Rooted in traditional Italian flavors, Cascata Italian Cuisine was created for guests to come together and connect over “a balanced, simple, and rustic menu.”
“The inspiration behind Cascata Italian Cuisine comes from a passion for food, wine, and the joy of gathering together,” said Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown general manager Hristiyana Ralinova.
Cascata is one of five restaurants in The Steel District and is located in the Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown.
The original concept for the space was a Tuscan steakhouse, but Ralinova says they wanted to broaden the dining experience.
“Instead of focusing on just one region, we chose to celebrate the rich diversity of Italian cuisine—bringing flavors and traditions from across the entire country of Italy to our guests, especially Mediterranean seafood dishes,” explained Ralinova.
As the hotel has many local and cultural elements to it, the team says Cascata aligns with similar details and philosophies. One prime example is the menu, which uses locally-sourced ingredients that also gives a nod to the Midwest with regional staples like corn, while simultaneously staying true to Italian traditions.
“Through social seating, engaging artwork, collaborations with local partners, and live music during lunch and dinner, Cascata becomes more than just a dining venue—it’s a gathering place that embodies the Canopy philosophy of connecting guests to the neighborhood in meaningful, memorable ways,” described Ralinova.
Executive chef Chris Hodapp describes certain thoughtful details throughout the restaurant, including working with a local potter to create one-of-a-kind plates for their locally-sourced pork chop.
Cascata also pays close attention to detail for their menus, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For breakfast, some of the most popular items are the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Breakfast Carbonara, French Toast, and the Steel Cut Oatmeal.
“The Steel Cut Oatmeal is unexpected because it’s presented so well,” said food and beverage director Jeren Melius. “It may be our number-one seller.”
Frequently-ordered lunch items include the Chicken Parmesan, the Italian Sandwich, and Cascata’s hand-tossed pizzas.
“The large variety of items hits every palate for every guest we have, from the kids menu that offers pizza and simple pastas, to high-end cuts of meat, to more budget-friendly items, guaranteed.”
-Chris hodapp
Available for lunch, dinner, and brunch, pizzas are as traditional as the Spicy Pepperoni to the more adventurous Prosciutto with taleggio, arugula, cherry tomato, and saba.
When asked about popular dinner items, Melius said, “Any of our South Dakotaraised, hand-selected steaks.”
An honorable shoutout included the aforementioned Duroc Pork Chop with black, garlic-herb brine, grain mustard peach glaze, caramelized cippolini onion, whipped potatoes, and broccolini.
For house-made pastas, a go-to is the Lobster Tortelloni with herb-whipped mascarpone, charred corn sauce, lemon, and herb-fennel salad. “My favorite is the Lobster Tortelloni, fresh and full of flavor,” said Hodapp. “I’m a seafood person.”
Seafood, the team says, is also a standout.
MORE ON THE MENU
Note: Many dishes available are on both the lunch and dinner menu. Visit Cascata’s website to view the full list.
BREAKFAST
Prima Colazione
Smoked Salmon Sourdough
Dill spread, crispy capers, pickled radish, lemon, arugula, and everything spice.
Colazione
Carbonara
Baked eggs, pecorino, parmesan, garlic, and prosciutto.
Flour
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Macerated blueberries and meyer lemon curd.
LUNCH
Battilardo
Domestic and imported Italian meats and cheeses served with roasted peppers, marinated olives, giardiniera, and grilled bread.
Antipasta
Burrata
Prosciutto, arugula, aged balsamic, and grilled bread.
Insulata/Zuppa
Caprese
Vine-ripened tomato, burrata, EVOO, micro basil and grilled focaccia.
Tramezzino
Toasted Brioche Burger
Basil aioli, crispy pancetta, arugula, mozzarella, and pickled onion.
Pasta
Gnocchi
Crispy prosciutto, parmesan, and basil.
Pizza
Burrata Margherita
Torn basil.
