Bar Salotto — Restaurant in Wheeling Township

My boyfriend decided to try this restaurant based on the rave reviews and I am so glad we gave it a try. We went at 7 on a Friday night and found that the restaurant was very busy, yet still had ample spaces available for dining or at the bar.

The parking lot is terribly lacking space, but there is a large parking lot right next to the restaurant that can be used. The restaurant was clean and had a sleek modern feel to it. We were greeted as soon as we walked in and were seated within minutes. The staff was friendly and moved with purpose. There was a carafe of water placed on the table for us as soon as we sat down. Our server was Brett, and he was amazing - very friendly, patiently explained when asked questions about menu items, gave great suggestions for food and drinks and was attentive but not hovering during the meal.

We started with drinks.. an espresso martini and a basil gin drink. Both of our glasses were chilled and the drinks looked delicious. My basil drink was one of the best I have had (I needed another). My boyfriend also ordered a smokey maple old fashion. He said both of his drinks were very good, and since I tried them too, I agree.

We had the meatballs for a starter. There were three good sized meatballs served with sauce and ricotta. The meatballs had a good texture and excellent flavor. The ricotta was delicious.

I had a specialty pasta that was essentially ravioli with truffles in a creamy garlic sauce with peas. The little cheese filled pillows were quite good. My boyfriend had the pepperoni pizza. We were told the pepperoni pizza came with small dollops of that delicious ricotta cheese on it that made it extra special. After trying the pizza, I agree. The small pepperoni rounds paired nicely with the creamy ricotta. The crust was thick (think deep dish) and had a great chew to it.

For dessert we shared a tiramisu that was very good. Not overly sweet and not soggy. Good flavor and just the right size after having the appetizer and then a meal.

All of the food came out very quickly. Any used dishes or plates on the table were quickly removed. Every person we had an interaction with was friendly and welcoming.

I highly recommend you give this place a try. The food and drinks were worth the hassle of trying to...

The food was amazing. Specifically the pepperoni pizza. 10/10. The issue that me and my friend had was when we walked in, the bar is right there and what I’m assuming was the owners were right there. They had their backs to the door and the female turned her whole body to watch us interact with the hostess. Staring the entire time. The hostess offered the high top (which there is only one high top in the whole restaurant) so we took it. We didn’t even sit down before we decided to move because the table was placed by the garbage station and it smelled like fish. We ended up at the bar. (Olivio I believe his name was, was a great bartender) After another party got sat at the high top they moved as well. The owner moved the high top table to the other side of the restaurant, and started rearranging everything. My friend made a comment to her saying that it was a better choice. Then about 20 minutes later moved the table back to the original place by the garbage. We felt uncomfortable because we did not know she was the owner at first and thought she was just staring at us for no reason. But throughout the whole night she was just staring. The owners sat at the bar eating and drinking wine. Stared at every dish that came out and when their food came out she told the server she didn’t like it. To me, I don’t think owners should be discussing how they don’t like their own food in front of customers. They should have went around asking how everything was at each table.

We ordered the burrata appetizer which I would have preferred with a balsamic glaze, but it was still good. The mozzarella sticks were amazing with a light batter. But again the pizza was amazing. The hot honey and the firmness of the crust was great. For three cocktails, two apps, and a...

Went to try Bar Salotto before a show in downtown Arlington Heights. New to the neighborhood, we were excited to try it out. They were very accommodating. One of our party was gluten free and the waiter was very helpful and knowledgeable helping her pick the gluten free homemade penne with the spicy vodka sauce. It was delicious. We started out with the wagyu veal meatballs with whipped ricotta appetizer and the garlic puffs (the sauce was used to dip pizza in too) Both were outstanding. A hearts of palm salad with the most delicious imported Hawaiian hearts of palm was a fantastic light choice before the entrees arrived. As mentioned above, gluten free homemade penne with spicy vodka sauce was outstanding and light and nobody would ever know it was gluten free. We then had the Salotto hand stretched pizza that was light and different than your run of the mill pizza. The flavors and the light crust alone would have me returning. Finishing the night with a Kiki skillet was the perfect finish to an amazing dinner. My only regret was that I didn’t have room to finish the dessert All in all, I can’t wait to return. There are many other pizzas I look forward to trying that were recommended like the Fig and Pig and the Spicy Calabrese pan pizzas. The waiter also recommended the Bolognese pasta and the Tuscan Kale Salad. The owner and the manager were both very visible and attentive walking through the dining room and checking...