Marley G's Pizzeria — Restaurant in Alameda

This may seem like an odd review since we didn’t actually patronize this establishment, but being in the hospitality industry myself, I feel it us important to offer constructive criticism and fair reviews.

My family and I actually ordered food across the street at Scolari’s. They don’t have indoor seating. And seeing as it was a rainy day, he informed us that we could sit indoors at their sister location Marley G’s. He was so enthusiastic and friendly, we took him up on it.

We arrived to a near empty restaurant. We sat down, leaving our bag at the edge of the table, as it was admittedly awkward bringing outside food into a restaurant.

I hadn’t ordered a drink at Scolari’s, so I had hoped to minimize my awkwardness by ordering one here. However, no one from the establishment ever greeted us. They looked our way once or twice, but never spoke to us.

That made the experience even more awkward, so we ate quickly. My son needed to use the restroom, so I we dipped in there before leaving. It was clean and had a child changing station, which is always a plus. However, they were out of toilet seat covers and hand towels. I wanted to alert the staff, but the awkwardness was already overwhelming. As we left, a customer was just sitting down, having ordered an enormous slice of pizza. It smelled and looked delicious.

Perhaps this is a daily occurrence, with visitors eating burgers(delicious, btw!) from their sister restaurant from a rooms the street. But for us, it was out of the ordinary and as I stated, awkward.

We do want to return and try their pizza. And when we do, I’ll update this review with our experience....

I recently had the chance to try a Marley G that claims to embody the classic New Jersey style, but unfortunately, it missed the mark in several key areas. First impressions were promising—the menu's description set high expectations with promises of a crisp crust and authentic flavors. However, the reality was quite different.

First, I arrived onetime to pick up the pizza and it was clear that the staff was overwhelmed and it took 10 minutes to get my order (nobody was ahead of me). When I received the pizza the box felt cold. When I got home, the crust that was notably undercooked. Instead of the crisp, golden-brown exterior I was hoping for, the base was soggy and limp, making it difficult to pick up a slice without it folding in on itself. This lack of proper baking really detracted from the overall experience.

To add to the disappointment, the toppings were unevenly distributed. The raw garlic on top was particularly off-putting. Instead of lending a mellow, aromatic flavor, it imparted a harsh, raw bite that overwhelmed the other ingredients. While a bit of garlic can enhance a pizza, raw chunks can ruin the balance and taste.

For a pizza that touts itself as New Jersey style, this was a letdown. New Jersey pizza is known for its hearty, well-cooked crust and balanced flavors, but this attempt missed the essential qualities that make the style so beloved. I’m hoping this was just an off day for the pizzeria, but based on this experience, I can’t recommend it for those seeking an authentic New Jersey...

If you’re in Alameda and craving pizza without the commitment of a full pie, check out this classic spot. They keep it simple: Cheese, Pepperoni, and a standout White Pizza with Ricotta and Spinach. My personal favorite? Definitely the White Pizza.

The thin crust is a win, although the dough is pretty standard. What adds a unique touch is their buttermilk sauce – surprisingly good with pizza!

Service-wise, it’s efficient. Order at the counter, and they’ll heat up your slices in no time. Prices are fair, making it a good value for a quick bite.

The vibe is casual and unpretentious, much like a traditional pizza shop. Bonus: there’s a parking lot in the back, which is super convenient.

It may not be the best pizza you’ll ever have, but it’s consistently good and hits the spot when you’re nearby. A solid choice for a quick,...