Lou Malnati's Pizzeria — Restaurant in Tempe

I've heard of Lou Malnati from different TV shows. I've often wondered what it would taste like. Had no clue there was a pizzeria in the Phoenix area (Tempe location) so drove from south of Tucson to there in hopes of trying this famous pizza.

In the back of my mind I was thinking that perhaps there could be a difference from the original Chicago location as far as flavors went.

So we ordered our pizza and as soon as I tried it I knew I wasn't going to like it. The toppings were fine. It's the sauce and crust that killed it for me. The sauce tasted like it was from a can. Not the way they showed on TV. I doubt they showed the complete way of how they make their sauce but I sure hope the original Chicago location makes a better product. The sauce was too sweet. What I mean is there was sugar added. No problem with the sugar when it's added from other ingredients with other bold flavors that also have sugars like carrots, bell peppers, Sherry or Marsala, etc... But this was plain sugar added to it. I'm almost sure of it based on how it tasted to help cut the acidity from the tomatoes.

The crust was also disappointing. I'm guessing it could have used some more oven time to get the right feel and texture. I sure hope that isn't the crust they serve in Chicago.

I hope they weren't cutting corners with the ingredients. And I sure hope that if I ever go to Chicago that I don't taste the same thing I tasted here in Arizona or this pizzeria is nothing but hype.

Needless to say I'm not going back unless it's to try the original place in Chicago. Please don't disappoint me when I do go there...

Do not eat or order from this restaurant.

If I could leave a zero star review, I would. Please know that I very rarely, if ever, leave a negative review.

Every single time we have ordered from, or eaten at, this restaurant, we've experienced inexcusable delays and mistakes. Almost every time we order from this restaurant, we receive apologies and refund and gift cards for previous delays and mistakes, and every time I fall for it.

You may wonder why we continue to order from, or eat at, this restaurant. My fiancé is from Chicago, and Lou's is a nostalgic treat for her. This will be the last time we ever patronize this restaurant, though. This location has ruined the nostalgic enjoyment my fiancé used to experience.

We've experienced delays up to 45 minutes picking up. I don't know if I've ever waited for less than 15 minutes picking up a pre-ordered meal. Two of our last three orders were incorrect. My family came in a few weeks ago, and we went to the restaurant to eat. I called an hour before our reservation and pre-ordered our meal, so it could come up shortly after being seated. We still waited over an hour for the food to start coming out. Today, my fiancé's birthday, after waiting (again) for our pre-ordered pizza, the manager came out and explained that it had fallen on the floor... but I could wait another hour for another pizza.

Maybe the restaurant needs new management. I don't know. But we will never eat here again, and neither should...

River our server was absolutely wonderful, So much professionalism, friendliness & attention to detail! Upon walking in the restaurant was clean, bright and had a good Verity of music playing over head. Music was not to loud, I still could hear my partner in conversation but not the people behind us in the booth. Got there just in time for the Lunch Menue ( at time of post 9.95 meal deals) I got the choice of pasta & salad, so went with Ceasar Salad & Fettuccine Alfredo, my partner got a Med thin crust one topper pizza , order of Cheesezy bread and two fountain drinks. Let me tell you... the Ceasar Salad was very Fresh , Plentiful and Delicious 😋, Fettuccine had Alot of sauce for dipping the cheesey bread in also.... very very yummies good size portion for a lunch special deal. My partners pizza was ohhhh so cheesey and River served the 1st slice at the table. Our fountain drinks were kept full and not to syrupy or watery very good ratio for cold Sodas in this Hot AZ weather. The atmosphere is chill amd casual with pops of color in the art on the walls , no over whelming lighting or noise. They have a full bar if your into that sort of thing. I loved that Lou Malnatis is Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly 😋 All in all Really Really good portions , quality and service for price of meals and drinks. Definitely comming back soon. Thank you River for the hospitality, Tell your Boss I said to give you a raise or promotion! Keep up the great work...