Not impressed with Via Napoli

[lvcourtneyy]

I feel like I'm the only one who was not at all impressed with Via Napoli. Is it me?

We had an ADR there in April at 7 pm. We arrived and the line to check-in was full of people asking if they could eat despite not having a reservation. They told everyone who asked yes, despite the overflowing lobby of people waiting to be seated. I was particularly annoyed when a group of 4 girls ahead of us who didn't have a reservation were called 15 minutes ahead of us.

When we sat, the waitress was nice enough. I ordered the individual Carciofi pizza, my sister ordered an individual pizza (can't remember which in particular) and my boyfriend ordered the spaghetti e popettine. She warned us his food may come out 5-10 minutes before ours because they come from different kitchens. His pasta was literally served 5 minutes later and when a half hour went by we inquired how much longer it would be for the pizzas. She said, "Well I did say they came from different kitchens" and that it was busy so it was delayed. We said we understood that it was busy but why couldn't they have kept his food in the kitchen so it wasn't sitting on the table getting cold and she said "Well that's not something we do". Ok.

Another 10 minutes went by and still no pizza. So she came to the table and said "Would you like some bread to pass the time?" We took her up on the offer but it would've been much nicer a half hour ago.

I would have been able to accept that maybe it was an off night for the service if the food was as amazing as I've read. Our pizza finally came and while we both enjoyed it, I simply didn't find it to be anything special. And my boyfriend's pasta sauce tasted like Ragu. I'm not sure if it was because we're from NYC and have excellent pizza at our fingertips but I simply can't understand how so many people raved about it and I feel the exact opposite.

Anyone else agree or am I alone?

 

[HollywoodTowerHotel]

I'm sure you'll find someone to agree with you...but it won't be me! We make sure to go to Via Napoli on every visit and always have a hard time deciding between the pizza and the pasta. And, while we don't live in NYC, we have fine pizza and Italian restaurants available to us as well...

To each his own...

 

[disneyAndi14]

We have been twice and really enjoyed our food, the service however was not the best, the waiter rushed us and when we didn't order an alcoholic drink, we were then ignored some. Very loud and hectic in there.

 

[momof2cuties]

We went last August and I was not impressed either....with the food or service. Thought it was overpriced and just not great. Not going back this time.
Even dessert. I was told we had to get the Zeppoli. I find olive gardens is better.

 

[Blue32]

You'll get a lot of mixed feelings on Via Napoli here on the Dis. We are are in the 'love it' camp.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

You'll get a lot of mixed feelings on Via Napoli here on the Dis. We are are in the 'love it' camp.

I'm sad because I want to be in the love it camp lol but it was just an all-around bad experience. I would love to give it a second chance but I don't think I can get my boyfriend anywhere near it again.

 

[disfanantic2255]

I thought the pizza was rather good.

 

[Blue32]

I'm sad because I want to be in the love it camp lol but it was just an all-around bad experience. I would love to give it a second chance but I don't think I can get my boyfriend anywhere near it again.

I here you....that kind of service would really sour me as well!

 

[minnie mum]

I agree with you. We have better pizza and pasta from the little place near our home. And the service is better, too. At half the price.

 

[Tink1987]

Finally! All we hear about how great Via Napoli is and how it is a must try. We hated it - service was awful, food was bland and horrible. Never again.

Same with anything though, we don't all have to like the same things. But I've never heard anyone say a bad word against Via Napoli

 

[Pepper pots]

It's our Disney pizza fix on every trip..Yet to have a bad experience ..Our one and only bad experience at WDW was the much loved restaurant " Le Cellier " ...So I reckon every restaurant can have its off night..Sorry you didn't enjoy VN..

 

[Nancyg56]

It's our Disney pizza fix on every trip..Yet to have a bad experience ..Our one and only bad experience at WDW was the much loved restaurant " Le Cellier " ...So I reckon every restaurant can have its off night..Sorry you didn't enjoy VN..

I have been 3 times and always have had a good meal and good service. I also am with you on Le Cellier, will never go back! But what do I know? I like Chef Mickey and Tony's! LOL!

 

[buzzrelly]

We had an ADR there in April at 7 pm. We arrived and the line to check-in was full of people asking if they could eat despite not having a reservation. They told everyone who asked yes, despite the overflowing lobby of people waiting to be seated. I was particularly annoyed when a group of 4 girls ahead of us who didn't have a reservation were called 15 minutes ahead of us.

That's the exact OPPOSITE of our experience this past April. While we were waiting for our table, they must've turned away at least 10 different parties that were trying to walk-in. I felt bad for the host because it was loud and his English was broken and he kept having to repeat himself and try to explain that people make ADRs well in advance. So, I'm not sure why now, all of a sudden they would just start taking walk-ins??

