Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro

Name: Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro
Address: 97 S Main St, Newtown, CT, United States, 06470
Telephone: (203) 426-0805
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5 (599)

$31 to $50

Italian

97 S Main St, Newtown, CT 06470

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails
Neighborhood gem

WINNER OF 52 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE READERS CHOICE AWARDS since 2011, including:
*** Best Italian and Best for Overall Excellence - Statewide ***

For over 15 years, Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro offers up the taste of irresistible Italian dishes. The interior of the restaurant is warm and inviting and offers a touch of romance by candlelight at night. The atmosphere is polished casual and the staff are always on point and friendly. Sal e Pepe is accommodating to diner's preferences and offers vegetarian, gluten free choices and a kid's menu. The delectable dishes and enticing ambiance keep diners returning for more.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–8:00 pm
Phone number
(203) 426-0805
Website
http://www.salepeperestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Please contact Angelo for Catered Events-angelo@salepeperestaurant.com
Private party facilities
Please contact Angelo Marini for Private Events at 203-426-0805 or email at:-angelo@salepeperestaurant.com. Due to limited seating capacity, for Parties Larger than 10 guests, it is recommended that you call for reservations.

Location
97 S Main St, Newtown, CT 06470
Neighborhood
Newtown
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Garlic Bread$9.00
EVOO, garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese and lemon
Baked Stuffed Mushrooms$14.00
Ground beef & sausage, lemon white wine
Fried Calamari$17.00
Your choice traditional OR Balsamic glaze with hot and sweet peppers
Nonna's Beef Meatballs$13.00
Over San Marzano tomato sauce
Steamed Manila Clams$16.00
White wine, shallots, EVOO, butter, garlic, oregano
Maine Mussels$17.00
Choice of gorgonzola cream sauce OR white wine sauce with EVOO and garlic
Angus Beef Bites$17.00
gorgonzola potato croquettes, port wine demi-glace
Arancini (Risotto Balls)$13.00
Fontina cheese rolled in Arborio rice, breaded and fried over plum tomato sauce

Salads Half OR Full Size

Add: grilled chicken $8, shrimp $11, salmon or steak $14

Arugula and Beet Salad, 9 Half /15 Full
Roasted beets, carrots, haricot verts, red onions, gorgonzola potato croquettes, sherry vinaigrette
Pear Salad, Half 9/ Full 15
Romaine, carrots, glazed walnuts, craisins, sliced pear, creamy gorgonzola vinaigrette
Mista Salad Half/6 Full 13
Mixed greens, grape tomatoes, croutons, mozzarella, carrots, balsamic vinaigrette
Caesar Salad, Half / Full 13
Hearts of romaine, parmesan crackers, Parmesan cheese, House-made dressing

Pizzettas

Margherita$15.00
Mozzarella, plum tomato sauce, basil
Fig Pizzetta$17.00
Prosciutto, gorgonzola, EVOO, garlic, aged balsamic, baby arugula salad
Shrimp Scampi Pizzetta$18.00
Marinated Shrimp, Tomato, mozzarella, EVOO, Garlic

Pasta

You may substitute capellini, linguini, fettuccine, pappardelle, whole wheat linguini, gluten free pasta or low glycemic spaghetti for most pasta dishes.

Mrs. Marini's Lasagna Bolognese$25.00
Layers of fresh pasta, Bolognese meat sauce, blend of three cheeses
Ricotta Gnocchi Bolognese$26.00
Hand-made pasta dumplings, traditional Bolognese meat sauce
Beef Stroganoff$26.00
Tender filet mignon, mushrooms, onions, sour cream, house-made pappardelle
Pappardelle with Meatballs$28.00
House-made pappardelle, plum tomato sauce topped with Nonna's Beef meatballs
Short Rib Ravioli$24.00
Sherry cream sauce, mushrooms, caramelized onions, sweet roasted red peppers
Fettuccine Pescatore$28.00
Spicy plum tomato sauce, scallops, shrimp, clams, calamari, fresh pasta
Linguini Alle Vongole$25.00
White wine sauce with baby clams in the shell, EVOO, garlic, herbs
Baked Rigatoni$25.00
Vodka sauce, sweet sausage, mozzarella, provolone & fontina
Cavatelli Sal e Pepe$25.00
White wine sauce, pesto, grilled chicken, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, EVOO & garlic

Entrees

You may substitute capellini, linguini, fettuccine, pappardelle, whole wheat linguini, gluten free pasta or low glycemic spaghetti for most pastas where applicable

Chicken Francese, Marsala, Parmigiana, Piccata, Scarpariello or Gorgonzola Cream$26.00
Your choice of pasta or mashed potatoes and vegetable
Filet Mignon$39.00
9 oz. Certified Black Angus beef tenderloin, port wine demi-glace, mashed potatoes & vegetable
Pork Chop a la Modena$28.00
14oz. grilled pork chop, black truffle balsamic glaze with hot cherry peppers, caramelized onions, sweet potato puree & vegetable
Veal Francese, Marsala, Parmigiana, Piccata, Scarpariello or Gorgonzola Cream$30.00
Choice of pasta or mashed potatoes & vegetable
Parmesan Tilapia$28.00
Parmesan encrusted filet, lemon Beurre Blanc, tomatoes, green pea risotto
Pistachio Encrusted Salmon$28.00
Atlantic salmon, balsamic glaze, sweet potato puree, sautéed spinach
Eggplant Parmigiana$26.00
Choice of pasta or mashed potatoes and vegetable
Shrimp & Scallop Risotto$28.00
Arborio rice, shrimp, bay scallops, tomatoes, asparagus, parmesan cream

