Pizzeria SUD — Restaurant in Lucca

We visited Pizzeria SUD this week for the second time having visited Lucca two years ago and had an amazing pizza.

Now let me start by saying the pizza is delicious, however unfortunately this fact is completely distorted by the AWFUL service. We arrived just after they opened to a completely empty outside seating area, with tables reserved for a few hours later, and requested a table for 3, the female server that ‘greeted’ us, said yes fine but I will need the table back in two hours (this wouldn’t be problem as given the service we were gone within a hour), sighed and made comments under her breath.

I’d like to add here that there were two female servers working on the night we were there, and the younger of the two was brilliant, she was very friendly, welcoming and chatted away, however UNFORTUNATELY we ended up with the other, who I’ve never experienced someone so rude, with such an attitude anywhere I have eaten before.

When we were placing our order, we asked for two Aperol spritz, she laughed, sniggered under breath and made a comment about being typical… why have it on your menu if you have a problem with ordering it, we then asked if it would be possible to change anchovies to mushrooms on our pizza, she rudely announced that they don’t have mushrooms and walked off.

We then sat and witnessed as others who hadn’t booked arrived and asked if it was possible to have a table, each time she was rude and dismissive to each and got worse as the time went on. Frankly it seemed that she was completely uninterested in taking any money for the business as having anyone in the restaurant before the 9pm booking that they had was a complete and utter inconvenience.

Unfortunately due to the terrible service I would avoid this restaurant and spend your...

I really wanted to like this place, but it just didn't happen. To start, avoid the QR Code menu. If the squinting doesn't drive you nuts, the numerous typos in English and Italian certainly will. Just ask for the paper menu.

Let's see.

First, the outside tables are extremely uncomfortable. You are guaranteed to bang your knees or kick the person next to you. And if someone bothers to make a reservation, give them a good table, not one in the middle.

Second, the beer selection was not horrible, but you cannot serve craft beer with a lukewarm glass.

Third, the overpriced mineral water has a very strange taste, and it is not from the south at all. For €3 per bottle it should taste delicious or not taste like anything. If you notice the taste of the water, that is a bad sign. If I have to request a clean glass because the water tastes funny, that should be a clue as well. (It was the water, not the glass).

Fourth, the flavour of the pizza is actually quite good, but the fact that it was undercooked, making the crust too chewy, ruins the effect somewhat. We had the Provoloro and the Formaggi del Sud, the latter being quite flavorful as a spicy cheesy mix.

Fifth, the dessert Cremino Pistacchio was delicious, but if you can only remember to bring one spoon despite two being requested, and the one that you do bring has the shaft covered in sauce because you could not be bothered to position it properly, I mean, seriously?

This place would have received a 3 overall, until the bathroom door didn't close and had to be held closed with a foot while in use. At least there was soap.

Overall, rather disappointing. Maybe get the pizza to go and ask for it to be cooked thoroughly...

If you're looking for a delicious pizza experience, look no further than Pizzeria Sud. My recent visit there was nothing short of fantastic. First and foremost, the pizzas were absolutely amazing. From the classic margherita to the more unique creations, every pizza we tried was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. But the real standout for me was the Montanara pizza. The flash-fried crust gave it a unique texture and flavor that set it apart from any other pizza I've ever had.

To accompany our pizzas, we opted for the house wine, and we were pleasantly surprised by how good it was. It paired perfectly with our meal and was the perfect accompaniment to the delicious flavors of the pizzas.

Of course, no restaurant experience is complete without great service, and the staff at Pizzeria Sud did not disappoint. Despite our last-minute reservation, they were able to accommodate us with a smile on their faces. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable, and made great recommendations when we weren't sure what to order.

Overall, I can't recommend Pizzeria Sud enough. The fantastic pizzas, great house wine, and impeccable service all combine to make for an unforgettable dining experience. I'm already looking forward to...