PHLReview
Pizzeria Salvy
In a surprise to absolutely no one, Marc Vetri makes great pizza. His newest concept, Pizzeria Salvy, is serving up addictively crispy, 12-inch thin crust pies with unexpected toppings, along with a selection of salads and antipasti. The modern dining area surrounds a stunning marble pizza oven, and is covered in endearing photos of the chef’s bespectacled dad, Sal (who the spot is named for).
photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo
From Tuesdays to Fridays, starting at 11:30am, the pizzeria is mobbed by Xfinity bros and other buttoned-up execs sharing a few pies and salads. Take the escalator down to the terrazzo-lined dining area and spring for an order of Sal’s Meatballs—they’re a perfect union of beef, veal, and pork that used to be served at the now-shuttered Amis. The rotating selection of daily taglio sandwiches are also a standout (if the brisket with giardiniera from Mike's BBQ is available, it's a must).
The other starters, while solid, are forgettable. Save your stomach real estate for the pizza; there’s not a bad slice to be had, but the garlicky, lemony clam pie and the decadent Ode To The Sweet Onion Crepe are the ones you won’t want to share.
Keeping a signature Vetri dish all to yourself is par for the course. So what is surprising about Pizzeria Salvy? The location. If you work in the Comcast Technology Center (or the surrounding business district), Salvy is a slam dunk. It sits in a basement corner of the behemoth at 1800 Arch, making it ideal for those who live and work upstairs. But as charming as the space is, it’s hard to ignore the chaos coming from the lobby above, the droves of Comcast employees shuffling through the concourse, and the janitors whizzing around the surrounding linoleum floors. It’s certainly not a spot for date night—save your proposal for Vetri Cucina—but if you’re in the area with co-workers or need a step up from a coffee date, it’s a solid pick.
photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo
Food Rundown
photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo
Sal's Meatballs
We’ve been mourning the loss of these meatballs since Amis closed, and are so happy to have them back. They’re made up of moist, well-seasoned ground beef, pork, and veal, and served in a sweet San Marzano tomato sauce.
photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo
Ranchovy Salad
The anchovies in this Caesar-esque salad really pack a punch (which we should have known. It’s right there in the name). But if you’re a fan of the pungent fish flavor, this is a hit, but beware—this is no standard Caesar.
photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo
Clam Pie
This is a New England summer’s day in one dish. The clam is finely chopped and spread throughout the pizza (along with garlic, provolone, and roasted red peppers), so each crisp bite has a slightly sweet seafood flavor. Drizzle lemon on top before enjoying.
photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo
Ode To The Sweet Onion Crepe
The sweet onion crepe is one of the most famous and long-lasting dishes from Vetri Cucina (the gem of the Vetri restaurant empire). It’s a decadent combination of roasted sweet onion, white truffle, and peppery parmesan. Now imagine that, but on top of a perfect pizza crust, with more melty cheese. It’s a must.
photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo
Fiorella Sausage & Peppers
We love the sweet tomato sauce on this pie, and the Fiorella sausage is outstanding. Unfortunately, the thin crust can’t really stand up to the weight of the toppings, so it’s one of the saggier slices you’ll have here.