Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Salvatore’s Pizza and Pasta opening new location near UAB
Love pizza and pasta? Family-owned and operated Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta is opening a third location in Birmingham, and we’ve got the inside scoop.
A Birmingham original since 1984
Located in Vestavia Hills, the original Salvatore’s was founded by Italian immigrant Salvatore Bambinelli in 1984. Salvatore grew up working in his father’s pizzerias in New York and moved to The Magic City to start his own business.
Just like their father, Salvatore’s children grew up working in the family business. Now, his daughters—Sofia Izor and Christina Alonso—own and operate the day-to-day operations of Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta.
“We’ve worked with our dad since middle school, and although Christina and I both have degrees, we both came back to run the family business. We love it here.”
Sofia Izor, Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta
Currently, there are two Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta locations in the Greater Birmingham area:
Opening a new location in Birmingham
The Salvatore’s team has had their eyes set on downtown for a while, so they leaped at the chance when Suite 130 at Southside Station—formerly home to Milo’s Hamburgers and Barbeque & Biryani—became available.
“Our goal is to replicate the ‘Cheers’-like environment of our Hoover location. We have very regular customers, many of whom have been bringing their children to Salvatore’s for so long that we’ve seen them grow up before our eyes. One regular even drove out to Tuscaloosa for my college graduation—we really have the best customers!”
Christina Alonso, Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta
What to expect at Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta
If you’ve ever eaten at one of Salvatore’s other locations, you know there’s a reason why customers keep coming back. Salvatore’s specializes in New York Hand Tossed and Deep Dish pizzas, available by the slice and in a variety of sizes—from Personal 10-inch pizzas to Extra Large 18-inch pans.
“Our pizza by the slice is by far the most popular item on the menu; we have a lunch special that’s two slices and a drink for under $10.”
Christina Alonso, Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta
Salvatore’s dough, cheese and other ingredients are all prepared daily; just how Salvatore Bambinelli learned to make pizza in New York. Their secret?
“People say New York-style pizza is the best because of the dough water, and New York tap water is some of the cleanest in the U.S. To replicate that, we use a water filtration system to quadruple-filter the water for our dough. It makes a huge difference!”
Sofia Izor, Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta
In addition to pizza, Salvatore’s offers build-your-own calzones, pasta dishes like traditional southern Italian spaghetti and meatballs and more.
Grab a slice at the new Salvatore’s starting August 1
- Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta (Downtown): 401 19th Street South, Suite 130, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Hours: 10AM to 8PM, seven days a week
Planning to check out Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta in downtown Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
