L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele Hamburg — Restaurant in Hamburg

I've been there for the first time during the "pizza-week" when you could get a pizza and an aperol for unbeatable 15€. Since my holidays in Napoli I'm always on the lookout for restaurants offering neapolitan pizza. This is one of the few places where I wouldn't be disappointed. We shared one red and one white pizza and both were amazing. I was especially surprised by the tomato sauce - it just tastes like the one my mum cooks from home grown garden tomatoes!! After finishing the pizzas we wanted to get some pasta from the Parmesan wheel (don't get me wrong, the pizzas are definitely large enough) but unfortunately the "pasta-kitchen" was already closed. For my second visit I ordered the pasta immediately with the pizza and it was quite decent. Additionally, I dared to try one of the vegan pizzas because I had enough faith in this restaurant that they wouldn't blemish it. What can I say: the Mozzarella didn't quite taste like "real" Mozzarella, however I think it was the best vegan Mozzarella that I've tried so far. Texture and taste-wise it closely resembles the diary-based original. The downside of every good restaurant is that without reservation you need a good amount of luck to spontaneously...

So as a Neapolitan, who loves Da Michele, I have to say this was an unbelievably painful experience. The pizza was degassed completely, as if someone sat on it, a non existent cornicione, with an over-fermented/proofed and unevenly shaped dough, as well as so much cheese that by the short time it took to the make and bring me the pizza the cheese got cold enough to make the entire pizza feel like I was eating a rubber bullet. To find out from the waitress that this franchise gets tested by associates from Da Michele 3-4 times a year is even more disappointing. Even though service is just as bad, if you want good neapolitan pizza go to Jill's.

Also, although annoying but not the end of the world, there were only 5 tables (including ours), and it took 15 minutes to bring and make a negroni, not detrimental, but also not ideal. The negroni also tasted like it was almost only and campari without the aroma/zest of an orange, i love bitter, but this was just bitterly unbearable.

Will you get an authentic Italian experience? No. Will you at least get a decent pizza and a decent drink? No. Will you at the very least get anything out of it at all? Also...

Disappointing Experience – Rude Staff and Poor Service

I had high expectations for this Italian restaurant, but unfortunately, our experience was ruined by the rude and unaccommodating receptionist. Despite the restaurant being half empty, she insisted on seating our family at an incredibly small table meant for two, where we couldn’t even fit our food. When we politely explained the issue and requested a more suitable table, she was dismissive and unprofessional, showing no willingness to accommodate us.

The lack of customer service was shocking, and the attitude of the staff made us feel unwelcome. Rather than trying to resolve the situation, the receptionist was rude and unwilling to help, leaving us no choice but to leave.

With so many great dining options available, I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a welcoming and pleasant experience. A restaurant is not just about food—it’s about hospitality, and unfortunately, this place failed miserably...