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8 1/2
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Delis Pizza, Delis [Edit]
401 Strawberry StRichmond, VA 23220
(804) 358-8505
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
64 reviews for 8 1/2
Review Highlights
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"Vegetable lasagna and eggplant parmesan are also highly..." In 3 reviews -
"The white pizza is thin-crust, well-spiced, garlic-covered..." In 4 reviews -
"The penne with broccoletti, garlic, pine nuts, and ricotta..." In 5 reviews
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64 reviews in English
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Review from Claire Y.
5/14/2012
8 1/2: A Fairytale
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Claire. She loved to eat and she had an especially soft spot for that combination of carbs, vegetables, and cheese commonly known as pizza. One day, she was given a slice of pizza from a friend. The sauce was a bit spicy, but still fresh tasting and delectable. The cheese was gooey but not overpowering. And it was topped with ramps, young garlic that was probably picked that morning from an obliging field. Claire longed for this pizza. She dreamed about it. She wanted it. She wanted to take it out for a picnic. She was in love and she didn't care who knew it. Unfortunately for Claire, The Evil Student Loan Witch came knocking at her door, demanding payment, separating her from her beloved 8 1/2. She had given up all hope of ever reuniting with the delicious pizza, until one day, The Tax Return Fairy left a rather generous check in the mail for her. One warm spring night, after the end of the dreaded Finals Week, Claire and her loyal friend Emily ventured deep into the wilds of the Upper Fan, far from their campus apartments, in hopes of reuniting with the pizza. This time, there were two pies--one all-white, one with red sauce, green peppers, sausage, and olives. Both were worthy pizza princes and the girls knew they had truly met The One. They knew that every pizza in Richmond was ultimately ruined for them. But somehow, they didn't care, and vowed they would never be parted from their saucy loves again. And they walked happily, hand in hand, hands holding pizza boxes, into the sunset.
To be continued... -
Review from naseem t.
Richmond, VA
5/14/2012
I've been dying to go to 8 1/2 for what seems like years-finally got my chance tonight.
I a yummy roll and the vegetarian lasagna because my brother loves it-and it was among the best I've ever had. Sincerely. It was a generous serving, with lots of excess sauce to dip my roll in, and was chock full of spinach, eggplant, and mushrooms. Not covered in cheese like a lot of restaurants so that you can't taste anything else, it was perfectly balanced.
On to the not so delicious:
I also ordered a white pizza, my personal favorite, and have heard so many great things about the pizza from 8 1/2. Maybe it was an off night, or maybe it was just me, but I was completely underwhelmed with the white pizza. It was quite dry, not very flavorful and incredibly hot (from too many red pepper flakes)-and trust that when I say it was hot, I mean it-I'm half Indian and eat spicy food like it's my job! It just wasn't that tasty.
They have an interesting selection of imported beverages and I also picked up a Kinder bar while I was there-yum! I would definitely return for the lasagna and would love to try the eggplant parm as well...may even try a red pizza just to say I can. But for a place that people go gaga over for their pizza, not that impressed. -
Review from Matt C.
Richmond, VA
3/21/2012
8 1/2 is one of those places that make me relish living in The Fan. In my mind, perfection is imperfection, so all the little things I hear people say they dislike about the best Italian take-out spot only serve to make my love grow. In my mind, I keep this image of a particular soup vendor from the best TV show of all time. Fortunately or unfortunately, that is not the case. They will let you take a little bit of time to decide what to order, they'll answer your questions (what is Sfogliatelle?) and even allow slight modifications to menu items. Although I like trying new things, I just can't stop ordering that damn Italian Hero. Or maybe the penne with red sauce. Or the pizza. And always the potato leek soup.
Regardless, I love walking in and soaking up all that is 8 1/2: the aroma of fresh ingredients, the heat from the ranges in the open kitchen, an assortment of unfamiliar Italian deli items and of course, inked-up employees who pleasantly make it obvious that you are not their best friend, but still a customer. But wait, aren't their pizzas small? Yup. And isn't it (relatively) expensive? Maybe. If you want a week's worth of calories while you watch the game, call Domino's, otherwise enjoy the smaller pie that packs four times the flavor. -
Review from Sahar L.
