Vero Pizza Napoletana — Restaurant in Cleveland Heights

Let’s start off with what matters, the pizza is a 6.2 out of 10 at best. We will come back to that in a moment, let’s talk about the venue first…

So this place opens at five, typical with this kind of a pizza place. We were there just before five because we wanted to be one of the first without a reservation to put our place in line and get a table. We ate here on 3/8/25.

There were about five workers standing at the bar, which is right by the entrance when you walk in. A few other people had walked in and walked out before us, including a family of four ( 2 of which were children) who had been waiting for the restaurant to open as well. They were told when they walked in, first in the restaurant at five by the way, that the only place they could eat was at the bar. Note, this restaurant says on their own website they leave 30% of the restaurant open for walk-ins. This is a lie. When it was our turn to be seated, we weren’t even greeted. We actually had to sit there for about 20 seconds while the five workers chatted 2 feet away from us with their backs turned to us, before they realized that we were there to give them our business.

For the hour and a half that we sat there, at the bar right by the front entrance; I watched them turn away multiple people who wanted to eat there because they kept claiming reservations. I had looked at the reservations the day before and saw that they were spaced out about every 10 or 15 minutes. The business turned away at least 10 different groups of customers within that hour and a half of them opening because they said they had reservations. They said there would be a two hour long wait; and the only place they were seating walk-ins was at the bar. However, the restaurant stayed 1/4 or less full for the entire time we were there. The worker greeting people on this day, a younger man who wore glasses and had long black hair in a bun (in case the owner reads this ), never once turned his body away from the bar to greet one of the people that came in. Whether they were a reservation or a walk-in. Barely gave them any eye contact or attention, waited for them to pretty much ask to be greeted to greet them (like it was for us), and expressed arguably the most unprofessional body language I’ve seen in any kind of establishment the entire 90 minutes we were there.

To continue with the bad service, the bartender took their time to greet us after we sat, when there was only one couple in the restaurant sitting at a table for a reservation and only one other couple sitting at the opposite side of the 15 foot long bar. When I say a whole I mean about 7-10 minutes. There were three of us, for some reason we were only given two menus. Was this a big deal in reality? No. I’ve been places before where they’ve been so busy they run out of menus and yada yada yada. That wasn’t the case here, though, we were given two menus for seemingly no reason at all aside from lack of attention. I saw a ton of menus sitting 1 foot away from us behind the bar, that for some reason when they had a total of six people in the restaurant, they did not feel they wanted to give out. Thats just weird to be honest.

Now back to the pizza. I came here knowing exactly what kind of pizza we were going to get. It’s not hard to figure out based off the name and the pictures. But there is zero reason for this pizza to cost what it does with the quality it comes out in, the quantity in terms of the size of the pie, or the level of service of the establishment. It’s quite soupy, quite a bit of grease, and way too much dough comparatively to ingredients. Would that kind of pizza be OK for 12 to 15 bucks? Yeah I’d say that’s reasonable. However, to start your pizza at $26 before you even add any toppings, and for it to come out that way it did and in that size; there is zero reason for the price aside from the owner, deciding to charge that because they can, not because they should.

You can get a much larger, much better pizza at Il Rione on the other side of town for way less money. It’s also trumps the taste...

Vero Pizza in Cleveland Heights is a culinary gem that truly stands out as one of the most authentic pizzerias in the area. From the moment you walk in, the warm and inviting atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy Italian trattoria. The rustic decor, complete with exposed brick and wooden accents, sets the stage for a genuine pizza experience.

What sets Vero Pizza apart is its commitment to traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients. The dough is made fresh daily, resulting in a perfectly chewy yet crispy crust that serves as the ideal base for their delicious toppings. Each pizza is crafted with care, showcasing the artistry and passion of the chefs.

One of the standout features of Vero Pizza is the variety of options available. From classic Margherita to the more adventurous toppings, there’s something for everyone. The Margherita pizza, with its simple yet flavorful combination of San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Each bite bursts with flavor, and the balance of ingredients highlights the quality of the produce used.

For those looking to try something different, the white pizza is a must-try. Topped with ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a creamy and indulgent option that’s sure to satisfy. The combination of flavors is rich and comforting, making it a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends.

In addition to the pizzas, Vero offers a selection of appetizers and salads that complement the meal beautifully. The garlic knots, served warm and brushed with garlic butter, are a delightful way to start your dining experience. They’re soft, flavorful, and perfectly paired with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

The service at Vero Pizza is friendly and attentive, adding to the overall welcoming vibe of the restaurant. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and eager to make recommendations based on your preferences, ensuring that your dining experience is enjoyable from start to finish.

Overall, Vero Pizza in Cleveland Heights is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic pizza. With its commitment to quality ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and a warm atmosphere, it’s a place that celebrates the art of pizza-making. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Vero Pizza is sure to impress and leave you longing for...

I regret to have to give such a middling review to what was once my favorite pizza place in the greater-Cleveland area, Vero. (Il Rhione is now.) I’m prepared to adjust this review if Vero can correct the issues we experienced this evening.

First, congratulations on the expanded space. It was much needed. The corner where we were seated was freezing cold, though. We were told that the heater directly above us was not working. Not good. We were cold and waited a long time.

The three pizzas we ordered tonight were very soggy. The sausage one in particular. They need to be cooked more. We couldn’t even cut the sausage pizza with the dull scissors without creating a gooping mess. Neapolitan pizza should have some char and crispiness from the brick oven to it. That’s the point.

The crust edges were wide. Felt wrong. Felt like skimping. But the dough remains special.

The wonderful arugula salad was smaller than what Vero used to serve. Thus overpriced.

And the gelato is now outrageously priced. $9? Seriously?

The pizza was once worth the high price. But not now. Not when it’s soggy.

The milk-and-honey pizza wasn’t the same. The egg wasn’t timed right and so was overcooked while the crust was undercooked.

We ate there a few months ago, before the expansion, with the new oven. I don’t think it’s the oven. The pizza was fine.

I think it’s the process.

We are longtime Vero customers. We’ve spent many special occasions there with our family and with out-of-town visitors. That’s why tonight was particularly disappointing. One of our sons was home from college, and we wanted to go there.

We were always OK with paying the premium price here because the quality of the pizza was so excellent.

For me, the gold standard in Neapolitan pizza is Pepe’s or Sally’s in New Haven. Being able to have something approximating it in Cleveland was wonderful. But not here now.

I hope these issues can be corrected. I understand this was opening night in the expanded space. But undercooking pizzas, and making the edges so wide that it looks like you’re skimping is not the way to go.

Our waiter was kind under the circumstances. I asked him to inform the kitchen of our disappointment.

12/29/24 Upgraded a level based on response...