Salvito's Pizza Bar

Nelson has a long and significant Italian history, and one of the best ways this heritage shines through is in the city’s pizza scene. Enter: Salvito’s Pizza Bar—named after owner John Esposito’s two sons, Salvi and Vito, who work alongside their father behind the counter and also have shares in the business. 

Their compact premises on Hardy Street is open and inviting, with a small number of counter seats along the wall where—once the alluring aroma of fresh-from-the-oven pizza lures you in—you can sit and people-watch as you eat. Take a close look at the walls, which are decorated with scenes from the family’s four-generation-deep history in Nelson.

You can order by the slice for a quick bite or get a half or whole slab of Salvito’s crisp-crust, authentic Italian-style (of course) pizza to go. Such is the family’s dedication they import many of their ingredients, including the pizza flour, from Italy to ensure everything is just like the flavours they grew up with. 

Meat lovers will gravitate to The Salvato, which is topped with friarielli greens, pork and fennel sausage, peppers, olives, special Salvito’s sauce and a three-cheese blend. The Cappiello—with flavours of artichoke, taleggio cheese, rocket and Parmesan—feels fresh and inviting, while those looking for a bit of luxury should try Giacomo’s Truffle. If you can’t choose just one, opt for a half slab of two different pizzas. Each full slab will be enough for about four people (but who doesn’t like leftover breakfast pizza, if any happen to be left over).