Reviews for Celeste Ristorante in Salt Lake City, UT
Have you ever been to a really good restaurant and been pleasantly surprised how good it was? This is not that. This is on a... whole different level. The food and service were both unbelievable! They bring fresh plates for each course, just like they doin Italy. Every dish we had was completely fresh with high quality ingredients. The combination of flavors, tastes, and textureswas incredible. We shared the Carpacchio appetizer, the spinach salad, and gnocchi, and they were all absolutely delicious! Thegnocchi was not chewy but almost melted in your mouth. We also shared the fruit tart for dessert and it was also amazing! We arecoming back to try everything on the menu. They will definitely get to know our names. Read more
I would say this is the one of the best italian restaurants that I ever tried in last 5 years. If you go there, always try... their special of the day. I ordered three primo to share with. They make their own olive oil and balsamic sauce that goes SOWELL with the breads. Read more
Our close friends recommended this place and we?re so glad that they did! This meal was amazing and the best pasta we?ve ever... had. We will definitely be back. Read more
We were told about this place by some friends and family and would definitely recommend it to others. This is the closest thing... we?ve had to authentic Italian food in Salt Lake. I would say it?s better than Valter?s and about 1/2 the cost. We stayed withthe Burratta, then shared a shrimp pesto (shrimp on the side because my wife doesn?t care for it) and the season trufflerisotto, and then finished it off with a raspberry/blackberry fruit tart. We look forward to going back and trying some oftheir other dishes. Read more
Such great food, and don't forget to save room for dessert. We got the specials. The Gnocchi, will stay in my dreams.
To be fair, hats off to this mom and pop restaurant for making it through the pandemic years. When we went here 2 years ago,... the food was fresh and inviting, the flavors blending together in a welcoming way. But something happened in those 2 years andthe result was that 5 of the 6 of us were disappointed in our meals and thus the ding of several stars in the rating. So let'sjump to the usual owner rebuttal of "authentico" regional cooking. Having eaten in both Sienna and Florence, all of my grouphad had a chance to experience a variety of Tuscan food so we did have something to compare this "authentico" food to that whichwe had in Italy. The meals we were served were not the "authentico" we remembered. Take the swordfish "steak" which was pricedat $29. What arrived was not really a swordfish steak like you would view at a fish market, but rather one which appeared to besliced in half like a thin-cut pork chop (see picture). The piece proved a bit overcooked and tasted a bit "fishy," notsomething you'd expect in a fresh piece of fish (my wife didn't finish it). The linguini seafood dish (Alla Pescadora) was alsofar from what we were served 2 years ago. Take a peek at the tiny mussels and what appears to be shrimp and you'd think thesecame from a bag of seafood mix. Indeed, when I asked to not have the shrimp (which I'm allergic to) and instead a bit morecalamari, i was told that the "mix" is marinated together and thus unable to be separated...hmmm. Where were the fresh musselsbursting open in their shells? Where were the shrimp looking pink and well, looking like shrimp. Marinated perhaps, butlacking in flavor. So because I couldn't get the dish without shrimp, I chose the basic Celeste spaghetti which was...basic. So by now, the owners are likely feeling their blood pressure rising a bit so I'll jump to the good points. My one friendenjoyed his shaved truffle pasta, and the desserts were as good as anywhere, as was the service. And w Read more
I wish I had known about this place earlier. I've never been to Italy, but I have been to some good Italian restaurants in the... Bay Area, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake (Per Noi, Nuch's, Sicilia Mia, Valter's). They say this is authentic Italian/Tuscan food, andI have to believe them, because it is best, homiest Italian food I have every had. If you want to know what it's like to have anItalian grandmother who's a good cook, this is the place. Before I go on, please know that you will probably need a RESERVATION? they are only open from 5-8:00 Tuesday through Saturday. Now back to the food ;-) The presentation is fine, but understated.It really seems to be all about flavor, quality, and authenticity here. We had Melanzane Alla Parmigiana (eggplant parmesan) asa starter, and it was amazing. I think I could have eaten multiple servings of it. It was a different style - NOT the thick,deep-fried slices of eggplant swimming in marinara. Rather, the slices were super thin and layered - so more au gratin style, Isuppose. At any rate, it was delicious. We also had the lentil soup (Lenticchie), which, as you'll see in the pictures, isdeceptively ordinary looking, but was also delicious, and so healthy. We also had the Insalata Di Spinach, the Pesci SpadaGriglia, and the Ravioli Incavolati. Every thing was wonderful - we ate every last bit. We didn't see a dessert menu, and Idon't see one on the website, so here's what they had available when we dined there. Tiramisu, Crostata Di Frutta (a custard andfruit tart completely covered with fresh raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries), a Mille Foglie (i.e., a Napoleon), andPanna cotta. We had the tart and the Napoleon, and both were delicious. The service was friendly and efficient. They weren'tplaying music, which is nice, because it makes it so much easier to talk. Also, ample free parking - so much easier than diningdowntown. Can't wait to go back. This is truly a gem. Read more
Wonderful restaurant!! The best Italian food I have had since traveling in Europe (as good if not better than Italian... restaurants I went to in NYC where I lived for many years). It is quaint, no frills and delicious. Come for the food and stayfor the singing. I say try the gnocchi, my husband says get the steak! Read more