Napoli on the road - Richmond in Richmond upon Thames

3 night stay in Richmond. Lots of choice of restaurants but chose here to dine. We were greeted at the door and shown to our table next to the window. Many people would come in to ask about eating in but they were turned away. This happened 5 times during our meal. They ordered takeaway and waited outside for the pizza. Shows people like what they get. Pizza arrived quite promptly. The appearance, size and flavour were great. I added chilli oil to my ‘white pizza’ to give it some spice. Both had soft drinks so cannot comment on the alcohol available. This is a very small venue so booking in advance is necessary!

Having read all the reviews we were expecting a pretty good meal but instead we received two sloppy undercooked pizzas both of which had very little discernible flavour (except the tomato base). Ambience not good (cramped and noisy). The staff were very pleasant, however, but certainly won't be going again.

Ordered two different pizzas and both were lukewarm when they arrived. Outer edge of crust was cooked but the center was soggy/doughy. Seems like their pizza oven is not hot enough which is not what you expect from a place trading on having an award for pizza maker of the year in 2023. Rest of the menu is very limited to just a few starters and couple of salads. Wine list was decent, although a little pricey for what they offer. Only bright spot was a welcoming and helpful staff. Should have ignored the hype and read previous reviews before booking - live and learn!

When the whispers of Napoli on the Road’s grand opening in Richmond reached our ears, a culinary wasteland save for a few lackluster eateries, our excitement was palpable. A beacon of authentic Italian cuisine promised to grace our midst—what a thrill. Alas, the reality was far more prosaic, and our anticipation swiftly devolved into bemusement. Our initial visit, strategically booked in advance, commenced with a fervent recital of the establishment’s myriad accolades by the staff. The effusive praise for their “visionary” leader bordered on the ecclesiastical, as if we were being inducted into a pizzaiolo cult. However, the moment of truth—the pizzas themselves—proved a profound anticlimax. The overblown hype evaporated with the first lukewarm bite. A sad mimicry of Neapolitan tradition, the dough was simultaneously undercooked and soggy in the center, yet mysteriously charred at the edges. Authenticity, it seems, had been lost in translation. Turning to the wine list, the offerings were decidedly pricey, demanding a king’s ransom for anything remotely palatable. The service, though competent, was marred by an insufferable air of self-importance that did little to enhance the evening. Undeterred and clinging to hope, we braved a second visit within the same month, again securing a reservation well ahead of time. This time, we were unceremoniously directed to the most undesirable table in the establishment. Picture this: a reservation for three, leading to a cramped table for two awkwardly augmented with a third chair. The pièce de résistance was its location—perilously close to the entrance, necessitating a precarious balancing act on the doormat for one unfortunate diner. Requests for a more suitable seating arrangement were met with polite but firm refusals. Yet, moments later, a trio of Italian-speaking walk-ins were promptly seated at a spacious table fit for four. The irony was not lost on us. Disheartened and disillusioned, we exited before even perusing the menu, our faith in the place irrevocably shattered. In conclusion, Napoli on the Road may continue to bask in its self-proclaimed glory, but we shall not be part of its congregation. The prospect of a third visit is as appealing as their soggy, tepid pizzas. Richmond remains, regrettably, in search of its culinary savior.

Visited from 230 miles away after reading a good review in the Times last weekend. Really friendly and good humoured people. Good service. Beautiful pizza, genuine home made and home service feel to the place. We had great fun with the staff, lovely food. Well well worth the visit.

Disappointment. We are excited to finally try the pizza. We booked a table, arrived a bit earlier let them know we arrived and happily wait on the cold for our table. At the time of our booking we went inside and they have just seated other people on our table. Then, the other guest that just seated started to swear on us and the manager didn’t say anything to them and was pleased when I decided to leave. Never coming back!

Average pizza, restaurant ambience is ok, decoration is bland, no pictures on the walls, and we are surprised that it is usually busy. The service is fine but I won’t rush back

Appalling customer service. We arrived 30 minutes ahead of our reservation and we waited outside patiently. At the time of our booking 2 white males walked in and were sat at the table immediately. This then meant they could not accommodate us even though we had checked in on arrival with the manager. The 2 men swore at us and the manager did not confront them and were happy for us to leave. We were 3 South Americans and the racism and sexism was blatant . Shameful.

I loved our dinner experience at Napoli on the Road! The staff were friendly and attentive, our order arrived promptly, and the food itself was delicious. I had the ragu pizza and it was one of the best I've ever had. Followed by the pistachio tiramisu (I wish we'd ordered two instead of sharing... it was so good). I'd definitely recommend visiting, but make sure you book - it was a popular spot.

Very disappointed with my experience at Napoli on the road- Richmond. I asked to add two extra topping on top of Cheeswick pizza and the rude waitress replied “let’s see if the pizza chef wants that”. I think it is very unprofessional to refuse a guest’s request just because this is not what it is on the menu. She was very sarcastic about it and she didn’t even apologise about it. The rude waitress from Italy was also very unprofessional by seating down on the chairs were the guests seat. Poor customer service, it’s a pity because the place has potential.

Couldn't wait to try this place but I'm sad to say it was so underwhelming and dissapointing. I cannot understand the hype it's getting, the pizzas we had were bland and pretty average. the 'we're on fire' didn't have the slightest bit of heat and the sausage one needed a grind.of salt and pepper as it so bland. There are MUCH better pizzas in richmond, why this plave has such a great reputation is a mystery. Sorry to say we just wouldn't return, there's nothing about it that stands out or makes it worth the slightly hefty price for a pizza. I would like to add that the staff are lovely and the beer and wine was great, unfortunately it just doesnt deliver the hype it seems to be running on.