Carne
Seared Atlantic Salmon
Cannellini beans, pancetta, garlic, spinach, and blistered tomato.
DINNER
Antipasta
Cozze
PEI mussels, white wine, tomato, fennel, shallot butter, and grilled bread.
Primi / Pizze
Formaggio Di Ravioli Carbonara
Pancetta, peas, pecorino, cream, and egg.
Carne / Char-Grilled Cuts
Bone-In Ribeye
22 oz.
Signature Dishes
Duroc Pork Chop
Black garlic-herbed brine, grain mustard peach glaze, caramelized cippolini onion, whipped potatoes, and broccolini.
Pesci E Crostaci
Pan-Seared Halibut
Seasonal heirloom tomatoes, olives, and basil.
BE THEIR GUEST
Cascata can host parties ranging from groups as small as two to large gatherings.
Indoors
Cascata offers a private dining room with a full menu.
Patio
Staff can close off sections for events.
Terrace
The restaurant has a second-floor terrace with firepits and soft seating overlooking The Falls and Big Sioux River, serving drinks and small bites.
“We have some of the best mussels in town,” said Ralinova. “The Cioppino is a favorite, along with other options like halibut, salmon, and Lobster Risotto, each prepared with our own unique twists and flavors.”
The hotel offers in-room dining from Cascata, where they can enjoy Italian cuisine all day long.
Another way to experience the restaurant is on the patio, which can seat 100 and overlooks The Falls and Big Sioux River.
“There is also a variety of seating options on the patio, great for both large and smaller groups: booths, tables, and soft seating,” said Hodapp.
Guests can have a meal or sip on a cocktail, wine, or other special beverages.
“Specialty cocktails run the gamut,” said Melius. “Our Amaro Old Fashioned made with Angel’s Envy Rye, Amaro Nonino, and barrel-aged maple syrup is a hit.”
“We strive to create an immersive, five-senses experience that reflects the spirit of both Italy and Sioux Falls.”
-HRISTIYANA RALINOVA
Supporting Local
Cascata proudly partners with several local businesses, including:
Coffea Roasterie and Espresso Bar and The Spice & Tea Exchange for their coffee and tea offerings.
Dakota Mushrooms & Microgreens for their microgreens.
Demkota Ranch Beef for their hand-cut steaks.
Look’s Marketplace for their bread program.
Another popular cocktail is the Limoncello Martini, created with Limoncello made in house.
If guests are into wining and dining, servers can help pair entrées with their expansive wine list or pair their meal with a cocktail.
Patrons can also order Italian sparkling wine and beer on tap.
“We might be the only bar in Sioux Falls with Prosecco and Peroni on draft,” said Ralinova.
Mocktails are also available, and Ralinova says Cascata’s Italian Cream Sodas are delicious.
On weekends brunch is offered, and one of the most ordered items is the Bottomless Mimosa Brunch. This includes bottomless mimosas, served with a choice of one entrée for $45. Mimosa flavors include orange, grapefruit, cranberry, or pineapple.
“This has been especially popular during patio season,” said Ralinova.
While 60-70% of their clientele are transient, the team says they have a lot of locals, and have built a relationship with The Steel District neighborhood.
“Being located in The Steel District, we have the advantage of collaborating with tenants in the neighboring office tower and apartment complex, which has helped us build a strong base of regulars,” said Ralinova. “This summer, we’ve seen an influx of families with young children, especially with the opening of Jacobson Plaza within walking distance.”
The restaurant is approaching its one-year anniversary, and the team is excited to celebrate. Some fun upcoming events in the mix are Oktoberfest, Thanksgiving, and wine and bourbon pairing dinners. The restaurant is also approaching its one year anniversary, and the team is excited for the milestone.
Ralinova said, “We look forward to celebrating our one-year anniversary with the entire city of Sioux Falls.”
For more information, visit CASCATAITALIAN.COM+
