Salute Restaurant

In the lively downtown district of Hartford, Connecticut, Salute Restaurant holds court with effortless charm and magnetic energy. It’s a place where pasta dreams unfold under the soft hum of conversation, where garlic bread is legendary, and where the staff greets returning guests like family. For locals and visitors alike, this Italian eatery has earned its reputation as a dining institution with substance, soul, and savory brilliance.

Where Warmth Meets Style

Salute doesn’t posture as fancy or aloof. Instead, it embraces its diners with an upscale, welcoming atmosphere that feels vibrant without being overwhelming. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re drawn into a space that buzzes with hospitality. The bar and lounge area pulses with cheerful chatter, with guests sipping martinis and sampling the signature wines and cocktails. Service here is attentive without being overbearing. There’s pride in every interaction, and it shows.

Owner Jimmy Cosgrove and his team are the heartbeat of the restaurant. Their commitment to treating each guest like a longtime friend has become part of Salute’s identity. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, the front desk smiles just as brightly and the kitchen cooks just as passionately.

The Menu: A Celebration of Italian Flavor

Salute’s menu blends comfort and creativity in equal measure. There’s a reverence for traditional Italian cooking, evident in the house-made pasta and the careful layering of flavors in every dish. Yet it’s not afraid to play, to surprise with thoughtful touches and bold interpretations.

Guest favorites include:

• Rose Pasta
  A standout that draws praise across review platforms. This creamy tomato dish features sweet Italian sausage and sautéed mushrooms tossed with pasta in a light, silky sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
  
• Sweet Potato Ravioli
  Delicately sweet with a velvety texture, this dish shines with subtle spices and a buttery finish that leaves a lasting impression.
  
• Shrimp Peppercorn Pasta
  A flavorful blend of seafood richness and peppery zip, balanced with finesse and presented with elegance.
  
• Garlic Cheese Bread
  This starter deserves its own pedestal. Crispy on the outside, fluffy within, oozing with melted cheese and kissed with garlic. It’s the kind of dish that makes diners order extras just to take home.
  
• Pasta alla Vodka with Meatballs
  Creamy, indulgent, and laced with depth, it arrives steaming with meatballs that are practically the size of baseballs.

Dessert continues the experience with lovingly made options like Crème Brûlée and Tiramisu, and every guest receives a complimentary walnut biscotti to cap the meal—a small but heartfelt gesture that diners remember fondly.

Options for Everyone

While Salute remains firmly rooted in its Italian identity, it’s thoughtful about dietary preferences and needs. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Whether you’re ordering the Caprese salad, a seafood entrée, or a creative pasta special, quality and accommodation go hand in hand.

A Spot for Every Occasion

Lunch with coworkers, romantic dinners, family gatherings, or pre-show bites before a performance at the XL Center—Salute fits them all. The flexible layout includes cozy front spaces, a lively bar, and larger rooms tucked in the back. In warmer months, outdoor seating becomes an option, bringing the city’s energy right to your table.

For those on the go, Salute offers thoughtfully packed family dinners for four, an ideal solution for a game night or casual evening at home. And fans of espresso martinis will be delighted to know they are available to-go—a rare and welcome offering for cocktail lovers.

Consistency, Even During the Rush

Despite its popularity and frequent full-house evenings, guests consistently note the efficiency of the kitchen and the poise of the staff. Even on busy nights like New Year’s Eve or tournament weekends, the team keeps service seamless and spirits high. Whether seated at a table or the bar, guests are served with care and good timing.

Bartenders like Becky and Kaydon have received particular praise for their friendly rapport and skill behind the counter. These small details help make each visit personal. It’s no surprise that many reviewers mention stopping in more than once during a single trip to Hartford.

Practical Details

Address: 100 Trumbull Street, Suite 2, Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-899-1350
Reservations: Call ahead; no online bookings
Parking: Validated parking is available at the LAZ garage next door with a 50% discount (excludes event nights)

Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (often opens earlier for events)

A Place Worth Returning To

In a city with no shortage of culinary options, Salute rises above the crowd with character, consistency, and undeniable flavor. It’s the type of restaurant that sticks with you. The kind where garlic bread becomes a benchmark and a biscotti can tug at your heart a little.

For those passing through Hartford, it offers a warm welcome. For those who live nearby, it offers a dependable favorite. Salute isn’t just well-rated—it’s well-loved, and for good reason.