SALT LAKE CITY — Months after being named Utah’s Best Restaurant 2025 by Salt Lake Magazine and relocating his namesake restaurant to downtown Salt Lake City, Matteo has launched Strada Cucina Italiana. With a focus on homemade Italian paninis, artisan pasta dishes, and fresh salads, Strada (named for “street” in Italian due to the street-inspired fare) combines the best of Matteo’s hometown in Modena, Italy with a modern American twist. Matteo’s creative menu even allows customers to be the chef. Patrons can choose between seven different homemade pastas that can be paired with a variety of six made-from-scratch sauces, all of which come straight from flagship restaurant, Matteo Ristorante. Strada is open for lunch and dinner providing a large dining area for customers who may also take out at the counter or online. Catering options are also available for large groups. Strada is located at 30 E Broadway (300 South).
Matteo’s mom, Manuela, and Executive Chef Damiano Carlotto have partnered on Strada’s menu to deliver made-in-house comfort food. Manuela, celebrated for her focaccia and desserts at Matteo, bakes the ciabatta for the paninis and her cannoli are made to fill upon order. Damiano sources all charcuterie from Italy and prepares roasted pork, homemade sausage, polpette, and chicken cutlets daily.
“Strada is our answer to Salt Lake City’s call for an authentic, high-quality sandwich shop where classic Italian meets old school New York City vibes that have never before existed here,” says Matteo Sogne, owner of Strada by Matteo. “This is more than just a new concept. It’s about my family who moved here from Modena, and our excitement to share the cuisine enjoyed at home. We strive to be an inviting dining option in downtown Salt Lake City for family and friends to gather and experience our joy and togetherness.”
While Strada offers a convivial atmosphere, the interior design is high end and refined. It’s an eclectic mix of vintage, classic charm with modern, minimalist touches.
“Strada appeals to downtown residents and employees allowing them to enjoy a delicious, healthy, and affordable lunch or dinner that is in keeping with traditional Italian simplicity. We’ve created a genuine neighborhood feel that our guests will want to experience time and time again while exploring different menu offerings during each visit,” Matteo explains.
Standout items include the Chicken Parm, an NBA and NHL player favorite that Matteo prepares for both Utah teams. The Nonna Romana panini is Matteo’s childhood favorite that his grandmother crafted for him in Modena. It features mortadella, burrata, and pistachio. Matteo’s ever-popular whipped brie and polpette antipasti also grace Strada’s menu. Between a variety of panini, salads, antipasti and desserts, no item is more than $17. Any half sandwich, side salad or dessert, and soda is just $16. Italian red and white wine are also offered by the glass or one-liter bottle.
Strada is now open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information or to place an order online, visit www.StradaSLC.com.