Berto's Pizza Restaurant — Restaurant in Teignbridge

My wife and I visited Berto’s for the first time. It was her birthday and a Friday evening. We booked for 6:30PM. Arriving 5 minutes early the warmth and atmosphere, including the greeting, was welcoming. There were 2-3 tables for four empty at the time, the kitchen smelled great and it was looking like a good choice for something a little special. Unfortunately, that was the high point.

We were escorted down a flight of stairs into an empty and cold basement that lacked the ambiance that was so plentiful upstairs. No one else was seated in the basement. We sat next to the space heater that was on maximum, but was barely heating the immediate area much less the whole room which had as many as 36 seats. The waitress was pleasant and patient as we looked over the choices. We were both disappointed with the seating and asked if it was possible to move upstairs. Our server came back with a certain “no, all the tables upstairs are for four.” but we were assured there would be more people coming. OK.

We ordered drinks, caprese salad to share, lasagne and a vegetarian pizza. After an appropriate amount of time the caprese arrived, but no fresh basil. There are 3 ingredients in a caprese salad – tomato, mozzarella and BASIL. When we asked about the basil our server went to the kitchen and came back with “we have run out.” OK. The tomato and cheese salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, was good, but really how does an Italian restaurant run out of basil at 7PM on a Friday evening? Could we have been told there was no basil when we ordered? The lasagna and pizza were delivered soon after we finished the starter, good timing. We asked for some hot chilli flakes to sprinkle on the pizza, but there were none. Chilli oil was offered, but really it’s very different to pour oil on your pizza vs. a sprinkle of dry chilli flakes. In all honesty the lasagna and the pizza were good. But by 7:45 we were still alone and cold in the basement. Skipping pudding, we went upstairs to the place we’d hoped to dine, only to see the same empty table (possibly 2) we saw when we arrived. When paying, we were asked about the meal. I had to be honest - the atmosphere in the basement was terrible and although the food was good a meal out is more than the food. The owner was quick to offer to comp the food (yes, thank you) and take-away tiramisu (no, thank you), when he overheard our disappointment. But I am not sure how you can allow 2 people to eat in a cold empty basement when you have open seats upstairs – we were told the seats were booked but the people were late or no shows.

In my view the experience shows a shocking lack of...

So I've been waiting to go to this quaint little restaurant for about 7 years but never had the opportunity until now. I read the reviews including the one stars and have to give it 5! And if you don't understand that, please give them another go! The welcome was nice from the off and no pressure to order, plenty of time given, but friendly staff, and when I asked for Olives not on the menu I was given some no problem. Now the food! What success! Such authentic well cooked and fully loaded flavoursome pizza! You could have been at a family restaurant in Italy. I was so happy to have something very good. Not overpriced and not thick base just perfect pizza. Happily go back again and again if it's this good and have now booked again! Quaint decoration and atmosphere....

I was at Berto's on his opening night in March 2014. I sang and played guitar and kalimba for my supper, and it was a truly memorable night for all. We shared and sampled all of his pizzas. Having never been to Italy, I had never tasted anything like it. The crust is thin, the cheese is thick, and the toppings are generous. I especially recommend the asparagus and artichokes. Dartmoor is truly blessed to have an authentic Italian pizzeria in the heart of one of its most iconic villages. The building is lovely, the dining is intimate, and Berto is an absolute gentleman. The place is busy on weekends, but that is a testament to its brilliance. I visit Moretonhampstead for as long as I can whenever I come to England, and it is always a joy to...