Salvatore’s Tomato Pies

The day Salvatore’s announced their expansion to include a location on East Johnson Street I was beyond delighted. Prior to this new location, Sun Prairie was quite the hike for pizza but completely worth it.
Sal’s pies satisfy a wide range of tastes, and are quite adventurous depending on your pizza personality. For those not as daring, you can always build your own! My favorite specialty pies have been the Forza, the Carbonara, and particularly the Forestiere.
The space on E Johnson is very very small, so if you have an option to do pickup I would highly recommend it. As a bonus, the takeout boxes are able to be converted into 4 cardboard plates which makes it a great choice to order then head over to one of the local parks!

Had pizza (carbonara)and a salad. The salad was small and sad. The food was ok but I have had better for the price. If your going to charge so much at least put some salad on the plate. I understand and appreciate the freshness. But not worth the wait and the services was poor. The prices are very high. Maybe spend the money on your staff. Probably will pass on a return to this place. Im sticking with Pizza Brutta better service and less cost for same quality pie.

I went to Sal’s last weekend to celebrate my birthday and the experience lived up to the hype! When my wife and I arrived I was glad I didn’t invite anyone else because this place is small/​intimate. We were told it would be 40 minutes so we went next door to Johnson Public House for a beer. About 20 minutes into my imperial porter I got a call that the table was ready so I slammed the beer and headed back to Sal’s buzzed and ready to eat!
We each got a small specialty pie. I did the forza, with ricotta, pepperoni, Calabrian chilis, and whole cloves of roasted garlic! The flavor was big, the heat and sweet worked well with the ricotta, crust was buttery and the garlic was so good. This one may not be the best pick for first dates or vampires. My wife went with the mapache with carnitas, poblano peppers, potatoes and some other ingredients that are escaping me. The flavors worked well and this one had a very nice level of heat.
They have a rotating tap list featuring local and out of state beers. I went with the Boulder brewing shake porter on nitro which was essentially a liquid tootsie roll and I really enjoyed it.
Service was attentive and friendly and combined with the food made for an awesome birthday dinner!

Color me impressed like the rest. I’d been meaning to go to Salvatore’s forever but just never made the pilgrimage. Then my wife started reading me this terribly obnoxious review from the unconsidered section which was met with one of the best responses I’ve ever read from the owner of a restaurant. That was enough for me, the mystery of this place had to be known.
Went on a Friday night, small joint in a very relaxed neighborhood downtown and it was packed to the gills. Fantastic cozy atmosphere, and a nice warm reprieve from Wisconsin’s brutal cold. There was a 45 minute wait and it was already 7:30, but the host said he could take our number and text us if we wanted to get drinks at the Public House next door (since their bar area was pretty full). It was a nice gesture, so we followed his advice and got to try two places in one evening. The Public House was a pretty comfortable coffee shop with good beer and a nice way to pass the time before our table was ready.
All said and done we finally put in our first order around 9:00 after getting a table, which at most other places would irk me a bit, but all was redeemed. When our bacon and cheese bread appetizer came out, with Siracha dip, hoo baby. Absolutely delicious.
But then. THE PIZZA. I was extremely skeptical going to Salvatore’s because I really don’t know how you can separate yourself in the pizza world, but apparently you can. Like others mentioned, local ingredients and an attention to detail are all the difference. Both pies were unbelievable, divine morsels freshly prepared for your happy zone. Where I thought I would leave hungry instead I left with a full to-​go box and a half a beer, falling asleep dreaming of the next day where I would be able to eat the succulent leftovers.
Prices are awesome for downtown, $ 13 – 15 for the 12″ pies and $ 23 – 25 for 16″. We both felt that 2 people could easily just share a 16″, so don’t let your eyes be bigger than your head unless you want those oh-​so-​sweet leftovers. I had the Forza for my pizza and my wife had a sausage, pep, mushroom, both amazing.
Don’t be like me and wait an eternity to go here. Quite possibly the best pizza in Madison

Delicious! I had the gluten-​free pizza crust and was impressed. Even my gluten-​loving friend enjoyed the crust. I would return in an instant for more pizza and wine and happily try all of the interesting variations.