Pastapalooza

Create your own Pasta

Choose your Pasta$25.00
(DRY PASTA) Penne, Spaghetti, Rigatoni, GF Penne, Whole Wheat Spaghetti, Low Glycemic Spaghetti
- Marinara
- Bolognese
- Vodka
- Portofino
- Alfredo
- Pesto or Pesto Cream
- Red or White Primavera
- Carbonara
- Puttanesca
Choose your pasta$25.00
(HOMEMADE PASTA) Cappellini, Linguini. Fettucini, Papperdelle, Ricotta Cavatelli +2, Ricotta Gnocci +2, Beef or Cheese Ravioli +2, Lobster & Crab Ravioli +4
- Marinara
- Bolognese
- Vodka
- Portofino
- Alfredo
- Pesto or Pesto Cream
- Red or White Primavera
- Carbonara
- Puttanesca

What 599 people are saying

Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.1Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro is loved for its "award winning" and "consistently delicious" food, with standout hearty Italian specialties and creative cocktails. The "attentive and hardworking" staff enhance the dining experience. Guests appreciate the "charming" ambiance and a menu that includes "unique dishes." Despite occasional service hiccups, many plan to "definitely return."

599 Reviews

C
Charlie
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious appetizers, salads and entrees, as well as desserts. You can't go wrong here.
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P
Paul
New York City3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always the food, service and pleasantness of the staff were all top notch! This award winning restaurant is so consistently great!
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J
Janet
New York City9 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Dinner was fabulous! Servers are young but very attentive and hardworking! So glad to see and am very complimentary of them! Great job by entire staff! Kitchen too!
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m
mary-jane VIP
Greater Boston49 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
There was an excellent selection of appetizers and mains, with large portions of hearty Italian specialties. The service was excellent. The cocktails were very good, with an interesting selection. We will definitely return!
Is this helpful?
J
Jon
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We’ve never had a bad meal here. The main mussels in Gorgonzola cream sauce appetizer is outstanding!
Is this helpful?
T
Tim
New York City40 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
They always do such a good job there. Good food and great service. We have never had a bad meal there.
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R
Rocco VIP
New York City9 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Love the good selection with traditional and unique dishes. Been going here for years and never disappointed. The service is great with friendly and attentive staff. Love there lava coke.
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R
Reetsy VIP
Southwest Florida26 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Excellent pre Mother's Day menu We both enjoyed the mussels juicy and sand free The paperdella seafood dish was excellent Shannon the waitress was very attentive
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L
Lisa
Connecticut1 review
2.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
We had reservations and upon checking - in, the host sat us right near the ladies room in a booth. We asked for another table away from the bathroom, and he ushered to another booth still close to the ladies room. Please note, we were the only patrons in the restaurant. The food was underwhelming and over-priced. Let's start with the rubbery tasteless bread - yes, hard to believe for an Italian restaurant. The pasta was overcooked - yes, hard to believe for an Italian restaurant. The chicken piccata was fair, and the puttanesca sauce was sweet instead salty. We vowed to never set foot in this restaurant again!
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S
Susan
New York City3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a pleasure. We had requested a quiet table. When we were seated, we were directly under a speaker, playing some not subtle music. We asked if it could be made lower, which was done immediately and graciously, and we were able to continue our meal, easily able to converse with friends we had not seen in a long time. We felt so welcome, we probably inadvertently overstayed until closing. Sal e Pepe is always the best!
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FAQs

Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (203) 426-0805.

Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro is rated 4.5 stars by 599 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Google Map for Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro

97 S Main St, Newtown, CT 06470

Additional information

Neighborhood
Newtown
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–8:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.salepeperestaurant.com/
Phone number
(203) 426-0805
Catering
Please contact Angelo for Catered Events-angelo@salepeperestaurant.com
Private party facilities
Please contact Angelo Marini for Private Events at 203-426-0805 or email at:-angelo@salepeperestaurant.com. Due to limited seating capacity, for Parties Larger than 10 guests, it is recommended that you call for reservations.

Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Cavatelli Sal e Pepe

Pappardelle with Meatballs

Short Rib Ravioli

Appetizers

Garlic Bread$9.00

Baked Stuffed Mushrooms$14.00

Fried Calamari$17.00

Nonna's Beef Meatballs$13.00

Steamed Manila Clams$16.00

Maine Mussels$17.00

Angus Beef Bites$17.00

Arancini (Risotto Balls)$13.00

Salads Half OR Full Size

Arugula and Beet Salad, 9 Half /15 Full

Pear Salad, Half 9/ Full 15

Mista Salad Half/6 Full 13

Caesar Salad, Half / Full 13

Pizzettas

Margherita$15.00

Fig Pizzetta$17.00

Shrimp Scampi Pizzetta$18.00

Pasta

Mrs. Marini's Lasagna Bolognese$25.00

Ricotta Gnocchi Bolognese$26.00

Beef Stroganoff$26.00

Pappardelle with Meatballs$28.00

Short Rib Ravioli$24.00

Fettuccine Pescatore$28.00

Linguini Alle Vongole$25.00

Baked Rigatoni$25.00

Cavatelli Sal e Pepe$25.00

Entrees

Chicken Francese, Marsala, Parmigiana, Piccata, Scarpariello or Gorgonzola Cream$26.00

Filet Mignon$39.00

Pork Chop a la Modena$28.00

Veal Francese, Marsala, Parmigiana, Piccata, Scarpariello or Gorgonzola Cream$30.00

Parmesan Tilapia$28.00

Pistachio Encrusted Salmon$28.00

Eggplant Parmigiana$26.00

Shrimp & Scallop Risotto$28.00

Pastapalooza

Choose your Pasta$25.00

Choose your pasta$25.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro restaurant rated?

Is Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information