La Piola Pizza — Restaurant in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode - Sint-Joost-ten-Node

We came to dine here on recommendation of our friends. We had a table of 4 booked at 6:30 PM. Unfortunately this visit turned into a very bad experience. We came all over from Mechelen to Brussels which is a 30 minutes drive. Upon reaching the area we got stuck in heavy traffic due to a local outdoor market which we were not aware of. We drove around for 45 minutes before finding a parking space. My wife and I finally reached our friends in the restaurant at 7:30 PM. Upon sitting down we immediately were warned that we had to clear the table by 8 PM. I understand this from a commercial point of view, but I believe there are more subtle ways of announcing this without pressuring the customer even before having looked at the menu. We took a starter and the pizza and agreed to have it all served together at the same time. We also took a bottle of wine where, again, we were urged to hurry up. Very uncommercial behaviour for a table spending €209 for 4 in a pizzeria. In the meantime it was already 8:45 PM and still no explicit warning to leave, so we thought that maybe the next customers cancelled. We sat by the window and didn’t see any other people waiting to be seated. Surprisingly when asking for a desert this was declined by the staff with the same mention that we had to leave. It’s a pity because the restaurant wasn’t full and clearly there was no one waiting. It felt like they wanted to teach us a lesson above all. We then decided to take off and left with an uncomfortable feeling of not having enjoyed this dinner at all since we’ve been pressured and reminded multiple times that we had to hurry. We kept chatting for about 20 minutes outside in front of the restaurant and by the time it was 9:22PM, our table was still empty as shown on the photo (we had the table of 4 by the window). This visit was way below our expectations and absolutely not in line with the image, reputation and reviews of...

I appreciate that my experience might be rare as there’s so many other good reviews (hence why we chose to eat here). However, I had the absolutely worst service ever.

My pizza came out with all of the toppings stone cold, the manager tried to say that it was normal but he would get it warmed up for me. It came out a little warmer so I ate soon but realised the dough itself was raw. I tried to tell the staff but three separate staff members came to tell me I was wrong with one even saying ‘maybe you like that big takeaway pizza chain, but this is Naples style pizza’…

Except, I love Napoli style pizza and I’ve been there three separate times, eaten in plenty of other Napoli style restaurants and even own a pizza oven at home to make them myself. I know it’s thin and cooked quickly, meaning the middle of the pizza can go soft and soggy, but this was clearly raw and undercooked. The toppings being cold was also a big giveaway! I even said my partners pizza was fine, so it was likely just a one off mistake but the rudeness of the entire staff team refusing to just cook it longer or replace or even apologise/admit there was possibly a mistake was awful, I felt ambushed by them all.

You can even see from my picture that the cheese hasn’t melted the tiniest bit, they claimed this was how it’s meant to be, but compare it to all of the other pictures posted.

Also, why do the capers still come with...

La Piola Pizza is frequently hailed as one of the best pizzerias in Europe, and I can wholeheartedly confirm this reputation. My experience there was exceptional, with every aspect of the meal exceeding expectations.

The pizzas at La Piola are simply amazing. They use top-quality ingredients and create incredible combinations of flavors that make each bite a delight. The menu offers a variety of options, ensuring there's something for everyone, whether you prefer classic toppings or more adventurous choices.

The ambiance of the restaurant is equally impressive. It's a pleasant place to dine, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. However, be prepared to plan ahead. La Piola is incredibly popular, and you need to book well in advance to secure a table. They are always fully booked, whether for dining in or delivery, which is a testament to their outstanding quality and popularity.

If you’re a pizza lover, La Piola Pizza is an absolute must-visit. The combination of excellent products, creative flavors, and a cozy dining experience makes it a standout destination. Despite the need for advance reservations, it’s well worth the effort. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy one of the best pizzas Europe...