Delish pasta! I salute this restaurant! The mister and I came during Hartford restaurant week. A three course meal for 20.11! Yipee, the price is right. We came to the restaurant on a Saturday night and we did not make reservations. We were lucky to find an empty corner table for two at the bar! Yay! The bartender was awesome and he provided excellent service even though we did not seated at the bar. Appetizer - Salad of mixed greens, feta cheese, chopped apples & vinaigrette dressing. Great starter! The Pastas - I got the Shrimp Fra Diavolo with chopped suasage. This dish was such a big portion that the mister had to help me finish it. This pasta dish was more mild and would have like to be spicy. Delish! The mister got Rigatoni with Bolognese sauce. This was really delish! I like this dish better that I ended up finishing for the mister. Loved the meat sauce! Dessert: Bread pudding with ice cream. Delish and a very hearty. I was really happy that I tried this place. The mister loves this place as well since his friends took him here for his birthday just two days earlier. Salute surprised him with a mini birthday cake, a tiramisu. Overall, a great place for a delish dinner! read more

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I stopped by here yesterday evening with a coworker for dinner. We had tried to eat at Salute before but the last time it was packed and they didn't have a table for us. This time we were lucky as we still didn't have a reservation but they were able to fit us in. Unfortunately I didn't get to see much of the restaurant as they immediately took us to the small room you can see through the front window which is secluded from the rest of the restaurant. The room itself was cozy enough with seating for 12 or so people with 3 twotops and a table for 6. It had a wall that looked like a tiled backsplash along with a tiny out of place tv near the top of it. On this evening I decided to start off my meal by having the spinach salad. It consisted of spinach, dried cherries, sliced almonds, blue cheese and roasted pears along with a ginger dressing. I could tell my salad was dressed but I would never have been able to tell you with what dressing. Even so the salad proved to be very good with the roasted pears and everything else bringing a sweetness to the salad which the blue cheese played the perfect foil to. Then for my dinner entree I decided on the pasta alla vodka to which I added shrimp. The pasta for the dish was a rigatoni and in addition the sauce and shrimp it also had broccoli, garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Oddly enough on the top was a feta cheese which somehow went with the dish. The portion size was absolutely huge and the pasta and shrimp were cooked perfectly. I appreciated having the broccoli in it so I didn't feel as guilty about eating it and then the sun dried tomatoes brought a little acidity to the dish. Last but not least was the sauce which was really tasty and seemed to be swimming with garlic. As if a flavorful meal wasn't good enough, Salute provided the cherry on top by giving us warm almond cookies (more biscotti like than cookie) in a to go bag. They were delicious with the perfect amount of sweetness to close the meal. The bottom line for me is that I would go here again in the future. This was some of the best food that I have had in Hartford and thought that the portion sizes were large compared to the price. read more

If you are a fan of espresso martinis, this place makes a wicked martini & serves it in a beer glass! Screw those little dainty cups that you spill everything out of! Order 2 and you'll be happy as a clam!! Tried shrimp/seafood fra diablo of which was shared. Food was plenty for two! Cheesy garlic bread was delicious! We went to see at show at the Theatre, and the owner provided us with hot/delicious biscottiS to accompany our walk there! AMAZING!!! read more

Salute - Salute celebrating my birthday!!! Holy Moly!! This is my best'est birthday....!!! - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

10 stars! What a find! Nearby hotel recommended to friend staying in the area so we went with fairly low expectations. Server was beyond accommodating with our party if 6 (3 adults plus 3 kids ages 10-15). We sat outside on a somewhat cool evening but the heaters made it comfortable! Recommendations - calamari appetizer with peppers & more "what they're known for" cheesy stuffed bread please! - were AMAZING! Entrees: Generous portions, one special was shrimp piccata & it was beyond delicious! We HAD to get (many to choose from!) dessert... homemade crime brûlée, raspberry sorbet, carrot cake with out of this world icing... oh and a beautiful chocolate martini! Our dining experience was 2 weeks ago & we're STILL oogling over this meal! This is what every dining experience should be - attentive service with fresh, authentic, delicious & proudly prepared dishes... not gonna lie... disappointment hit when this fabulous meal came to an end... but you don't mind getting the bill because it is worth every penny! We live about 100 miles away & will make a point to visit again as soon as we can! read more

