Impala's Pizzeria — Restaurant in Sydney

What a total whirlwind experience.

Booked a table as my mum was visiting and it was our first time trying Impalas but we had heard great things about it. Got seated by the waitress but no water brought. Menus on tables so we thought it was table service. Tried to get a waitresses attention and she seemed annoyed but finally came over and we were able to order some drinks.

We tried to get another waitresses attention to order food as new people who came after us were getting served first and we were hungry. Waitress snaps at us that there’s no table service. Okay we didn’t know that and they took our drink orders while seated at the table and we still weren’t told then. Couldn’t see it mentioned that it wasn’t table service on table or menu.

Waitress gave up making our drinks halfway through and the other one had to take over. It was that kind of night. Drinks were delicious and pizza came out. Had one glorious bite before one of the waitresses smashed a glass nearby that sprayed broken glass across our whole table. Glass in your lap, on the plates and across two pizzas. Most unhinged thing I’d experienced in a restaurant. We had to ask her to take away all the food and plates as it didn’t seem like she got it immediately that we wouldn’t risk eating any of it. Luckily we didn’t no one got cut.

They tried to comp us soft drinks and sides as an apology but my mum said we’d like a repeat of our current drinks (2 cocktails & a beer). Felt a bit insulting to be honest to be offered that when we had just been sprayed in glass. I’ve worked in hospo for many years and I would’ve just comped the whole meal. Still couldn’t get water brought to the table even after asking multiple times.

Pizzas were remade very quickly and when we finally got all 3 they were heavenly. One was vegan. Best pizzas I’ve had in a long time and the drinks paired so well. Vegan said it was better than Gigis so that’s a big deal! Zero complaints on food and drinks they were truly amazing.

The only thing that’s letting the place down is their completely inexperienced wait staff. It’s breathtaking how bad they were and how much they didn’t seem to know or like their job. And it wasn’t even that busy, maybe 8 tables max. I’m sure there’s plenty of people who are fantastic at hospitality that would do that job easily and with finesse, taking this restaurant to the next level. I’d probably just get takeaway next time to...

I was really looking forward to trying this pizzeria, especially since they offer a gluten-free option. However, my experience was quite disappointing, particularly when it comes to their gluten-free pizzas.

For anyone considering the gluten-free option, be aware: they charge an extra $3.50 for it, but the gluten-free pizzas are tiny. I mean, really small. In fact, I did some quick math while I was there:

🍕 Pizza Size Comparison: • The standard pizza has a diameter of approximately 33cm. • The gluten-free pizza has a diameter of approximately 17cm.

Let’s break down the math:

Area of a circle = π * (radius)^2

For the standard pizza: • Radius = 33cm ÷ 2 = 16.5cm • Area = π * (16.5)^2 = π * 272.25 ≈ 855cm²

For the gluten-free pizza: • Radius = 17cm ÷ 2 = 8.5cm • Area = π * (8.5)^2 = π * 72.25 ≈ 227cm²

So, one standard pizza = 855cm² One gluten-free pizza = 227cm²

If I ordered two gluten-free pizzas, I would get: • 2 x 227cm² = 454cm²

That’s still only about half the size of a single standard pizza! Yet, I’m paying extra for a product that’s half the size… This just doesn’t feel fair. 😕

I really hope they reconsider the pricing and portioning for gluten-free customers in the future. It’s tough enough to find good gluten-free pizza without feeling...

12/6/24 - 4 stars

Found this place whilst browsing the suburb and my love of good pizza made me want to try. Certainly has a very welcoming and rustic vibe with the open woodfire oven and dimly lit atmosphere. Staff are quite friendly and decor is nice.

Margherita Base: S+, 8.5/10. Pretty good overall. Soft but a bit chewy with the puffy crust. I think could be more airy and flavourful but still nice

Toppings: S, 8/10. I appreciate the generosity with the cheese but it did get a little greasy and took away a bit from the pizza dough itself. I found that the tomato and basil flavours could be more prominent. Reminded me of an American style pizza

Value: B, 6/10. $23

Diavola Toppings: SS, 9/10. Great recommendation from the staff. Not very spicy but tomatoes, capsicum, onion and salami worked well togethee. Maybe some nduja would make it even better? Value: A, 7/10. $26 but definitely...