SALVO BAKEHOUSE
Salvo’s Bakehouse in Amsterdam is an Italian inspired and a beloved local gem known for its artisanal approach to baking, bringing together traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients. Located in a cozy neighborhood, Salvo offers freshly baked breads, pastries, and unique seasonal creations.
Salvo Bakehouse was established by Salvatore Lioniello last year in 2023. Prior to opening the bakery, Salvatore had already gained a reputation at the weekly market held in the courtyard of the Hermitage, which is now the H*art Museum. Salvo is a baker enthusiast who likes to explore traditional recipes, forgotten desserts and unexpected flavors from Italy and around the world.
Salvo’s Bakehouse is known for its ever-changing selection of sweet and savory treats, along with freshly brewed coffee and a variety of other drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic croissant, a hearty pastry, or a rich slice of cheesecake, there’s always something new and delicious to try. One standout feature of Salvo’s is that they don’t stick to a fixed menu. Instead, they let their creativity and seasonal ingredients guide the offerings, meaning every visit promises something a little different.
As they put it: “We don’t work with a fixed menu, discover our items on your next visit. This is how we roll!” This flexible approach keeps things exciting, making each visit to Salvo’s a fresh experience. Whether you’re a regular or a newcomer, you’ll find yourself happily exploring the latest creations on display. And as a welcoming touch, they also provide free tap water for all guests, encouraging you to sit back and relax while enjoying your chosen goodies.
At Salvo’s Bakehouse, we indulged in a slice of their famous burnt Basque cheesecake, a pistachio croissant, a cappuccino, and a chai latte.
I’d heard so many good things about the burnt Basque cheesecake at Salvo’s Bakehouse, so I was excited to finally try it – and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This cheesecake is a must-try. It’s light yet creamy, with a gooey center that makes each bite melt in your mouth. The slice they serve is huge, so it’s perfect for sharing (or savoring solo if you’re feeling indulgent!).
The cheese flavor is just right, not too strong, and there’s a hint of citrus that adds a fresh, zesty twist. Together, it’s a perfect balance that tastes like absolute heaven. I’d give it a solid 9/10 – definitely one of the best cheesecakes I’ve had!
Next up was the pistachio croissant, which I’d seen popping up all over my feed – so of course, I had to give it a try! The croissant itself was spot-on: super flaky with that perfect golden crust that shatters as you bite in. But, honestly, the pistachio cream was a bit of a letdown. It was super light and more on the liquid side, it didn’t have that thick creamy and strong, nutty pistachio flavor I was hoping for. Instead, it tasted more like a regular custard, so it missed that rich pistachio punch.
On the bright side, they don’t hold back on the filling! There’s plenty inside each croissant, so you get a generous bite every time – just wish it had more of that distinct pistachio taste. Overall, I’d give it a 6/10. A solid pastry, but the filling could use a bit more flavor to really shine.
To round out the experience, we sipped on a well-prepared cappuccino and a chai latte. The cappuccino was smooth and expertly foamed, with a nutty espresso flavor that held up beautifully against the creamy milk. The chai latte was aromatic and cozy, spiced with just the right balance of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves – comforting but not overpowering. The warm drinks went great together with the sweet bakes!
On my second visit to Salvo’s, I decided to try their tiramisu cold foam espresso. It’s like getting dessert and coffee all in one – a fun twist that immediately caught my attention! The tiramisu cream was delicious, rich, and velvety, capturing that classic tiramisu flavor. However, I did find it a bit too intense on its own, almost overpowering the drink.
Since the espresso itself is pretty strong as well, I’d definitely recommend mixing the cream with the espresso. Doing so really balances the flavors, letting the bold coffee and sweet cream come together just right. Overall, it’s a unique drink and enjoyable treat! I’d rate it a 7.5 out of 10 – worth trying if you’re up for a coffee-dessert combo.
I also decided to take some bakes to go, including the much-talked-about pistachio chocolate cookie. This cookie is without a doubt Salvo’s most popular item – I’d seen it everywhere, so my expectations were high. And let me tell you, it lived up to the hype!
The pistachio chocolate cookie is incredibly delicious. It’s soft, gooey, and practically melts in your mouth with every bite. The tiny chocolate pieces scattered throughout are perfect – they add just the right amount of sweetness and texture to balance the creamy pistachio filling. And those little bits of salt? They bring out all the flavors, making the whole experience even better. I totally get why people are obsessed with this cookie. It’s a solid 9/10 for me – a must-try if you’re ever at Salvo’s!