Best Italian food in Hartford! Must try "Soon to Be Famous" Garlic Cheese Bread, Sweet Potato Ravioli, and Rose Pasta. Jimmy and the staff make you feel so welcomed & Always remember you're name! read more

Well, either I was wrong or Salute has gotten better. Either way, this place has now risen to my rotation of very good places to eat in Downtown Hartford. On my most recent visits, the service has been top notch. I could still do without the side room up front which still feels a little too claustrophobic to me. But it's a pleasant place to enjoy a meal. The food has also impressed me the last few times. For lunch recently, the meatball salad (I know!) was recommended to me by a friend and didn't disappoint. The flavors blended well and the meatball was huge, moist, and flavorful. Overall, it's a rock solid place in Hartford that deserves to be on anyone's list for a night out. read more

Ventured out into the Arctic weather for some Salute. Hot Toddies at the bar brought us back into a comfortable range. However, we were soon chilled again by a large group of revilers unaware of their decibel level, which also chilled numerous other diners. Anyway, the meal: Great. read more

Now I have been a total of 3 times: the first was great, except a hair in a pasta dish; second time for a St. Patrick's lunch, which was fine but I personally enjoy their dinner menu better; and third for another dinner. Ever since my first time, the service has been fantastic. Waiters are always there when you need them, never had to wait too long for anything, even food. Every time I have gotten the cheesy bread, it's to die for!! Last time I went, we got a free loaf of it... so generous!! I'm glad I came here again after my first time, how can one not love Italian food and great service!? Would gladly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the area looking for nice Italian food! So many pasta dishes to choose from, I always have a hard time deciding. Once you go, I'm sure you'll go back again! read more

This was the best dining experience we have had in many years. Extremely professional and pleasant staff. The food was plentiful and excellent. My Shrimp FRA Diablo was just spicy enough. Plenty of shrimp and sausage in a delightful spicy red sauce. My wife's Panko Lemon Cod was more than she could eat. Fresh tender cod filet with delicious mashed potatoes ( lots) and broccoli. Very reasonable price considering a downtown location. Highly recommend. Can't wait to go back. read more

You just cannot go wrong at Salute. I have been eating here for years -- less frequently since I stopped working downtown and had small children, but it's still my go-to downtown restaurant. I still feel like a regular when I walk in, because the staff is amazing and Jimmy literally greets me like family. When I had my first son, he told my husband to come order take out for me while I was in the hospital, on the house. The whole staff just makes sure everyone will want to return again and again. The food is awesome. My favorite pasta dish is the lobster/shrimp pinchiori. Delicious big chunks of seafood, plus creamy sauce, mushrooms and asparagus -- yum. I also recommend the bolognese, the steak, the salmon... you really cant go wrong. Definitely spring for the cheesy garlic bread. Wine menu is good, specialty drinks are even better, and the happy hour menu is hard to beat. The flatbread and the ravioli are stand outs on that menu. There's a reason Salute is always packed, even after the event crowds have left to see their shows/games/concerts. read more

Stopped in for a fast dinner before a show at the Bushnell, the manager/staff could not have been more attentive to seating us (packed restaurant) and ensuring our meals came quickly. Fantastic service, super friendly inviting vibe, and excellent food. Salads, broccoli rabe, short ribs, all done perfectly, and priced right. I would highly recommend Salute, we live in the Hartford area so will definitely return, what a fantastic place! Thanks for a great experience! read more

We had a delightful take out meal! We ordered (2) Dinner for Two meals. Food was great, packaged well for convenient transport, and the portion size allowed us to have a few additional meals/snacks. We had the (2) Rose pasta, chicken piccata, and hangar steak (a perfect medium rare). Not to mention breads, tomato butter, dessert, wine, and biscotti. To top it off, service was great! Happy New Year! We will be back! read more

LITERALLY THE MOMENT. The staff is so nice and the place itself is very clean and spacious. If you're ever looking for good pasta alla vodka in Hartford COME HERE!!!!! read more

Best food in Hartford by far. If you want a friendly waiter with great knowledge and service ask for Donavan. He treated us well and gave great recommendations. Favorite dishes were the Lobster pasta dish, sweet potato ravioli appetizer, and cheesy garlic bread! You can't go wrong here. So many amazing options. Loved the cheesecake for dessert as well. Came from Junior's Cheesecake in Brooklyn. read more

Salute - Crab cake appetizer - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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This place is really nice the service is good thw food is good amd great atmosphere...

