Old School Italian Restaurant
Probably one of the oldest, and most well known, restaurants in Headingly, Salvo’s celebrated it’s 40th year of serving authentic Italian food to the people of Leeds.
Salvatore Dammone opened Salvo’s Restaurant in 1976. Salvo’s unique approach to food means they try to ship their ingredients across from Italy. Their aim – to serve innovative and contemporary Italian food in an informal relaxed atmosphere. This hasn’t gone unnoticed and the restaurant many awards under it’s belt including an AA Rosette.
Needing to catch up with  another Yorkshire blogger, Chris from The Yorkshire Pudd and film maker, Paul from Flapjack Films we managed to squeeze in a booking at Salvos.
Salvos Starters
When I visited Salvo’s I’d arrived home from a long weekend in the romantic city of Florence just a matter of days ago, but I felt like Salvo’s food and atmosphere had taken me straight back. It has such an authentic edge, full of flavour, full of love.
 
The thinly sliced raw beef carpaccio (£10) starter, served with Harry’s bar special dressing, rocket & parmesan was delicious. The balance of flavours was just right, although I did add a bit of cracked black pepper.
Italian main course
When I ordered my main of Maiale all’ Aceto (£18), Francesca, our waitress said it was her favourite: “When the chef takes the belly pork out the pan I fall in love. Even the fat is tasty.” A colleague at work had also recommended the main to me so I had high hopes for this dish.
Francesca and my colleague weren’t wrong. The slow cooked belly pork stood proudly on the roasted rosemary potatoes and was covered in a reduced traditional Italian sweet and sour jus made with agrodolce peppers & capers – every mouthful was a taste sensation! I didn’t want this dish to end – I needed more!
This dish certainly isn’t like any other pork belly dish I’ve tasted. Full of originality, it stands out a mile in front of all it’s competition and if I ever go back – when i do back- I will always order this as my main.
The boys had stone bakes pizza and a traditional pasta dish. All dishes were of really good size and great value!
 
The traditional dessert
I opted for a very moreish chocolate brownie with creamy vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with macadamia nuts. It was huge and idea for sharing but just a bit to much for one person.
As we were in the best Italian restaurant around, the boys went traditional and ordered town of Tiramisu. This popular coffee-flavoured Italian custard dessert is made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, flavoured with cocoa. It’s name means ‘pick me up’ in Italian.
The service was on point and Francesca, our waitress, couldn’t do enough to ensure we had a great experience. Mr Salvos was among the diners, having a meal with friends – always a good sign when the owner eats in his own restaurant – and popped over to say hello. His son, young Salvo was heading up the kitchen that night and told us after service, they will be experimenting for the next night’s specials. Food is a true passion for the Salvo family – it seems to run in their blood and I’m very glad it does. This restaurant needs to live on to see anther 40 years!
The whole place was buzzing with people, weather you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want good food with your partner, Salvo‘s is my choice of Italian in Leeds. Here’s to the next 40 years!
Have you been to Salvo’s? What did you have? If you’re going you must try the belly pork!
If you enjoyed this post you might also like my other restaurant reviews. Read more here.
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