Okay, so there aren’t any hunched Italian grandmas manning the pizza ovens at Sal’s, stretching dough with gnarled fingers and swirling it above their heads. But while I’m otherwise a stickler for authenticity, I really don’t care in this instance. The sauce is bright and flavorful, and the toppings are the best conceived and executed of any pizza place in town. The beet pesto pizza can convert kale haters any day. I’ve eaten every pizza on the menu and none has disappointed even for a second. The only «problem» I’ve ever had at Sal’s is the frustration of holding myself back from eating another slice out of sheer enthusiasm when I know it’ll put me in food coma territory. Oh the agony! Beyond that, they have a good drink selection and everyone from the chefs to the waitstaff is friendly and courteous.

Yeah I loved the pizza. We got one with sausage, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and either mushrooms or onions (can’t quite remember). It was basically faultless. Cheese, sauce, toppings, crust all earned perfect scores essentially. There was a long wait for a table but it was Saturday, so no surprise. I’m eager to return some day.

I could’ve given Sal’s Tomato Pies this five-​star review at any point since I started getting pizza from them, because the pizza is, hands-​down, my favorite in town. Truth be told, however, I was particularly prompted by Lynne D.‘s recent review. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, and I’m not trying to change Lynne’s mind, but I have to say this is a pizza worth paying for if you value high-​quality food that is locally sourced. The ingredients are head and shoulders above what you get from many other pizza places.
During the summer, I work at the Harmony Valley Farm farmer’s market stand on the Square, and I’d be hard-​pressed to think of a time I was working when Patrick didn’t personally come shopping at the stand. What’s even cooler is to, later that same day, see a picture posted on Twitter or Facebook of a featured pie that contains some of the very things I sold him that morning. That is farm to freaking table, right there.
What Sal’s provides that I don’t find from too many other pizza places is a thoughtfully and creatively conceived pie (the ingredient combos are consistently amazing) that’s made from high-​quality and local ingredients. If that latter part is valuable to you, you’re not just buying a pizza. You’re voting with your dollars in support of a business that shares your values. And, in this case, the hot slice of ethos is absolutely freaking delicious, every single time.

I hosted a private event with Sal’s last week and in doing so, had a chance to scarf a piece of their signature Tomato Pie while running around. I ended up back at the shop two days later because I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Their humble pie looks beautiful but packs a punch you wouldn’t expect from such a simple dish. The crust is perfect and chewy. The cheese is flavorful and plentiful without that stringy, will choke you if you swallow funny consistency. And then, topping it all in a beautiful swirl, there is the sauce. Bow down, y’all. The sauce is so fresh and flavorful that you’ll give a side eye to canned sauces from here on out. Making things from local ingredients truly makes a difference — you’re not going to find something that tastes this good without getting local.
To sum up, I asked if «pizza marriage» was legal after my first slice — I think I could be happy with this beauty for the rest of my life.

Waits can be little long (weekends) plan accordingly!
We were visiting Madison and heard of this place and we were in the area so planned on stopping here.
The Pizzas we ordered were: 1. Featured Pizza without Bacon and 2. Make your own pizza with eggs, smoked Gouda, basil — WOW! My first time eating pizza with eggs and this was awesome!
They do have a decent collection of craft, local beers.

When I moved to Madison I was shocked at how truly awful the downtown pizza was. Ian’s, Pizza de Roma, and Glass Nickel are all bland, uninspiring options. Then I discovered places like Pizza Brutta and Porta Alba that made high quality pizza. Unfortunately, this was «authentic Italian pizza,» which I like, but which doesn’t really do it for me– the kind of place where people praise them for not putting too many toppings on the pie. I was still on the lookout for a place where the pizza was decadent and cheesy but also high quality.
Then we moved to the east side and I found two places that fit the bill: Grampa’s and Sal’s.
Sal’s makes a fantastic pizza. My go-​to option is the Forza: ricotta cheese, pepperoni, roasted garlic, and chilis (I get it without the tomatoes). It’s everything I could possibly ask for: salty, greasy, decadent and creamy. I’d give them 6 stars for that pizza alone.
I’m less of a fan of their standard options– too much sauce, not enough cheese, and I thought that the forestiere (sp?) was disappointing– a little one note.
Other small complaints:
–no delivery and not always easy to park
–the space is small and poorly ventilated
— it’s a little pricy.
Nonetheless, this easily gets 4 stars– 4.5 really– based on the Forza alone. Nice job, Sal’s.
Edit: I had a chance to try a few new pies at an event this week. After one bite of the jalapeño assadero (sp?) I knew I’d be coming back soon. Soon turned out to be the next night. This pizza turned out to be even better than the Forza. The key here is the combination of chorizo AND carnitas. They blend perfectly with the spicy jalapeño pesto. If it were just chorizo the pizza would be salty and one-​note, but the carnitas gives it a nice earthy undertone. This place makes two of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. If that doesn’t deserve five stars, I don’t know what does.

