Marabella Pizza Winterville — Restaurant in Winterville

I would like to adjust my first review. It has been a while since my first review of this newer location. I have been back several times since, as we always try to give it some time and try again.

The location has improved 1000% this is now our go to place for pizza. The customer service is always amazing and the food has yet to truly disappoint. I little something strange I noticed last time we purchased pizza from here though, which i am not sure how to explain it, but if you end up getting the small pizzas I feel the quality isn’t the same as the medium or large. Im not sure why as i would assume the ingredients are all the same but last time we got pizza we opted for a small as to not over indulge and it just wasn’t quite the same as when we get a medium or large.

Seems more for children not because of its size its just more or less seemed a child would like it better I’m sure that doesn’t make sense and it’s hard to explain. I am no pizza engineer but it wasn’t as bubbly and seemed like the sauce was watered down or something, maybe because its size it doesn’t react the same in the ovens, again i have no idea how to explain it. All i can say is just get the medium or large sizes and you will not regret it.

First review: I do realize that this location for the business just opened but they also have other locations in the area, however having to wait for my online order for an hour and a half is beyond ridiculous. I don’t care how good the pizza is, which was not as good as their other locations. Here is what experience was step for step: placed my order online at 6:39 pm, my confirmation said it would be ready in 35 minutes which is normal for a pizza, i get there at 7:05 which was a bit early since i knew i would have to wait, i proceed to the drive thru since there were no parking spots to be able to go inside plus i thought it would be better since i placed my order online, i waiting for 50 min in the drive thru line, i finally make it up to the window to tell the person who opened the window who i was and that i placed my order online, while she went to find my order another person came to the window she had a very dazed look on her face to which i responded with the other person took my name and is taking care of me, the other person finally comes back to the window and says that they are backed up and my order isnt ready yet... im sorry what i have been sitting in line for over an hour and a placed my order 30 min previous to that, why is my order not ready, i obviously was trying to be civil and said okay, she then said if i would pull around front that they would bring it out to me in 10 minutes. I did as i was told mostly because i had already paid online for my order and didn’t want to wait in another line somewhere else since i had already wasted so much time. I finally see one of the employees emerge with my food only to not see me, i had to yell out the window to them to ask if what they had was for me. It took a total of an hour and 40 minutes to get my order that was placed online and from what i saw i was not the only one. It seemed there was no management whatsoever, everyone was running all over the place and talking amongst themselves. I can honestly say that what i ordered was not worth the time it...

I recently had the opportunity to try Marabella Pizza in Winterville, and while it wasn't the best dining experience I've had, it was certainly decent. I decided to go for a slice of their pepperoni pizza along with a drink, and opted to dine in. Starting with the positive aspects, the decor of the restaurant was adequate but not inviting. The seating area was clean and comfortable, and the staff seemed friendly but didn't exactly listen after they ask for my order. It had to be repeated several times and when it was called back it was not what was said. How you get a roll out of slice of pizza still baffles me. The cashier asked me 3 times if I wanted a beverage after I had said yes the first time and then forgot the cup which I was informed bu my server I should have received upon payment.

Now, onto the pizza itself. The slice of pepperoni pizza I ordered had its ups and downs. On the plus side, the crust was cooked to a nice golden brown and had a good crunch. The cheese had a decent melt and the pepperoni had a nice flavor. However, I did find the overall taste of the pizza to be slightly underwhelming. The sauce lacked depth and seemed a bit bland, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

Additionally, I would have appreciated a bit more attention to detail in terms of presentation. While the taste is ultimately the most important aspect, a visually appealing presentation can enhance the overall dining experience. We do not want nor need a 5 star presentation but plain paper plates and paper bowls?

In terms of pricing, Marabella Pizza offers reasonable rates for their menu items, including the slice of pizza I ordered.

Overall, my experience at Marabella Pizza in Winterville was decent but not exceptional. While the restaurant had a decent ambiance and the pizza had its highlights, there were some areas that could use improvement, such as the flavor of the sauce. However, if you're in the area and looking for a quick bite, it might still be worth a visit.

But as for me I will probably...

Customers at your Winterville store use to give me commendation, leave a tip with a handwritten note: You’re the best!

I walked in today hoping it would “Feels like home again.” NO! (Everyone I talk to and I know a lot of people, say the same thing: Service and quality aren’t the same.)

The cashiers did an excellent job. When your manager came upfront, saw me, it was cold, unfriendly and no expression 🫥 at all.

I had ordered a grandma slice of pizza 🍕. The cashier’s are only allowed to take orders I observed, because no one yet had put my slice in the oven until the manage came from the back. (This causes long wait time for the customers). So, the manager puts the grandma slice in the oven. Took a meat lovers pizza out of the oven. Since I already had been waiting for 5 minutes, I asked if I could please change my order, get a hot meat lovers slice instead. It had to be approved by the manager first. That’s odd. She cut two slices for someone who ordered after me, then she cuts a third slice and put it back in the oven. I said no, if that’s for me I don’t need it cooked any longer, I want my slice now please 🙏. I had to wait another 3 minutes! Unbelievable, it’s not rocket science, not such a tall, unusual request! No wonder there are so many burned pizzas 🍕!

Respect doesn’t wait for a title or a tailored suit. It’s owed to every person who walks through your door. Customer service has been #1 priority my entire life. A smile is your best PR.

The Winterville shop does not have soul—maybe you can’t do any better, but your manager is the worst ever!

Treat everyone like they matter, because they do. The world shifts when we stop assuming and start listening.

This isn’t about revenge—it’s about rebuilding kindness that changes lives. She doesn’t smile, she’s not kind just mechanical. This manager……….I’d fire her!

The lesson stings, but heals.

Change starts in the quiet moments. This is to remind her to show up with heart. ♥️ change should start...