Pepe Sale in Reading

Really good Italian food. Authentic traditional tasty cucina italiana

Undoubtedly the finest Italian restaurant in the city, setting itself apart by a significant margin. The appetizers were delightful, the main courses were exceptionally tasty, and the desserts were simply marvelous. I recommend a visit.

Excellent fettuccine followed by tiramisu. Good service. Recommended for pre theatre dining.

Supposed to be open but was closed on Sunday

First impression it looks closed, on entry it looks hastily put together. Had to ask for menu. Booked table for 6 allowing an hour and a quarter for food prior to an event at The Hexagon. Ordered at 615, said bring it all together, garlic bread arrived ….. At 645 had to ask about food. Eventually arrived, but not at the same time. Salad was huge disappointment and the dressing was thin balsamic and oil. Guests at neighbouring tables expressed dismay at slow service. As we were paying one guest said they’ve only got 10 mins until the performance. Food was also disappointment together with lack of authenticity or charm. Pre grated Parmesan, no flourish of pepper grinder.

Just a great family run restaurant offering an extensive food menu, decent portions and great prices. Staff including/especially the owner were a delight. Engaged and attentive without being intrusive or pushy. Pepe Sale has always been one of Reading's hidden gems. Long may it remain that way

The experience was somewhat disappointing. Service was very slow a number of other guests received their food before we did. The lasagne was overcooked and the veal somewhat bland. We were never offered a desert and the plates from our main course were still on the table after we'd paid the bill. It did not look they were all that bothered. Sad.

This is the best Italian restaurant for me. Only positive emotions after visiting this restaurant!!!

Restaurant staff evicted customers without cause, at 9:00 pm on February 14, 2024 And very RUDE OWNER

The man shouted and chased us out of the restaurant for no reason, needing an explanation

a very bad restaurant in the UK , and the man like owner who shouted on us , you are vvery very RUDE !!!!I think you should close down permanently. Ask me why?

Onwer and all waitress is very badly,they don’t how to do customers service, waiting for one hour stater not come, when I asking how long they not say for apologies and they very angry .never ever come this restaurant again

Very rude foul-mouthed owner Don't recommend eating there

Restaurant staff evicted customers without cause, at 9:00 pm on February 14, 2024 I found it messy, not like a normal restaurant, and the wait staff was very impolite.

Went to Pepe's before a show. They asked if we were going to a show when we booked so assumed they were used to people needing a quick turn around. However, the service was so slow we almost had to leave without any food. Even more frustrating they took orders from customers who came in after us and customers who ordered after us got their food before us. We did not receive any apology or explanation for the incredibly slow service. When the food arrived it was very nice.

Graziano and the team are fantastic. Lovely food and wines

I was surprised at the dullness of the cooking. The garlic bread was fab and freshly cooked, but the main courses had almost definitely been cooked earlier and reheated. The puddings were bought in and were Waitrose/M&S standard but that's all. The special of Dover sole was a disappointment and much more expensive than we expected (no price given on wall, and I should have asked the price I suppose). Our arrival was ruined by the appearance that the place looked closed down. Friendly waitresses (not even faintly Sardinian) but the place had an air of doom! Sorry, but it did.

We had a lovely meal and really enjoyed. The food was lovely and good value. .

Excellent, their service and treatment is excellent

Ate here before going to the Biscuit Factory. The upstairs split floor was full and we were the first to be seated on the downstairs part, where we remained the only table for some time, but we were not forgotten by the friendly staff or manager who made sure that everything was OK. Nice crisp house white and good mains. Starters were OK, very garlicy olives and whitebait were pretty standard and noting else really stood out. The mains were excellent though, we both had (different) pastas. My spicy sausage sauce was very good and very filling, so that I diidn;t even try my wife's excellent and generous seafood version.