We went there to celebrate my brother's birthday off of a recommendation from The Goodwin hotel front desk and it was excellent. It was around the corner from the hotel so we took the short walk and got seated immediately which was nice. EVERYONE on staff that we interacted with was warm and inviting and the menu is completely customizable for customers. You can make almost all entrees gluten free which is why I chose the restaurant (I have a gluten intolerance). Everything we ordered was delicious including the drinks. Agy (Agnes) came to refill our water and bus our table throughout the night and Michael was our waiter - they were both personable, attentive and very kind. And to top off the experience another waiter (the resident baritone at the restaurant) gave my brother a memorable birthday serenade I will definitely be back! read more

I was treated to a delicious dinner at Salute for my birthday after hearing great things about the restaurant from friends. It's located right across from Bushnell Park and is a short walk from nearly everything in downtown Hartford. Even on a Tuesday, the restaurant was packed. We had a reservation and were seated promptly. Service was excellent throughout the evening. We opted for the cheese bread, scallops entree, and chicken parm. Everything was very well done and flavorful. Portions were also huge that we had lunch for the next day. We finished the meal off with some tasty chocolate lava cake---heavenly! Will plan to come back for a happy hour or in warmer weather to enjoy the outdoor dining area! read more

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Excellent service from reservation to check out. Jimmy made us feel like family (family that you like). Our server, Chip was attentive and engaging. Now to the food: haddock was perfectly cooked and the flavor from the garlic mashed was like a symphony on the palate. The mushrooms and pancetta in the Pasta Bella was balanced perfectly. Spoiler alert: this dish is so large my husband and I split the leftover portion for lunch the next day. The adult beverages (yes, that was plural) were delicious and the wine selection very nice. Thank you for sharing your love of hospitality and food, Jimmy. Saltute! read more

Oh Hartford. The town I grew up in is no longer. Eating Italian food in Central Connecticut was an adventure in rich, savory sauces loaded with herbs and spices that delighted my juvenile taste buds. I was so psyched to see a new Italian eatery with such high ratings from yelp. The service was a delight. This is why two stars. The food was so, so disappointing. My daughter and I left most of our food in the plate. The food defined "meh" to a "Travelers T" read more

Had a annual Dinner party there last night, as usual they hit it out of the park.. the ambience of the restaurant , food , and staff all amazing !!! read more

If you are 1st generation Italian you probably won't like it. To me it's a higher end Olive Garden

Great meal, see attached photo of Rose Pasta, and excellent service. A glass of Argentinean Malbec finished it off perfectly. I have marked this one down for future visits. read more

Salute - Rose Pasta with a meatball added - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

Fantastic restaurant! Although I didn't not make it all the way inside the other rooms of the restaurant, the small room I was seated in was wonderfully decorated. I had a very hard time deciding what dish to try. I opted for a lighter dinner so I could save room for dessert. The salad with butternut squash, goat cheese, pistachios, and dried cranberries was superb! They brought fresh warm bread with smoked tomato butter. What an awesome change from plain old garlic butter. I gobbled up two pieces before my dinner came. I followed my salad with Graham gelato. It was excellent, rich, and creamy. It was topped with a decorative Graham cracker for a fabulous touch. The service was excellent as the owner and staff took excellent care of me and the other tables in my little room. There aren't many restaurants available where the owner actually waits on tables. I will definitely be back if I'm afforded another opportunity to visit Hartford!! read more

Salute - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

Service: Our waiter was fantastic- attentive and prompt Food: Appetizers were small in portions but the sweet potato ravioli were good. Very good mix between the ravioli and sweet potato. Cheesy Italian bread was also very good. We ran out of ravioli so why not dip the bread in the sauce? Delicious. Entrees came out and were equally delicious. Short Rib entree with mashed potatoes (w/ a hint of goat cheese ) I was pretty happy. I give the establishment a 3 rating based solely on the owner. Our group of 3 showed up around 4:30pm on a Saturday - not too intrusive. Upon arrival we were given warning that 6pm they'd have a large crowd. Nothing specific. So we went on ordering, appetizer, bottle of wine/drinks, entrees and desserts. Around 6, the owner stops by and subtly says "Thanks for being quick". I didnt realize I was on a timer. 6:10pm comes around and he gets down and offers us drinks at the bar - basically enticing us to move on from our conversation at the table. It felt rude, rushed and inappropriate. I get that the restaurant might be good, up and coming and busy but theres no reason to rush ANYONE to finish a drink/conversation. I've never experienced anything like this. Overall had a good experience with the restaurant but being rushed to finish drinks and vacate a table rub my group the wrong way. If I'm ever in the Hartford area probably wouldn't come back based on MY experience. I won't deter anyone based on the food and service (outside of this eagar owner). Good luck. 41-33 read more

