0 Followers
Savelli
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Savelli
8.3
Savelli is a newer Italian restaurant and bar on Smith Street that leans into polished pastas, pizzas, and a serious wine list in a warmly lit room. It feels tailored for date nights and small celebrations, with a garden patio that softens the bustle of the surrounding streets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Funghi pizza, Chocolate lava cake
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Smith Street’s modern Italian dining room where wood-fired pizzas, house pastas, and a strong bar program make it feel more polished than a typical neighborhood joint.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning a slightly upscale Italian night out.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours for full energy or early evening for a quieter patio.
What to order: Margherita or funghi pizza, a seasonal pasta, and chocolate lava cake.
Insider tip: Ask about the garden patio or semi-private spaces if you’re planning a small celebration dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited after 6pm. Plan on circling or using a nearby paid lot a few blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; jeans are fine, but lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively indoors; patio is calmer and better for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pasta, pizza, and antipasti options work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited – a few salads and vegetable-forward pastas can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some gluten-free substitutions available for select dishes, but no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s stylish without feeling intimidating, and the lighting plus patio option makes it easier to talk and settle into the night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally early in the evening, but weekends and peak dinner hours are risky without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? More of an adult-focused dinner spot; older kids who enjoy pizza and pasta will be fine, but it’s not geared toward families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Date nights, polished Italian plates, wine-focused dinners, and patio dining that still feels upscale.
Skip if: You want a budget-friendly red-sauce Italian spot, a fast casual meal, or a quiet neighborhood dinner without any scene.
Savelli
8.0
Savelli is a newer, family-run Italian restaurant on Smith Street that treats lasagna as one of several carefully plated mains, including creative seafood versions. The room feels polished but not stiff, attracting neighbors who want a nicer night out without leaving the area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin tuna lasagna, Pesto pizza, Calamari
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Owner-operated Italian with refined lasagna plates in an intimate space.
Who should go: Couples and locals who like quieter, polished dinners.
When to visit: Midweek evenings for a relaxed, unhurried service pace.
What to order: Bluefin tuna lasagna, a shared pizza, tiramisu for dessert.
Insider tip: Sit near the front windows for a calmer, more conversational feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Smith Street is limited after 6pm; expect to circle side streets. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished but relaxed. Jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate; easy to hold a conversation, especially near the front windows.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, slightly longer during peak Smith Street traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; lunch service is calm and steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection; several pasta dishes and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited; one or two dishes may be adapted, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free pasta options available on request; cross-contact awareness is solid but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate lighting, quieter tables, and refined plating create a comfortable setting that feels thoughtful without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights; arrive early. Weekends are tighter and walk-ins may face waits of 30–45 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? It can accommodate older kids, but the atmosphere skews adult. No dedicated kids’ menu, and the room is better suited to calm, sit-down meals.
Best For
Better for: Refined, intimate Italian dinners with creative touches like seafood lasagna and attentive owner-driven hospitality.
Skip if: You want large, rustic portions, a loud celebratory atmosphere, or extensive vegan options.