Richmond, VA
5/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Absolutely fantastic pizza. Their red sauce reminds me of pizza from connecticut. As soon as I put their pizza in my car, the aroma makes my mouth water.
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Review from Dani N.
Springfield, VA
4/29/2012
I have to admit, the first time I tried it, I wasn't sure what to think. It's definitely a different type of pizza. But something made me want to come back...again and again! Maybe it's how perfectly cooked it is for a thin pizza. Or maybe it's the garlic-y awesomeness. I always splurge and order 3 toppings: onions, mushrooms, and pepperoni or sausage. I didn't appreciate how little they gave me of each until later when I realized it was the perfect proportion of ingredients so that the pizza itself could still shine through. I've never been a fan of pizza, but 8 1/2 is so good, it's more than pizza. I find myself craving it every other day.
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Review from Jason T.
Alexandria, VA
5/7/2012
This is my favorite pizza place in all of Richmond, I've been here multiple times and they have never once let me down. Their pizza is a thin crust style with a very strong garlic taste to the crust. The downside is that the pizza only comes in one size (small) and it is a little pricey once you add all the toppings. I usually get pepperoni with either onions or mushrooms. This is really a must try if you're stopping by Richmond. It's mostly a take out place, but they do have some tables inside and outside if you wanted to eat there. Also I've heard good things about their pasta dishes, but I can never get myself to order it because I always have to get the pizza when I come here.
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Review from Suzy S.
Oak Park, IL
4/19/2012
Just moved her from Chicago and have been looking for good pizza for 2 months. Wow, one of the best pizzas i've ever had. Perfection, I can't wait to go back.
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Review from Martha C.
Richmond, VA
3/31/2012
Oh, how I miss living next to 8 1/2. You could view the store front from our old apartment, which meant that for 4 years, it was a staple for dinner once a week. Their. lasagna. is. utterly. incredible. Everything is homemade and it shows. Like a good turkey sandwich but think they're boring? Forget about it. The turkey hero is out of control, and I was DEVASTATED whenever they ran out. It's that good. The arugula, prosciutto and mozzarella hero on homemade bread is simple, yet perfect. Pizzas are great and not the norm. The brocoletti is garlicky and flavorful. My mouth is watering just thinking about the potato leek soup. Everything is so amazing that you almost forget about the aloof employees who are inconvenienced by your presence. Despite their nonchalant tone when they answer the phone, always ask for the specials, they never disappoint!
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Review from Alan H.
Richmond, VA
1/8/2012
Best pizza in richmond hands down!
The sauce has a unique kick to it. The crust is nice and thin. The mushrooms and sausage are seasoned perfectly. I prefer the red sauce pizza to the others.
I like the pastas a lot as well, especially the broccoletti.
Next on my list to try is the hero sandwich! -
Review from Johnny M.
Richmond, VA
12/3/2011
The Breakfast Pizza.
This is the best pizza I have ever had in my entire life. It took me two days to objectively realize this. I literally went back and thought about every single pizza I had ever had and none even compared to the pizza I had from here. -
Review from Alexandria V.
Richmond, VA
11/6/2011
When you give 5 stars to a business, it really means something. You can't just throw around 5 stars--it has to mean that this 'place' you are rating really is the deal. 8 1/2 definitely is the deal.
We order almost every Saturday night, and we are never, ever disappointed. EVER. It's always a red pizza with capers and onions, roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella, broccoletti, sometimes we'll throw in the Tuscan tomato soup or the vegetable lasagna.
We've also tried other menu items, and they are well endowed. If you eat meat, get the turkey hero. I've ordered the white sauce pizza once, however, and wasn't so interested in it.
*While writing this review, my boyfriend went on a rant on how he can eat 8 1/2's broccoletti all day, every day because "it's so good." Damn it, it really is. -
Review from Amie L.
Henrico, VA
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm in love!!! The sausage and broccoletti pasta is insane!!!