We had a pretty good pizza last time but, like you, I've had REALLY good pizza and VN definitely wasn't it. I am in CT, a stone's throw from New Haven and we have all kinds of great pizza around here. Having said that, we are pizza people and for Disney, VN is pretty much as good as it gets so we would go back.

I say you give it another shot and don't order the pasta (clearly too complicated for them to hold off on putting in the pasta order so that they arrive at the same time …seems like that would haven been the normal thing to do). Now that you know there's a difference between AWESOME pizza at Disney, and AWESOME pizza in general, you might not feel so let down

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our Ratings of Via Napoli Resorante e Pizzaria: (*rev 1/16/2016)*
. . . food price value: C
. . . food quality: B (pizza entrees), C (non-pizza entrees)
. . . food quantity per serving: B
. . . food prep speed: C
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: B
. . . seating comfort: C
. . . eatery atmosphere: D (very loud)
. . . eatery convenience: B
. . . staff friendliness: B
. . . staff attentiveness: C
. . . character interaction: n/a

NOTE1: Primarily a pizza location, with "authentic" recipes. Most enjoy the pizza and
it makes a good break in the day, although the pizza is on the expensive side. It must
be noted that if on DDP, there is no sharing of some pizzas. Every one eating must use
their DDP credit.

NOTE2: Of course, the "restorante" portion has Italian non-pizza food. The Eggplant
Parmigiana was pretty decent. The Spaghetti and the chicken parm was only medicore.
The veal parm was above average. The salad entrees did not appeal to us. We think they
want the reputation to rest on the pizza, and have the other menu items to round out
the eatery. So, go for the pizza and/or the very good appys, or pass it up. Finally, the
place, like many WDW eateries is VERY, VERY noisy. I would say it is bad for most folks,
with the din, I couldn't even think straight.

NOTE3: Many folks have asked for ingredient substitutions or side dish substitutions on
pizzas and/or other entrees. The eatery does not do this very often or very well. Thus, be
forewarned.

 

[GillianP1301]

I definitely agree with you and up until now thought I was the only person to not love the place. Via Napoli is our only truly negative dining experience at WDW. Similar to you, the issues were almost entirely service related, it was horrendous and was due mostly to mismanagement as opposed to the individual server. The pizza itself was okay, but definitely not worthy if all the praise I read around here, IMO. It wasn't bad pizza, but I've much better wood fired pizza at several other restaurants.

 

[preemiemama]

I agree with the PPs who say that it was a negative experience for them. 5 years ago, we went with a large group (15 of us). We had a wonderful waiter, and it was a very good experience. The food was pretty good, and while I remember the pizzas and other dishes coming out at different times, it was not more than about 10 minutes. It was a place we wanted to return to.

However, when we did return 3 years ago, it was a VERY different experience. DS and I ordered pizza, and DH ordered pasta (it was just the 3 of us for this trip). As OP said, it was very quick for the pasta and much longer for the pizzas. We also did not order alcoholic beverages (we were also on the DDP) and we were basically left alone. It took us 20 minutes to get a drink refill, and at least that long before we could order dessert. The waiter we had was pretty rude- and it was one of the bus boys who actually appeared to refill the drinks. It was horrific service, and the waiter was obviously pandering to other tables who he felt may be leaving a bigger tip based on their bill.

Interestingly, we had a similarly rude experience in France that trip- so much so that I wrote to Disney and complained that we felt as if we were treated differently being on the DDP and not ordering "extras" at both of these restaurants. Our last trip (2 years ago- again with a larger group of 18), we did not experience this at any of the places we ate. However, we have not (and will not) return to VN or Chefs de France. It was that off-putting.

I'm happy that some people are enjoying their experience and love the restaurant. I am not one of those people. Yes, restaurants can have an off night, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I don't think I will be changing my opinion of this restaurant anytime soon.

 

[disny_luvr]

VN seems to get a lot of love here on the DIS but when
me and DH ate there on our adults only trip we were not impressed at all. We have no plans on returning any time soon.

 

[85glht]

I agree with you. We have better pizza and pasta from the little place near our home. And the service is better, too. At half the price.

+1 here. Not impressed with the pizza. We have better places here in CT.

 

[Iowamomof4]

All of you who have *not* cared for VN, have you ever tried Tutto Italia and did you have a better experience there? I'm debating between the two for our upcoming trip. Thanks!

 

[DisBuckMan]

We can take or leave VN. It's good, but not certainly great. We have several local places here in South Alabama/NW Florida that have better pizza.