Forum Topic

Santa Maria Pizzeria

The boss of Santa Maria pizzeria in Ealing is defiantly telling customers that they have to eat pizza - or leave.More here http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23994637-order-pizza-or-leave-my-restaurant.do

simon finch ● 5468d9 Comments

Something I encountered in Boston right down to the 'wait in the bar and we'll call you' approach.I guess if the pizzas are worth waiting for then he can do what he likes. Won't get my custom though with that approach, but good publicity for him.

Nigel Brooks ● 5468d

It is a pizzeria rather than a restaurant, and the guy is obviously passionate about pizza, but if it does have a 'buy a pizza or else' policy, that should be stated before people start waiting..., or else just tell them off and serve them anyway.It was voted best pizza in London by Time Out and won praise elsewhere too, so we went there, and the pizza was very good indeed, but it's not even the best pizza in Ealing - which we think you're more likely to find at Momento on Northfield Ave (which can vary between 'really very good indeed' and 'just as good as that place in Sorento). Also, Momento is perfectly happy if you just want the really nice salad or the excellent king prawns instead - the house wine is better too.... :^)

D Fox ● 5467d

I understand his point and this is the way it is in Italy. However, these guys are missing a massive trick. Santa Maria pizza is great, but in London the experience is everything.I'd love to go there and enjoy a long meal,with great wine but always feel rushed and guilty if we stay a moment longer than it takes to eat the pizza. The salads are basic,there is not a range of alternative starters,barely a drinks menu. Fantastic pizza but that's it really.

Mary MacInnes ● 5467d

Well, businesses rely on repeat business and customer loyalty, particularly in thefood and beverage business.If the experience isn't great one of two things will happen, you go bust or, preferably, you change the propsition you make to the market. If the experience isn't great and the owner is intransigent in the 'pizza only' rule then, once you and others have 'voted with your feet', at least he won't have to worry about queues :-)

Nigel Brooks ● 5467d

I went there when it first opened and it was terrific. Excellent fayre and service and very reasonably priced.But ever since it's recognition the place has changed, food is nowhere near as good and the service poor. The attitude is all about we want you money now get out..Next!Not the first time and many of my friends and neighbours (many of whom I recommended the place to) have also noted the decline. Suffice to say none of us are going back. I'd sooner buy a few Dr. Oetker's Pizzas a decent salad and a fine bottle of Italian wine and entertain at home.Such a shame, I hope the owner takes note and turns it around and back into what it started as..excellent.

Michael Brandt ● 5467d

If You're ever in the vicinity of this place...  http://www.silverdollar.force9.co.uk/about.html It's well worth a visit,don't expect posh decor,just great pizzas. I can't rate it highly enough,suffice to say I've been a regular for 44 years, even when the "Major" ran it which was  a very risky business indeed. These days you may need to book!You might like to try Pepperoni,Green Pepper and Mushroom's,when they bring it you'll think you wont manage it, next minute it's gawn,just order another :0)

Tony Wood ● 5467d

I also prefer the pizzas at Momento, but you can't really compare them with the ones at Santa Maria, which are far  lighter and crispier, with less topping. As regards the Santa Maria boss's supposed passionate/purist approach, well, I just think he's making an arse of himself.

Alex Weel ● 5467d

Agree with what has been said. Pizzas are over rated beyond belief.Jump on the 65 and go to Pizza Rustica in Richmond instead. Or Momento as has been mentioned.Both of these offer far superior pizzas and service to what we experienced at Santa Maria.

Ian Boyle ● 5465d

I'm sorry guys I just don't agree with the naysayers. Ever since Santa Maria opened I've been a regular. I made an effort to get to know the staff and owners and it's paid dividends. They greet me by name and are always friendly. It's not a traditional dining experience. It's Neapolitan and young. Some may find it brusque but that is just the way of the owners. I actually like this lack of obsequiousness. In, order, eat, drink, out. No messing. Pizza varies in quality from one place to another, and this is a very particular style of pizza specific to Napoli. It's not to everybody's tastes, but I can guarantee that every time I to Santa Maria there are Italians eating: a sure sign it's authentic and of a high enough quality to draw them from all over London. Last Thursday after Pasquale posted on Facebook that Santa Maria was going to be in the Standard I went there for pizza. I had to wait two hours to get a table. I don't think it affected business in any way but positively.

Darren Halford ● 5462d