The flavor of the pepperoni pizza was sooo good but what's up with the huge slice of pepperoni. 1 massive piece of pepperoni per pizza slice. This pizza would be top notch with hand cut quality pepperoni - you know that kind that cooks up into delicious little grease bowls. The also carry San Pellegrino aranciata!!
I wish I lived close and I wish it wasn't just take out! -
Review from Andrew H.
Richmond, VA
12/13/2011
I love pizza. I'm pretty sure everyone knows this. If you don't, let me reiterate, I love pizza. In Richmond we have a pretty good pizza scene. Lots of places, lots of variations and lots of opinions. My opinion is 8 1/2 is the best. Period. It really can't be beat. Thin, cripsy crust, the right amount of cheese and a slightly spicy sauce. They are the perfect size and it's totally ok to eat a whole one by yourself. Let me state this one more time...it is ok to eat a whole one by yourself. Don't judge me.
Order time is what it is and it's always worth it if there's a wait. The staff is always cool and I've never had a problem ordering or an unpleasant interaction with anyone there. Do yourself a favor and try them out. Also, do yourself a favor and learn a new word everyday. It's fun!
Excelsior! -
Review from Stacey S.
Richmond, VA
I've been searching for a good pizza in Richmond and 8 1/2's is probably the best I've had in the city so far (although I've only tried Bottom's Up, Stuzzi, and Pizza Tonight - a close second to 8 1/2.) The crust is super flavorful and nicely chewy. I followed the advice of some other reviewers and made sure to order some bread as well.The bread was so good and the perfect vessel for the anchovies they have for sale. The cannolis are addictive. Other indications that this is a great place to eat: it just smells authentic and delicious as soon as you walk in the door and has a constant flow of customers. It's a bit of a drive for us (about 20 minutes) so the pizza isn't piping hot when we get home. Even slightly hot-warmish, it's delicious. If they ever start delivering or add seating, I'll be in pizza heaven.
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Review from Lindsay S.
Richmond, VA
1/23/2012
If you don't like this pizza, there may be something very wrong with your mouth. Seriously, please stop reading and go see a doctor to be sure. (I'll wait. Come back when you're done. Your heath is important.)
So, for real, I could eat here every night. I am a petite girl, and I will eat an entire pizza by myself. Sometimes I try to put it down and save leftovers, but I'm only human. (It's not huge. I'd call it a "medium" size from a typical pizza joint.) The white pizza is my pleasure, but the red sauce is just as awesome. Sometimes we add toppings, but most of the time we eat it straight up because the flavors are just that good. I've tried their pasta and I wasn't blown away, so I usually stick with pizza, but the boyfriend is a fan of their calzones and sandwiches, too.
Sure, no matter what day or time you call it's "gonna be about 40-45 minutes" and yeah, the staff seems to hate everyone for simply existing.... but they make the best pizza in Richmond and it's so worth it. They've always been nice to me, but even if they punched me square in the face I'd still come back. -
Review from Marc Z.
Bainbridge Island, WA
5/26/2011
It really is 5 stars. Try the veg lasagna - best I've had, ever. Honestly, if you're a reviewer that gives this place only 1 star you either a) think Gatorade is really a sports drink, b) burned out your taste-buds on some mozzarella sticks at Olive Garden or c) think 'biggie size' is a real menu choice. Anyone that knows and understands real food and great ingredients will get it.
The staff/chef are quite into making sure the food is good every time - I haven't had a bad dish there yet. I call that intensity, not attitude
To sum it up - for those just in need of hot wings and more Facebook friends, please don't go here. More for us. -
Review from alana g.
Richmond, VA
5/30/2011 8 Check-ins Here
I truly adore 8 1/2's pizza and am lucky to live only a couple blocks away! I appreciate having a non-dodgy, walkable, and delicious pizza spot. I get pizza (take-out) regularly and have also been to events catered by 8 1/2.
As for pizza: I usually order the red sauce with all the veggies. It's pricey, but worth it. Yes, it is really greasy. But it still feels healthier than fast food pizza! The crust is thin and fantastic, and I love that the peppers are sliced so largely. I've also had a vegan pizza which involved white beans. I'm not sure if it's on the menu or if it was a special request for the event, but I'd recommend ordering it.
