SAOLA Restaurant and Lounge

Review summary

1. J

   Jennie VIP

   Boise39 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on March 2, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   We have really liked Saola in the past . Last night I believe they might have been short staffed which I understand happens . But our waitress was not at all pleasant, she served us but didn’t seem like she really wanted to be there . We questioned her about the noodles in the dish because they didn’t seem right. She actually said oh that’s cabbage and when we said no it’s the noddles , The dish had noodles all across the bottom hard and burned marks that made it to chewy hard to eat. She said that’s what is called a Noodlepancake . It was actually inedible, the steak and veggies were good though. Might need to do some retraining of staff. Would be awesome if they could do a n/a cocktail menu like some of the other restaurants are doing.
   

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2. J

   Joey

   Salt Lake City1 review

   4.0

   Dined on March 2, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Beautiful atmosphere and wonderful service, just paid a little much for what I ordered. But I get it, you’re paying for the beautiful atmosphere and service as well.
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   South Dakota4 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on February 28, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   I’ve been looking to try this restaurant for a while. I went on a Thursday and the restaurant was 1/3 way full. Our server was nice but not very knowledgeable on the menu and couldn’t explain certain flavors or spice levels. We each had a cocktail and they were good but I’d avoid the Tokyo sour. The Tabasco was a weird touch and the flavor was off balance. The food was decent with a good size portion. The glass noodles however were very plain. We should have skipped the flourless torte. It was solid and could not cut with the spoon. The texture was extremely waxy. I’ve never a dessert behind but we could not finish it. Overall a beautiful restaurant but the service and flavor of the food need to be improved. I like to see restaurants like this near the canyons but probably won’t be back.
   

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4. D

   David VIP

   Milwaukee148 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   What a great find on our ski trip. It was the perfect spot after a great day of skiing. Shared a few appetizers and everyone loved their dishes from the pho, to scallops to salmon. Really well prepared and exceptionally tasty. Highly recommend it.
   

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5. M

   Mike

   Salt Lake City2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great place , food and drinks top notch. Went there also for the sushi and the sushi chef was out sick , next time.
   

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6. W

   William

   Salt Lake City4 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great service, good food, OK value. Nice atmosphere, quiet enough to talk. Will be back!
   

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7. S

   Sarah VIP

   Salt Lake City37 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 6, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Hidden gem, we love this place. We are becoming regulars.
   

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8. J

   Justin

   Greater Boston10 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on February 2, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   We had high hopes that unfortunately were not lived up to. Made a dinner reservation for 8pm and even though half the restaurant was empty, it took them 15 minutes to seat us after acknowledging our arrival (no apology). After ordering appetizers, we were informed they did not have any tuna (at a sushi restaurant!). Upon ordering entrees, they were out of two other things we tried ordering - but did not share this until after we ordered, all of which would’ve been helpful up front. Final straw for us was being charged $60 for a $30 entree, which easily could’ve gone unnoticed if not closely looking at the receipt. After discussion with the manager they comped two appetizers, but the service was still one of the more disappointing I’ve experienced in awhile, especially at such a well rated restaurant. The only saving grace was that all food was great.
   

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9. S

   Sabrina VIP

   New York City11 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 1, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This place is consistently good and the staff and owners are so nice!
   

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10. N

    Noel VIP

    Houston9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Sea bass & Peking duck were amazing! Our server Tara was the sweetest! Highly recommend!
    

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