TASTE OF ITALY PIZZA BAR — Restaurant in Chelmsford

Taste of Italy came highly recommended after a Reddit plea for the "best pizza in Essex" and a particular stipulation for an Italian-run establishment. We've consumed a fair bit of pizza at Italian-run places across the continent (some of it even in Italy!) and our expectations are therefore high.

We investigated just after opening at 4 in search of proper Neapolitan stone-baked goodness - and Taste of Italy delivered - and then some!

The pizzas were quick, hot and so loaded that they even came with the warning you'd need to use your cutlery or fold them. Perfect. Exactly what we wanted. It was very clear the dough had been left to prove properly and for a decent time: this sensitive tummy slept perfectly well later that night. Ingredients, meanwhile, were evidently fresh, authentic and imported. Our waiter recommended the cannibale once he'd clocked I like spicier offerings and it was spot on.

We finished things off with two very lovely coffees. Our stomachs were glad to have skipped starters and dessert this time after 13" of pizza, but we've resolved to prepare ourselves properly to enjoy the full menu and maybe one of the (many) set menus next time.

Yes, there will absolutely be a next time. Not only was the food great, but service was attentive and friendly throughout, and our favourite thing happened mid-meal in any international venue: Italian-speakers started filtering in for dinner time. We always say you rarely need more endorsement than that.

Some tips: go after 5. For one, you'll only pay for evening parking at the adjacent car park and you'll also go when it's a shade busier and thus the atmosphere is livelier. It is absolutely fair play to ToI that they advertise themselves as a pizza bar, not restaurant. It's much less formal and simple setting - not that we mind in the slightest, but if you're expecting a full sit down by candlelight, just be advised this isn't what you're getting here.

Seriously, though. You owe it to yourself to visit. Best pizza in Essex? Reddit...

We visited on Wednesday evening for the first and LAST time. We ordered the calamari for starters which were very chewy and overcooked. The other starter of Antipasti was nice but a small portion for £11.99!

My calzone was nice in flavour, however, when I asked the waitress if I could have some mayonnaise she refused and said they do not do mayonnaise. However, one of our friends on the table had ordered the Chicken Milanese and mayonnaise was served on the plate in a small container. I queried this and she still refused to give me a pot. When questioned as to why she said "it's not the authentic way of eating Italian pizza" and then walked off. Whether or not this is the authentic way, the customer should always be entitled to eat the meal they are paying for with the condiments they like.

The woman had a terrible attitude and her customer service skills need updating. If the restaurant had such a strong view on making it an authentic Italian experience then they would be accepting Euros when bills are paid and not blaring music that wasn't in the native Italian language.

We paid the bill in cash and waited for our change (usually I would generously tip, however, based on this experience absolutely NOT). Our change did not come and I asked the barman as to where it was. He brought it over shortly after and apologised. If only the waitress had a different attitude on the night then she would have walked home with the cash in her pocket.

Overall, our experience of visiting here was very poor despite the calzone being nice. The menu is very expensive and there are much better Italian restaurants within Chelmsford such as Olio On The Green.

The rude and aggressive response I received from my TripAdvisor review shows exactly how the level of service and bad attitude is embedded within the staff who work at this...

Disappointing Saturday Night. I always order through taste of Italy as I find their pizza the best in Chelmsford. Unfortunately their communication and delivery let them down tonight. I ordered a pizza on the app for delivery and received it in the time slot, however when I check the pizza it was wrong. I rang up taste of Italy and they said they would send a new one within 30 minutes, but I should not eat any of the old one as they would take it back to the restaurant which I thought was a little strange. So I proceeded to wait downstairs so I could hear the door. However 30 minutes passed and no pizza so I rang again but they didn’t answer, assuming they may now be closed as it was close to 10:30. I rang a couple more times but no answer. It wouldn’t have annoyed me so much, but it was the fact that I was told to not eat the pizza I had therefore it went cold and I have now had to reheat and try eat at 11pm ordered at 8:20 as nothing has arrived to replace (very hungry!!!). Extremely disappointed with this and it has made me reluctant to order for...