Vegetable lasagna and eggplant parmesan are also highly recommended. The salads as well as sides of broccolini are yummy (very garlicky). I was studying their menu the other day, and the heroes sound fantastic. I usually just think "pizza" when I think 8 1/2, but I'll be trying the sandwiches soon.
Oh, and several people complained about long waits and rude staff. I've never had a problem with either. I usually call, they say 30 minutes or 45, and I show up on time to find it ready. Granted, I usually order in their last hour of business (9pm-10pm), so things could be slower then. The staff are always friendly and sometimes chatty. I've asked questions and gotten helpful answers about the dishes, desserts, and even movies showing in the waiting area. Good, local pizzeria!Listed in: eating in the fan
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Review from William B.
Petersburg, VA
5/19/2011
So I admit it: I've been meaning to write a review for this place for some time, but kept not doing it. Since I slacked on getting around to it, there's no reason I shouldn't slack on the review itself.
Whatever you get here will be good at the very least. You will not have bad food from here. My favorites are the sausage and pepper hero, penne with eggplant sauce, chicken with garlic and rosemary, red pizza, and (particularly) white pizza. -
Review from Laura Z.
Richmond, VA
3/10/2012
This pizza did not disappoint. Get the margaritta pizza, Wish I lived closer.
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Review from Viv D.
Richmond, VA
11/16/2010
In heaven there will be buckets of 8 1/2's tiramisu for me to put my face in.
BUCKETS. -
Review from Doug L.
Richmond, VA
11/26/2011
Good, but just not amazing. I guess it's a love-hate kinda thing, but I fall on the "good, but not interesting enough to recommend as heartily as everyone else" side.
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Review from Kara R.
1/6/2011
This is the best pizza I've had in Richmond. The crust is wonderfully crisp yet chewy, the cheese is delicious, and the toppings are carefully chosen.
My favorite is by far the white pizza with anchovies, though it doesn't travel very well. 8 1/2 reminds me a lot of a place at home called the Cheeseboard, where people line up to get an artisan pizza and simply sit on the grass median outside to eat it before it gets cold. I was tempted to do the same when getting food from 8 1/2 (they are pretty much take-out only), but it was snowing outside and there was no median.
The roommate and I have also had a simple pepperoni and mushroom pizza, which had properly cooked mushrooms, a slight spice to the flavorful sauce, and a different, just as tasty crust. And the Italian bread! It's the first crusty, chewy bread I have had since moving here (or when Dana brought me Acme from home)! The only thing I would avoid is the dessert pastry, which I found to be stale.
8 1/2 is not cheap, but it is definitely worth it. -
Review from Edmund R.
Richmond, VA
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good place. Seemed a little unorganized and slow but worth the wait.
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Review from Michelle A.
Henrico, VA
9/7/2010
I'm already a fan of this place, and I've only been there once. Let's see- delicious food, fast service, and I can eat in my own house? It could only be better if they delivered.
This place is serving up some awesome heroes and pasta- my favorite from Mamma Zu is on the menu- penne with broccoletti and sausage... and my new favorite is a hero with proscuitto and mozzarella and arugula.
I was there tonight and everything was awesome. Love it. -
Review from Matthew B.
Richmond, VA
Updated - 1/24/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Considering I live right around the block from this place, we order from it very often.
I just wanted to add that the Fresh Mozz. & roasted red peppers topped with anchovies is amazing!! I had it saturday night as my dinner and then shared it last night with someone along with the spaghetti with meat sauce.
Their food is continually spot on and I love it.Listed in: Must Try in RICHMOND!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/16/2010
I don't give many five stars but this place deserves it.
Spaghetti Carbonara
-flavors are just right,
… Read more »
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Review from Megan M.
Richmond, VA
6/14/2010
8 1/2 is my go-to spot when I want to treat myself to a great takeout lunch or dinner. This place is strictly takeout, so call and place your order in advance, or plan to wait while everything is made fresh. I often stop in here and place my order, then pick up other meal parts like sparkling water or wine at Strawberry Street Market while they're making my meal.
