From the kitchens of the Vatican to the streets of SoHo, Chef Salvo Lo Castro has opened up his first restaurant in NYC. Casasalvo Restaurant brings Mediterranean flavors and Italian hospitality to a spacious 5,000-square-foot setting. It officially opened its doors to the public on July 20, 2025.
The menu features time-honored traditions and vibrant flavors from both the Mediterranean and Italy. Customers can enjoy fresh fish to 48-months-aged Parmesan, with entrees spanning risotto and pasta to steaks and lamb chops.
Moreover, you can’t miss out on the dolce e gelato, so we’d recommend ordering the Mile Foglie Traditional Recipe, Claire CASASALVO with Lemon Cream, or Gelato al Ciocolato di Modica, an Italian protected geographical indication speciality chocolate that uses ancient manual grinding.
Passionate customers already left rave reviews, one praising the Osso Buco (braised veal shanks), claiming it was the best they’ve had in both Italy and stateside. The review also pointed out the restaurant’s perfect spritz ratio, impeccable overall vibe and incredible wait staff. “Salvo is not just a chef, he is an artist!” they emphasized.
Chef Salvo Lo Castro began cooking professionally at the age of 12 in his hometown of Catania, Italy. He later trained at Giovanni Falcone Institute in Italy.
In addition to his extensive experience within 5-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, Chef Salvo Lo Castro worked as a cook at the Vatican for a decade, serving both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Essentially, you can eat the same meal he served the Pope by ordering his fettuccine Casasalvo, a recipe passed down from generations. He’s also cooked for others including the Saudi royal family to famous celebrities like Robert De Niro.
Casasalvo Restaurant isn’t Chef Lo Castro’s first NYC business. He also owns a chain of espresso bars across NYC, renowned for pricing every drink on the menu for just $2.50.
Reservations can be made to Casasalvo Restaurant on OpenTable or via email: reservations@casasalvonyc.com. You can learn more on the official Casasalvo website.
📍195 Spring Street, New York
🗓️ Open seven days a week