I don't know that I've ever felt more compelled to write a 5 star review than I do right now. Salute! I wouldn't have changed a thing. The owner and the rest of the staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly. It felt like you were going to a friends place to hang out and eat. The food was wonderful. We had the "Soon to be famous" garlic bread, calamari, the Shrimp Fra Diablo, and some broccolini. I would recommend them all! Ended it with some graham cracker gelato...tasted like it sounds...which obviously means it was great. The icing on the cake was we walked out while the owner was in the back or something. He saw us leaving ran outside to thank us and ask us how everything was. He even offered us coffee once we told him we had an hour drive left ahead of us. I mean come on, how beautiful is that!? I will make a point to come back next time I'm anywhere remotely close to Hartford. Do yourself a favor and get in there. read more

Went to this restaurant for the first time for lunch and ate outside. The service was fantastic, very attentive without being annoying. This would be great for a quick lunch during the week. We were seated, had ordered and received our food within about 15 minutes of arrival. For food, we started with the garlic cheese bread, which had lots of cheese and garlic on it. Then I had the Chicken Parmesan, which was very tasty and supplied more than enough for two lunches for me. At $9 for the lunch portion that's a pretty good deal. My friend got the Shrimp Fra Diablo, which he liked (so much that I didn't get to try any). We finished with the chocolate lava cake, which is served with vanilla gelato. My only complaint was that there was not enough gelato for the size of the cake. Bottom line: I will definitely go back and try other items on the menu. I may even do takeout for some of their sandwiches. read more

Simply put, I love this place. It gets busy, and you might not get a table on a Friday/Saturday without a reservation, but every time I manage to land a table I have a great meal. The Managing Partner (James "Cos" Cosgrove) is a pleasure, and always makes us feel very welcome. The cheesy garlic bread is still as delicious as ever, and I have yet to try anything that I didn't really like. That's the only downside, it's too hard to choose sometimes! As others have noted, the happy hour is worth a visit, as it goes until 7:30 and lands you some nice drinks and apps at a significantly discounted rate. Do yourself a favor and check it out if you haven't already. If you have, well you probably aren't reading this review...as you already know it deserves your patronage. read more

A bunch of us out-of-town colleagues decided going here for dinner while in town for a training workshop. We called them last minute to tell them 10 people are coming for dinner, and the owner/manager was very accommodating on the phone and made sure he had the table set up all ready for us. Our server was wonderful as well, and made some great recommendations since we all have never been there. I was not crazy about the calamari appetizer, as I love calamari and have had it almost everywhere. This place there's a lot of breading, and the breading was kinda falling apart from the calamari. It's just ok. However, my scallops entrée made up for it. Amazing grilled scallops with a shrimp fried rice in the middle. Ok, so it's not exactly Italian (lol), but three of us all ordered that dish and all of us raved about it. The special spicy shrimp pasta dish (I can't name the exact Italian name of the dish) got high praises too. Overall great service and food, we will be back next time we are in town for work! read more

Salute - Meatball salad - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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Delicious food, excellent service! We stopped for lunch while driving through the area on a holiday (so it was less busy than usual) with our young kids and they were so wonderful and accommodating, service with a smile, can't ask for more! read more

We were a bit worried when we walked in because we hadn't made a reservation and it was very busy. However they managed to seat the four of us regardless and were very efficient. I had the garlic cheese bread which was very nice, but I was blown away by the chicken gnocchi! Not only did they produce it ridiculously quickly but I think it might be the best meal I've had during my 6 months in America. The staff were all very friendly and professional and the pricing was very good for the outstanding quality of food and service. I leave Hartford in a week but I'll definitely be coming back for more. read more

Salute - Outstanding chicken gnocchi with pesto sauce. - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

