Pinocchio's Pizza — Restaurant in Pasadena

As one who typically won’t leave a negative review, I feel compelled to leave an honest review of the egregious treatment I received from Arman at Pinocchio’s this past week.

I’m extremely disappointed in and offended by the practices of this establishment and am alarmed at the treatment of truly upstanding patrons without regard for quality customer service.

I’ve hosted several events at this venue and have never been met with warmth, kindness, or politeness, but rather cold, rude, hostile, and callous communication, and extremely poor customer service from Arman (I believe to be the owner), who manages event coordination.

I have consistently overlooked his poor behavior for the simple fact that the venue’s event space is lovely and the food is good, hence the single star.

So here’s where the major offense takes place and the reason for my review…

When calling to inquire about an unauthorized charge on my credit card, Arman answered the phone. I introduced myself and was met with utter silence. There was no “Yes, can I help you?”, “How may I help you?”, or anything.

Moving past that, I explained the purpose for my call- that I had received a call from the restaurant at midnight the night of the event (no voicemail was left) and there was a $$$$ charge to my credit card that should not have been there. I was calling to find out why.

There was no discussion, but rather accusation, “That’s because you left without paying the bill!” With such hostility, I was berated with false accusations of attempted theft!

I could not believe what I was being accused of!

Although I had proof, I was accused of leaving an unpaid bill after hosting an event there. And he proceeded to argue with me about it.

I was told his staff told him I “just left and didn’t pay the bill.” And that he “had been there all day.” As if to corroborate the story. Then, I was told to send him a copy of receipts and my credit card statements to verify what I was telling him!

Not once did he ask for information to verify for himself what I was telling him. Not once did he do any review in his system to confirm anything. Not once!

Within an hour, I walked into the restaurant with proof and receipts. To which he attempted to be unsure about our very recent discussion as if it never occurred. He tapped a few things into their system, which he could've done when I called and discovered he was wrong.

The party immediately after mine left without paying and the staff misinformed him. He blamed the staff!

I was given a very insincere and dry apology- “Sorry about that.”, the money was refunded, he handed me the itemized receipt I asked for, and he walked away.

I have NEVER been treated this poorly or offended so greatly in my life!

Never again will I patronize or recommend this...

I came here with my family for what we thought was going to be good Italian food. We were greeted by a little man at the front who we think was the Owner or Manager of this place. I don't think hospitality is his strong suit as he seemed a bit snooty and had a dismissive, I-can't-be-bothered demeanor about him. We were seated and the very nice waitress was happy to serve us. The dishes we ordered were the Calamari, Fried Mozarella Sticks, Bruschetta, Alfredo Pasta, Chicken Piccata, Chicken Marsala, Steak plate, Greek Salad, and Greek Pizza. Aside from the Calamari, Mozzarella Sticks, Salad and Alfredo Pasta (which was great), they can't seem to get anything else right. First, we were off to a bad start with the Bruschetta -- overall, it was flavorless, the tomato was mealy and the balsamic dressing did it no justice...it was not the best balsamic either. The chicken dishes were just disgusting. They used breaded (and probably frozen) chicken for these dishes which we were not expecting. Under all the sauce that was slathered on, we could not even taste the chicken. The texture was unpleasant as the breading got soggy and separated from the chicken from sitting in the pool of sauce...it made for a mushy experience. The Chicken Piccatta was the worst item on our list -- it was extremely sour and seemed like they had dumped a jar of capers onto the plate. I would not even feed this to a starving stray dog. Next, the Steak was just off. We couldn't get past the nasty sour flavor of the sauce on this thing. Perhaps, it was doused in sauce to cover up the fact that the meat was not fresh. This was a disappointment to say the least. The pizza? How can you mess up pizza?...especially, when "Pizza" is in the name of your establishment. Well, this place sure did a good job at that. The sauce was not your usual pizza sauce. The first bite had a sour flavor which was unexpected. I'm not sure what kind of sauce they're using but it is no sauce I've ever had on any pizza. It got less sour as you worked your way to the crust. Unfortunately, the best part of the slice was when you were done with it -- when the misery happening in your mouth was finally over. I'm rating this place with only 2 star for the following reasons: Of the 8 items we ordered, only 50% of it was edible and unfortunately, they were not the entree's. The running theme in their dishes seem to be "Sour". You're pretty much safe if you come here for Pasta and Salad, the appetizers are hit-and-miss but, that's about it. I have not had their entire menu but with such a lousy first-time experience, I can't take that chance to come back...

Worst service I’ve ever received in my entire life. The waitress Emily, didn’t recommend anything, she looked very high and under the influence. She didn’t tell us about any specials or items on the menu. She had an attitude and also left before me and my friend were finished eating and didn’t tell us she was leaving. We informed the bartender Kate and her and Armen Just sat there and listened to me tell them that me and my friend felt brushed off. We never were asked about refills on our drinks. Just sat there for twenty minutes with empty glasses looking around and seeing the staff help other tables. I’m extremely embarrassed because I told my friend how amazing the food was here and that we should go. she flew out here from Florida, today was her birthday and this is what we experienced. I feel as though she left before her shift was over because me and my friend are African American and she thought we weren’t going to tip and that’s where she messed up. I was ready to tip above and beyond but I was also looking for great service. You can get the same food anywhere. It’s all about service why people come back and unfortunately me and my friend won’t be back. If you are African American we advise you go elsewhere. These people will see you and not speak and rush you out and go home and won’t think twice about it. Nor will anything happen. I Would’ve got a manager but seeing as three people from the staff all had the same attitudes I’m assuming this is okay the company. And I wasn’t looking for anything free I just wanted great service. That’s what me and my friend came here for. You never know who you’re treating wrong. Always remember that. Never judge a book by its cover. We would’ve tipped you so nicely. We’re big tippers and also product and food reviewers so this review will be everywhere. Worst...