From the moment you enter Sal e Pepe, the stage is set for a mouthwatering culinary experience. You will immediately feel the warmth and charm of the restaurant.

The name Sal e Pepe is Italian for “salt and pepper,” and owners Angelo and Renia Marini have added a whimsical atmosphere by showcasing a unique set of salt and pepper shakers at each table. Among their collection, gathered from their various travels around the world, are those also presented to them by friends and patrons. What sets Sal e Pepe apart from other establishments is the owners are always present to ensure the consistency and quality of your experience.

For the past 19 years, Angelo and Renia have championed making Newtown a restaurant destination. They continue to support local sports teams and organizations and are actively involved in the community that they are proud to call home. Be on the lookout for local celebrities such as Nicky Zooks, as he is a fan of Sal e Pepe.

Since 2014, Sal e Pepe fans and followers have afforded the restaurant to earn 56 Connecticut Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards including Best Italian in Connecticut and Fairfield County, Best Desserts, and Best Overall Value.

Upon entering the restaurant, the main dining area offers an environment of Northern Italian and Tuscan warmth, surrounded by soft gentle background music inspiring conversation. The tables are adorned with local fresh flowers and modest table lamps displaying a warm, inviting atmosphere. The bar area offers a welcoming ambiance for the casual diner. To the right of the entrance is a separate dining room, which is also available for private events such as birthday parties, bridal/baby showers, wedding receptions, celebrations of life, and business gatherings. Be sure to visit the website at salepeperestaurant.com to view the extensive event selections.

Whether you are looking to enjoy a romantic dinner for two, or a casual meal with friends and family, Sal e Pepe will accommodate all your needs. The restaurant is flexible in satisfying patron requests, as well as serving vegan and gluten-free meals, and paying close attention to allergy and dietary restrictions.

Al fresco dining on the patio is a must during the warmer weather months. Enjoy a refreshing repast under the tent surrounded by beautiful, overflowing flower boxes.

As Angelo tells it, the Sal e Pepe environment is where everyone can feel comfortable and have an enjoyable experience. The “polished casual” atmosphere serves a variety of customers, from those who just popped in for the first time to the many regulars who feel like friends and family.

Stay tuned for Angelo’s latest special coming soon, the Sunday Supper Club, an all-inclusive culinary masterpiece featuring Renia’s Sunday gravy.

Sample of the Menu

Antipasti: Ten options are available on the dinner menu. One of the most popular is their Maine mussels, which offers a choice of Gorgonzola cream or white wine sauce. Appetizer prices range from $8 to $16.

Zuppa: All soups are prepared in house daily. Some favorites include the Lemon Chicken Orzo, Tuscan Peasant soup and Red Seafood Chowder, just to name a few.

Insalate: Among the salads, a best seller is the Caesar. It includes house-made Parmesan crackers (rather than croutons) and dressing. Salad prices range from $5 to $14.

Speciali: Many guests are delighted with the weekly Chef’s specials because of the consistent variety. There are typically six to eight specials each week, which include a choice of soup, salad, appetizer, pasta, fish, steak, or ravioli.

Lunch: Lunch is served Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays beginning at noon.

Entrées: Entrées such as the baked eggplant Parmigiana, filet mignon, and Parmesan tilapia served over a green pea risotto, are just a few of the many entrée selections offered. The newest offering is Pastapalooza. For $24 you choose your pasta, sauce and any add-ons. Served with a cup of soup or salad, There are over 630,000 possible combinations for this delightful experience. Come create your own.

Dolci: The desserts are made daily in-house by Renia and Angelo. The Nutella Mousse pie is the restaurant’s signature dessert, which has an Oreo cookie crust, caramel, Heath Bar crunch, dark chocolate ganache topping, and of course, a Nutella mousse center. Other dessert highlights include the Key Lime pie topped with fresh whipped cream, Pistachio Cream pie, Tiramisu, Pecan Bourbon Bread pudding, and a weekly selection of gelato and sorbet. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for when Renia and Angelo are inspired to make an extra special dessert

Children’s Menu: All meals include an entrée, beverage and dessert.

Craft Cocktails: Craft cocktails include Sal e Pepe’s original Basil Martini, Salt and Pepper Margarita, Blood Orange Old-Fashioned, seasonal Sangria, as well as weekly drink specials.

Wine/Beer: Order from a fine selection of wine, by the glass or bottle, as well as a variety of draft and bottled beers.

Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro, at 97 South Main Street in Newtown, is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 8:30, Friday and Saturday from 12 to 9, and Sunday from 12 to 8. Reservations can be made at 203-426-0805, via the website, or Open Table. Delivery is available through Slice, Grubhub, and Door Dash. Takeout is available by calling 203-426-0805.

For more information, visit salepeperestaurant.com or facebook.com/salepeperestaurant or follow @salepepebistro on Instagram.