Caffé Saluto: Inexpensive Italian food

By Benjamin Cohen

Shanghai is full of Chinese-owned “Italian” bistros that serve up overcooked and overpriced corn and ketchup pasta. We found a place that breaks that stereotype. Tucked away on Anfu fu, a few doors down from Enoteca, is a small café with inexpensive authentic Italian food, Lavazza coffee and imported wines.

Caffé Saluto's been around for a few months. While the décor is nothing special (as you can see in the picture), the good food at reasonable prices and casual atmosphere make this a good spot for lunch with a friend or morning breakfast. A margarita pizza costs RMB 30. An Italian beer, Birra Moretti, is RMB 25. Their pesto penne pasta was cooked al dente, made with quality ingredients and elegantly presented on a white rectangular dish. Be sure to say hi to the owner, Elena. A former hairdresser from Xiamen, this friendly, brightly dressed woman has spent time in Italy and speaks Italian.

Caffé Saluto
43 Anfu Rd (安福路43号)