Italian Pavilion Restaurant
| Address: | 90 Pershing Dr, Derby, CT 06418, USA |
| Phone: | +1 203-736-9005 |
| Site: | italianpavilion.us |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 18
AL
Al gansk
Imagine, like I do, because it was not so very long ago. The Ansonia Mall was open and you could go in on the side that looked towards the Holy Rosary Church and experience a unique slice of pizza pie.... When the Italian Pavilion was in the Ansonia Mall many years ago the pizza was out of this world! Unique and like no other thin crusted Neapolitan pizza I had ever tasted before. I would watch from spinner bar stools with the Italian flag colors how their pizza was made and I would taste the very, very unique and beautifully subtle flavors and the fresh ingredients and this helped me to more fully understand the beauty of the pizza experience.... Pretend it is the late 1980s or early 1990s: Unbelievable sauce that had that deep plum tomato taste, like it was made from tomatos that had just been pulled from a long deep blast in the Mediterranean sun and then slow-cooked for hours and hours until thickened and done. The sauce would then be splashed in the center of the pie-to-be with a big ladle and spread out, round and round, from the middle only leaving the naked crust round the outside, sticky with its olive oil coating. This crust was then allowed to rest underneath & behind a soft towel, just close enough to oven for the warmth to rise and proof the dough. When the time was right, the pizza to be was brought out and sprinkled liberally around the outside edge with a good oregano and with its sauce still intact, a delightful cheese mixture was then distributed liberally on top. Toppings, if requested, would be added and the pie would be baked in the stainless steel pizza oven until it had that extremely light and airy crunch of perfection. I am at odds with myself to say this because I normally enjoy my pizza with crust that is very, very well done. Crust like those you will find on pizzas cooked in the very dark-depths of the coal or wood-fired ovens of those legendary New Haven pizza pie establishments. That is exactly what set this unique and slightly sweet tasting crust and flavorful pizza pie apart from all others and made it just awesome!! IT WAS UNIQUE! IT WAS WONDERFUL!! This was when Mario and the Italian folks actually cooked the pizza however. Speed forward to the present day: Since they moved to their new location, Mario stares at the football game all day while the Albanians he has working for him make something that resembles pizza in looks, but the sauce has no flavor & tastes like it is from a jar and the crust is a chewy, rubbery concoction. It kills me to say this – believe me, but sadly it is true. If only they would quit the two medium for $12 specials, clean house of the chain mall pizza makers and go back to the way it was…. Very sad to say.
A
A Private User
My husband and I have been going to Italian Pavillon for about 4 years. The food is always terrific, service is great and the staff is very friendly. Our waitress remembers my husbands order down to his drink, even when we havent been there in 7 months!! I have ordered a different entree almost every time and I have not been disappointed. Havent noticed a dirty floor as one other reveiwer mentioned (Its carpeted).
MI
Mike Nguyen
The pizza is pretty good. Coming back from Italy for two months Im a little picky. Waitress was great, nice, attentive. Wifey got the atromboki and she loved it. Shes been coming here since she was a kid and said the atromboli hasnt changed and still amazing. The marinara that came with the stromboli needs some work though, kinda tastes like something out of a jar.
FE
feby felix
The staff were wonderful. the lady who served us was so helpful to our 1.5 year old little one. He was cranky and crying when we reached at the restaurant after a long shopping day . The lady was so welcoming and took care of us and calmed down our baby by bringing things to play for him. The food was good. Loved their fresh bread. Will visit again for sure. .
A
A Private User
The food is excellent, no matter what you have. I go there often. The service is excellent too; the people are very friendly. And certainly, the prices are reasonable. I noticed some negative comments about the Italian Pavillion while looking through what people wrote. I do not find these negative comments to be true; not at all.
ED
edward stein
Been going here for over 20 years!!..never had a bad meal!..the pizza seems to be getting better each time I go!!...they also offer good coupons, like buy one pizza get one for free, and buy one grinder and get one for free!!..etc...prices are ok, because most of us locals are either on a fixed income or are earning $8.50 an hour.
A
A Private User
No one goes to IP for ambiance or attentive service. But the food is really good and the prices are awesome. Solidly good Zuppa di pesce for $10.95 at lunch? - sign me up! Their pizza kills (especially when you dont feel like driving to New Haven) - as good as Roseland, but 1/3 the price. Rock on IP, rock on.
A
A Private User
I dont understand why anyone would put a bad review for Italian Pavilion. Excellent food and pizza - especially the baked ziti. Prices are good too. I would definitely recommend. Also - the people making the food know what theyre doing. If you want good, real Italian food - come here.
CH
Christine Sedita
I have loved Italian Pavilion since I was a kid getting a slice at the Ansonia Mall. I always grab some of their pizza when I am in the area! It is Italian thin crust pizza. They also have good Italian food, and a nice sized restaurant to have groups or parties.
JP
Jprune445
I love the pizza and coke. When I played basketball I had a party at there.The pizza and coke was delicious! My team really sucked but, I still had the party.I got my own sweatshirt saying "DERBY BASKETBALL" i really loved it.
PE
Pedro Navarro
Food OK but wait staff absolutely rude and slow. The waitress literally threw the plate on my table and walked away. Im the type of customer that doesnt not complain or send food back. I wont be back though.
LY
Lynze Kish
The food was excellant. Best Italian food in this area. The waitress did everything possible to serve on time,make us comfortable ,knowledgable about the menu items. Overall a wonderful dining experience
JU
Julia Botti
Better than average italian food. Their lasagna is very meaty and delicious. Their pizza is consistently very good. They dont deliver but I dont mind picking it up cause I know it will be good.
ST
Steve Gentile
Ive had the chicken parm and penne alla vodka, both which are amazing. Great service, super nice family and staff. Highly recommend the Italian Pavilion, portions are huge and prices are great!
JI
Jim Patchen
Always have a great meal. Try their broccoli rabe with garlic and olive oil over your favorite pasta. Pizza is also great. Bread is baked fresh with crispy crust and warm soft center.
CA
Caitlin Burke
Wonderful service. Great food and huge portions! Made a stop here on a whim during a road trip, great place to keep in mind! Great prices to boot!
A
A Private User
Good, solid italian food. Excellent service. Pizza is just good. Prices are reasonable. Two pizza special excellent value. Best pizza around.
JE
Jeanna Crosby
Love the food when their not busy! Last time we got baked ziti, it was very salty and the sauce was burnt. The pizza was burnt as well.