The standard of this restaurant has really gone down. We booked a table to have lunch and arrived to a restaurant with the lights off. One of our party ordered the seabass and we were told that the fish would take 20mins to cook. When our meals arrived we were told that there had been a mistake in the kitchen and the seabass would not be arriving. So one of our party had to re-order again. Their food took 30 mins to come and by that time the rest of us had finished our meals. The food itself was awful. Mushy lasagne, fatty steaks not cooked as requested, burnt but under cooked oven chips. Not one of us enjoyed our meals. Avoid at all costs.

Not best experience. Hadn't been since before covid & has gone down hill. Had to ask for clean knife & served green tea at the end with a chipped cup so had to ask for new one. Food ok but had better. Service was good. Decor very tired & needs an overhaul.

What a brilliant evening! Superb food - amazing service - great ambience! We were there for nearly 4 hours & weren’t hurried along Ignore previous reviews on here - we had a delightful evening & will be going back

We went here for dinner mainly because it was close to the Hexagon where we were going to a concert, but it was a real gem! A proper Italian restaurant complete with owner/manager buzzing around making sure everything was going well. The food was excellent. My wife had the veal saltimbocca while I had the fettuccine. I always have tiramisu for dessert as that is how I rate a good Italian eatery and this one did not disappoint - marvellous. Total bill including drinks and service was £65.

We had a lovely prior to attending the Hexagon!

Oh dear! This place has gone from being the best restaurant in town to being one to avoid. We were the first couple to be seated in the lower area, and five-ten minutes later four more couples were also seated in this area. To our amazement, the waitress took orders from all four later arrivals before taking ours. Two couples had staters and mains and left just after we were served. When our food arrived, the vegetables were not cooked (warm raw). During the meal I asked for another glass of wine and after ten minutes, I had to ask where my glass of wine was, to which came the reply, what wine was it??? Has this place changed hands I wonder?

Really friendly service good food,authentic Italian food and dessert was home made and tasted delicious!! Will def be going back!

Slow service, no atmosphere. Tasteless pizza and chewy veal. Needs a major overhaul, won't be back.

Was good now poor time to close permanently. We booked early opening 5.30 for 7.30 show. We waited outside with staff at gone 5.30 so went next door for a drink while waiting. Back at 6 ordered took ages to get meal not out before start off show . People in and out before ourselves food just microwaved as one brought out at time and staff closing up as we finished so less than 2 hours opening to serve Mirco meals save your money and go elsewhere writing is on the wall

Unfortunately we were the only people there so it was a bit weird.

Carbonara did not taste or look very authentic.

Excellent food! Delicious, and good portions.

Fantastic evening. Staff were attentive and charming. Food great. Calves liver amazing. Portion sizes generous. Great experience.

I'm not Italian blood!!!!!! but I understand about Italian food don't call that Sardenian food please Cook the sauce a little longer, just an obvious tip!!

A good small restaurant in reading. Good food

Having visited in the past and had some amazing food in a vibrant restaurant we turned up at 2030 to an empty establishment bar 1 couple. No background music (not a fan normally) but the silence was deafening! The food was actually quite nice although far too much sauce on king prawns. A mix up in orders which didn’t help. Then as we were eating our starters we were asked if we wanted mains (already ordered) said in 10 mins time suddenly they appeared having already been cooked as the chef wanted to leave for a drink. This was at 2115. What was a favourite for me has become a no go. Which is a shame as it used to be rocking and the food amazing! Such a shame a loss to reading shame on the new management

This used to be a fav restaurant but now it is just ok. No atmosphere and very quiet for a Friday night. Would not go back again.

Love this place, good food and great service 👌 👍5⭐️

Lovely little place, tucked away, near the Hexagon. Food and service were great

Three of us went on a Saturday night Because it was raining, there weren't many people in the store, and there weren't many waiters either. We ordered starter and main and none of them tasted very good. You can't say it tastes bad, but it just feels too amateurish. I can also make this kind of Italian food. It’s not even as good as a chain like zizzi For dessert, I ordered tiramisu and black forest, which tasted pretty good. This restaurant voluntarily gave me a 5% tip. Anyway, I won’t come here again. At this price, I might as well eat pho, which is more delicious.

