The queuing system for a table (i.e. where you approach the member of staff on the door handing out tickets and are given a numbered coloured ticket and then wait for your number to be called/appear on the digital display by the door (which runs...from 1-100)) is quite antiquated and results in a hype-building, if intimidating, mass of people which spills on to the street. It is not immediately obvious how this works (due to there being a distinct line which is for take-out orders) but it is straightforward enough.
The difficulty is that you will invariably have a long wait which can't easily be quantified unless you are familiar with the restaurant or have the benefit of the advice of someone who is. Whilst we waited for our number to be shown/called, the colour of the tickets changed and the wait increased by more than 100 numbers which led to a few confused patrons. We arrived around 7pm on a pleasant August Saturday and although it wasn't too much trouble to wait for over an hour (we were around 40 numbers away when we were given our ticket and waited 80 minutes), this may not be the case in adverse weather. You will also need to be prepared to stand: there were not many families with young children in a position to do so.
Once inside, service was brisk and efficient and the pizzas (we had one of each) arrived quickly. A second bottle of Peroni, requested before the pizzas arrived and after the initial drinks order, failed to materialise and this led us to believe that the staff are used to turning the tables around without taking any drinks orders after the first. In our case, one of our party simply changed their mind and wanted to add a beer but it was not a big deal.
The marinara was slightly more cooked than the margherita though not quite burnt and both were great examples of Neopolitan pizza with the former having a more distinctive pool forming (perhaps due to a higher oil content). The crusts were suitably charred and the sauces were fresh, rich and flavoursome.
Diners at the next table were a little disheartened to learn that their requests for some garlic dip couldn't be fulfilled: it's important to appreciate what is (and, crucially, what is not) on offer here.
This is a renowned institution offering classic fare on a no-frills basis for exceptional value: if you prepare for the wait and understand the menu, you won't be disappointed.More
