Cucina

We went for an early lunch. It was more of a deli-style counter service place at that point. Soup, beef salad and coffee were all good. Lettuce mix was kind-of boring for the quality of the rest of the dish. Bathroom needs better ventilation. Dinner menu and when there is table service looked like it would be a good experience. Person who helped us was very friendly. Lots of newspapers around people were reading/leaving around.

This restaurant has very affordable sandwich and salad options for lunch ($10-$13). It has a water station and self service cutlery. The grilled veggies and Portobello mushroom salad was delicious. Relaxed ambience with plenty of natural light, comfortable seating and beautiful decor. They also have outdoor seating options. I will be coming back!

Absolutely exquisite food and service! Ordered crab cakes for appetizers, the Ocotpus Gnocchi for an entree and for dessert had the chocolate lava cake w/huckleberry and the lemon semifreddo!

This neighborhood restaurant won an award for best Salt Lake restaurant in 2018. I think they will win more awards. All that and they had one of my favorite New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, Matua!

I'm so glad I found this place. The food was absolutely delicious. Fresh, well flavored, and plated beautifully.
Service was friendly. Even the beer was perfect. No complaints!

Cucina 2/18/2023

I had the pleasure of visiting Cucina with my girlfriend this weekend. It was my first visit and I’d like to visit again.

AMBIANCE:
The restaurant is situated in a lovely neighborhood on the North side of Salt Lake City. Parking is limited however, there is free street parking in the immediate area. The restaurant has a modern feel that is lit with low intensity overhead lights and individual table lights. The main dining hall appears crowded at first glance, however when seated, you feel ample amounts of privacy. Music volume is low and it is easy to carry on a conversation with your table mates.

We ordered the chicken confit and oregano fettuccine.

PRESENTATION:
Both dishes were immediately pleasing to the eye. The oregano fettuccine pasta was colored a brilliant green topped on a creamy green sauce. The dish was accented by orange kabocha squash, deeper green arugula, and sprinkled bread crumb. The chicken confit was a mono-chromatic dish with the baby broccoli standing out as the main color differentiator. The Frenched chicken leg was a delightful surprise showing evidence of the refined techniques used by the chefs. I liked the crème fraiche dotted within the beurre rouge sauce as well.

THE TASTE:
The fettuccini was well cooked, slightly al dente. The sauce was not overpowering and had a subtle bitter flavor. The squash and bread crumbs added to the texture of the dish making each bite interesting. The dish has a very pleasant smoky undertone from the smoked cheddar cheese which wasn’t visibly on the plate.

The chicken confit fell off the bone as expected. The flavor of the chicken was rich. A strong umami came from the porcini risotto and beurre rouge while the crème fraiche offered a palate lift. The dish took on a hint of Thanksgiving with a small side of pear and cherry mostarda. The heaviness of this dish was elevated by this hit of citrus, I probably could have used more mostarda. The star of this dish was in fact its side of baby broccoli. The broccoli looked ordinary as it lay on the plate, but as soon as it hit my mouth I was filled with a burst of lively flavors. Salty, spicy, and umami. As I contemplated, I realized this was the best broccoli I’d ever eaten. I’m afraid to say, it took over as the best item on any of the dishes tonight!

OVERALL
We had an excelling dining experience at Cucina. Our dishes felt very French and Italian but were highlighted with flares of American creativity. The ambiance was warm, welcoming, and intimate. The food presentation and flavor make me excited to return to try other menu items. Will be dining here again.

I am so happy that my boyfriend gave me this surprise of ordering the moat delightful food and drink! We ordered several dishes and every single one was just beyond expectations!!

What a gem! The staff is warm and friendly, the restaurant is cozy, and the food is incredible. Very upscale menu, but the prices are quite reasonable. I had the carpaccio, fettuccine, creme brulee, and three glasses of wine for under $100 before tip - quite a bargain for such a lovely meal! My friend had the gulf shrimp and polenta, wagyu bourguignon, and molé ice cream with chocolate ganache, which was incredible. Highly recommend!

This place is a gem! It's the perfect size for both intimate or group meals with attentive and knowledgeable staff, who makes you feel very welcome. Our server was excellent, and recommended one of the best wines that I've tried in years. The food is creative and absolutely beautiful. I was especially taken with the mole rojo and blood orange mojo that took the roasted romanesco broccoli to the next level. All of the entrees were delicious and we only regret that we only had room to share a dessert. I suggest to bring friends and do sharing plates (many!) to try every flavor nuance.

This is a gem in the Avenues. Chef combines flavors in a modern and unique way. I traveled the world with every dish. The sauces are perfect. Go in the evening as sun starts getting down and enjoy you dessert and spirits at dusk. Lightening and music make for the best ambience for a remarkable dinning experience.