Balducci's Wood Fired Pizza — Restaurant in Salem

Stay away from this place!

The wife and I decided to try this place this past Friday since we had recently received coupons in the mail. The coupon was for a free small pizza with the order of any premium pizza.

So we ordered a steak and cheese premium pizza with "no veggies". Our daughter is allergic to mushrooms and all veg tends to be in similar proximity at these places. We also got our small cheese pizza via coupon.

About 35 minutes later the pizza's arrived. I tipped 4 dollars since this was a new place for us and I like to leave a good first impression. I opened the $20 premium pizza and it was COVERED in onions. I mean covered! Like, with an ice-cream scoop. I immediately called back, delivery driver barely out of the driveway. The first woman was pretty nice, saying they'd have it replaced right away. I got a call back about 60 seconds later from some manager lady having a fit. She said that the reason it was wrong was because the person taking the order rung it in wrong... to which I replied "what's your point? That's not what I ordered?" She began yelling that I was taking advantage of her because the delivery guy didn't take the physical coupon I had by the door. I didn't even get another word in and was hung up on.

I told the wife about it and, assuming I was rude or something, called Balducci's back and asked for the manager. Turns out, it was the manager that hung up on me. After politely explaining the situation to the "manager", my wife was also abruptly hung up on.

If anyone has need for these call recordings I have them. My phone is...

Balducci's is my new favorite restaurant by far! I tried this restaurant on Monday with my fiancé, and we were truly amazed. This is the best pizza we have both ever had! Better than New York pizza and it even trumps pizza from Italy! The restaurant is comfortable and cozy and adorably decorated with an Italian theme, complete with Frank Sinatra playing in the background. The most memorable thing about our experience, though, was the outstanding customer service Jasmine gave us and the rest of the customers dining and on the phone. She was unbelievably welcoming and sweet. She checked in with us often, and she guided us through the menu with some great suggestions (You must try the Chicken Pancetta pizza--her recommendation was spot on!). Her bubbly, friendly, and happy personality is very contagious. The chef was great too! Balducci's is surprisingly affordable for the quality of food and service. I honestly am thinking about going back tonight or tomorrow (I went two days ago!). I will never order pizza from anywhere again!!

Ps. We ordered the Lemon Rosemary wings which comes with Rosemary flatbread which is to die for, the Chicken Pancetta pizza which has an interesting combo of ingredients but together is heaven in your mouth, and also the Cinnamon breadsticks at the end which were sinfully delicious! Would highly...

I should start this review by saying I really like their pizza and typically enjoyed their food in general. That being said, it all depends who is working at the time of the order, with whether or not you will have a good or bad experience. I was put on hold, for a phone order, for 7 minutes. I hung up, called back and she put me on hold again. I figured maybe it's busy, I'll just show up. About 6 of the 12 to 15 tables were being used. I ordered right away. 37..THIRTY SEVEN minutes later, my food was ready. I mentioned it to the woman manager who was there and she was very kind and apologetic and offered free food for my next order (not my money back?). I was making my way home starving and sort of laughing about the situation because I'm a pretty zen dude, but I've also worked in sales and food sales and prep my entire life, so I know how bad that was for them, let alone me. I checked the two items I purchased and one of them WASNT CORRECT! ahhhhh started to laugh, probably something like the Joker would. Let's just say the wild animals got a meal that night. So yes, 2 stars because the food is usually very good. The speed of service (pizza should take no longer than 12-15 minutes from slinging dough to out of the oven) and (boneless) wings about the same or less. Come on Balducci's, you're...