Classic Flavors and Modern Elegance at Frisco’s New Italian Gem
by Ashli Urano
Having opened in January 2024, Salute Italian Restaurant, located at 5480 FM 423 in Frisco, offers authentic homemade Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in a relaxed and modern atmosphere. The restaurant is owned by husband-and-wife team Emine “Kiki” Ademi and Bajram Spaiu, who take pride in serving classic dishes with made-to-order sauces that showcase the freshness and quality of their ingredients.
My friends and I enjoy having long lunches or dinners where we spend hours eating, drinking, and laughing together. While my husband is a romantic person, he tends to treat dining out as a task to be completed. It was surprising to hear he would be joining me to review Salute. I was looking forward to discussing cocktails and Italian cuisine during dinner.
We arrived around 6 p.m. when Salute was beginning to get busy. I let the host know we would be having a cocktail at the bar before being seated in the dining room. As we walked to the bar, I glanced to the left and could not believe my eyes – the best table in the entire restaurant was vacant. The tan, tufted leather banquettes exuded both comfort and a touch of elegance, while plush green and brown chairs offered a variety of seating choices. It was too good to be true.
As the host walked us to the bar, he noticed my hesitation and asked if we still wanted to go to the bar. I smiled and told him we would prefer the corner table instead. As we crossed the dining room, I noticed the music and interior design were equally as exciting as our seating arrangement was about to be.
Salute’s decor blends modern elegance with a warm, inviting ambiance. The bar area is a standout feature, with its well-stocked shelves showcasing an array of wine and liquor. The backdrop features a chic mix of exposed white brick and sleek black shelves enhanced by warm lighting. The illuminated bar counter and emerald green bar stools add a touch of sophistication to the space.
The dining room features black metal-framed mirrors and an eclectic mix of artwork, including vintage photographs and paintings, adorning the walls. Exposed industrial elements on the ceiling are softened by hanging plants, including a large fiddle- leaf fig tree. Modern pendant lights cast a warm glow across the room, while decorative elements like a vintage cash register, old cameras, and an antique scale add character and charm. The combination of industrial elements, rich textures, colors, and vintage accents creates a welcoming and stylish atmosphere.
I soon realized the person who had shown us to our table was also our server. He introduced himself as Tyler, which was the best news I had heard all day. Earlier in the week, while researching Salute online, I stumbled upon a website featuring mini reviews accompanied by photos. Tyler’s name appeared repeatedly on the site, with every reviewer praising his skills as a server. I had a deep sense of relief knowing he was in charge of our experience.
I asked Tyler for a drink recommendation, and he suggested the Limoncello Fella. This drink combined the flavors of limoncello, soda, and sparkling wine. Its bubbles brought it to life, along with the fresh aroma of lemons and a hint of sweetness from the limoncello. It was perfectly balanced with a lingering taste of lemon zest after each sip. My husband ordered an Old Fashioned with Buffalo Trace whiskey. At first, this seemed like somewhat of a basic drink order. After taking a sip, I realized his drink, garnished with a cherry and orange slice, should be classified as anything other than basic. It was smooth, slightly sweet, and rich, with the bourbon’s flavors ultimately shining through.
Tyler brought over bread accompanied by olive oil, rosemary, and Parmesan cheese. He also asked if we wanted balsamic and red pepper flakes. As he poured the balsamic into the plate of olive oil, he began discussing appetizers. We had planned on ordering the bruschetta, but after hearing Tyler rave about the calamari, we decided to go with his expert advice. The Calamari appetizer was lightly dusted with flour before being fried. The tender rings had a slight chewiness, without being rubbery, that seemed different than most of the calamari we have eaten. While it tasted somewhat like classic calamari, there was a noticeable quality that was apparent in each extremely light bite. The marinara sauce provided a nice contrast to the crispy calamari, and before we knew it, the plate was empty.
Tyler pre-bussed our table before further recommending the Raspberry Martini. Made with Tito’s vodka and raspberry liqueur, it arrived in a martini glass with ultra-tiny pieces of ice and a dragon fruit garnish. The vodka was smooth, and the raspberry flavor was prominent. The martini was slightly sweet, but none of the ingredients were overpowering.
I knew Tyler loved his job by the look on his face when he was discussing entrees. He said the most popular item is the Baked Lasagna, reminding us that it’s an Italian staple. I appreciated Tyler’s honesty in recommending the lasagna, as there are many pricier items on the menu. His genuine approach and lack of up-selling were impressive. He went on to say that the Lobster Ravioli is his personal favorite. I had decided the previous day that this was going to be my entree. I was completely sold when the menu revealed the ravioli would be topped with lobster bisque.
As Tyler left to enter our order, Chef Spaiu, who is also the owner, stopped by to check on our evening. He maintained a constant presence in the dining room, chatting with customers, delivering menu items, and ensuring everyone was happy. When he left, I told my husband that the chef definitely looks exactly like Gianni Versace. I was actually way more excited about this than I should have been.
Chef Spaiu delivered the Lobster Ravioli and Baked Lasagna, as he did with many customers. Tyler came over soon after asking if we would like to add grated Parmesan and/or fresh black pepper to our entrees. The chef quickly said, “Not too much.” Chefs are very particular about how much of anything extra is added to a dish after it comes out of the kitchen. To a chef, the dish has already been perfectly prepared.
Before tasting the Lobster Ravioli, I wondered if the portion would be large enough. However, I realized that a correctly prepared dish, with the right amount of high-quality ingredients, does not need to be enormous. The delicate flavor of lobster meat filled the pasta shells, along with a blend of cheeses. The dish, finished with lobster bisque sauce, enhanced the overall lobster flavor without overpowering the taste of the ravioli filling. Together, the components created a well-balanced dish that highlighted the natural flavors of the lobster.
The Baked Lasagna’s ingredients showcased the classic flavors of Italian cuisine. Layers of al dente pasta were covered in meat sauce featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and a generous amount of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The top layer of the lasagna was covered with marinara sauce and cheese and had an aroma similar to being in my Granny’s kitchen. When served, the lasagna held its shape well, displaying each distinct layer.
Tyler brought a small box for the leftover lasagna before explaining the dessert process. Salute offers 16 different desserts, all made in-house, displayed in the back corner of the restaurant instead of on a menu. They also offer various cheesecakes, gelato flavors, and a gluten-free Lava Cake similar to the S’mores version.
We ultimately chose the S’mores Lava Cake to end our meal on a sweet note. The cake combines classic campfire flavors using warm fudge on the bottom and toasted marshmallows on top. My favorite part was the warmth of the fudge coming together with the coolness of the creamy vanilla gelato and whipped cream.
Salute Italian Restaurant has established itself as a notable addition to Frisco’s dining scene. From the inviting atmosphere and fantastic service to the well-executed Italian dishes, Salute successfully delivers an exceptional culinary experience. For more information visit saluteitalianfrisco.com.
Ashli Urano is a freelance writer obsessed with competitive tennis, true crime, and her Golden-doodle named Sadie Kirenia.