Very attentive service, lovely food

Fantastic authentic Italian cuisine with a friendly and knowledgeable owner and staff. Have eaten here many times and will continue to do so.

I used to love this restaurant, haven't been since before covid but unfortunately the food isn't quite as good as it used to be. The prawns were overcooked and the tiramisu was quite bland. Pasta dishes were OK, but definitely not as good as before. Service still great, but sad to see that it's not as busy as usual on a Friday night - Perhaps this is due to the drop in quality. A shame really.

What a surprise, moved to Reading in 94. Had a great meal with good friends The evening was great, recommend a place to have a very relaxed good food. Will be return

Amazing service from the two ladies: one from Thailand, and one from Persia. We love the antipasti for two, the basil panacotta too

We visited the restaurant on a Friday evening to have a taste of this nice Italian restaurant but wasn't really satisfied to be honest. The salads and starters we ordered (4 of them) were not that great and felt soul-less and did not have any structure at all. Following on with the pasta, we were not really satisfied as the plates seemed to be moderately tasteful, quite dull and at the bottom they had all the oil condensed. Not really a good sign. Desserts were simply ok, of course better that the mains n salads. I think there a lot of room for improvement if we take into consideration the prices we paid for this dinner.

The bread was cold sliced baguette. Waitress said the bread is kept in the fridge. I ordered the special which was lamb chops. The sauce was nice but the chops was difficult to cut. & chewy. Husband's fish was not fresh, just fried with salt & no sauce. Roast potatoes were soggy. Definitely not going there again.

Pepe Sale used to be a favourite of ours and a treat, but since changing hands in 2020 it’s not the same. The food, atmosphere and service have lost the sparkle that we loved and kept us coming back. The menu is the same but the quality isn’t as good. The service used to be warm, welcoming and excellent, now it’s bland. Would we go back, probably not.

I booked this restaurant as my friend is a little fussy and would only go for something Italian. I then saw some of the negative reviews and was a little concerned. I needn't have been because the evening was delightful. We were welcomed and showed to our table by a friendly waitress - all the staff were nice and friendly. We took our time and we were never rushed. The food was good - especially the Sea Bass in salt. They offered to fillet the fish for us before serving it. We didn't have a dessert, we were too full after the first two courses. We had a coffee/tea and Limoncello which was nice and again we never felt rushed. Certainly a restaurant I will be returning to.

I was looking forward to going out with friends for a lovely Italian meal. We had a lovely table and everything was going well, we ordered our food and its came out quickly, most of my friends were happy with their dinners apart from my friend and I, firstly our plates were not warm, our chicken was dry and the vegetables were almost raw, the roast potatoes were terrible, not roasted at all . I couldn’t eat it. So when the waitress removed our plates and asked if everything was okay with the food I said “sorry I couldn’t eat it” for the reasons above and she just changed her demeanour, she snapped at me and said that there was nothing wrong with it so I asked to see the chef and also told her that I will not pay for it. She glared at me and stomped off When she returned she told me that I didn’t have to pay for my dinner but I must drink my wine and leave, I felt embarrassed and upset because she had a threatening attitude. I was with my friends so I didn’t leave and until they were ready. Then she also shouted at my friend blaming her for sending back her dinner because they missed the cheese in her stuffed chicken dish claiming that it was there. The whole evening which should of been enjoyable and fun ended up a disaster We refused to pay the service charge but they ignored our request and still added 10% . After three different bills we left very dissatisfied. I went to Reading Biscuit Factory afterwards and had a freshly made delicious pizza served with a smile 😊

Terrible food and terrible service. Food was cold and hard. When we complaint she just ignored our comments. It would also be helpful if staff knew how to communicate with customers.

