Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina — Restaurant in Southfield

Located downtown royal oak and right by the train tracks down on Main Street; what interested me was how they converted an old train station into an Italian restaurant + bar. Unfortunately, my first experience ordering from them was not a great one — I ordered from them after meeting with a client 2 blocks away. It was late, so I grabbed a pizza to take home for my husband and I. When I ordered the first time, I asked for a large. The girl on phone said the pizza is one size. I asked how big, she said they’re pretty big but about a typical large. I was hoping for inches, but I just took her word for it. So I ordered, and she said it would take 30 minutes. I thought that was pretty long for a pizza, but 1) it’s wood fired and 2) this isn’t a pizza place, it’s a pizza restaurant. It was also a Saturday night. So I thought that could be typical, and waited around for it. I was already there when I ordered, so I went over to a used bookstore a couple blocks away, and I waited 30 minutes. I was walking into big loras exactly 30 minutes later.

When they handed me my pie, it was cold. That bummed me out, and I asked her if she knew how long ago it got out of oven. She said she didn't know, which was probably true because she was the hostess and the kitchen was in different section of restaurant. I was bummed out and didn't want to wait for them to remake it, so I just went home with a cold pizza, not to mention I live 20 minutes away (the only pizza places by me are howies, dominos, sorrentos and jets. I'm not a fan of those places, I wanted something new); I was also bummed out because the pizza was pretty small. At 12 inches, a medium, it was barely enough for 2 adults, mainly because it's a thinner crust, which I honestly prefer. The pizza gave us four slices, 2 pieces each. They also don't cut their pizza. They give you a disposable pizza cutter to take home, so you can cut your own pizza. That didn't really bother me, but I've never seen that before and wasn't sure how I felt about that. Once I actually got home with it, the pizza was COLD COLD. I knew it got out a lot quicker than 30 minutes. A week later, I went back.. Since I was coming from home this time, I asked them how long it takes for a pizza to be ready, and the woman said it always takes 10 minutes and was confused why I told 30. But this time, I requested a timed order, just to be safe. The second time, it worked out well, and the pizza was still warm when I got home. I also ordered two pizzas instead of one, although I think two pizzas is a little too much for us. But like I said, it's an Italian restaurant that just happens to sell Quality pizza, with a quantity of toppings. So, why did I give these guys 5 stars after the hassle of my first experience?

Well, because the pizza is really good! It's not too greasy and you can tell the dough is fresh, it's quality, and the cheese and toppings are authentic and fresh. I understand people make accidents from time to time and she probably thought it was going to take longer than it did. I'm sure it's not going to happen again. As far as the size, I assumed it was going to be bigger, I wish they had other sizes but I understand why they chose not to. And the pizza cutter, I was a little bummed over the pizza, so I took that as a negative thing as well, but tbh, I think that's a cool idea, so you can choose how big/small you want ur slices.

Overall, the pizza was very good, an A, it's now been added to my top 3 pizza places in the area (which also includes Suppinos pizza in Detroit/eastern market and Capri's in Dearborn). Big Lora is similar to NY style pizza, aside from it being only 12" as NY style pizza typically has 16". But it's a thinner, flaky crust, so that's why I say that, and it's wood fired, which was my reason for coming here in the first place. I will probably be back within 30 days, I've only tried their pizza, and I've only done carry out, so I have no full experience with...

I had given up looking for a really good pizza for some time. I had decided most places are like  the pizza chain stores we all know, that think putting tomato sauce and cheese on crust is all there is to making a good pizza.

I wanted one so bad, when I saw reviews for this place I decided to try once more, and ordered a carry out, in spite of the fact that pictures of their pizza on the internet were not great. It was late on a sunday an hour or so before their closing time.

What I got was a nightmare, it was like nobody cared what they served up. The  toppings I ordered were simple. I asked for Capicola, Pepperoni, onions, and Mushrooms. There were almost no discernible toppings  except the peperoni, everything else was literally mush that had all moved to the center of the pizza.

There was nothing good about the  taste at all, no distinguishable flavors, even the pepperoni which I can usually eat alone.  I put on some seasonings of my own just so I could taste something. After 2 slices that flopped and fell apart in my hand at the center while trying to hold it. I  Finally gave up, and put the whole pizza down the garbage disposal and threw away the box, to help me forget the $20 dollars i wasted on a super small...

I would like to start that I've been to this location a few times in the past and the food/service has been decent, no issue at all. My gripe time around revolves around my recent purchase on Mother's day. I placed a carryout order and received a text that the order was ready for pick up - fast forward nearly an hour later, my pasta was sitting around as I waited for the smallest (tiramisu 2x2x2). I get its a busy day, that's fine...the issue is that 1) adjust your system to provide accurate wait times for order pick up. 2) I've had the tiramisu before and it's never as small as it was. Not only that, my salad which should have included nuts did not have any and seems to have been compensated by adding even more raw onion. My suggestion, provide accurate wait times in the future especially for major holidays. If you dont have an item or it's going to take long to make, perhaps suggest another dessert item that is readily available. One last thing, the manager waiting for orders was talking down to the cooks in a Not So Professional manner - not something I care to see/hear as i'm waiting...