At lunch I almost always get the arugula salad and lentil soup. The arugula salad is simple, well-executed food at its finest. Fresh, crisp arugula is topped with shaved Italian cheese, salt, pepper and a very light dressing. Each flavor adds something to the dish resulting in a perfect, basic combo. This salad is light, healthy and wonderful.
The lentil soup is freshly made and full of flavor. I've also had the tomato soup, which is garlicky and good. My soup/salad combo always also comes with a piece of homemade garlic bread. It's a toasted piece of top-quality Italian bread with a little butter, garlic and red pepper flakes. It's packed with spices, but not too oily. I could eat this bread forever.
The white pizza is thin-crust, well-spiced, garlic-covered goodness. You can get it topped with anchovies if you want. The eggplant parm is crisp, fresh and delicious as well. When you order it, it's just eggplant, so order pasta separately if you want a side with it.
8 1/2 is definitely in my top Richmond takeout spots.Listed in: Pizza
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Review from Quang N.
Richmond, VA
11/5/2011
Best takeout in Richmond. The pizzas are phenomenal. The red sauce with veggies and the white sauce with anchovies are great options, even if they are a bit expensive.
Their eggplant parm and carbonaras are regular go-tos for me as well. Overall, i am always impressed with their consistently high quality output. I've never had their food on an off day.
They also cater as well, so be sure to keep them in mind if you want to truly impress on your next event! -
Review from Elizabeth V.
Richmond, VA
8/5/2011
I feel lucky to live so close to 8 1/2! The food is delicious and the guys who work there are great. We've been eating there for years and they never let us down. Our favorites are the pizzas, spaghetti with meat sauce, spaghetti carbonara, and eggplant parm. Bread and desserts are good too, as well as freezing cold coke in the bottle. Awesome!!!! I'm going to pick up an order right now and I'm looking forward to it.
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Review from Sean C.
Richmond, VA
6/15/2010
I was excited to finally try this well reviewed spot but was disappointed in the meal we got. Now I have always been one to say that Sunday's are not any restaurant's best days and one should go light when reviewing on that particular day...so the food came on a Sunday and it was take out. I know that Ed Vasio who owns the renowned Edo Squid and Mamma Zu is behind this operation so the expectations were further elevated as a result.
My Tiramisu was way way way too heavy on the brandy/rum (not sure which as different recipes call for different booze. It was way overpowering and ruined that dessert.
My meatball sub was soggy, I had asked for extra sauce and cheese and that was omitted. Again, I will give them another chance based on the fact that this spot is consistently raved about, I just might try another evening. -
Review from Kevin A.
Richmond, VA
7/17/2010
8 1/2 is a cool neighborhood spot, in addition to their food they also have a small selection of dry goods like san marzano tomatoes, pasta, sausages and mineral water. I didn't find the pizza to be too heavy on the garlic as others have mentioned, but then again I love garlic. Be forewarned though, this is extremely thin crust pizza. I know there are many people who love that style of pie, its just not my thing. The flavor was great though, its nice to have pizza that uses fresh ingredients unlike the chain (and even some local) joints and you can definitely tell. Also, it smells incredible in here--I wish my home kitchen smelled like this.
Customer service was great, I went in earlier during the day to pick up a menu and the guys working were very friendly, as were the folks working when I came in to pick up the food later. I would recommend calling ahead for sure, they told me earlier than the pies take 20 minutes to cook and the pastas 10 minutes, plus the wait for other orders. Took about 30 minutes tonight, not bad for a Saturday.
I'll go back again and try the pasta and desserts and update. -
Review from Jason L.
Euclid, OH
10/12/2011
Only three stars yes folks only three stars , here's the problems with it first whoever was running this place on the day we were There is a jerk and I'm being nice and has no sense of customer service and brings way to much attitude to the dinner table, the guy had a knife tattoo on him arm in case you still go in you'll know who to not have wait on you ... When you run a business you simply can't be a be that way to your customers , all three people in my party felt that although the food was good it wasn't great and felt there are more friendly places to spend your money on food, the food , I really enjoyed my salad and subs ,the pizza was ok if you live around this place that's good but I simply would drive across town to go there again Maybe if it was more friendly I'd have a better aftertaste in my mouth.
