Man who made Valter’s Osteria one of Utah’s best restaurants dead at 76

SALT LAKE CITY — State leaders and the community reacted Wednesday to the passing of beloved Utah restauranteur, Valter Nassi.

He owned Valter’s Osteria, considered one of the best restaurants in Utah.

“It is with hearts filled with gratitude and love that we mark the passing of our virtuosic and adored Valter Nassi, owner and impresario of Valter’s Osteria. Over a career that spanned more than fifty years and three continents, Valter Nassi was the definitive restaurateur who was responsible for changing the foundations of the hospitality industry in the State of Utah,” the restaurant’s said in a Facebook post.

“Valter’s love of his guests was the joy of his life and our hearts, though broken, are lifted in carrying on his legacy, serving Salt Lake City and all who come through our doors, with the same passion, quality and amore that distinguished our brilliant Valter.”

The restaurant said Valter died Tuesday night after a health battle.

He was 76.

Last night we lost a dear friend and a Utah icon. Valter Nassi left his mark on everyone who met him or dined at Valter’s. He will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/Xqas4dD3Pg

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) September 21, 2022

Governor Spencer Cox tweeted Wednesday saying Valter was “a dear friend” who left his mark on everyone who met him or dined at Valter’s.

“Given the Governors Award for Culinary Arts, Valter’s Osteria is where we go for a great meal and Valter’s larger-than-life personality,” Former Governor Gary Herbert said. “Jeanette and our entire family offer our condolences. Che Dio ti benedica.”

We are saddened by the passing of a Utah icon Valter Nassi. Given the Governors Award for Culinary Arts, Valter’s Osteria is where we go for a great meal and Valter’s larger than life personality. Jeanette and our entire family offer our condolences. Che Dio ti benedica. pic.twitter.com/1MK32XRBVi

— Gary R. Herbert (@GovHerbert) September 21, 2022

Salt Lake Mayor Erin Mendenall sent her love and condolences to Valter’s family.

Valter had a way of making everyone feel special and loved. He was an icon and beloved mainstay in our #slc community. I know thousands the world over will feel this loss. My thoughts and love are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/SESrxXeMmy

— Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) September 21, 2022

“For more than twenty years, Valter Nassi has been a pillar of Downtown Salt Lake City and helped create the culinary scene that exists today,” The Downtown Alliance said. “People from all over the globe know Utah because they know Valter.”

"Our city has lost a friend. For more than twenty years, Valter Nassi has been a pillar of Downtown Salt Lake City and helped create the culinary scene that exists today." — @DerekMillerUtah @saltlakechamber @slcecondev @slcmayor https://t.co/URCgN6R4QH

— Downtown SLC (@DowntownSLC) September 21, 2022