Sal's Italian Restaurant 3940 Valley Gateway Boulevard, Roanoke, VA 24012

"We didn't know places like this still exist. The food was fresh and authentic. Abby was an awesome server. The music was calm."

"We got a few appetizers: caprese, stuffed mushrooms and garlic knots. The only appetizer that is worth it is the garlic knots. The caprese doesn’t say it comes with balsamic vinegar on top but it does and it’s thick and not delicious. I prefer my caprese without it so if you don’t like balsamic vinegar make sure to request it without it. The tomatoes weren’t super red either. I would not order it again if we ever came back. The stuffed mushrooms were like $6 and you got 5 of them… really? That’s it? I was thinking like a basket or something but nope. I would not order those again either. If you want a side of alfredo to dip your bread it it’s $5 for a tiny ramekin, not a bowl. You are probably better off getting a kids meal hold the pasta for $7 if you want alfredo to dip your bread into. The salad was iceberg lettuce and kind of flat. I wasn’t a huge fan. My alfredo with penne was good but my husband didn’t even eat his chicken Fresca because it was too bitter/wine tasting. I tried it and did not like it. He basically took two bites and couldn’t eat anymore. We were sat (8 people) by the side door that leads out onto the patio, we asked if we could sit outside and I guess the extra 6-10 ft they would have had to walk was too far because they weren’t seating anyone outside anymore. Instead it was legit freezing and cold. The ac was blowing straight at us at 66 degrees. The people at the table next to us thought it was cold too but they were not as cold as us since it went over their head and shot directly at us. I mentioned this when we were checking out and the lady at the register just shrugged and was like what can you do? I was like I dunno turn the air down a little so we don’t freeze? Overall the food was ok but the ambiance was not good enough to really want to come back. And apparently the card for William Byrd my husband’s cousin had just expired so we didn’t even get the 10% off even though he had the new one at home and didn’t realize it expired 8/31 and he needed to put the new one in his wallet for 9/1. Watch out for those expiration dates and ask to sit away from the ac unit if you don’t want your food to get cold and your children and yourself to freeze if you do decide to go here."

"I had just gotten into town after a four hour drive, and I needed lunch. Sal's "sit down lunch buffet" was perfect! I had unsweet tea, salad with vinaigrette, and two enormous, fresh-made garlic knots. They were soft and melted in my mouth. The cheese ravioli and manicotti were perfectly portioned for lunch. I couldn't eat another bite --- but I wanted to! The people are friendly and professional. The decor is delightful. I enjoyed the artwork including the hand-painted grape vines. The restaurant and restroom were also clean. I intend to return during my next visit to this part of Virginia. Thank you for a pleasant meal."

"I had angel hair pasta alla pic pac. I was there with my family for a total of four adults. The food was fine, but not great. The service was pleasant but slow. My sparkling water was served over ice so that it got diluted and lost most of its carbonation. The bread was ho hum. The mini cannolis were sweet but not as good as I’ve had elsewhere."