Warm welcome. Good sauce. That pizza, though…

They greeted us like family, and the place felt as if it had been there forever. Unfortunately, the pizza tasted like it might have been there nearly as long.

By David Temple Lanza’s Restaurant — Kings Beach, CA · Restaurant · Originally reviewed 2019

THE VERDICTMAYBE — IF YOU WANT LATE-NIGHT, OLD-SCHOOL COMFORT.

THE EXPERIENCE

They greeted us like family, and the place felt as if it had been there forever. Unfortunately, the pizza tasted like it might have been there nearly as long.

WHAT WORKED

The pizza and meatball sauces were tasty and distinctive. Portions were ample. Our server was as nice as can be. And on a Saturday night when nearly everything else was closing, Lanza’s was open.

WHAT DIDN’T

The pizza crust was thin, flat and stale-tasting. The meatballs were tough and nondescript. And after a long workday, a room-temperature beer glass does nobody any favors.

WORTH IT?

I would not judge the entire menu by our pizza. The pasta at nearby tables looked terrific, and people were slurping it up like it was their last meal.

THE LAST WORD
MAYBE — IF YOU WANT LATE-NIGHT, OLD-SCHOOL COMFORT.