Lù Pizzeria di quartiere — Restaurant in Rome

Pros: Pizza was good. Not the best we’ve had in Rome, but certainly not the worst. Cons: Service was extremely poor though I think someone figured this out and towards the middle and end of our time, we were given a completely new server. She was better and then the gentleman who brought out our pizza was also much nicer than the initial host and server.

When we first came in, the restaurant was completely empty (photos attached; also video showing the progression up until the time we left, maybe 58 minutes from start to finish) While we understand that we didn’t have reservations, we don’t understand why we were met with such a cold attitude by the host, who mumbled something I won’t repeat here about tourists under his breath but loudly enough for us to hear when I stated we don’t have reservations. I do speak Italian by the way; my husband does not. Anyway, the restaurant was empty; and it was quite early and well before any dinner rush or standard Italian dinner time, which is quite late for us as we eat between 5-6pm. Despite the empty restaurant, the host begrudgingly lead us to a table at the very back of the restaurant, as though he was doing us a favor (picture of the hallway we were seated next to included).

He then proceeded to mumble that every pizza on what I later discovered was the special menu only and not the real menu (which he didn’t clarify) was not available. I was confused, especially since he was mumbling so I asked if that means they don’t have any pizza at all today since we came here specifically because it’s a pizza restaurant to which he rudely responded we are a pizza restaurant. Ok, well you never mentioned that menu was ONLY specials, we hadn’t even looked at anything before you proceeded to say that NONE of those pizzas were available, nor did you mention that the classic pizzas, on a separate menu that we WERE NOT GIVEN were available. Also, you muttered so how am I supposed to hear you?

Honestly, I have no idea why this man would work at a restaurant interacting with humans when he has no people skills whatsoever. Perhaps, he should find a job in a dark cave where he can just make grunting noises to himself.

So then I asked if we could see the regular menu and we were told we had to scan the QR code. I told him we’d need the internet to access that as we don’t have European data. (Literally leaving in 7 hours; but why should I have to explain why I don’t have data) He then rudely responded the internet is private. If you’re going to force your customers to download a menu, courtesy suggests internet access or having a PAPER menu. I asked if they had an Italian menu in paper, as that would be fine and finally we were given that, though again begrudgingly. If I hadn’t been so hungry, I would’ve just left after all these negative interactions.

Also, as you can see from the progression of my photos and videos, it never got so busy as to warrant such a rude reception. Not that anything would warrant such rudeness in the first place.

Plans change, people have last minute layovers; reservations aren’t always possible. I understand that restaurants have reservations and may be unable to seat customers without reservations. If you’re unable to seat someone, just tell them, believe me, they’ll move on. There’s a billion pizzerias in Rome, many much better than your establishment. If you are able to seat customers, then do so and without an attitude.

Finally, while perhaps you save the last table near this godforsaken hallway for customers without reservations, there really was no need to seat us here when the restaurant was clearly empty and we finished well before whatever supposed “reservations” you had even showed up.

Also, I will note that the only two couples stuck in the netherworld of this restaurant were us and one other couple, all four of us minorities, and this was a theme I noticed all throughout my time in Rome. I won’t say more on this, just an observation, one that I see is echoed throughout Google reviews, Reddit and TripAdvisor forums...

We went there without a reservation and after quite a bit of waiting, they finally found us a table.

But only after we sat down did they inform us that we had just 30 minutes — and they even emphasized twice that we had to leave after that. They should have told us that before we sat down, so we could decide whether it was acceptable for us. We waited around 10 minutes before even placing our order, so that left us with barely 20 minutes to eat. We had to rush through our meal, and the moment we finished, they silently dropped the bill on our table — a not-so-subtle sign that we were expected to leave.

They seated us in a cramped spot, which made even sitting on the chair uncomfortable.

The whole experience was rushed, unwelcoming, and honestly quite disrespectful. Definitely...

We went to Lu three times during our 5 day stay. It has very good pizza with a thin crust, fruity sauce and good quality cheese. The appetizers were also delicious, I would recommend the fried vegetables and the homemade fries were amazing. Not pictured in the Fotos were the desserts, which were also very nice. The servers were extremely kind and they always check on the tables if you have any needs. The manager was nice as well, although he seemed a bit stressed but that's acceptable for a busy restaurant. The only thing that was missing was some Italian lemonade, as the non alcoholic beverage choices were very limited. All in all a great experience, we will definitely visit again...