Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza — Restaurant in Albuquerque

I have noticed a decline in Il Vicino’s pizzas and customer service in recent years. We have been loyal customers for over a decade and are disappointed with their new policy that customers have to pay over the phone for carry out orders over a certain amount. I explained to both an employee and then to the MOD, that I was driving (hands free) and could not give a card over the phone and wanted to pay in cash upon arrival. I also explained that it would be helpful to keep CC info on file for situations like these. They refused to honor my over the phone carry out order, stating they could not make exceptions and that they could prepare my order when I arrived in Person. As far as inconsistency in quality, the last time I got pizzas there, they were all burnt and have noticed that the pizza sizes are also inconsistent! See pictures. Due to the declining quality and service I do not recommend them. I gave 2 stars because when their quality is on point, it is delicious. However, due to the price, quality control would be helpful. In addition, they have become more inconvenient to order from. They seem to have discontinued Grubhub orders, as well. I will not be ordering from them...

Il Vicino gets great reviews so we decided to branch out from our favorites last night and try something new. We placed our order online no problem. The description of the two pizzas we chose sounded amazing (the Bianca and the Salsiccia.) Our order was pretty pricey but I’m okay with that as long as the food lives up to the price. The online ordering system is nice because it keeps you updated on your order pickup time. We live right around the corner so we left when it said our order would be ready in few minutes. Our order was in fact ready and we obtained it no problem(hence the three stars). Although, my boyfriend sadly noted how tiny the boxes were. Got home and yeah, the pizzas were tiny alright. That’s fine even though we were pretty hungry. We were hoping that they would at least be delicious. Unfortunately, they were soggy, salty, and just really tasted like something from the freezer section. I could see them as an appetizer shared amongst friends having some drinks. We might have to come back and try them while sitting at one of the cute sidewalk tables. I can see how the ambience can sway one’s perception...

Well this evening I decided it was time to grab some Italian food so I did a search and found that IL VICINO (Italian for “The Nearby/The Near) was nearby! The reviews seemed very positive so I ventured out and although being Sicilian I rarely try and eat Italian out, I was pleasantly surprised. No one can compare to one’s mothers sauce but it was tasty in the style it was made in. I ordered a vegetarian calzone and to see if this place was legit, a cannoli! The food I did enjoy, my only criticism was that the dessert came out before the main meal. The ingredients in the calzone were fresh and it was well made with a proper thin crust surrounding the filling. The diners at the table next to me invited me to try the Olio Picante, a chile infused oil and it was great on the calzone! The cannoli was properly made with the filling piped in when ordered and presented, thereby insuring a crispy and not soggy shell! The cheese filling was nicely sweetened and the chocolate sauce over the middle was a nice addition. Enjoyed both the food, great service and casual atmosphere! Don’t miss this one when in...