District Apizza — Restaurant in Norfolk

Fourth times a charm they say? I’m a huge pizza fan but I’ve quickly learned that New Haven style is not included.

I’ve visited District three times since they’ve been open. Although I watched and waited for a while as a new development entered the neighborhood; I choose not to patronize them often simply because of the service provided. There’s live music amongst other events which change the atmosphere tremendously. Keep that up.

Early on, we first visited just for drinks. I requested an Espresso martini. To which, I was forewarned that because they had just opened, they were still lacking supplies. That’s understandable and the bartender, Deo, insisted that he could “throw something together”. That’s exactly what he did (see pic) and it was also my first encounter with him. Needless to say, it wasn’t a good cocktail. I don’t even know if there was actually espresso in the drink either. I settled for a beer.

For my second visit, I ordered pizza to-go. Since I live close by, I decided to walk to District. Deo serviced me again which is to be expected since I’ve only sat at the bar. He was not very attentive although he and another waitress were waiting on me simultaneously she provided the most service. The pizza held up throughout my 15 minute walk home but was rigid in texture even though the box remained pretty warm. That was when I realized that I wasn’t a fan of the pizza. They all look great in the restaurant but I can’t get over the charred taste.

During my third visit, I ordered the Vodka pasta. I was forewarned that the pasta is cooked al dente but I thought that it could use another minute or two for the perfect bite. At first, I thought it was just me but I’ve read another review that mentioned hard pasta, too. The waitress was a little more attentive and ensured that I was happy with my meal and drinks. I don’t remember her name but she has dark, straight hair.

There was a Valentine’s Day special going on - steak meal or pizza for two. With the steak meal, you had to call to pay ahead. I called to reserve my meal; to which Deo answered the phone with what could be perceived as having an attitude. I state my request and he placed me on hold for at least five minutes. Another person picks up the phone to assist me. I pay, my phone number is taken down and I’m told that my receipt will be available on Valentine’s Day. It was a weird encounter especially since the second person asked if I sent a message requesting the steak dinner. Although the ads specifically stated to call the restaurant.

On my fourth visit, Valentine’s Day, I’m serviced by Deo again. He’s very short with me and unpleasant. I observe how he’s interacting with other customers at the bar to see how he’s more attentive with them. A couple was receiving the best service out of everyone at the bar but I realized that it was a fellow employee…as a prior food service worker, I know that this tends to be the standard amongst co-workers. Not a big deal. But with me, all he did was refill my water without me asking and asked if I wanted a to-go box as I was still eating. Again, Deo is attentive to other patrons; striking up conversation with them and going in-depth with them during their meal. So much so, he brought out his computer to show another couple a menu that he was working on. Eventually, he gives me the bill. After I reminded him that I had previously paid over the phone, he states that I needed to tell them that I paid. He takes the check book and walks off without a word. I waited a few moments to see if he’d return with my actual receipt but he continued to service other people. The steak dinner was good; could’ve used a little more salt but I did without. I was apprehensive at first because no one asked what temperature I wanted the steak cooked but it came out a perfect medium. The sides were just that - wilted spinach, roasted carrots and potatoes. Nothing to write home about. The ad stated that a glass of wine was included but I didn’t receive it.

Won’t cut them out completely but consistent staff training...

They have a nice parking lot for that area.

The decor is simple and LOVE THE ORGINAL TILE FLOOR. Thank you for saving that beautiful floor. Love the green park benches, and the silverware sat nicely in your hands, nice and heavy. The central bar is very pretty. When the sun goes down, I can invision the mood inside is very romantic.

The wood fired oven was something you couldn't miss. It's a nice, clean, well ran restaurant.

We were very excited to try many menu items tonight, and we chose 2 pastas, a pizza and the arancini. The rigatoni and red sauce is pretty bland. The acidity was cut beautifully, hands down. But it was missing something. I think it was missing some pazazz, like a little bit of basil, maybe. It was a very basic sauce - I could have used some black pepper as well.

The second pasta has vodka sauce. That was the only thing that had flavour. It to, was basic. The pasta itself was less than al dente. The pasta folded when you pressed on it but it was still too hard. My husband didn't believe me until he tried it himself. It needed just a little bit longer in the water.

The arancini didn't have much cheese filling inside. It was like just eating deep fried rice with breading. The Breading on the arancini was good.

Their dough puffs was the best thing I tried. Their essentially dough balls were the best things we tried. Needed olive oil and salt on it, but good. The server was clever when he called them Italian Bengiets but not the desert kind! It was served with the same red sauce as everything else.

The potato pizza, was just ok.

We know they are getting their "sea legs." I am normally nowhere near this critical. I know a few reviews may help with their menu in the future as they test things out. Don't let my review stop you from going. Please help local businesses! It really was fast, clean with knowledge staff, and the server was very pleasant.

Sometimes when you go places and the server either is pretty much absent or up your but. This guy was just perfect timing. Kitchen had great ticket times the were very efficient. Looks like it's ran very tightly with a good crew. Definitely more of a date spot. We'll come back in a few months and try it again. We always try things 2 or 3 times before it out goes on the list of never again. I have a good feeling in a few months that they will have...

I just had the worst experience coming in here for the first time. I'm absolutely disgusted to be quite honest. I came in, and the hostess was kind and sat us down. I waited about 15 mins and a server finally came. The server then left after getting us water and didn't come back at all for about 20 mins. It was truly humiliating sitting and hoping someone would come and no service at all. Finally, the waiter came and we tried to order. I tried ordering a pizza and was told they weren't doing pizza any longer, which is very confusing as this is what they're supposedly known for. Then the waiter told us it had to do with an oven issue and maybe in 15 mins it would be up. I then tried to order the chicken parm and was told they had no more chicken. I spent almost an hour there and only had a glass of water. I'm utterly disappointed as I thought this would truly be a good place to try as I lived in New Haven for a while and missed the pizza. I ended up walking out after waiting so long and then having nothing I ordered. This was truly a disappointed experience. I am actually in shock that it was such a terrible experience. What is the point of staying open all night besides trying to get money off people and not caring about the service you provide. I'm utterly disgusted at how out of sync and badly run this place is already. I was so excited to try and had to end up leaving necause from service to even having food they say they do...was a nightmare. Mind you not a soul or manager spoke to us, but they continue to repost on IG peoples plates. How are you posting chicken parm and pizza when y’all didn’t even have any? I’m very bothered at the fact that they have no desire to improve or reach out, but would rather ignore it and post false advertising of what they didn’t even have. How is your place named after pizza and you don’t have any? We never even got the “free dough” they told us about but never brought to our table. If I could give no stars I would in a heartbeat. You should put care and heart into what you do an opening a restaurant. Not so busy to get money that you don’t care about the customers or food or service. I’ve lived in New Haven and no pizza shop would ever be this way. Shame on them honestly. They didn’t even care and...