Hidden gems: Salvo Cafe

STEPPING into Salvo Cafe is a bit like a trip back in time.

With its distinctive Italian-New York feel, its black, red and white themed decor, there is a wonderful vibe of the Fifties about it.

But that's only if customers manage to spot the place – a narrow, unassuming front window glistening from a row of shops the top end of Earl Grey Street, just a stone's throw from the Cameo cinema.

Although diners may be nervous at the thought of eating or drinking in full view of many of their favourite celebrities (well … sort of, as they adorn the walls in an impressive collection of old photographs), they can well and truly relax at the hands of owner Salvatore Rosso, who opened the venture in 2001.

Salvo, as he is better known, is the brains behind the venture and makes everything fresh on-site himself, including the three-course 6.95 lunches which are a favourite with regulars. Diners should expect everything from pizzas to steaks, knickerbocker glories to coffees, omelettes to toasties.

And don't expect to be bothered – staff are not the pestering type.

Salvo Cafe, 4 Earl Grey Street, 0131-622 7008