Casa Pepe Pizze e Cucina — Restaurant in Trieste

Once you are able to track down someone to seat and take your order, things are good. Until then, I stood there on my own for at least 10 minutes before someone answered me as they rushed by ignoring me. It was rather peculiar thatthe staff avoid all eye contact and any acknowledgement that a human being is standing at their front table awaiting assistance.

Chalk it up to language barriers perhaps but it didn't seem that way for those who came in before or after me that appeared to be more similar in profile to the staff than me. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Ordered the truffle porcini mushroom pizza sans ham (plus anchovies) with house red wine for 17€. It was outstanding, I wished there was a bit more kick to it with some added chilis but of course no one came to ask if I needed anything else. I couldn't even track down a server by this point, sadly. Don't let sparse service ruin good food, I told myself. When there was service, it was good though. Gentleman who took my order was kind and patient but I didn't see him the rest of the night.

I arrived shortly after 9pm on a Sunday evening to a pretty busy and lively restaurant. Looks like a fun place for large groups. Menus were only in English, thank goodness that I've eaten enough Italian food to figure out what was on the expansive menu.

Given that I tried to find dinner at half dozen other places prior to only find out the restaurants didn't honor their Google hours or they were solidly booked for the night, I was relieved to find this place with good food that locals love. Overall 3.5 combined stars but rounding up because I was fed well...

Been twice at Casa Pepe Pizze, two things to separate, quality of food & service. First night entered, waited 5 min to see if someone will welcome me or show me where to sit. Finally got seated, offered menu and got fast pizza. One of best I have ever tasted. However never got my tabasco sauce nor waiter showed at all. Had to go to cash register and pay myself. No tip left, as I felt follow up was really bad. Second night got served by much nicer server, she attended, asked if I wanted a dessert, was very nice and attentive. However again no sign of her to pay. Waited longer and when she finally arrived, I asked why she did not come to charge the bill. She told me that it does not matter, as I can pay to anybody. I told her that I felt service on first day was bad - so no tip, but today I wanted to tip her. She answered - thanx, but we split tips. Left my tip, but with mixed feeling. So, to conclude - message to owner: amazing place, awsome pizza, but service is organised very badly. Try leaving tips to each individual server, and see how “bad apples” will drop out of basket. Award good servers, and you will have everybody happy: good servers, guests, and in conclusion - you as owner. Wish you...

A bit of an unusual review but here's my story...

Half of my family comes from Napoli and we've been friends with one of the main regional food supplier for restaurants. As I came back to Friuli-Venezia Giulia after a while, I've asked him to tell me where I can get the best pizza from. His answer was Casa Pepe.

So I had to try it (twice!)... and I wasn't disappointed. I've eaten a lot of pizza in my life and this one was definitely among the best (even compared to what you can get "from the source" in Napoli). The dough was baked as it should, the ingredients were full of flavour and the pizzas were massive.

I won't get into further details, but if you are around, please do yourself a favour and visit Casa Pepe.

I went there on a Monday night and the restaurant was almost full, which says a lot for a city like Trieste. If you plan to go during the weekend, I've been advised to...