Sal's Trattoria
Nisha Jacob · 139 Google reviewsSal's Trattoria — one of Lakeview's strongest italian spots. Candlelit and unhurried, ideal for a slow dinner. Cocktail menu runs deeper than expected. "The service was incredible, the ambiance was cozy, fresh, inviting and just beautiful" — Kimmy K777 [$$, patio]
What 475 diners keep saying
What 475 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Delightful Italian restaurant with wonderful home cooked meals. Excellent service from Francisco. Great cocktails and wine selection. Started with a fabulous burrata. Fettuccine carbonara and chicken marsala for the entrees. Over the top chocolate chip cookie in a skillet dessert. Will definitely go back. Always busy, but go early at 5pm for fast outdoor or bar seating.”
“An inviting bistro with a warm presence. Our host this evening was gracious and set our party of 8 to the table right away. Several attendants immediately brought us water, menu and two bread baskets containing crispy, sliced bagels with accompanied olive oil. The menu offered several appetizing choices. This evening had three specials. A appetizer and two entrees. Our party e joked the Rigatoni Bolognese, Fettuccine Carbonara, Spinach & Ricotta Raviloi and the evenings special of Branzino (white fish). We started with two orders of the Meatballs and the WAGYU Beef Carpaccio (which was yummy, but there was an aioli mayonnaise sauce on the edges all the way around the plate which deterred from the freshness of the beef. The flavor overpowered the WAGYU.) For dessert we ordered the Olive Oil Cake (yum!), a scoop of the chocolate Gelato, and a Limoncello which was better than some of the Limoncello's we had in Italy. Busses cleared our plates and we're visible to ask for pepper (on the Carpaccio) and fresh parmesan (very flavorful). The only part of our evening fell short was our server who lacked attention to our table and lacked giving us a personal feel. He only provided the minimum. There were a couple of times we tried to get his attention. The restaurant was loud and it was to hear. The waiter did not come around the table and explain the menu or the dessert items. He stood on one side and waited for response. We looked at each other a couple of times wondering if he heard our request. ??? Hello... Our server, Chase, never offered seasonings or the parmesan - we had to ask. When one of our party could not decide on an entree, he offered to assistance in helping by highlighting several menu items, his response was if the person couldn't decide right now then Chase could not put in our order. Which added pressure to the young man and had to make a "rushed" decision. It would have been nice for the server you ask what kinds of dishes he likes get a feel for his palette and offer some choices. That is what a waiter does in a high end restaurant. Not just take orders without highlighting item on the menu. The restaurant fell short here. Thus only four stars for 'service.'”
“A small cozy dinner spot that serves up a fresh and inventive menu. Had the Orecchiette, Chicken Parm with roasted beet salad and Brussels sprouts. Everything was great. Get there early regulars fill the place and parking is tough but can be found.”
“We came for a valentine dinner and Loved the food here and service! Max and Mario were fantastic with the food and drink recommendations. We got the sophia and the pomegranate drink as mocktails and loved them. We got calamari, the lamb shank, and the Trottle which were solid! Will definitely come back!”
“Incredible! I had a lovely birthday dinner here! Everything we ordered from the drinks to the dessert were delicious. Joseph took exceptional care of us. Absolutely will be back, especially for the bolognese!”
“Sal’s is such a neighborhood gem- I can’t believe I’ve walked past it so many times without trying it! Beautiful cozy interior with great architecture and a stunning bar. The service is top notch and they have a cool menu with some standard dishes that are always available and a few rotating dishes under each section. Bread service is awesome with a freshly grated plate of parm to accompany. We got the meatballs which came in the most delicious homemade marinara, the special of the day branzino (can not recommend highly enough), and the venison sausage pasta (interesting and creative). This feels like one of those places that you really can’t go wrong with ordering- everything is fresh and delicious. Highly recommend as a date night spot but it will be necessary to get a reservation.”
“We had the best dining experience at Sal’s last night!! Food, service, and outdoor dining were amazing. I love Italian food and they had the most delicious gnocchi I have eaten. Also, the fresh grated cheese they provide with the olive oil for the bread was a delectable surprise! Max the manager made sure we were well taken care of and all of the staff were attentive and accommodating!! Will definitely return and highly recommend!! Thanks so much for a delightful experience!!”
“we were served by francsico and he is so awesome and we had a fantastic night with him! the food was delicious and the atmosphere is amazing- dim lit and comfortable. great service and will be back!”
“The Burrata was amazing and is a must try - well toasted slices of bread served with delicious pesto, jam and burrata were to die for. We also ordered a side of gnocchi and did not regret this decision at all! The rigatoni bolognese and special pasta (linguine cooked in white wine, butter, lime and tiger shrimps) were really good too. Our server was very accommodating allowing us to customize the special pasta; we switched the white wine butter sauce with pesto. A great place for a date night or for family style dining. Loved everything we ordered.”
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