Great & creative pizza, a very tasty specialty salad of shaved brussels sprouts and goat cheese plus some Jolly Pumpkin sours is a potent combination. The salad we ordered was the daily special so I can’t speak as to its availability when you visit. We ordered the Forza pizza which came with excellent sausage, cherry tomatoes, and garlic. I felt like the ricotta probably took it into too rich territory but that’s a pretty minor complaint.
Protip: you can get pizzas split into two flavors so you can try more stuff.

This pizza is so good! I grew up in NY and am pretty snobby about pizza, but Sals passes my test. It has the crust consistency and slice size* of what I would consider «real» pizza with the flavors and unique ingredients of a more gourmet spot.
The carbonara pie is out of this world. I tried a bite of my friends’ jalapeño pizza and it was also great. I can’t wait to try more pies and do take out!
*if you can’t fold it, it’s not pizza. Sorry.

Have you every had one of those experiences where everything at a restaurant truly was excellent? Well, that was Salvatore’s. They take their menu to a whole new level.
First there was the salad. I end up eating a huge amount of greens in the course the year, and that’s fine. But it’s a pretty rare day when I’m eating a salad and think to myself that the lettuce is just delicious. The salad also came with interesting vegetables — like slices of purple carrots and speckled string beans (I HATE string beans by the way, but gladly ate these).
After talking with the waiter I realized that they had just come back from the farmer’s market with everything. A lot of food here either comes directly from the farmer’s market or from the farm itself, and it makes a big difference.
Then there is the beer: a very nice mix of small, craft breweries.
Then there is the pizza. If you are looking for just peperoni, this is not your place. I’m really up for creative pizzas, and Salvatore’s doesn’t disappoint. When there are too many things that look good on the menu and you can’t make up your mind, then you are in a good place.
I ended up with the Fig and Bacon (Cabernet poached mission figs, with gorgonzola cheese, balsamic red wine reduction, and bacon). Excellent!
Easily could have also gone for:
Forestiere (Thinly sliced onions, bacon lardons, crème fraiche, Pleasant Ridge Reserve, fresh thyme and local mushrooms)
or
Vegetarian (Roasted beet pesto, kale, goat cheese, parsley, red wine reduction)
I’ll just have to come back and try the others!

The best pizza I’ve had in Madison (and several other cities).
We got a pizza to-​go after having dinner at a place nearby. Even though we’d just eaten dinner, we couldn’t stay away from the pizza here. It was fantastic.
The end.

Oh my goodness is this a stellar pie place! It was hard to choose off the menu, but my friend and I decided to split the veg starter plate and the fig pizza. We were in love with every bite.
Will definitely be back. Lovely outside seating for the summer, and that shop would be cozy in the winter months!

I’ve been to Salvatore’s three times now. The first time was in Sun Prairie, and the last two times have been at their new Madison location.
I’ve never been as excited about Salvatore’s as many are. In Sun Prairie, I found the place very dark and very smoky. Strangely, the poor ventilation issue seems to also be affecting their Madison location. The windows are coated in steam and it’s smoky inside. Not quite as dark as the Sun Prairie location, but the black walls are sure trying their hardest to fight the light from the big storefront windows. Just kind of gloomy. The décor overall leaves something to be desired at the new location. It seems like an afterthought, nothing really goes together.
The pizza is delicious. Not Grampa’s-level delicious, but they do have an amazing sauce recipe. On my first visit to the new location, I had the Forza pizza, which had whole cloves of roasted garlic on it, and it was so, so good. Unfortunately, the after effects for my stomach were so, so not good.
In light of that, on my most recent visit I tried the fish tacos, and my dining companion had the veggie version. The light, doubled corn tortillas were done very well, but the fish tacos themselves were almost inedibly hot (as in spicy hot). The pickled veggies were a mixed bag of good and not so good. The pickled brussels sprouts were so good, almost addictive. We also ordered the white bean hummus and veggies appetizer. It was served with hard, dry, tasteless slices of baguette, and the same pickled veggies. The hummus had zero flavoring, as though they had just opened a can of beans and threw them in the blender and called it good. Not so good, as it turns out.
The unfortunate stomach issues happened again after this last visit. Not sure what’s up with that. We also had a waiter with a bit of a ‘tude, which is always fun. Asked several times for water, and when he finally brought it, he only brought one glass, I said «can we both have one, please?» And he snapped, «well, why didn’t you say so?» Or words to that effect. Charming chap. I see that they are currently looking for waitstaff, so maybe this is the best they are able to get right now, for some reason.
I’ll give it some time, and try it again. I really, really want to like it more than I do now. The tap beer list is nice, the menu is varied and creative, and I love the location.

