Salvatore’s delivers the true Italian meal

By on March 26, 2011  |  Dinner, Downtown Grand Rapids, NW

There’s not a single time that our son comes home from college without his urgent request to go to Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza as soon as possible. This West Side favorite is in our permanent rotation, especially when we’re feeling the need for authentic Italian food.

During our recent visit, we were seated and attended to promptly. It might sound boring, but I ordered my usual, Angel Hair Pomodoro ($9.69). This dish includes angel hair pasta, basil, fresh tomatoes, mint, garlic oil and Romano. The kitchen always accommodates my request to add chopped green olives into the mix, which adds a lovely salty kick to this light, fresh pasta dish. It is by far my favorite entree on the menu.

My youngest son selected the full order of Lasagna ($10.99). With layers of fresh meat sauce, Romano, ricotta and mozzarella cheese, this is a huge helping of lasagna. If you’re not feeling especially starved, the menu lists half orders for many of the entrees. Meaty and tangy, this is a very good dish. Meanwhile, my college boy went for the famous pizza – a favorite in the neighborhood. The pizza regularly wins local awards for best pie, and I’m not surprised. Their crust is freshmade, as is the sauce. Toppings are generous and freshly prepared.

Dinners at Salvatore’s come with either a salad or soup and garlic bread. The side salad is iceberg lettuce, cucumber, red onion, pepperoni and croutons. We ordered the Chicken Noodle Soup – homemade noodles and homemade broth – which was very good.

This West Side eatery is a bit of a hidden gem to the rest of the city, but once found, you will find yourself returning again and again. With Salvatore’s, you’ll be enjoying a  true, authentic Italian meal – a taste of Italy right in Grand Rapids.

Salvatore's Italian Restaurant & Pizza  ( Rating: out of 5 )

Where: 654 Stocking NW, Grand Rapids (view map)

Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 4 p.m. to midnight, Sunday 3-9 p.m.
Ambiance: Classic Italian eatery
How much it will cost you: Entrees range from $8 to $14.

Credit cards: All major

Alcohol: Yes
Reservations: No
Contact: (616) 454-4280
Online: http://www.salvatoresgr.com