05/17/08

Credit card issue - please read

by slckp

In defense of chocochoco's review they are mistaken. It's not the restaurant that adds the tip it's the bank. Wells Fargo is the worst for this. Somehow the bank knows when you make a purchase at an establishment that might have a tip added. So it adds one on just to make sure there is enough cash in the account for the restaurant, cab, cruise line, to add a gratuity later. Some add up to 30% just to be safe. Checking the online account doesn't do any good. Wait a few days and when the establishment has had time to post the actual amount and it will clear for what you've actually signed for. IF it is different then call the restaurant. They will resolve. I run a restaurant in Park City and we get these kinds of calls often.

As far as Lugano: It has been one of my top 4 faves in the Salt Lake area for years! Keep up the good work!

• Pros: Total Thumbs up
• Cons: Becoming more popular, harder to get in!

03/30/09

Will not return

by heazzy

We tried this place out with a group of friends and we were so disgusted. One of the couples was about 20 min. late and the owner threw an absolute tantrum IN FRONT OF US to the hostess. We were completely ignored by our waitress who told us we had to order right then because they needed our table for the next reservation...AN HOUR FROM THEN. You DO NOT say that. We literally glanced at the menu, then our drinks were never refilled and I asked 3 times for bread. The food was just ok and we know Italian. We just wanted to leave so we rushed through dinner and gave them 15 min. to spare. On top of that gratuity was added at 20%. What a joke. By law you can refuse the added gratuity for larger parties and that we did. We will not spend our money here again.

• Pros: ???
• Cons: Incredibely poor service and ok food.

03/26/09

Very good!

by ammisco1

We haven't been here in years, and went the other night with friends. Our waitress was very good, and the specials were wonderful. I had sea bass with polenta, and it was excellent. However, I tasted my husband's pork loin, and it seemed dry to me. The risotto was incredible. It's a bit crowded in there which makes it a little less cozy for a romantic dinner. Overall, a great place.

• Pros: great food
• Cons: a bit crowded

03/25/09

Great Food, Horrible Service

by vinnieb333

I took my wife here for valentines day. We showed up shortly after opening time, there were a couple of other groups already seated. We stood up front for what seemed like an eternity. The wait felt very akward because there must have been 5 or 6 different employees look at us and pretend not to see us, some of them on two or three occasions. My wife asked me if this was some kind of private club, "I feel like they would rather we leave." Eventually we were seated by our waitress, it felt like we were saved from drowning and the lifeguard was not very happy she had to do so. After the waitress explained the specials to us she looked at us with raised eyebrows like she was hoping we didn't understand the fancy gourmet language. We ordered, the food showed up and holy cow it was awesome! This is the best Italian I have found in the state! The whole experience is almost tragic, tons of great food and employees leaving a bad taste in my mouth. This place needs some serious employee training and managing. I can't believe the employees were so horrible that I don't recommend you eat at the restruant that has the best food in Utah. (They do have take out!!)

• Pros: Best Italian I've had in the city
• Cons: The employees would rather you not show up

12/15/08

Delicious food, romantic ambience

by blulie

Some friends and I gathered here for a dinner last weekend and had a great time. Our appetizers and entrees were tasty (we recommend the bruschetta), our server was very courteous and one of the chefs visited us twice for good measure.

• Pros: Food was awesome
• Cons: Parking is a joke, we waited for 20 mins despite reservations made 2 weeks in advance

07/02/08

Utah's Best Dining

by Novara

My favorite foods are mexican, greasy-spoon burgers, and all sorts of asian. I hate[d] italian. My wife and I did not try Lugano for years after moving to Salt Lake.

Big Mistake.

This is best establishment in the state. I love Takashi, and the Red Iguana is unreal, but everything I have ever tried at Lugano is sublime. I especially recommend whatever lamb dish they are serving. Shanks, chops, whatever... It is outstanding. For an italian resturaunt, Lugano is also outstanding at properly cooking salmon (a skill that escapes most high-end eateries in the valley).

