Salvo's

Tucked away on Forest Avenue in Ridgewood, Salvo’s is the kind of neighborhood gem that makes you want to play hooky from work. What started as a moped-delivered sandwich operation around Brooklyn has blossomed into a cozy little shop where owner Salvatore La Rosa serves up Italian-American comfort between slices of exceptional bread. The vibe here is decidedly European—think leisurely lunches with a glass of wine, locals chatting in Italian, and the kind of unhurried atmosphere that makes you forget about your afternoon meetings.

The chalkboard menu keeps things simple, but every sandwich is thoughtfully constructed. The sausage sandwich is the sleeper hit you shouldn’t skip—imagine the soul of a potato leek soup layered onto crusty Otway Bakery bread with savory sausage and a luxurious swipe of gorgonzola cream. The mortadella with burrata and pistachio pesto gets a welcome brightness from generous lemon zest, while the eggplant parm arrives gloriously rustic and swimming in good olive oil.

This is a lunchtime destination through and through. Grab a cortado or a glass of wine, order a couple sandwiches to share, and settle in. The regulars have figured out the move: treat yourself to a midday date and split a few things so you can taste the range. There’s something wonderfully transportive about the whole experience—one minute you’re in Queens, the next you feel like you’ve wandered into a corner shop somewhere in southern Italy.

For anyone seeking an antidote to the rushed lunch at your desk, Salvo’s offers a delicious reminder that sometimes the best meals are the ones you take your time with.