This charming Italian restaurant nestled between Bushnell Park and the start of Trumbull St. is the perfect retreat for a hard day at the office, or a comforting meal for any occasion. Although Hartford is quite dead on the weekends, Salute always seems to draw a crowed to their beautiful and inviting outdoor patio. Although it was the perfect day to eat outside, I decided to dine inside for a quick lunch away from the August heat. Because I arrived just before 1:00 p.m. on a Saturday, a condensed, cheaper menu was presented to me; which is to say that, although the selection was condensed, the flavor remained impeccable! I ordered a bowl of pasta that was promptly delivered with freshly graded parmesan cheese, voluptuous tomato wedges, perfectly cooked pasta, and a homemade loaf of bread accompanied by roasted tomato butter. The staff was incredibly friendly, engaged in just the right amount of customer-server banter, and were quick to refill beverages and take my lunch order. I highly recommend Salute as a golden gem of downtown Hartford. If you get the chance, head in for lunch to enjoy a comfortably priced meal without compromising impeccable italian cuisine. read more

Salute - Smoked tomato butter - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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Waiter references you by name, even at the bar! Starter, Garlic bread is delicious, not to oily or buttery, nice and crispy, bread is fresh. Beer selection includes a heavenly "lil' bit of sunshine". Marketed as a grapefruity ipa, it packs s punch but tastes delicious (lightweight beware!). Main course, a simple classic well executed. Rigatoni pomodoro. The sauce was fresh and balanced, tastes homemade. Freshly sliced garlic accompanies fresh basil and small melted balls of fresh mozzarella.The bartender surprised with freshly grated cheese! Completely unexpected, sitting at the bar.garlic bad tastes great dipped in the sauce, if any made it that far ;) The place is definitely loud, but I am sitting at the bar. I really like the feel, very very friendly. If your in Hartford, make this a go to stop! read more

Salute - Rigatoni pomodoro - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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Love this place!!! Went for valentines dinner last year! Their cheesy garlic bread is a great appetizer and there salmon was to die for! Definitely recommend this place for anyway wanting to check out downtown restaurants!!! read more

Salute - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

The only thing wrong with Salute is that they're just too successful!! It's such a treat to dine there, but make your reservation well in advance of your visit. The pasta pomodoro is simply the best, but there's much to choose from. You can't resist the garlic bread. You're always sent home with a bag of biscotti. Jimmy and the staff are always so welcoming. read more

My friend and I stopped here for lunch and even though the dining room was empty we were told we would have to sit at the bar. The manager told us because of an event at the civic center we could not get a table because they were reserved for dinner later. This did not make us happy but we are SO GLAD we stayed and sat at the bar. The food was excellent, the service by the bar tenders was even better. Great staff, made us feel welcome and took great care of us. The manager/hostess was so kind and treated us to dessert for the inconvenience. Yummy dessert too!!! An elephant never forgets and I hope your elephant made you smile. read more

One of my favorite restaurants in Hartford. I selected this for my birthday meal with my family because of the consistent quality of the food, atmosphere, and service. Even though it was a Tuesday night it was crowded with happy customers and we were greeted warmly by the host. If you're trying to come on a weekend night you're definitely going to need to call ahead. Our waiter was knowledgeable of the menu and very attentive. They comped our desert and gave us extra (and delicious) garlic bread too- so nice! Great job Salute as always! read more

Salute - Birthday lava cake - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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Excellent food and service. The staff is just so friendly. During Covid the delivery was really hot and perfect presentation. I couldn't wait to go in person and wasn't disappointed!! read more

I've been here twice now and every time, the food and service has been great. So far, I've tried: the rose pasta, pomodoro, and the garlic cheese bread. All amazing. The pomodoro is very light, yet has a rich tomatoey flavor. I would get that again the next time I go. The portions here are big, so there is enough for lunch the next day! FYI, they offer 20% off Sunday through Tuesday if you live in downtown Hartford! read more

Salute - Rose pasta in the front, vodka pasta in the back - Italian Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

Salute has always provided top notch customer service. The food tastes scrumptious. The drinks are really good and the bar tenders are super. If you have never been to Salute you are missing out. read more

I've dined with Salute about 3 times and each time has been spectacular! The food, ambiance, and staff are absolutely wonderful. The garlic bread is a must every time (maybe 2)! Highly recommend the rose pasta, chicken parmigiana, and ragu bolognese. Everything I've tried at Salute has been delicious. The complimentary biscotti are my favorite! A special shout out to the owner for being so friendly and running a great business! read more