Who doesn’t love a delicious slice of pizza? It’s one of those comfort foods that everyone enjoys and can be eaten at any time of day. Everybody has a go-to pizza spot that always brings us joy and tastes amazing every time. But what happens if you move or are traveling? And then you crave some pizza but don’t know where to go.
Unfortunately, not all pizza shops are created equal, and sometimes, that delicious slice can become an unpleasant or even stomach-turning experience. This is why choosing the best pizza place is essential, but knowing where not to go is just as important. The next time you’re in a new place, here are a few warning signs you should look out for to help you avoid pitfalls.
Dirty Dining Space
Before placing your pizza order, examine the surroundings around the restaurant. Are the corners covered in dirt? Are there crumbs all over the freshly made pizza display? Is the toilet seat awful and the bathroom filthy? A dirty mop with a messy bucket of water in the main area?
If the public area is this filthy, imagine the hidden places. Such filth indicates poor hygiene, which probably extends to food preparation. If there’s no soap in the bathroom, what do the chefs use to wash their hands? Dirt also draws rats, which might make you sick. It’s best to leave if it’s dirty.
Unfresh Pizza and Ingredients
While watching a pizza chef spin dough is entertaining, it’s a serious red flag when meats, cheese, or sauce are left unrefrigerated. The Meat and Poultry Hotline advises against keeping food unrefrigerated for longer than two hours since the “Danger Zone” (40–140°F) fosters the spread of bacteria.
Ingredients left out too long can cause contamination, indicating unsafe food preparation and storage. Avoid such places to prevent food poisoning.
Soggy Crusts and Few Toppings
The crust is the foundation of any delicious pizza. A soggy crust is a big disappointment and an obvious indication of something wrong. It can result from using poor-quality ingredients or bad cooking methods.
Additionally, it’s a sign that the store might be taking shortcuts if you see that the toppings are scarce or spread unevenly. A good pizza should have the ideal ratio of crunchy crust, tasty sauce, and plenty of toppings.
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Overwhelming or Unpleasant Odors
When you enter a pizza restaurant, freshly baked dough and melted cheese aroma should be one of your first impressions. On the other hand, an overwhelming or unpleasant smell can suggest rotten ingredients, dirty facilities, or poor ventilation.
Maintaining the utmost cleanliness and staff hygiene is essential, especially in a restaurant where what is made is taken inside the body. So, to avoid a disappointing meal, if something smells bad, trust your nose and move on to another pizza place.
Long Wait Times for Simple Orders
While it is logical that a crowded pizza place may have longer wait times, it is concerning when customers routinely have to wait an unreasonable period of time for simple orders.
It could be a sign of inefficiency, understaffing, or kitchen disarray. If you find yourself waiting far longer than seems acceptable for a simple pepperoni pizza, it may be time to look for somewhere else with more dependable service.
They Don’t Make Their Own Sauce
A good pizzeria should produce its own sauce, preferably using premium ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes. Premade sauce jars and pots should not be left unheated since this can lead to bacteria growth.
Since sauce is essential to flavor, a store-bought pizzeria is probably taking shortcuts. If they’re sacrificing one of the most crucial ingredients, they’re probably sacrificing other things as well.
Confusing Menu
A major red flag at a pizza spot is a confusing menu, such as combining pizza with sushi, macaroni and cheese, or pork tacos. A restaurant that tries to be everything is likely to achieve nothing.
A menu like that shows that the chefs aren’t trying to make quality pizza and cannot use fresh ingredients. For the finest experience, order pizza from a restaurant that specializes only in pizza and other dishes from specialized restaurants
Serving Cold Pizza
You should be careful if they don’t heat your slice at a pizza place. Even though some people prefer their pizza cold, receiving a lukewarm piece at a pizzeria is a sign of poor quality and service.
Whatever the reason, serving cold pizza shows nonchalance. The value of treating clients and staff well cannot be overemphasized. A cold slice served carelessly indicates that the pizza may not be worth it.
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They Don’t Offer Extra Toppings
This is a warning sign if a pizzeria does not provide additional toppings. Toppings like garlic powder, chili oil, hot honey, oregano, red pepper flakes, and shredded parmesan cheese can improve the dining experience. Their absence raises the possibility that the owners don’t value satisfied customers.
Additionally, ensure the cheese is fresh; if there are lumps in the shaker, it has been out too long. Various condiments show excellent customer service and attention to detail, which reflects the pizzeria’s overall quality.
Staff Not Wearing Gloves or Hairnets
Pizza restaurants should prioritize food safety just like any other eatery. It is a serious red flag if you see that the employees handling food are not donning hairnets or gloves.
These basic hygiene measures help shield your food from contamination and guarantee it is safe to consume. In a well-run pizza restaurant, you should observe employees wearing the proper protective gear and regularly washing their hands.
Additional Tips for Finding a Great Pizza Shop
To find a reliable pizza shop, begin your search by word of mouth. Get suggestions from friends, family, and coworkers based on their own experiences. Look through reviews on websites like Yelp, Google, or TripAdvisor, paying attention to patterns rather than individual opinions.
Also, go during off-peak hours to experience a relaxed atmosphere and better service, which will enable you to make an informed decision. Finally, follow your gut; if something doesn’t feel right, moving on is better. Happy pizza hunting!
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