A pizza paradox, the taste triumphs but the base falters...
Navigating the culinary landscape of Vara de Rey, I’ve had the pleasure of dining at various locales, from the sophistication of Montessol to the trendy vibes of The Standard, and the comfortable familiarity of Ebusus. So, it was with some confidence that I suggested it to my lunchtime companion, who had a craving for pizza ...
Its unassuming exterior on the normally bustling Vara de Rey belies the warmth and coziness within. Nonetheless, we elected for the exterior covered terrace.
My dining companion and I delved into the menu — the “Four Seasons” for him and a slightly customized “Chef” for me, with salami replacing parmesan. We daringly upsized to medium (each individual pizza intended for 2 people), much to our waiter’s silent but quite charming amusement.
Talking of, the service, though infrequent, was spot-on: efficient, friendly, and impressively multi-lingual.
The pizzas boasted fresh, generous toppings, but were let down by a base that struggled to support the weight — a dampener on an otherwise flavorful experience. I should add however that the chilli oil was outstanding - a slow punch and a graceful fade. Very good!
The encounter with another Google Reviewer, enjoying her custom creation - see my photos - added a layer of intrigue to our dining experience. Her order showed an insight that far surpassed our "off the menu" choice. A beautiful creation!
With a final bill of just shy of €95,
2 medium pizzas 2 glasses, house red wine 2 bottles (medium) sparkling water, 2 coffees
(€50 per head), La Bufalina sits on the higher end of the price spectrum for Vara de Rey. One can argue that Vara de Rey is an expensive location but being familiar with almost every other eatery on the Plaza - I eat at one venue or another there, every fortnight, year round - I still can't quite reconcile myself to the bill - which, had the pizza base not been the disappointment it was, might just have scraped by as easier to swallow...
But if you’re not deterred by the cost and the prospect of a tasty, albeit soggy-based, pizza appeals to you, then La Bufalina is an option, albeit not one I or my American guest and his considerable cohort of colleagues will be rushing to...
Read moreWe wanted to love this place, we read great reviews and head over BUT the service was absolutely horrific. From start to finish. We arrived got seated and then no-one took our order, they then seated two more groups after us, continued to take their order but not ours. We finally got our order taken, 1 margarita pizza (very plain, very easy) after ordering we waited nearly an hour. Now this place isn't huge but we gave it the benifit of the doubt as we assumed the pizza was being made fresh and maybe they didn't have loads of ovens. After waiting nearly an hour after ordering we sat and watched the two groups that came in AFTER us tuck into their pizza, they came in after us, order before and ate their pizza before us. One couple managed to order, eat then pay and leave before we even got our food!! Now at this point I couldn't believe the service, not once did a waiter come over and apologies or even explain what was taken so long. We then went up and said we don't want to wait any longer, we wanted to explore the rest of old town and it was nearly 9pm and we came in at about 7:15ish. We cancelled the pizza and then they tried to make us pay for the water and can of coke even though we were forgetten about and had the worse customer service I've ever experienced. This might be 5* is the service was better (and if we actually ate a pizza) we won't be back and wont be recommending to anyone. Save your time and...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at this wonderful restaurant, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish.
First and foremost, the food here is absolutely divine! The pizzas are crafted to perfection, with a crispy yet tender crust, and a wide array of fresh, high-quality toppings. I tried several different pizzas, and each one exceeded my expectations. The flavors were bold, and you could taste the dedication that goes into making them.
What truly sets this place apart is the warmth of the staff. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with genuine smiles and a welcoming atmosphere. The service was attentive and friendly, and they were more than happy to accommodate any special requests we had. It's clear that the staff takes great pride in making every guest feel like family.
The ambiance of the restaurant is another standout feature. It strikes the perfect balance between cozy and stylish. The decor creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a date night or a gathering with friends. Whether you're dining indoors or on the charming patio, you'll feel right at home.
In conclusion, I can't recommend this pizza place enough. The combination of outstanding food, a friendly staff, and a delightful ambiance make it a top-notch choice for pizza lovers and anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. Don't miss out on this hidden...
Read more