Shavano — Restaurant in Salida

Shavano is a dream come true. I came in on opening night with a party of five and we ordered almost the whole menu (we were excited!). We left with full hearts and full bellies, and were so happy to see our community enjoying a similar experience.

Not only is the food the kind of food you crave again as soon as you go home, it is actually healthy without a ton of hidden ingredients that leave you feeling gross the next day. Furthermore everything is made from fresh ingredients, no frozen veggies are used, and nothing gets fried. And you have to feel good knowing Shavano is supporting their local farmers every chance they get!

Every dish is carefully crafted, and stands out by itself as a beautiful, flavorful, extraordinarily colorful gift to the senses. I could order all the sides every time I dine there and feel like I’m eating a rainbow: beets, carrots, potatoes, broccolini, cabbage, oh my! The Anasazi Bean Stew is a staple and I could eat it every day for the rest of my life. Also, who else is serving fresh and local fish here? Nobody! The trout is to die for. Best ribeye ever - it’s a large portion and easily shareable for two. And every inch of the half roasted chicken was cooked to perfection: crispy skin, exquisitely seasoned, and not one dry bite.

Can we talk about the wine list? Shavano serves wine that enhances your food experience. There is such a difference between wine that overtakes your palate and wine that makes your food more interesting. Also, it’s not an afterthought that this wine list highlights natural, low manipulation wines from smaller producers. Just another example of how this restaurant has chosen to establish their values.

Lastly, food tastes even better in an environment that feels vibrant, authentic, clean, and has a tasteful aesthetic in its clearly intentional design. The service is impeccable and genuine, the music oscillates from nostalgic (e.g. Willie Nelson) to energizing, and what else can I say, but Salida has been waiting for this restaurant for a long time and now it’s finally here!!!...

I’ve been very pleased to dine here twice in the last three months. Once on a Saturday in July and other on a Saturday in September. Each time there was a substantial wait of around 45 minutes but I recall the host providing accurate times even with a busy restaurant. If you want to eat by 700 I’d recommend getting there by 630 and placing yourself on the wait list. They have a pleasant outside waiting area where we received bottle service by one of the staff. Once seated the servers each time have provided excellent descriptions and a willingness to take as much time as needed to answer questions and make sure we were ordering the right dishes. So far we’ve had the chicken and the whole rainbow trout with a Greek ladolemono sauce that had the right amount of acidity ti pair perfectly with the trout. All the mains are excellent and go well with sides like the potatoes and the spicy carrots. We’ve also had the risotto twice and each time it had a different seasonal element that changes with the seasons. The staff is always welcoming and it doesn’t matter who is working as everyone appears committed to making your dining experience positive. You can ask anyone a question and they will take time to help, One thing to note is the inside is on the louder side but no louder than most restaurants in old buildings. If you want a quieter dining experience we recommend the outside tables. Oh and before I forget the head chef, Jesse I believe, came out to our table and others to ask us how dinner was. That was really the icing on the cake. You can tell the kitchen is well run when a chef can speak with tables during a...

Nestled across from Riverside Park and the Arkansas River in the heart of Salida, Shavano restaurant just opened its door to the community. Offering a perfect medley of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, exceptional service, and a charming ambiance, this place will quickly cement itself as a staple in the community.

But let’s talk food—because this is where Shavano shines brightest. The menu showcases the best of what the region’s farms and markets have to offer. Every dish is a testament to quality and care, from the locally sourced trout and delicious salads, to the perfectly tender ribeye served alongside roasted root vegetables that taste like they were just pulled from the soil that morning. The apple dumpling dessert? Absolutely divine.

What truly sets Shavano apart is its ability to foster a sense of community. This isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a space to connect, celebrate, and feel rooted. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between buzzing energy and intimate comfort!

For vegetarians and meat lovers alike, the options are thoughtful and abundant. The staff here are warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable; they’re quick to recommend wine pairings or suggest menu favorites.

Walking into Shavano feels like stepping into a warm embrace. The décor is a thoughtful blend of the 1909 building and modern simplicity, with a modern dining bar, wooden floating shelves filled with wine selections, and cozy lighting.

Shavano is delivering something...