There is nothing worse than bad pizza and the Tampa area has some real stinkers. I didn't expect much the first time I went to La Prima Pizza (afterall it is located in a dinky corner spot in a Target strip mall). After some deliberation on what to eat J-Fur and I decided to go with La Prima Pizza's Sicilian. It is a gigantic square pie that has a really thick crust. The pizza was extremely doughy and soft (so be forewarned, if you don't like the soft dough don't get it). It has just the right blend of sauce and toppings. The garlic and basil we added provided just enough kick to keep our taste buds honest. The best part of the deal? Between the two of us we were only able to finish three slices. That meant that six more went home with us. It is by no means cheap, but it lasts (and lasts and lasts) making the extra money worthwhile. The owner is a New Yorker. He can be abrasive (I'm sure) but he has always been nice to J-Fur and I. I think it is because we always order the Sicilian and that is like his baby. Every time he brings it out personally and checks in a couple times to see if we are enjoying it. He has even sat with us once or twice. If you ever in Tampa with a craving for Sicilian style pizza make La Prima Pizza a destination. I'd love to vouch for their subs or thin crust slices and salads but I've never tried them. The Sicilian just holds too much clout.
(4)
Elizabeth S.
I have been coming here since 2007. The pizza is the best around. Even when I moved out of tampa and came to visit always come back when I visit. The staff has always been nice. The owner (willy) has always been nice to us. Always goes around to greet his customers. If your looking for New York style pizza this is the closest to it.
(5)
Melissa M.
We ordered the Sicilian and it was VERY good (expensive but delicious). I also got a Greek salad. It didn't stand l up to the pizza at all. Made with iceberg lettuce, it was overpriced for what you get. The drinks are also a bit pricey as well and refills are not offered. Service was fine. Nothing to write home about, but I didn't feel like anyone was being rude (prior reviews). We may have the pizza again if we are looking for something different, but will take out for sure.
(3)
Helen L.
We took the slice to-go so I'm not sure about how the sit down service is but the counter service was good. The place was large and had a few full service tables. I was a little disheartened to see that I could not stay there to eat my slice before I left. However, I think that is the trend in this area (no tables). I wasn't disappointed with their pizza! I bought a regular slice and the crust was not too thick and cheese was just melted and oozed!
(4)
Molly C.
We carried out so I'm not sure what the service is like but the pizza is the bomb!!! Yum yum yum! I hope they eventually get a location in Fort Myers!! It's truly hard to find good pizza in Florida!!
(5)
Ryan J.
LOL good pizza my ass. If you think this pizza is NY quality you must be Puerto Rican like the owner. This crap is Boboli Pizza the dough is tasteless..meaning no semolina present. If you know good pizza, meaning you are not a native , you know this is crap. Willie how's your lip? Watch who you talk to like that next time.
(1)
Angela K.
The owner (Willie Lopez) really knows his customers! Due to calorie counting, I haven't splurged on Italian food as much as usual, so it had been nearly a year since I was last here. Willie asked me right away if I would still be ordering my usual...Alfredo pasta. How did he remember that?? It's because he cares about his customers and the repeat business. I've also had their pizza & chicken parm. Both were excellent. La Prima does not deliver, but that doesn't seem to keep people away. If it's that good, and you want authentic NY-style Italian food, chances are that you will make the trip to pick it up.
(5)
Michael G.
I was pleasantly surprised with the level of service this place has. I had read some reviews before coming and didn't really know what I would get, but I had Danielle as a waitress and she was fantastic. In fact everyone in the place seemed great. The pizza was pretty good too, unfortunately I was trying for a quick bite and really wanted to try a calzone, but didn't have enough time to wait for it to bake. I noticed another customer had called ahead for his which was a fantastic idea! I settled on a slice of white pizza and a slice of pepperoni. Both were good with lots of toppings and a crispy crust. Great service and good food puts this one into my lunch rotation for sure!
(4)
Lori F.
Stopped in on Friday night not knowing anything about the restaurant or their specialties. Tried to get some information from the old guy working the counter. After asking how much they charge per slice, he pointed at the to go menu and acted as if he didn't have time to help me. I was going to order a large Sicilian, garlic knots and a salad. Here's the lesson, money walks when you don't treat people right......and they tell other people. Lots of people. Learn some manners and customer service, it would probably make you a lot more money.
(1)
Michele S.
I love the owner Willie he makes me feel like I'm back up North, I think his abrasiveness is funny as hell especially when you see him being that way to someone who doesn't know northerners! If your not from the NY NJ metro area you really don't understand Willie is not being rude he is just working at a fast pace and doesn't have time for petty chit chat bull. But you won't find a better pizza in the area and his subs are great!
(5)
Chris L.
Two stars. The food has always been good, and I have NO issue with the portion size and quality... my issue is with Willie's attitude and indifference towards customer service. I have come across this a few times when I have been there, basically as far as he is concerned "I am the best, this place is the best, and I could care less about you, or what you think". There ARE other family owned pizza restaurants in the area, he is not the only one. Pizza mania has comparable food and pizza, without the attitude!
