Strada

The food is bland and the service horrible. After bringing us very tasteless appetizers an hour after we ordered them, we asked how long it would be for the rest of our appetizers. «20 minutes» was the unapologetic response. We were then told that if we ordered right now our main course might be ready in 40 minutes. The place was not especially busy. And the food wasn’t even good in the first place. One of my bottom five most rage-​inducing dining experiences.

Let me preface… I’m an American from the NJ/​NY area, an area rich in Italian food and pizza awesomeness. I wanted to believe that the pizza in the UK could be good. It’s a lot closet to Italy than NJ is, right? OMG, the pizza was HORRIBLE! First, all of the reviews said this place had «bubbly, crisp crust». No, not at all! It was soft and doughy. Absolutely, NOTHING LIKE the reviews said. If brits like this crust, what is bad pizza crust to them? Must be terrible. I happened to be starving, so I ate it, but it was a poor excuse for pizza. Also, I had a prawn appetizer that probably had 2x the salt it should have. Even the focaccia bread that came with it was way too salty. London, wake up, your pizza is horrendous. Shame on every single person that gave this place a good review. Come to New York City or go to Italy and try the pizza there… you will thank me. As soon as I get back to NJ I’m going to Razza in Jersey City and getting me some fantastic pizza.

We visited this restaurant after work because it was nearby and it was in a cluster of restaurants where we had had a good experience before. I knew this is a chain restaurant — I’m usually prejudiced against these as I assume that the service will be average and the food overpriced. However, I had a nice surprise with our experience here.
The food was satisfying and filling. We had some pizza bread to share and I had the crumbed chicken breast with roasted potatoes. The service was prompt and friendly. It could have been because it was relatively early into the evening (around 6pm), but I had a good feeling that this would be their standard.
I would be comfortable about trying this restaurant if we find ourselves in other parts of London, feeling like a good Italian meal. I can see myself coming back here again after work.