All of this, plus the best service in town (you will leave a 40% tip and not think twice about it), plus online reservations. This is also an excellent spot for a mid-week night out.

• Pros: Food, Service, Wine, People, Menu, Atmosphere
• Cons: I will not nitpick Lugano, even though I am naturally critical

05/15/08

Card charged including 20% gratuity

by chocochoco

Well, food was good. Went back home and checking some card expense in online banking...found that this restaurant pre-charged the amount INCLUDING 20% gratuity. I've seen restaurants doing that, but I couldn't believe this place with this reputation does that. Usually, I see pre-charge that doesn't include tip, and the amount is revised later that includes tip. What if I don't want to pay 20% tip? They assume all of customers pay at least 20% tip anyway? I thought it was sort of arrogant way of business. Tip is something we agree to pay for good service, not forced to pay by the service provider....I think.

• Pros: food
• Cons: pre-charge card including tip

02/20/08

LOVED IT

by COULDCARELESS

Their is no dress code, however I felt a little under dressed. Other then that my wife and the company we were with LOVED IT. It was a little expensive I knew that going thier but the food and service was well worth it. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great food.

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: Nothing

02/16/08

Exceptional Valentine's four course meal with wine pairing

by KathH

We headed to Lugano for Valentine's Day (we are both vegetarian). We arrived a bit late for our reservation, though we were assured it was no problem at all & were seated in 15 mins. The standard bread and olive plate arrived in good order. We ordered the wine pairing for $39 each which started with a full glass of Prosecco Veneto which was a fun start.

The Amuse Buche was hand-pulled mozarella with a basil leaf and infused tomato. In this cold winter, it was a very welcome reminder of a sun soaked day in summer. We had the Parmesan/parsley gnocchi with wild mushrooms & porcini cream sauce. This was my favorite course by far. It came with a Trentino Pinot Grigio which was very drinkable but unremarkable. Then Potato leek soup for my husband & Arugula salad for me. The salad was a bit boring, though crisp & fresh. The soup was luke-warm & would have been better served in a hot plate. It came with a Motepulciano Tufaliccio which was not the best pairing for either of our dishes.

The entree options were a bit challenging for vegetarians. Our server suggested a chick pea cake with broccolini for me & offered my husband a pasta dish with eggplant & smoked cheese which was delightful. We have always found Greg's pasta light and perfectly cooked and this was no exception. Our entree was accompanied by the best wine of the night - Cesanese del Pigilo, Hyperius. (Alas, the wine store no longer offers it.) It was deep red with strong fruit flavors of black cherry and grape. It was not too tanniny.

I ended my feast with Tiramisu. I could taste the hint of coffee in the recipe though I wish someone in Utah would put real rum in Tiramisu! It seems slightly unfinished without it. Nevertheless, it was still excellent. My husband had the vanilla bean & brown sugar creme brulee with fresh berries. Fantastic flavor and light and creamy. This came with a Moscato d'Asti which was not too sweet for the desserts.

Delightful meal & service all around!

• Pros: Excellent food and wine pairing
• Cons: Location is unremarkable

02/13/08

Saved my Fiance's Birthday

by missmoe

I tried to make reservations at Al Forno's and they couldn't understand that when the phone was ringing, they should answer it.

So I called Lugano. The phone rang maybe 2 or 3 times. The woman who answered the phone was very courteous. I made the reservation, forgot what time it was for and called back. She answered the phone again and was very gracious.

We showed up a little bit early, and were seated. Our waitress was very prompt. Our food was amazing. I had the Pounded Chicken with parmesan mashed potatoes. Being a renegade wine drinker, I paired it the Tempranillo Rioja. It was perfect.

We got a tiramisu for his birthday and it was quite nice too.

All in all, it was a perfect experience. I enjoyed every minute of it and I would go back again any time.

• Pros: Delightful food, great service, what else could anyone ask for? :)