Cucina Toscana
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1712
Phone: (801) 328-3463
- Price:
- $$$
- Best of Citysearch:
- Italian Food 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5:30pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10:00pm
Editorial Review for Cucina Toscana – by Vanessa Chang
The Scene
High exposed ceilings, contemporary designs and tightly spaced white-linen tables welcome the many locals who have adopted the establishment as a favorite. An exposed kitchen is flanked by an embankment of antipasti and the evening's desserts. To witness the dance of servers and general manager Valter Nassi around the tables and aisles is an entertaining show.
The Food
In contrast to its chic surroundings, the food is unpretentious and authentic. Fresh handmade pasta and gnocchi serve as a base for delectable house-made lasagna and a creamy mushroom or pesto sauce. The second-course entrees showcase Tuscan ingenuity for grilled and roasted meats in a wonderfully uncomplicated display of flavor. The menu is heavy with nightly specials, creating a sense of adventure each time patrons arrive. Desserts are equally delicious, with classics like beautifully done tiramisu, tangy lemon tart with pine nuts, and the popular creamy gelato.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyThe Pre-Theater menu offers theatergoers or budget watchers an affordable experience. Make reservations between 5pm and 7pm.
Where to SitThe bustling kitchen and lively conversations can get loud. For a more quiet experience, sit toward the entrance, away from the exposed kitchen.
The ExtrasHalf portions of first-course (pasta) and second-course (meat-based entrees) items are available.
User Reviews for Cucina Toscana
05/07/2008 Posted by CityM
I recently moved from NYC to Salt Lake and I was invited to partake in a sampling at Cucina Toscana and was blown away from the moment I stepped in the door. The restaurant is somewhat of a "hole in the wall" restaurant and you are surrounded by beautiful decor, plants and accommodating staff. Justin, the manager was very pleasant and catered to our every need and consistently checked in to see how everything was. I have never seen such service. We ordered the Caesar salad, which is prepared at your table with tons of fresh ingredients. I was at first weary about the anchovies, but the waiter assured me I would love it and I wouldn't be able to even taste any fish. He was right! There was no fish after taste and everything blended perfectly. Next was their pasta sampling which was an experience in it's own. The handmade ravioli was to die for and the gnocchi in tomato sauce was a delight. Both pastas were perfectly matched with tasty sauces that complimented them. Next was the main dish - chicken saltimbocca. Never have so many ingredients tasted so good. The chicken was prepared perfectly and the side potatoes were delicous with the sauce. The sauce was different in that it had a lemon after taste. I hate lemon, but enjoyed this explosion of flavor in my mouth. To end the meal we had fresh made tiramisu. It was like eating air, it was so rich and fluffy. I never have liked Tiramisu, but after eating theirs, I wanted more! I don't drink coffee, but my husband said it was the best he's ever had. Go to Cucina Toscana, you will love the environment and enjoy the food. I have told everyone at work, home and across the states about my experience and I hope you will go their too. Let's keep this restaurant alive forever so we may experience NYC food in the heart of Utah!
Pros: The best meal I have had!
Cons: NOTHING!!!
03/22/2008 Posted by pjasper
I went to Cucina Toscana as part of a group of six. Our reservation was for 8:00pm, but they kept us waiting until 9:00 before seating us. It wouldn't have been so bad if they had a bar where we could sit, but we had to stand in the crowded lobby (obviously we weren't the only ones kept waiting) by the front door when it was snowing outside. After about 45 minutes they brought us some mineral water and a plate of bruschetta (which comes free on the table), but it didn't really make up for the wait. We'd been skiing during the day and were starving by the time we did get seated. The menu is strange too: the dishes are scattered all over the place. There were about six different versions of veal scallopini, each in a separate part of the menu. It makes me think the disorganization isn't just limited to the reservations. I don't know how this place wins awards for being the best restaurant in SLC.
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