be arranged with ease. Additionally, the restaurant’s approach to fast-casual dining at the front means that even walk-in groups can be accommodated without long waits or complicated booking procedures. This accessibility and adaptability make Salt & Olive a dependable choice for anyone planning a meetup, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from arrival to departure.
What makes Salt & Olive stand out compared to other Italian dining options in Salt Lake City? Salt & Olive distinguishes itself in a city with many Italian restaurants by blending fast-casual and fine-dining elements under one roof. Unlike some traditional spots, this mix allows guests to choose the pace and style of their meal—ideal when accommodating diverse group preferences. The communal tables and open kitchen create a social and interactive environment, offering a relaxed yet refined atmosphere not often found in Italian eateries. Chef Neza’s culinary expertise brings authenticity and creativity to the menu, which often receives praise for its quality and distinctive flavor profiles, even though some reviews note the pricing as slightly premium. The cocktail program further elevates the dining experience, featuring innovative drinks that complement the food while enhancing the overall vibe of the venue. These qualities combine to make Salt & Olive a unique and enjoyable destination for groups seeking both quality cuisine and dynamic social settings, helping it maintain a strong rating and favorable reputation in Salt Lake City.