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Review from Chad B.
Richmond, VA
8/20/2010
8 1/2 is (as you may know) take out only. Meaning that you call in/walk in and place an order, pick up and leave - no eat in.
This concept is what makes the place very special for folks on a budget because you get incredible food that you WOULD pay twice as much for in a restaurant.
I have a somewhat limited knowledge of the menu, but what I HAVE tried are the following:
Red pizza - pepperoni - BEST IN TOWN - no lie. The sauce is obviously a red wine base and it is incredible.
Spaghetti Carbonera - basically what i get every time. perfect'
Roasted chicken with garlic and rosemary - comes with potatoes and bread. very hardy perfectly seasoned chicken meal.
The place is owned and operated by the same folks that run Mama Zu's and Edo's Squid in Richmond.
TRY THIS PLACE -
Review from William D.
Los Angeles, CA
8/19/2011
Call ahead and get the best, cheap Italian food in Richmond to go. Doesn't matter what you order. It's all great.
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Review from joseph c.
Westbury, NY
1/16/2010
Sometime ago If you were to tell me that there was a place in Richmond that served pizza and traditional Italian food that is comparable, if not better, than NY pizza and traditional Italian food I would have just called you a liar, that was only until I had 8 1/2. Only a few blocks from my girls house I had to give it a go.
My initial impression was very good based on the store's format: a small shop that sells san marzano canned tomatoes, De Cecco pastas, and San Pelligrino Aranciatas and Limonatas. What's so special about that you ask? Well my Sicilian grandmother used san marzano tomatoes to make the sauce every sunday and De Cecco for the pasta, and the Pelligrinos are just inherently good.
The red pizza is as good as some of the upper-tier NY spots (Artichoke, Grimaldis), the white pizza isn't as good but is worth a try, the calzone is massive and stuffed with fresh mozzarella, ricotta and prosciutto, and the tomato and basil soup served with fresh bread is perfect for a winter evening. Bottom line is their food, and store, tastes and feels like grandma's sunday meals and to me that is a very very good thing. -
Review from Tee-tee B.
Richmond, VA
7/15/2008
I would eat the pizza off the floor if it fell. It is that good!
Call ahead or plan to wait a bit. -
Review from David F.
Williamsburg, VA
3/1/2011
The penne with broccoletti, garlic, pine nuts, and ricotta ( I passed on the sausage) was one of the best dishes I've ever had the pleasure to eat. The rolls from the flour garden were great too. I shall return.
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Review from Teresa L.
Bronx, NY
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Phenomenal pizza, very neopolitan style with the right amount of garlic. Small, casual place though, not really set up for dining in.
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Review from Billy G.
Richmond, VA
2/22/2012
Over priced tiny pizza. Most places would call 8 1/2's pizza a small. It barely 11 inches if that. You call and they tell you it's a 45 min wait and then you arrive and it's cold time. I've been there about 6 times and it's gotten worse each time. I went there last night after waiting 40mins and my pizza was cold and they had some gay porn type show playing on the television with weird Indian music booming throughout the store. The staff is very odd an everyone has a scruffy beard. These guys need to clean up themselves who wants to eat cooking from a guy who looks like he just got out of the county jail?? They slather olive oil all over the pizza it's way too thing not enough cheese. It similar to eating a pizza on a tortilla or peata bread. Nothing close to New York style pizza. All the good reviews are posted by washed up vcu art students who are friends with the ugly staff. Avoid this place there's much better in town.
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Review from Jake M.
Richmond, VA
12/6/2010
Hands down the best pizza in the Fan, nay, the best pizza in Richmond. Every ingredient is front and present, dancing a choreographed jig on your tastebuds. The place is usually run by some chill alt-bro's who love to chat.
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Review from Mike D.
Richmond, VA
4/15/2011
Had lunch there the other day...ordered two pizzas: one with mushrooms and one plain cheese. Both were awful, over spiced and the crust was burnt.