Group of 6 people not one of the dishes we ordered was worth it. Pasta was horrible, do not order pasta please

Service poor. Very disappointing. We had booked several weeks ago at the same time as booking tickets for The Hexagon. We arrived at 6pm and our theatre performance started at 7:30 and as it’s only 5 minutes away thought this would be enough time to eat. When we arrived they didn’t check our booking and twice got our name wrong. We were asked if we were going to the theatre and would we like their express theatre menu. This sounded ideal. We ordered drinks and decided on our meal. The restaurant was becoming very busy with pre theatre people. We waited nearly 20 minutes for someone to take our order albeit that several tables of people who had arrived after us were already getting their starters. I went to find someone to get our order taken. Finally got our starters a 6:35 so cutting it fine. Our main course didn’t arrive until 7:05 so we had to rush to eat. No condiments offered and drinks hurriedly plonked on the table, not enough staff or kitchen capacity to cope with a full house. We had to queue at the till to pay our bill and we were late to the start of the performance. We had booked another date for the theatre which we have cancelled. Altogether a very bad experience.

Nice food but the restaurant was really cold.

Busy, busy pre theatre diners. Food was nice but tables so close together and service efficient but certainly not warm or friendly

Food was delicious and service, very efficient and friendly. Definitely one of the best restaurants that I've been to in Reading.

I witnessed all of the incident from the last review and was shocked by the arrogance and tone of the owner. The owner was so loud and brash it was almost like he wanted everyone to hear. The customer handled it very well. The owner is like something from a Gordon Ramsey programme I couldn’t believe it. Aside from that the food lacked flavour and was well below standard. Much better food options available nearby and you certainly won’t experience any abuse.

If you're thinking of visiting this independent Italian restaurant for any event DONT! AVOID AVOID AVOID After ordering olives, a starter form the menu and a special starter we ordered our mains. Having ordered thier most expensive steak and my partner ordered the cod we were very disappointed when the cod came out inedible. We spoke to the owner who told us the fish was supposedly fresh. He took the plate away and offered the same dish again or a different one from the menu. My partner who is a pescatarian was so put off by the cod that she couldn't stomach the idea of another fish dish from that place and instead ordered a caprese salad. The owner came back to tell us that the fish had not gone off but the chef decided to pour the sauce on the fish without sealing it then baked it in the oven and so it the texture and taste were off. Unfortunately this is only the start of a terrible experience at the restaurant. By the time the salad arrived I had finished my steak and had sat waiting patiently for my partner to finding her salad. We asked for the bill afterwards and when it arrived we weren't charged for the cod but we're charged for the salad and rest of the items as well as a 10% service charge. I asked the owner to remove the service and I was told loudly by him that the service charge is written in the menu and if we order "it is like a contract" and the charge has to be paid. He proceeded to tell me I should have told him before we ordered and he wouldn't have served us. His voice at this point was very loud and all the restaurant guests stopped their dinner to watch me the costumer being shouted at by this man. I asked him to watch he's voice and tone with me. He's response was YOU DONT COME INTO MY HOUSE AND TELL ME WHAT TO DO.' I replied by saying I won't be coming here again. He told me he'll take a picture of me to stop me at the door. This was the worst restaurant visit I have ever been to. I paid the bill and left. The couple sat next to us told us how rude the owner was and asked if my partner was okay. She was visibly shaking after being shouted at by this man. If you'd like a nice dinner in Reading go anywhere else but this terrible restaurant with inedible food and a very rude owner. NEVER AGAIN!

Avarage. You could get better pizza elsewhere. Pasta also. Nothing special. I can make much much better at home. Sorry this restaurant not for us.

Our hockey team visited Pepesale last night for a team meal and can confirm the pasta was absolutely delicious and staff very friendly :)

Really good, authentic Italian food. Bit pricey though. Do make sure you order clearly -- point to the items on the menu rather than try to say it out loud because I've been served the wrong thing. Wouldn't recommend the spaghetti bottarga (mullet roe), there wasn't any bottarga detected at all. Perhaps the cook just forgot to add it. But the other pastas I can't fault.

Very lovely place with great food.

