What’s your go-to Italian chain?

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Youngfolk21@reddit

Pizza Express in Woking

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KindlyAppointment973@reddit

An unforgettable experience.

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loveswimmingpools@reddit

I remember that time you were there. Because it was unusual for you.

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MidnightRambler87@reddit

You should get a table there no sweat.

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eric-artman@reddit

In uk? 😀

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waisonline99@reddit

Just do a make your own pizza party.

Its easy to make and the results will be better and a lot cheaper.

Italian food in general is so easy to make, theres no reason to pay restaurent prices.

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Chimpville@reddit

I'm totally on board the 'make your own pizza' train and I make pizzas for 8 every week, but unless OP's used to and equipped to make pizzas for multiple people, it seems like a way of replacing relaxed time with friends and family for a disappointing meal and lots of faff.

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waisonline99@reddit

OP only needs to make the dough and get some topping. The rest will work itself out.

If my kids can do it, OP can.

Its fun and befitting of a birthday imho.

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Chimpville@reddit

Given OP's asking for tips for the best pizzaria (albeit a chain), I'm not sure the kind of thing you can throw together like that tickles their (or their guest's) itch on the pizza front.

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Chimpville@reddit

Bit harsh on u/waisonline99 there, u/AskUK-ModTeam.

Even if it was a bit of a "We have pizza at home" classic mum response, It was a good faith attempt to offer an alternative answer. Most people didn't specifically answer OP's question and suggested non-chains. Alternatives are fair.

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waisonline99@reddit

It was just a suggestion.

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AskUK-ModTeam@reddit

A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question.

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Gold-Selection-7897@reddit

If you’re a tesco clubcard user, you can convert voucher points for triple at prezzo, bella italia, zizzi. Prezzo is my favourite of them. Obviously not authentic italian but still pretty tasty.

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PomPomBumblebee@reddit

I've not been to a chain Italian in years, we are lucky to have many local independents.

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AskUK-ModTeam@reddit

A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question.

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JBEqualizer@reddit

If you really want to go to a chain restaurant for your birthday, then you either need to tell people where you are, or, if you don't want people to know that, at least list the restaurants in your town/city/area, otherwise people are just guessing.

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Suitable-Fun-1087@reddit

Fatto a Mano are up to 6 branches across 2 cities now, do they count?

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lotusbiscoffbaby@reddit

Pizza express and Zizzi

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ItsShaneMcE@reddit

Never a chain. They’re never authentic. I’m a white guy never been to Italy and I was the line chef in Bella Italia. Always go to an independent

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djwillis1121@reddit

Are Italians not white?

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ItsShaneMcE@reddit

Edited because you’re right I’m English

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NoFewSatan@reddit

But what has being white to do with it?

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SpaTowner@reddit

OP didn’t ask for ‘most authentic’ though, they asked for people’s go-to chain.

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spectator_mail_boy@reddit

They’re never authentic

OH NO.

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NoFewSatan@reddit

None. Chains are horrendous.

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Admirable_Star9086@reddit

I have had worse food in authentic Italian restaurants in London than in Zizzi genuinely

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Namiweso@reddit

The only chains worth some salt are the pizza ones (Franco Manca and Rudys). Even then there are plenty of authentic ones a bit pricier that are very nice also.

Don’t bother with any Italian chains otherwise. Never had a good experience and always go with independents.

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Digital_Palpitation@reddit

Not even necessarily pricier. The family owned pizza place near me is a pound or two cheaper than Rudy's for comparable toppings and they also send us 10% off every so often.

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Namiweso@reddit

Fair enough - sounds like Rudys are stealing their customers so they need to reduce the price. Or they’re just genuine. Fair play. Where I’m from the independents know they get the footfall regardless so are a few quid more but it’s worth the additional cost. I’d hate for them to undersell themselves.

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Sharp_Budget_4416@reddit

Pizza Pilgrims every time. Proper Neapolitan base, simple toppings done well, and the vibe in most of their sites is great for a birthday. If you want something a bit more of an event, Gloria or Circolo Popolare if you're near a Big Mamma site, but that's more of an occasion than a casual go-to.

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MiserableSympathy230@reddit

Dominos

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terryjuicelawson@reddit

The chains are generally terrible, may as well get in a ready meal. Pretty much every town has a proper old school Italian restaurant / pizza place, definitely try that.

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ConfusedPanda17@reddit

Zizzi or Prezzo if we have to go to a chain place. My 8yo loves both, and they have options to suit the whole family including toddlers

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Prestigious_Elk353@reddit

Italian chain restaurants are usually crazy expensive for the quality and portion size.

Checkout their apps for offers though.

I’d go for Ask over Bella Italia.

But agree with other Franco Manca for pizza.

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Frosty-Leopard5732@reddit

Google italian restaurant near me and go to the top rated result - chains are ok but suffering, and you are always going to get much better at an independent, especially pizza!

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Ok_Shirt983@reddit

Top rated in my town.... Zizzi. 🤦

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SarkyMs@reddit

Second?

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ChipCob1@reddit

Definitely, small local places are struggling so if a large group of new customers turn up for a birthday celebration they will probably try and make it a special occasion...maybe free bread/olives for the table or shots of limoncello and grappa at the end of the meal.

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EyeAware3519@reddit

Tony Macaroni. The food is meh but the name is hilarious.

I also like the fact they sponsor Livingstone's football stadium which is nicknamed the "Spaghettihad"

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TheeHappyDude@reddit

San Carlo. Technically a chain as there's about 5 or 6 of them

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Rude-Possibility4682@reddit

I second San Carlo, it's all pretty's decent quality compared to other chains.

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ohsaycanyourock@reddit

Carluccio's is great if you have one nearby!

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Ok-Treacle8973@reddit

I like Pesto for the small plates.

Not the greatest Italian place ever but reasonable in price and the variety of dishes you can have makes the experience of eating there enjoyable.

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Correct_Elk2320@reddit

It’s Probably 15 years ago last time I went to pizza express. Got an amazing local place next to me - never had a better pizza.

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sailingmagpie@reddit

Italian chains are notoriously awful. Just find a local one with decent reviews online.

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CLWggg@reddit

If you're set on visiting a chain, I'd suggest Franco Manco. But otherwise, I'd always look for an independent Italian. The "tackier" the deco (checked table cloths, candles in chianti bottles, plastic vines from the ceiling), the better - as far as I'm concerned!

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Next-Suit-9579@reddit

My family generally goes to Bella Italia. The kids menu has two of my kids “safe” foods so we never have a meltdown, my husband is a bit picky too and they have burgers and pizza for him, and I love pasta dishes and there’s a good variety. Plus they have a loyalty type program and you can double up Tesco points for vouchers to spend there.

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MR_OOPERS@reddit

Don't go to an Italian chain. The food is usually mediocre at best. Pick an independent one or better still a family run restaurant. Read the reviews online first.

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BillyJoeDubuluw@reddit

I did go to Bella Italia about fifteen years ago and can’t say that I didn’t enjoy it, but you can’t beat an independent restaurant.

If you’re in a bit of a backwater or you’re unsure what is around you just have a Google and find somewhere.

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