AMAZING PIZZA! :) brilliant service from Ermal. Great guy. Great atmosphere, food came super quick and was absolutely delicious. Can’t fault it at all. The desserts were outstanding, the Delizio al limone and the pistachio tiramisu were ridiculously tasty. Can’t wait to return. Would recommend to anyone. So good.

I felt very lucky when I heard I was being invited to Napoli on the road especially after reading the stellar reviews. It is well located in the heart of Richmond and the atmosphere was very pleasant. The staff were amicable and the starters and pizza were very tasty. I would say the only flaw was the service. The staff were inattentive and forgot things my group requested despite recommending one of them. I would return as I liked the place but in hope that the service I received would be of a higher standard.

Last year, the Telegraph wrote that Napoli on the Road had been awarded 'Global Pizza maker of the Year', or somesuch title. Yesterday, we finally got to try it out. Their Richmond restaurant is bijou and intimate, with low-vibe decor, and small tables under a blue theme giving an intimate yet inviting ambience. We got there at dead on 12:00. There were no other customers; twenty minutes later the place was full, and hopefulls were asking when or if a table might be availaber later. Service was fast, attentive, but not cloyingly so, and the Pizzas arrived pretty quickly. We tried a 'Mediteranea', and a 'Tonno & Cippollo' from the signature section of the menu. They were both excellent. No qualification of caveats, just excellent. Beautiful bases, vibrant sauce and garnish, succulent salty Anchovies, fresh (not tinned) tuna flakes, served hot straight from the pizza oven visbile and the back of the premises. To wash it down rather converatively we stayed with soft drinks, but their lemonade was a rather unusual fizzy homemade-feeling uncloudy cloudy lemonade, and was an unexpected treat. And the background music was very good ... smooth classics from the 80's and 90's that blurred into the happy chatter of a full resturant. Perfect, just perfect.

The first time I went to this branch I asked to have one of their "white pizzas" (made without a tomato base) with tomato base and my request was refused! I was not allowed to "ruin the taste" of the pizza. I was in shock! How come I was allowed to add other toppings then? Did that not "ruin" the recipe? Pure arrogance and no logic! The second time I went the pizza was so soggy it was inedible. My friend had it sent back in the oven. And it was returned burnt! And the explanation was that the tomato sauce makes the pizza soggy. I have no idea what they are on about. Even my home made pizza turns out better. And I can get the same tasty Italian toppings from top end Italian delicatessen shops in London. I cannot recommend Napoli On The Road at all. What I can recommend is Da Michele on Baker Street and L'Antica Pizzeria in Hampstead.

Some of the best pizza I've had in a long time. Can't wait to go back. Fab for veggies and vegans too. Recommend booking as its super popular.

estaurant on Saturday late afternoon. I found the pizza over priced , the pizza I ordered was not very nice at all, everyone in my party agreed, even asking to take the leftover pizza home for my dogs, the staff didn’t even ask if there was a problem, I would not recommend this place at all.

An award winning chef who is receiving a lot of good publicity. The starters were excellent and we have two of the traditional pizzas, absolutely delightful light pizza bases. Though I would say neither the ‘We’re on Fire’ or the ‘Diavolo’ pizza raised even a tingle of heat, so there’s room for some kick there. Nice environment and well staffed.

We had a great night here. Absolutely delicious pizza and exceptional service. Good value considering quality of the food.

Had a great meal here with family. The pizzas were all delicious, friendly service and lovely atmosphere. They were rushed off their feet with orders and still made you feel welcome, had a chat and food didn't take too long either. Definitely try the Pistachio Tiramisu!

Hugely overrated. Food is ok, service is very poor. We were only offered drinks about 30 mins into the meal. The staff were way too laid back and inattentive. At one point a waitress spilled a tray of drinks onto some diners. Why do restaurants...

Upon reading that the main chef of Napoli on the Road had won best pizza of 2023, we had to of course give the restaurant a try. This definitely lead us to have an extremely high expectation, but sadly we were pretty disappointed. Service was...

To give you context. I have a wood fired pizza oven at home so I’m always in the pursuit of the best pizza. I have a view that Neapolitan style is simply the best. Having visited Napoli on the Road I’m confident that this is...

Absolutely fantastic pizza. We have some very average pizza chains in Richmond. Thank goodness we now have a fantastic independent high quality offering. Absolutely loved the pizza - some of the best I've had. And so did my 4 year old son who was made...

On arriving the staff were clearly rushed and you certainly didn’t feel welcomed. The pizza was tepid at best probably because the plates were stone cold. The pizza did taste very good just a pity that the buffalo mozzarella (which is extra) was barely warmed....

Brilliant pizzas, unfortunately no Gluten free option. Portions are well sized and we couldn’t finish our pizza after our starters.

We never actually got to have lunch here because our booking was cancelled an hour after we made it - which we saw 10 minutes before we were about to board a train to Richmond. We contacted the restaurant to find out what was going...

Best pizza in Richmond, if not London. Devoured so didn’t take a picture. Cocktails are great also!!

I read about this place and fell for the Instagram hype. I requested we visit for my birthday meal. I’m so disappointed. Both the starters and main courses were lukewarm. The ‘Cheesewick’ pizza was just cold slop. I took a photo. I ate half and...

We had an excellent experience on a Saturday afternoon in Napoli on the Road. The menu offered mix of classic and original pizzas and sides, served with optional chilli olive oil. I had the fillet tartare pizza, which had cashews sprinkled on top. It was...

I had heard so much about this place so was excited for it to be opened in Richmond. I think it was their first opening week but it was evident in service. However, what I loved about each server was that they knew their stuff!...