I made a booking for 13 people and had arranged with the restaurant that we would be there at 5.30 p.m. so that we could all eat together and not be rushed as our show at the Hexagon started at 8 p.m., you would think plenty of time. However, they were not ready for us when we arrived and had to call them to let us in, the table was not completely set and the staff had no idea regarding what was available on the menu. We did not get menus until 6 p.m., had to ask to place an order for drinks, water on the table. They had no water glasses available so was told to use the wine glasses instead. After having eventually placing our order for food when it did arrive some of it was burnt and really was inedible, however time was moving on. A lot of the party had ordered the set menu and when it came to getting dessert many of the items were not available. This was now 7.20 p.m. As I was not having a dessert I went to settle the bill and went through with it with a young girl and paid in full. People were then having to rush their desserts so that we could leave. Having left the restaurant and on our way to the theatre a member of Pepe Sale staff can running down the street shouting I had left without paying. How embarrassing for me in front of not only my friends but members of the public that were walking by. When she caught up with us I showed her the receipts and credit card slip proving that I had in fact paid in full. She left without an apology. I have since email the restaurant about my concerns and other issues which I will not post of this review and to date have never heard anything back from them. I used to be a regular at this 'family run restaurant' but I will not be going back

Disappointing. Average food served by disinterested staff. On a peak Friday evening the place was empty and sad. Won't be back.

Great food at a reasonable price. 20% off for cash sealed the deal ( Mon to thu I think)

The only real Italian restaurant in Reading. You can't go wrong. Particularly pleased to have found many specialties from Sardinia, which I loved but they also have many other regional recipes . Felt like a king. My friends also enjoyed the food, wines and reception. Definitely coming back. Nice discovery. I'm italiano by the way so I should know. Recommended.

Nice food and pleasant atmosphere.

Went with family for lunch. Overall meal good service good staff friendly would recommend

Best Italian restaurant in Reading and it’s a branch of the famous chain Pepe sale. I would recommend their tiramisu and lobster linguine. The stuff so will welcoming

Menu good, but no pre theatre menu provided, not ready for large number of people at 6pm, seems to have changed hands. No bread or Pane Carasau offered, only had time for 1 course in 1& half hours & welcome missing.

I like it decor is nice and the food was good but my pasta was bit bland as I was expecting to a bit of chilli inside as was mentioned on the menu. Other friends of mine really enjoyed their meals. Definitely coming back again.

Really nice place and they brought us anything we asked for. Fantastic staff and great place to go!!

Tucked away in the dead part of town, this place is a real gem. All the staff were welcoming, and the food just so good. So many dishes on the menu that would keep bringing me back again!

Thanks for yet another great meal - despite being very busy with several large groups, the food was as excellent as ever, as was the service

Been here a few times over the years and always come away satisfied. Good independent restaurant in Reading.

A deceptively spacious Sardinian eatery with quaint charm and a standout menu, in stark contrast to the increasingly corporate character of Reading's town centre.

The menu suggested on line is no longer fully accurate and needs correcting. Apparently it was down to an old supplier no longer trading. We had to ask if any specials were on as we had not been advised. One meal we ordered as a special was ravioli filled with crab together with king prawns and squid.. The 4x ravioli pasta parcels were fresh, but just 1x medium sized prawn cut into 4 pices with chewy squid from the freezer did not seem special or sizeable for a main course. The wine glasses were dirty and had to be changed and the bottle of wine served was not worthy of its price tag.

Absolutely unbelievable food, prawns were amazing and steak was cooked to perfection

Brilliant Italian little restaurant, well not so little actually, they've got a very large basement with a beautiful atmosphere. They had families and couples, welcome children, nothing was too much trouble. We will certainly go again, loved it.

Fantastic food and service. A hidden gem. Highly recommended.

FSA rating 5/5 as of 17/12/2020

Always a pleasure - we always go here when in Reading

Great Sardinian restaurant with lovely food and superb service

Staff were so nice and a really authentic meal!

