If you have been to The Gateway in Salt Lake City, you may remember a fun and colorful spot called Italian Graffiti. It was bright, loud, and perfect for people who loved taking photos of their food. But things have changed. The restaurant has now become something very different. It is now called Lupessa, and it brings a whole new kind of dining experience to the city.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about this change. We will look at the food, the prices, the vibe, and what makes Lupessa stand out. Whether you are a fan of the old Italian Graffiti menu or someone hearing about this place for the first time, this guide is for you.
From Italian Graffiti to Lupessa: What Changed?
The shift from Italian Graffiti to Lupessa was more than just a name change. The old Italian Graffiti menu Lupessa diners knew was full of fun and flashy dishes. It was made for a younger, social media-loving crowd. The décor was bold, and the energy was high.
Lupessa took a different path. The new restaurant kept the same owner — Nice Hospitality, a Las Vegas-based company — but changed almost everything else. The focus is now on handmade pasta, fresh local ingredients, and a calm, warm atmosphere. The lighting is low and soft. There is even a live piano player every night. It feels more like a place for a special dinner than a casual night out.
The space itself is stunning. It is hard to believe this same building once housed a California Pizza Kitchen. Lupessa has turned it into something beautiful, with a whimsical forest theme and cozy lighting throughout.
Location and Hours
Lupessa is located at 156 S 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84101. It sits inside The Gateway, making it easy to find. The restaurant offers complimentary valet parking, which is a nice touch.
| Day | Hours |
| Monday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
You can reach them at (385) 281-8373 or visit their website at lupessa.com to make a reservation.
Lupessa Menu with Prices
One of the first things people want to know is how much things cost. The Lupessa Menu with prices shows this is an upscale dining spot. It is not the cheapest night out, but most guests feel the quality is worth it. The menu is built for multi-course dining, meaning you are meant to start small and build your meal over time.
Here is a full breakdown of the latest menu items and their prices:
🥖 Pane Fresco (Bread)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Artisanal Bread Service | House-baked sourdough, baguette & seasonal breads with herb oil, roasted garlic & Normandy butter | $5 |
| Ciabatta Garlic Bread | Extra virgin olive oil, parmesan, garlic, parmesan fondue | $12 |
🫙 Accompaniments & Antipasti (Starters)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Arancini di Funghi | Mushroom arancini with truffle crema and local wild mushrooms | $16 |
| Carpaccio di Salmone | Salmon carpaccio with cherry tomatoes, chimichurri, and mint | $22 |
| Burrata | Handmade burrata with eggplant caponata | $17 |
| Whipped Ricotta | With local honey, butter, and olive oil | $4 |
🥗 Insalata (Salads)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Little Gem | Caesar-style salad | $19 |
| Baby Beets | Fresh beet salad | $20 |
| Arugula | Light arugula salad | $19 |
| Carote | Carrot salad | $14 |
🍝 Primi (Pasta – House Made)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Pappardelle Carbonara | With sharp pecorino cheese | $27 |
| Pappardelle all’Anatra | Duck bolognese | $29 |
| Gnocchi | With prosciutto cream sauce and thyme | $26 |
| Spicy Rigatoni | With Calabrian sausage and spicy cream sauce | $28 |
| Risotto | Seasonal risotto preparation | $29 |
🍽️ Secondi (Main Courses)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Branzino Panzanella | With tarragon and lemon | $42 |
| Tuscan Scallops | With caper butter, olives, and escarole | $29 |
| King Salmon | Pan-roasted with fennel parsnip puree and salsa verde | $29 |
| Duroc Pork Chop | With braised fennel | $31 |
| Pollo alla Parmigiana | Elevated chicken parmigiana | $26 |
| Filet | With grilled beets and parsnip puree | $58 |
| New York Strip (Dry-Aged) | With garlic and parmesan butter | $65 |
Read Also: Applebee’s Lunch Menu With Prices
The Dining Experience at Lupessa
Walking into Lupessa feels different from most Italian restaurants. This is not a casual pasta place. It is an experience. The décor is warm and forest-like, with beautiful design at every corner. A pianist plays live music every single night, which adds a romantic and elegant feel to the whole visit.
The staff is well-trained and genuinely helpful. They guide guests through the menu and make great suggestions. Many first-time visitors are advised to order a few starters, one pasta course, and then a main. This way, you get to try many things without feeling too full too fast.
The restaurant is a great choice for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays, or any special event. Larger groups are also welcome, and the team can arrange seating for parties and celebrations.
What Makes Lupessa Stand Out as an Italian Restaurant in Gateway
Being an Italian restaurant in Gateway is not easy. There are many dining choices nearby. But Lupessa has carved out its own space by focusing on what really matters — the food and the feeling.
All pasta is made fresh in-house, every single day. The kitchen uses local Utah wheat, milled right there on-site. This gives the bread and pasta a unique flavor that you simply cannot get from store-bought products. The restaurant also works with small family farms to source fresh ingredients, which keeps the taste close to traditional Italian cooking.
This attention to quality is what separates Lupessa from most other Italian spots in the city. Guests who have visited multiple times often say the food tastes better each time because the kitchen is always refining its recipes.
Areas for Improvement
Even great restaurants have room to grow. Here are a few things Lupessa could work on:
Portion sizes — Several guests have noted that some dishes feel small for the price. Adding slightly more food to certain courses, especially pasta, could improve the overall value feeling.
Kids’ menu — Lupessa does not currently have a dedicated menu for children. For families with young kids, this can make ordering a little tricky. A simple children’s option would make the restaurant more family-friendly.
Accessibility — The multiple stairs can be a barrier for guests with disabilities or mobility issues. Better ramp access or clearer information on the website would help guests plan their visit more easily.
Lunch service — Lupessa is currently only open for dinner. Offering a weekend brunch or lunch menu could attract more guests and grow its customer base.
Parking clarity — While complimentary valet is available nearby at HallPass, some guests have struggled to find parking on their own. Clearer parking information on the website would reduce confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does Lupessa have a dress code?
There is no strict dress code at Lupessa, but most guests dress smart-casual or semi-formal, so it is best to avoid very casual outfits like shorts or flip-flops.
Q2: Does Lupessa take reservations, and how far in advance should I book?
Yes, Lupessa accepts reservations through their website and OpenTable. Booking at least two to three days in advance is recommended, especially on weekends.
Q3: Is Lupessa good for vegetarians or guests with dietary restrictions?
Lupessa has some vegetarian-friendly options on the menu. Always inform your server about allergies or dietary needs, as the team is happy to guide you through safe choices.
Q4: How much should I budget for a full dinner for two at Lupessa?
A full multi-course dinner for two, including drinks, will typically cost between $120 and $180. Prices may vary depending on the dishes and beverages you choose.
Q5: Is there parking available near Lupessa at The Gateway?
Yes, complimentary valet parking is available right outside HallPass at The Gateway. Street and garage parking options are also nearby for guests who prefer to self-park.
Final Thoughts
Lupessa has done something remarkable. It took a fun, flashy restaurant concept and turned it into a refined dining destination that people in Salt Lake City are proud to call their own. The Italian graffiti menu lupessa once featured has evolved into something more grown-up, more careful, and honestly — more delicious.
If you are looking for a great dinner in the heart of the city, Lupessa is a top choice. The handmade pasta, the warm atmosphere, the live piano, and the excellent service all come together to create something special. For more restaurants’ full menu details and hours, visit Modern Food Catering.
