Marias Pizzeria — Restaurant in Ocean Isle Beach

Let me start off my saying the food was absolutely delicious. My review is reflecting the service and communication of this establishment.

I hired them to cater my destination wedding of about 32 people. I called at the beginning of 2024 in February, to start the ball rolling. I called a total of five times leaving messages and getting nothing in return. I also emailed them twice I didn’t hear back until April finally when I kinda flipped out on them. Then I get a hold of someone she give me her personal number very apologetic. She emails me a contract and a quote(a week late and had to be reminded twice but none the less). I sign it and ask if I should pay now or later she says later more towards the date would be better. Seven months go by (I was getting married in November) I called the beginning of October to pay I get told “could you call back next week we are in the middle of clam weekend and very busy”…I’m trying to give you $1500 and you want me to call back??Whatever it is too close to the wedding to find someone new. So I call back next week. I ask for manager by name “oh he doesn’t work here anymore”…okay I asked for the other manager by name “oh she’s out on medical leave” so I respond with “then who is catering my wedding in a month?” (Because the person I was talking to in the phone informed me she had no idea about my wedding…). To which she says “ I think we can still do it.”…so I’m panicking at this point and I remember the manager gave me her personal number back in April so find it and message her (not really caring she’s on leave because I have signed a contract at the point so someone is catering my wedding). She tells me she’s sorry and whatever and assures me they can still cater my wedding. I finally get a link to pay them and they automatically added on $300 for a tip. I literally laughed out loud. You Got me messed up thinking I’m going to tip you after all this foolery you got me going through. Wedding day comes around and they get there (30 minutes later than the time we agreed but they brought 4 free pizzas for apologize for that.) moral of the story is DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES HIRE THIS PLACE FOR CATERING. Dine in sure like I said the food was delicious but cater literally is a joke. Word of advice Maria’s don’t offer catering if you don’t want to do it. Especially for weddings. It was stressful enough planning a wedding states away and Maria’s didn’t make that stress any better. But food was good so dine in....

Unprofessional & mismanaged with bad service. Food is ok but not worth the headache.

Ordered delivery at 5:30 through the website and my email confirmation said it’d arrive by 6:39. Around 7 we still hadn’t received our order so I called the restaurant and I’m told the delivery guy just left a few minutes ago with our order - weird because it was supposed to BE here 20 min ago but ok no problem.

30 minutes later, the food still isn’t here (we’re two miles from the restaurant) so I call again asking for an update. Once again I’m told “it’s on the way” …but I’m asking WHERE because at this point it’s an hour late so I ask to speak to the manager.

Again I asked where the order is & the manager tells me she doesn’t know where I got the 6:39 estimate from, says they’re backed up, and thats it. Look, I worked in restaurants for 10 years and have been a delivery driver - I GET IT. But this order is an hour late, I’m basically being told I made up the estimated delivery time and I’m getting no resolution or update. It’s just BAD hospitality, period. And a very disappointing welcome to OIB. After a few minutes of meaningless back and forth, I finally my question answered and she tells me the driver just got over the bridge

The order finally arrived around 7:45 with a receipt from the restaurant with the estimated delivery time of 6:39 - pictured. I was told I made this time up but it’s literally printed ON the receipt?! & of course the food was cold & things were missing but I know the restaurant wouldn’t care to resolve it.

Management, some advice - get on DoorDash or other delivery if you’re not able to provide a quality delivery service. Get some dang hold music vs. the girls voice in a loop thanking me for holding. Long waits are fine if we know about them up front. Most people understand being backed up but if you expect me to get your side, try to also see mine when I’m not getting something I paid for & let’s find a resolution.

A bit of empathy goes a long way and had the manager I spoke to been kinder, I’d be willing to give a second chance and probably wouldn’t be leaving this review. Maybe service is better in the restaurant, but we won’t be stopping by to find out or ordering...

During my recent visit to this establishment, I was truly delighted by the exceptional experience I had, thanks to the staff members who displayed an outstanding level of friendliness and provided prompt service. The overall atmosphere exuded a remarkably laid-back and relaxing vibe that enhanced my enjoyment even further.

When it came to the culinary delights offered at this establishment, I must say that I was thoroughly impressed with the overall quality of the dishes. The particular highlight of my dining experience was undoubtedly the pene vodka pasta. The moment I took my first bite, I was immediately captivated by the impeccable vodka sauce that accompanied the pasta. Its creamy texture was perfectly balanced, neither too thick nor too thin, allowing it to cling delectably to the noodles, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors. Moreover, the side Caesar salad proved to be a delightful addition to my meal, boasting a vibrant medley of crisp and refreshing lettuce leaves that were clearly fresh and meticulously prepared. The dressing itself was a revelation, offering just the right amount of tanginess and creaminess to elevate the overall taste profile.

Regrettably, the same level of satisfaction could not be said for the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, which my girlfriend opted for. It pains me to admit that her experience with this dish fell short of expectations. The main concern revolved around the lackluster flavor profile, as the Alfredo sauce failed to deliver the richness and depth that is typically associated with this classic Italian dish. Additionally, the chicken accompanying the fettuccine was disappointingly dry, further diminishing the overall enjoyment of the dish.

Despite the minor setback with the fettuccine Alfredo, our overall experience at this establishment was undeniably positive. From the exceptional pene vodka pasta and delightful Caesar salad to the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere, it is evident that this establishment has a lot to offer to those seeking a memorable...