Incredible authentic loving food, brilliant atmosphere, generous portions, kind and attentive staff. Highly recomend

One of the best experience in an Italian restaurants!! Amazing staff, food and atmosphere. Especially for dates! Girls dinner or birthday dinners, wonderful!!. We had Spaghetti allo Scoglio (spaghetti with seafood) 10/10, Pasta con carne ragù 10/10, Tagliatelle al Salmone (Tagliatelle with Salmon) 10/10 and the other one I don't remembered lol. Amazing!!! Give it a try.

Excellent authentic Italian food with very friendly service! Probably the best Italian restaurant in Reading.

Busy, but that's always a good sign on a Saturday evening. Nice, varied menu. We only had main courses, so can't speak to starters or dessert. Good wine selection, but if you want a beer you're limited to the Peroni (reliably dreadful in any venue).

Pepe Sale will always have a special place for me and my husband as it was the place we came for our first date. However over the years we have tried to recreate that magic and sadly each time it's further away from the original charm we felt when we first went. I have to agree with other reviewers that it does seem to be going down. The food is tasty and authentic, using fresh ingredients but the portions are small and pricey. Even with the discount / theatre menu, with drinks, sides and service charge it adds upto be a very expensive meal out. The bread basket is shop bought baguette, 3 pieces for £2. A glass of coke is £3. We were advised to get a portion of veg on the side which was a small bowl of potatoes, green beans and undercooked broccoli. Not worth £4. Surely if you're paying £15-20 for a meat dish, it should come with veg? The service is good as in the staff mean well but 2-3 people took our order and if theres a lack of communication between them this tends to lead to mistakes, especially at busier times. It would be better for one waitress to be assigned to a table. I will continue to visit as I want to support small businesses and genuinely do like the food. But I do hope the owner takes these comments on board and brings back the spark. If they consider revamping the menu so it includes sides, playing some background music and having the staff rush around less, it could be the best Italian in Berkshire!

Incredibly expensive food for its content / size of portions. I went to this restaurant some years ago and it did not use to be so. I gather the new management is not as good. It is true prices went up recently, but not to this extent at every restaurant. Unfortunately this appears to be one of those where the value for money advantage has been lost...

This is an an amazing family run Italian restaurant. This was my first visit, but definitely not the last one. Staff is really friendly and helpful. We went in on Wednesday, so it wasn't busy at all. The food and atmosphere was incredible. Food was properly cooked and so delicious! Also not expensive. I can't highlight enough how great experience this was. Definitely coming back soon!

The food was rich and textural and uses a whole palette of flavors. I loved it. But my loyalty goes to another Italian restaurant in London.

Food was good. Nice atmosphere and decor. Food took a long time to arrive, though it was a busy Saturday night.

More of a trattoria than a ristorante. Well portioned dishes and relaxed atmosphere. Does not cater well to veggies. Does do all the trope dishes for a italian restaurant in England tiramasu and chips, no pizza though (which is expected as a sardinian restaurant).

Fantastic restaurant, a proper little hidden gem. Delicious food and a truly delightful proprietor.

I really enjoyed my evening at Pepe Sale the service was excellent and the restaurant had a very warm and welcoming ambience. The food was absolutely delicious especially the seafood soup best Italian restaurant I have been too in the UK would highly recommend

The Four of us had a fantastic meal last night, the service, food quality and atmosphere was one of the best we have experienced in Reading. Every request was dealt with efficiently and both of our fillet steaks were cooked to perfection. One of the wines that we like was discontinued and the owner recommended an alternative which was an amazing choice. The owner was charming and made us feel like we were the only diners in the restaurant. We have been for hundreds of meals in Reading and this restaurant has never let us down on any fronts. We will be booking again very soon. Thanks again for an amazing meal

Not what it used to be. Awful rude service. Staff actually told us it was our fault for coming on a busy night.

A great restaurant for a special occasion or romantic evening. Food is delicious and seems very authentic, so you'll have the opportunity to try something new.

Food was fantastic, staff friendly and the authentic feel and cosy atmosphere just makes this place all the more special. Will definitely be coming back!