The Real Italian Pizza Co is a family-run restaurant in Cardiff, renowned for its authentic Italian pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. The menu features a variety of classic and specialty pizzas, along with pasta dishes, salads, and traditional Italian starters like garlic bread and dough balls. The establishment offers a relaxed atmosphere, with seating for over 100 people and outdoor seating available during the summer months. A selection of Italian wines, beers, and spirits complements the dining experience. The restaurant has received positive reviews for its delicious food and friendly service.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,204
- Google 4.5 1,034
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Authentic Italian Pizza The restaurant serves authentic Italian pizza with fresh, quality ingredients. Many patrons describe the pizza as some of the best they've ever had, especially outside of Italy.
- Diverse Menu While pizza is the star, the menu offers a variety of other Italian dishes like lasagna, cannelloni, and salads. There is a good wine selection and options for children, making it suitable for groups with varied tastes.
- Friendly and Accommodating Staff The staff is consistently described as warm, friendly, and helpful, enhancing the dining experience. Many reviewers have called out specific servers by name.
- Great Atmosphere The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere suitable for various occasions. Customers appreciate the ambiance for casual lunches, family dinners, and gatherings with friends.
- Wood-Fired Oven Pizzas are cooked in a real wood-fired oven, providing a unique and delicious flavor. Customers enjoy watching the chefs prepare the pizzas in front of them.
Criticised
- Automatic Service Charge A 12.5% service charge is automatically added to the bill, which some customers find unwelcome. It may not be explicitly pointed out at the time of payment, potentially leading to surprises.
- Compulsory Tip One reviewer mentioned that the tip was compulsory which they were not used to.
- Inconsistent Food Preparation While most reviews praise the food, there have been occasional complaints about specific dishes. One reviewer reported that their creme brulee was slightly burnt, and another had an issue with a substituted order.
- Potential for Saltiness At least one review mentioned that their pepperoni pizza was excessively salty, rendering it difficult to finish. This suggests there could be inconsistencies in seasoning.
- Small Space The restaurant can be small and crowded, especially during peak hours, which may lead to difficulty getting a table. The upstairs restroom may be a long walk for some customers.
The longer read
The Real Italian Pizza Co. in Cardiff is highly praised for its authentic Italian pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a light, crispy base and flavorful toppings. Numerous reviewers state it is the best pizza they've had, some even claiming it's the best outside of Italy. The restaurant offers a wide variety of pizzas, and staff are flexible with ingredients and toppings, with some reviewers noting the option to create custom pizzas. Beyond pizza, the menu includes other Italian favorites like lasagna, cannelloni, and salads, with the eggplant parmigiana receiving special mention. Desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta are also well-received. The restaurant is known for its friendly and attentive service. Many reviewers specifically commend the staff, highlighting their warm and welcoming demeanor, efficiency, and willingness to accommodate requests. Several reviewers mentioned specific staff members by name, indicating exceptional service experiences. The atmosphere is described as cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for both casual lunches and family dinners. Its central location in Cardiff, near shops and attractions, adds to its appeal. The restaurant caters well to families, offering children's portions and even shaping pizzas into fun designs for kids. Several reviewers mention positive experiences with accommodating larger groups and handling allergy requests efficiently. While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention a few potential downsides. One reviewer noted that the women's restroom was located far from the dining area. A couple of reviewers mentioned an automatic service charge added to the bill, which wasn't always clearly communicated. One reviewer experienced an issue with their order being incorrect, though the staff offered to rectify the situation. Despite these minor issues, the overall consensus is that The Real Italian Pizza Co. offers a high-quality dining experience with excellent food and service, making it a must-visit for pizza lovers in Cardiff.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 29 2023 5963
- Website
- realitalianpizza.co.uk
| Mon | 11:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 59 places to eat we hold for Cardiff, where the most-reviewed is The Ivy Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- What varieties of wood‑fired pizza does The Real Italian Pizza Co offer and how authentic are they?
- Is outdoor seating at The Real Italian Pizza Co available during the summer and how many guests can be accommodated?
- How does the family‑run nature of The Real Italian Pizza Co influence the dining experience and service style?
- Does The Real Italian Pizza Co provide options for vegetarians, vegans, or gluten‑free diners on its pizza and pasta menu?
- Which Italian wines or spirits are recommended to pair with the specialty pizzas at The Real Italian Pizza Co?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.