Lugano Restaurant

07/02/2008 Posted 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

05/17/2008 Posted 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!

05/15/2008 Posted 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

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02/20/2008 Posted 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

02/16/2008 Posted 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

02/13/2008 Posted 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? :)

12/10/2007 Posted by bromarmar

I received a gift card to this place, looked at the other reviews and was very hesitant to check this place out, but boy am I glad I did. We went on a Sunday night so there is a plus right there - open on Sundays. The hostess was nice. The service was great. The wine was really good. The apps were SO fresh and full of flavor. We have the hand stretched mozzerella and a flat bread with goodies on top, then the entrees arrived and they were just as amazing in flavor. My husband had the steak - it was HUGE!!!!! He ended up taking some of it home - a rare occasion when he orders steak. I had a pasta with mushrooms that was amazing!!! We had to save room for desert so we got our entrees boxed up to go and ordered dessert. The dessert was wonderful!!!!! I had a chocolate torte with mocha gelato on top - it was divine. My husband had the bread pudding that was fabulous!!! It was served warm with big plump fresh berries. Our experience was wonderful. I feel bad for those reviewers that did not enjoy themselves as much as we did. We will definitely return. The owner was there and I will note he wasn't too friendly with us - just with the regulars, so that was a little disappointing that he was so blatant in avoiding us. But I don't want to end on a negative note so go check it out the food really is good!

Pros: Fresh ingredients, great service and location.

Cons: Not much parking if a busy night. Flimsy paper menus that had spilled food on them.

11/18/2007 Posted by avenuehipchick

I was disappointed to read negative reviews, so I had to write my own. (So this is my first review). Lugano is a very good establishment. Greg, the owner, always says hello to customers and even apolgized to us for the wait on a busy Saturday evening. We just sat and drank wine and waited which was fine. The linguini with clams (I get it with extra garlic) is the best I've ever had. Try it. Unlike some local italian restaurants, you don't get kicked out after your "hour reservation" has expired. It would be nice if it had a bar or bigger waiting area, but that's ok.

10/15/2007 Posted by qualitydiner

Food preparation was poor and delivered cold. Then they re-heated the food making it as tastey as leftovers from the fridge. The Owner/Chef Greg is uncaring and unwilling to fix a meal to high standards, or comp a poor meal. He actually doesn't even respond to negative situations. He repeatedly wouldn't take my calls to discuss the overall food and service for my party. The cost and hype for the restaurant is extremely high and undeserved, don't go, you won't miss it!!

Pros: reservations

Cons: management, food, service, ambience

09/26/2007 Posted by rickbranhamslc

Lugano's is in our neighborhood, so we've been going for years--especially for big parties and special events. Recently, we had a birthday dinner with reservations. We were seated promptly, but then realized the whole restaurant was smoky and sweltering hot. Finally, a waiter came by and took our suggestion to "open a door or window" to let out the smoke. Duh! The indifferent and unapologetic waiter then took our drink orders, and disappeared for 35-40 minutes. After trying repeatedly to get his attention, he finally showed up and told us we wouldn't be served--no explanation, no apologies, and no offer to comp our drinks. After we paid, and he THREW THE CREDIT CARD AT US. A few days later, after we'd calmed down enough to be rational, we sent an email to the owner. His reply was cool and indifferent--at least we know where the waiter learned his attitude. Trust me folks, the food is okay, but not worth the service and the attitude. Spend your money somewhere that deserves it and will appreciate your business!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful