Ristorante Pizzeria La Gare — Restaurant in Pompei

After living in Bulgaria for a few months then traveling around Italy for a month, my teen daughter and I were excited to order a caesar salad as it's been a long time since we've had one. It is not a classic Italian dish (it was invented in Mexico in the 1920's by an Italian chef named Caesar.) The price at 13 euros seemed high for a salad but we were hoping it was worth it. Sadly, instead of using romaine lettuce per the classic recipe, they used cheap iceberg lettuce. I did my best to eat it, at least the grilled chicken on top was good. I mentioned to the waiter about the lettuce when he asked if everything was "bene", I even showed him on my phone the recipe and the type of lettuce that should be used hoping he'd communicate it to the chef and not disappoint future diners. I also realized they forgot the croutons which were clearly stated on the menu. He switched from speaking kindly in English to Italian to me, using his hands and walking away, all in a dismissive and rude manner. After my salad dish was cleared by another staff member, my waiter (the one with the chipped front tooth) came back with a small dish of toasted bread. Croutons are small cubed pieces of bread that are tossed in olive oil, garlic and herbs before being baked. Why would I want to eat plain toast after the salad has been finished?

I'm giving two stars instead of one as at least the pizza was decent.

I wasn't even going to take the time to write a review but I overheard another waiter telling some tourists at the table next to us, as they were paying on the portable credit card machine that the tip is typically 10%. That's a scam as tipping in Italy isn't customary. Charging the cover charge / coperto (2.50 euro per person who eats at the table) is what is customary. So not only did they charge the coperto, they got an additional 10% tip on the bill total as well. I asked this group as we were walking away from the restaurant at the same time and they confirmed that they paid the tip on top of the coperto. They were Americans and didn't realize the overcharge.

Avoid...

During our one week stay at Pompei, me and my wife initially planned to eat at a few different places, but we ended up eating here almost every day so far (3/4 days) and our vacation is not even over yet! We definitely plan to come back again in the remaining days since it's so great here that going to another place now feels like quite a gamble!

The staff is extremely helpful, friendly, fast and attentive and the food is amazing! Personally I have had the Diavola Mangiano two times (a very spicy and delicious pizza) and the 4 Casi (4 cheese) once so far while my wife is a big fan of their vesuvio pizza and their panuozzi.

Food was delivered to our table extremely quickly, which is a big plus!

We come from Belgium and let me tell you the pizza at La Gare surpasses our favorite Italian restaurant at home in quality while somehow still being cheaper than the place at home. So, the price/quality ratio is definitely on point!

On top of the great food, they make a killer aperol spritz and long island ice-tea. We always finish with some cappuccino which, of course, is also amazingly smooth and delicious.

Some other points worth mentioning are the fact that they have an enormous amount of available seating so you will not be turned away, and the place is nicely air conditioned which is very welcome after spending entire days in the scorching heat of the sun.

The atmosphere is very calm and relaxing like a nice lounge. If only I could give more than 5 stars, I would. I highly recommend going here for dinner whether you just want some great food (extremely) quickly or want to have a fun relaxing evening.

Thanks for the great service, see you guys again...

I have been here on a Sunday and I am very delighted with this great restaurant. You walk a little down the street to get to this beautiful restaurant. In the evening the lighting is on and creates a nice atmosphere. Free parking and dog friendly.

I give two stars in deduction because it got a little fresh by turning on the ceiling fans and because the music was first a little louder, then felt off and then got louder again. This change is something like mood swings and not good.

I wanted to make a reservation but on the internet this was no longer possible for today. When I sat now these 2 hours in their restaurant were many seats not occupied. Therefore, I recommend that if you are alone or two should definitely come over, as there was (in my time) always space available.

About the food: I had a very tasty pizza ring here with salad, great mozzarella in the middle and good ham. The dough was crispy and well browned in the oven. It really tasted very good.

After that I ordered a "Delizia al Limone" which made the evening worth 10/10 stars. It was a culinary journey and this restaurant was really great. It tasted excellent. Price wise I would find the dishes ok and understandable. I would come again and recommend to friends their restaurant in Pompei.

Thank you for the friendly service and the good team in the kitchen which was responsible for the good food. 👌

Kind regards Sina

Ps: One please, give to pasta not 3 but 2 breads. I have spent a while with you and at almost every table which ordered pasta, was always a bread again taken. To promote sustainability, two breads are also enough for the...