Saponara — Restaurant in London

It pains me to give this charming restaurant an overall two star review as this is clearly a popular site and as long-time locals it had been on our radar for a while. Whilst the food was great and relaxed atmosphere just what was needed for a warm evening dining outdoors it was ultimately the abysmal service which will stop us from returning.

Whilst the gent who appeared to be the manager was smiling and welcoming on arrival, the two servers who saw to our table during the meal could barely muster a smile. Drink order (a glass of white wine and an Aperol) took a good 25 mins - the food (two pasta dishes) took over an hour. No check back on our table at any time, even to check if we wanted another drink. When we asked about our food the waitress worryingly asked what we ordered (the table number was on display on the table) and there was no apology for the delay. We were assured our food would follow after 5 mins, which it did. The delay made all the more evident given the couple on the table next to us arrived after us, ordered and got through half a bottle of wine, finished their pizzas and were already eating their dessert when we were tucking into our pastas.

As a long serving hospitality employee I completely appreciate delays occur and are sometimes unavoidable but it truly is down to the staff to ensure they communicate this effectively with the guest - a lot can be forgiven with a simple ‘we’re so sorry, the next drink is on us’ etc.

All staff will take lead from senior management, basic service recovery training for floor staff would go a long way to handle any awkward situations at the table such as delays in the kitchen. However the polite waitress couldn’t bring herself to ask when clearing our mains if we wanted desserts or even another drink and only asked after we paid if everything was alright with our meal almost as an afterthought and with zero conviction - a real shame.

The food was great, the restaurant lovely enough and the failings this evening can be fixed simply with more support and training for staff - and I sincerely hope...

So, I reviewed Saponara pizza about a month ago and gave it my highly subjective 4.0/5.0 "Best Pizza Rating" (trademark). Well, I went back, as predicted then, and as I have but one review to give, I've amended this one.

Boy, this was a game changer. Had me the Saponara pizza, the namesake of the restaurant, which is essentially a sausage and mushroom pizza. And it was perfect. It was a little difficult for me to come to terms with this. I think because we are looking for faults when we rate - and that is inherently a flaw - that when we don't find one, we are hard-pressed to say so.

But nevermind about this soul searching. The pizza. The crust was thin, yet held to folding and lasted throughout the duration of the meal; everything was flavourful and meaningful on that pie. And extremely affordable! Between the two of us, one negroni, one peroni, two pies, and a chocolate mousse dessert which was amazing cost about 45 pounds.

So, I give this pizza a BPR rating of 4.9 out of 5.0. Only to keep everyone honest.

Will definitely be back again, and thanks for the great pizza!

My review from over a month ago is below.

My overall pizza score is 20/25 (4.0) based on the following highly subjective ratings across my equally-weighted pizza categories. So, out of 5:

Dough: 4 Sauce: 4 Toppings: 4 Bake: 4 Price: 4

Dough: flavoured, seasoned, textured Sauce: classic, seasoned, flavoured Toppings: variety, quality, traditional Bake: good, though just a touch of wet Price: decent local prices

Other: smaller, cozy local restaurant with indoor delicatessen for your Italian grocery needs. Great fresh pasta offering and selection. Friendly native service (with a little italian lesson on the side). Several tables outside for a nice summery meal.

A place to come back to for sure. Thanks for the...

The Saponara brothers work by the Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519) great saying; "Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art". Maybe its this ethos that makes Saponara the best Italian in London. Saponara has the true soul of a family business striving for the highest standards of food and service.

As well as quality ingredients and a delicious menu, the relaxed, deli/ restaurant atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable service makes the restaurant a joyful place to pass an evening. Walking through the door is like being transported out of Angel and into Italy.

The first time we visited Saponara I was expecting a 30min pizza munch and exit. We ended up sitting at the outside tables for over two hours drinking wine, eating delicious cured meats and cheeses, pizza and pasta, chatting to the staff and working our way through the dessert menu. Walking home my face hurt from chewing and laughing!

The presentation of the food is outstanding (see pictures) and the ingredients are of the highest quality. It's a great place to take guests; I have taken almost all of my friends and family to share the love.

The waiting staff are fantastic. They are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable with regards to the menu. They are absolutely skilled at creating a relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel totally at home.

Tip: They also do takeout pizza....