Another pizza place to add to my list of favorites! Before coming to Madison I’d never dreamt that pizza could be this good. I have heard all about Salvatore’s but I’d never tried it before, the Sun Prairie location is just too far out of the way for me. But the people there must have heard me (and other pizza-​lovers like me!!), and so they open an outlet here. Thanks to my co-​worker I got to know about their opening and off we went on their second day.
For being a new place they were pretty busy. It was a nice and cozy restaurant on the east side (about 7 or so tables with a small bar area). Ordered the popular Carbonara pizza and it didn’t disappoint. Runny egg yolks (3 eggs!!) and smooth egg whites right on top of the pizza. With mushrooms and bacon. With all the eggs on the pizza the crust is still super crispy. Enjoyed every moment of it. The small pizza was enough to share between two people.
But we were greedy so we also had the bruchetta as the appetizer. Fresh house made mozzarella with dipping bread, roasted garlic and greens on the side. I love how light the cheese is, it goes really well with the pizza.
I am so excited about Salvatore’s. Can’t wait to be back again for more!

Salvatore’s is HERE IN MADISON! Woohoo, the Unilocal favorite pizza is here! Let’s cheer! No more driving to Sun Prairie for Salvatores!
I was surprised by the size of Salvatore’s, maybe 8 tables or so, and the bar area is small. So, I was really thankful to visit on a weekday, when I didn’t need to wait for seats, and food didn’t take too long to arrive. If you’re lost, it’s right next to Johnson Public House, and have pizza board with skulls saying Wisco on them (So hipster: p)!
The menu has great selections — lots of appetizers, make your own pizza, specialty pizza and tacos!!! Pretty excited about all these things. Also, there’s a good selection of beer and non-​alcoholic drinks.
I loved the carbonara pizza — eggs, bacon, cheese. my FAVORITE THINGS. AND, how is it possible that ALL 3 eggs were RUNNY. Such an amazing creamy, rich flavor with runny yolks! The crust of the pizza is thin crust, though not italian thin, but has great chew to it. (P.S. the ~8″/$ 14 pizza was so big, we had some leftovers; the leftovers were AMAZING. just heat them up in the oven. oooohhhhh good)
We also tried the bacon and cheese bread (even though it was similar to our pizza.), the sriracha sauce added some much flavor and depth! LOVE IT.
Definitely gonna be visiting very soon again! How about some delivery very soon??? Please? :D

I an so excited to be the first to review this gem!
For those of you not in the know, this is a branch of a restaurant in Sun Prairie of the same name, with a stellar rep. I have been looking forward to their branch opening in my hood for months, and they have lived up to the hype.
This did not feel like an opening weekend at all. Décor, food, and service all felt pretty much spot on. They have a great beer selection; I got a yummy sour ale from a brewery I was unfamiliar with (Funk Session 5), which tends to impress me. My boyfriend and I enjoyed our ales while waiting to be seated. The bar area is a little cramped, but I think they’ve done really well provided the space.
We had a house salad, with a pesto-​y vinaigrette and tons of veggies (radishes, beets, cukes, mixed greens, etc.). Very fresh. Perfect start to a meal.
We ordered the Jalapeño Asesino pizza. Omg. Fresh jalapeños, chorizo, chicken, a kind of chimichurri-​style sauce drizzled on top… super flavorful, and with that perfect level of heat that doesn’t blow out your taste buds, but builds slowly on your tongue. Fab.
It’s pretty dangerous how close I live to this place…