Carbone Pizzeria — Restaurant in Nanaimo

Another "new canadian" owned dump with below average food and a ridiculously long wait for pickup. Was told the food would be ready in 40 minutes. Went to pick it up and was told another 6 minutes (the extra 6 minutes ended up being almost half an hour). This establishment is one of the worst in Nanaimo. I Would rather go to McDonalds (and I'm a Mcdonalds hater). For the price of food nowadays I expect WAY better quality. This is NOT authentic Italian. One of the 2 pizzas i ordered was burnt and the other was undercooked. A couple of small pieces of pineapple that seemed "off" and a few small amount of jalapeños on the second pizza. The "hot honey" was buffed (watered down) and had very little heat level or taste in general. Definitely WILL NOT be going back and giving this business my hard earned money. Witnessed other customers getting mad at the long wait as well. No dine in options even though the dining room is set up. 2 workers in the entire business (assuming husband and wife) that shouldn't be anywhere near a restaurant let alone one that is supposed to be "authentic italian". Didn't see an Italian person anywhere near this place. Pathetic. Would give less than 1 star if I could. Save your money and go literally ANYWHERE else. Will go to Mambos next time as I know they're the best pizza in Nanaimo and I always get what I'm paying for in terms of quality and service. Should have trusted my gut. The picture attached is one of my 2 pizzas and I couldn't even finish 3 pieces of a small.

edit in response to the owner I Wouldn't waste ONE minute of my life coming anywhere near that pathetic establishment. You can keep the money, you probably need it more than I do anyways. As for being prejudice it's not being prejudice when it's FACTS. THOSE people ruin every establishment they touch. I Look forward to driving by and seeing that place closed up in a...

Very tough review. Hate leaving negativity to local restaurants, but Carbone was so bad it was comical. The food, first off, was the highlight. 6/10, not awful but not great. The burata pizza didnt resemble what you think if when hearing "burata", it was overcooked with about 8 small pepperoni slices in the whole thing. Meatballs are epically dry (though decently spiced), the beef ragu was tough and dry and without much flavour other than parsley.

But it was the 1/10 ambiance and service. First, the restaurant is filthy. There's mould and dirt everywhere. All over the ceilings, the floor and the decor. There's dirty stemware being stored on tables, tables pushed together and huddled all around not setup, the patio has plastic cheap patio furniture on it, cheap pots and plants and decor. Staff had no idea what wine was available, or what the price of the wine is. We had to walk them up to the bar to tell them what each bottle was.

Was really looking forward to dining here, and couldn't be more disappointed....

2nd EDIT based on response from owner: removed detail based on polite edit from...

UPDATED

We were back for the third time tonight, busy Valentine's Day evening, the same great food and service. Parma the owner was personally serving tables, everything was outstanding! Tried the lamb tagliatelle, can't decide which is better, that or that beef short ribs ragu. New menu choices are coming shortly including house made gnocchi and tortellini and some oxtail choices. Can't wait!

We had dinner here last evening for the first time and what a great experience! The food and service were outstanding and they are almost finished a major renovation, the ambiance will be lovely when it's done. I had the beef ragu and Elly had the spaghetti & meatballs, real authentic Italian cuisine at a reasonable price. We only live a few blocks away and are very excited to find a local, reasonably priced Italian restaurant that we can walk to! Their pizza choices are creative and look delicious and that will be our next choice to try, but they are much more than a pizzeria, don't be fooled...