Lucky & Pep's — Restaurant in Sydney

Referring to a visit on 06/06/2025.

One supposes that a restaurant with a name like Lucky and Pep’s might be aiming for something whimsical. Alas, the only thing "lucky" about our visit was managing to leave before hunger turned us on one another, and as for "Pep," it was in short supply.

Our party held a 6:30 reservation—though the word "reservation" here must be taken in its most theatrical sense, as no table materialised until well after the appointed hour. Our order languished until 6:56, with entrees dragging themselves to the table at 7:25, and mains only consenting to appear at 7:39. That’s 69 minutes from the promised moment of civility to the first bite—an interval that stretches the patience not merely thin, but into the realm of Kafkaesque.

The staff, to their credit, were courteous but clearly strained despite genuine efforts to do their best. The establishment was visibly understaffed, and it showed: delayed orders, multiple errors, and a drink that required a prompting for my friend to finally receive it. As for the ambiance, if you enjoy the unrelenting chaos of children using the restaurant floor as a racetrack while their parents sip wine in sublime indifference, you’re in for a treat.

And yet, I withhold the indignity of a single star. The food, when it finally arrived, was more than adequate. The potential is there—buried beneath the mismanagement. It is not the staff or the kitchen at fault, but rather their management. With proper leadership, realistic staffing levels, and a front-of-house overseer who understands that chaos is not a vibe, Lucky and Pep’s could, in time, live up to its name, as it has in the past.

I believe in leniency when there is potential, so I offer three stars: one for the beleaguered staff, who soldiered on with admirable resolve despite the mismanagement above them; one for the food itself, which flirted with excellence; and one reserved—perhaps naively—for the hope that Lucky and Pep’s will one day rise to meet its promise. That said, our return will...

We've been getting pizza from here for several years now. The pizza when made correctly are great. But...... with several food allergies for us, they were often a problem where they still used that allergen on the pizza (they are told to not include the allergen at time of order & they repeated that back to us when confirming the order). Often we had to get a new one made when we picked the order up.... adding more waiting time & allowing any other food in the order to go cold/stale. We got into a habit of checking the pizzas at pick up due their history of stuffing up the order. We had gotten home a few times to find the allergen on the pizza. A few times they offered to deliver the replacement pizza. That didn't go well, as the replacement still had the allergens on them! Then about 2 years ago... they had got some great chefs making great pizza (without the allergens). ... till now.... Now with different staff they are back stuffing up ... again!!!! What made it worse, was the girl who took our order over the phone & then served us when we came to pick up the pizza was so rude in her attitude (despite verbally saying sorry for the error - it didn't feel authentic from her). There was no offer of compensation from any of the 3 staff I spoke with about the stuffed up order. In the past they have refunded us or supplied something else free. From the start, they told us it would be 20 min wait from order. I walked out of there with the corrected order 50 min after ordering it - with 1 hot pizza, the rest of the order was luke warm. Looks like we'll be doing the rounds of the other pizza options in the area again. Lucky & Pepes = 'Lucky' if they get it right, & the 'pips' is what you get...

I spent some of the best years of my life working at Lucky’s in Dee Why, delivering pizzas as a teenager. Since then I have eaten across all 3 restaurants more times than I can count. I can say it is one of my all-time favourite eateries.

After a 2-3 year hiatus (Covid), I took my wife to Lucky’s in Forestville for dinner. Boy am I glad nothing has changed!! Their food has remained consistent for the 12 years I’ve been visiting.

Whether it’s Pizza, Pasta, or mains - take your pick… literally nothing will disappoint. My favourite picks are the garlic prawns, mozzarella gnocchi, and of course their pizzas.

Forestville location has been fully renovated since my last visit, they’ve created an awesome laid-back, comfortable vibe with perfect lighting and decor. The staff were very friendly and extremely well trained - same service we have received at fine-dining establishments.

If you’re reading this review, deciding whether to check them out…. Do it - you...