I also decided to try Salvo’s pistachio bomba. At first glance, it looked incredible – the kind of pastry that catches your eye immediately. I was already half in love with it based on looks alone because it really does look “bomb.” But, to my disappointment, it didn’t quite deliver on flavor.
The pistachio mousseline cream was a bit bland for my taste, missing that rich pistachio punch I was hoping for. The flaky bun itself didn’t have much flavor either, so the whole thing felt a little flat. The glazed topping, however, was a nice touch, with a good amount of crunchy pistachio bits that added some texture and sweetness.
Overall, while it looked amazing, the flavor just didn’t wow me, and I wouldn’t order it again. I’d give it a 5/10 – worth trying if you’re curious, but definitely not one of my favorites from Salvo’s.
I’ve honestly lost count of how many times I’ve visited Salvo’s by now, but this time I brought a group of friends along – more people, more things to try! I’d always skipped over their tiramisu in the past, but finally, it was time to give it a try. And since we were going all in, we decided to make it a true “tiramisu day” and ordered their seasonal bomboloni with tiramisu cream too. The bomboloni looked so tempting with its fluffy dough and creamy filling that we couldn’t resist.
Salvo’s tiramisu was pretty enjoyable overall. It comes in a generous serving, with a thick layer of cream that makes it feel rich and indulgent. The coffee flavor, however, is quite subtle, and I found the amount of cream a bit much for my taste – a little more balance would have made it even better. It’s also worth noting that this tiramisu doesn’t contain any alcohol, so if you’re a fan of the classic boozy kick, you won’t find it here.
All in all, it’s a good dessert and definitely satisfying, but I have had better versions elsewhere that offered a bit more depth in flavor. I’d rate it a 7.5/10 – tasty and worth a try, but not a standout.
Next, we tried the tiramisu bomboloni. The doughnut had a subtle tiramisu flavor, but the cream filling was a bit on the bland side, especially when compared to the actual tiramisu we tried earlier. It’s still a pretty decent tiramisu-inspired doughnut, with a soft, fluffy texture and a hint of coffee flavor, but it didn’t quite wow me. To be fair, I’m usually not a big doughnut fan, so that might be why it didn’t leave a huge impression. If you love doughnuts, you might enjoy it more! I’d give it a solid 7/10.
We also tried Salvo’s iced matcha coconut raspberry (and yes, I forgot to snap a picture—my bad!). It’s the perfect summer drink: sweet, refreshing, and beautifully layered with flavors. The matcha is subtle but pairs really well with the creamy coconut milk, while the raspberry coulis adds a nice fruity twist that brightens everything up.
Just a tip—make sure to mix it well! The flavors blend best once everything’s combined. Overall, it’s a solid 8/10 for me, definitely worth trying if you’re after a cool, refreshing drink with a unique twist.
The staff at Salvo’s are genuinely friendly, and the place has such a cozy vibe. It does get pretty crowded on weekends, so keep in mind their grab-and-go concept: there is seating, but it’s limited. Despite the crowds, service tends to be quick and efficient. One standout detail is their customer care – they offer little extras like cookie bits and one-shot coffees to people waiting in line, which is a thoughtful touch that makes the wait more enjoyable. The prices can be a bit on the higher side, but with the generous servings, it feels worth it for the quality and portion sizes they offer.
I’ve been to Salvo’s several times now, and I always find myself coming back to try something new. They frequently update their menu, and I’m constantly amazed by the creativity and variety the team brings. Each visit feels like a little surprise with fresh treats waiting to be discovered!
Salvo’s is also known for their maritozzi, a traditional Italian treat made of a soft brioche bun filled with whipped cream. I haven’t had the chance to try it yet, but it’s definitely on my list for next time!
Overall, Salvo offers a great variety of tasty bakes, although a few might be a bit overhyped on social media. Still, there are some must-tries that truly live up to the buzz. I’d definitely recommend their pistachio chocolate cookie and burnt Basque cheesecake – you won’t be disappointed with either! Both are deliciously rich and worth the trip. For drinks, the iced matcha coconut raspberry is a standout, especially if you’re looking for something refreshing and unique. And with their ever-changing menu, there’s always something new and exciting popping up. Keep an eye out for their latest creations—you might just discover a new favorite!
SALVO BAKEHOUSE
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 09:00-16:00
Thursday – 09:00-16:00
Friday – 09:00-16:00
Saturday – 09:00-16:00
Sunday – 09:30-16:00