“Faustina, on a quiet, tree-lined stretch of 300 South, offers a cuisine and an atmosphere that are both elegant and sophisticated, yet cozy and approachable. It's one of my favorite lunch and dinner spots in downtown Salt Lake City. For dinner, Faustina Executive Chef Billy Sotelo puts a sophisticated, creative spin on traditional dishes. To complement the food, General Manager Hillary has selected a variety of unique wines from around the world.
Faustina has a hip and elegant, yet approachable and friendly atmosphere, with sleek midcentury modern decor. There's an intimate lounge area in addition to the main dining room. Faustina has a pleasant garden patio, shaded by colorful canopies during sunny weather. Faustina also features a banquet room, beautifully decorated with an aspen theme, that almost feels like dining in the forest.”
- Marsha Maxell, About.com
“A winner of the Nocholas & Co., Ultimate Chef Comepetition, Billy Sotelo is the executive chef for the LaSalle Restaurant Group, and his passion for cooking with fresh, local ingredients is evident on the menus at Faustina and Oasis Café.”
- City Weekly’s Dining Guide 2011
“I’ve always liked Faustina, but for some reason I haven’t been there in quite a while. However, a couple of weeks ago I was invited to a summer menu preview and I got to go see what Executive Chef Billy Sotelo and General Manager Hillary Merrill are up to. And let me just cut to the chase, they are up to YUM.
From the first bite of the Lamb Chop appetizer to the last sip of the Dow Tawny Port (served with a perfectly made Panna Cotta) my taste buds were rapidly replacing about half of the other restaurants on my “regular” list with Faustina’s name. And although we didn’t sit out on the patio, I was reminded of how nice it is as we walked inside. I’m seriously annoyed with myself for letting Faustina slide off my go-to list, and after the warm reception we received, it will definitely be in heavy rotation from now on.”
- Stuart Melling, GastronomicSLC.com
“For years I’ve enjoyed going to Faustina. I love the cozy neighborhood setting toward the east end of 300 South, which has always been inviting and centrally located. I’ve been a happy customer at Faustina for years and I always enjoy the food and the atmosphere.”
- Drew Ellsworth, QSaltLake
“Chef Billy Sotelo is tweaking the menu here according to his award-winning sensibilities. Lobster pot pie still makes an appearance as an appetizer, and blueberry soufflé is still the grandest finale, but a recent tasting dinner showcased Sotelo’s talent for bringing lightness and excitement to the plate. A summer watermelon salad with berries, cashews and goat cheese was brilliant; asiago-crusted scallops came in a flavorful tomato-saffron broth with a tangle of cappellini and sweet peas. Lovely!
- Mary Malouf, Salt Lake Magazine
“The chic space is filled with regulars for lunch and dinner, especially in warm weather when the discreet off-street patio beckons. Lamb chops in a nice cherry reduction comes with wine-roasted shallots and celery chips.”
- Salt Lake Official Visitors Guide 2011