(2)
Gary H.
When Wille wants to go home or to a baseball game he puts a note on the front door saying "due to a previous commitment" we are closing early tonight. What "previous commitment" can be more important than your CUSTOMERS. The pizza is good, but one never knows when they are going to close "early." We use to go there every Saturday night. We would get there around 8:00pm..By the time we left, about 9:00 all of the chairs were up on the tables and they were ready to close. Yet the sign on the door says they are open until 10:00 on Saturday night. It is painfully obvious that Willie does not want to be there. He complains about his staff and his customers. We will never return and he told me that was OK with him. He does not need our business any way.
(1)
Chris W.
I wanted to like La Prima Pizza, I really did! The pizza is very good, especially the square slices (I can't recall what La Prima calls this type of pizza). The service did me in. The rude, horrible, people who work in this pizzeria quickly take the wonderful taste in your mouth to garbage. Good luck, La Prima. Perhaps you will learn that a portion of what one thinks of their dining experience is atmosphere. It just so happens that your service is so poor, I give you 1 star.
(1)
John K.
We were visiting my folks in Wesley Chapel, FL for the Thanksgiving holiday and tired of eating leftover turkey so we opted for some pizza. I'm not really familiar with the local area here, so I looked up some pizza restaurants and headed over to La Prima Pizza. We ordered a single pie with pepperoni and cheese. It's reminiscent of NY-style pizza, but it was much too greasy. Otherwise, it was OK. The other two reviewers ahead of me indicated the wait staff was rude, but I didn't experience that (maybe, because my order was takeout?). I'd probably get pizza here again in a pinch.
(3)
Natasha B.
OMG......I thought I wasn't going to find any true NY style Pizza in Tampa. This is the best place hands down. The owner can be a little grumpy when he is in a New York State of Mind. LOL!
(4)
Darlene G.
First, I am from NYC and def know what real pizza, NY style should taste like. This pizza is the closest to it in Wesley Chapel. The owner is a nice guy with a healthy ego and typical NY confidence n bravado. Yes some would say attitude but understand lots of non-NY'ers mistake our upfront, take no crap attitude for rudeness. He is no exception, he grew up in NY and is pretty upfront and yes can be abrasive. Don't expect to go in and get spoon fed, like NY they want to serve you in a timely manner, in and out for you to be satisfied and come back. However if you can't take that faster pace, n accent n upfront behavior then this is probably not for you. I am looking for good quality food. I was in mngmt at a NY pizzeria years ago and know the difference in quality of just the cheese can make or break a pizza....this place does use quality and cooks most themselves, a lot for this part of Florida. In Tampa Alfonso and Orazio is def NY pizza, two brothers from Brooklyn and now their sons are taking over....awesome food and peeps.
(4)
Rick B.
La Prima is a fantastic local shop for pizza and many other items on it's menu. My wife and I have been enjoying the fare there for over 10 years, and now our 2 daughters also love the place. I've read other reviews that the staff / ownership can be rude or abrasive, and yes there have been some wait staff over the was that were no good, Willie has always been a great host and always one to stop at our table and chit chat with us. We were gone to Boston for 2 years and the whole time we all missed Willies pizza !
(4)
Nadine F.
I have been here a few times for lunch because the food was reasonably priced and relatively decent. For the price it was a great alternative to other options in the area. BUT....They just recently raised prices and it's no longer worth it to come here. If I'm spending nice Italian restaurant money I expect nice Italian restaurant food and atmosphere. Or at the very least...huge portions. Do not order the cheese ravioli. The lunch portion was 9 dollars and includes a total of 3 ravioli. Picture attached.
(3)
Cynthia B.
New customer!!! Will be a forever customer. Been living in the area for almost 5 years and we were devoted to another local pizza place until we had a very bad experience. Desperately searching for the New York pizza we found la prima!! Love it wish I found you 5 years ago. Pizza is fantastic owner and staff are friendly and happy.
(5)
Sammy H.
The pizza is solid but there's a snotty little teenage looking prick behind the counter, I think it's the owners son, he probably has a small penis I think is why he's such a prick
(4)
Amy J.
Great place to refuel and grab a "slice" while shopping! Their pizza is excellent and they have a nice, friendly staff. Feels like your old neighborhood hang out!
(4)
Xiao C.
La Prima Pizza definitely has the best pizza in the New Tampa area. The cheese, the sauce, and the dough form a perfect combination of tastebud nirvana. O to deprive yourself of this wonderful slice of pie is unthinkable for me. While some reviewers have dropped their review because of their reaction to the owner's caustic attitude or the service staff. I for one have never had bad service there. Been going here since the month that it opened in the Target plaza, before the name change. Come and join us and have a slice!
(5)
Ben V.
Liz Here- i didn't really care for their pizza, not as good as everyone made it out to be- especially hate when pizzas with toppings arent' baked in with the cheese. Felt like the toppings were just tossed on at the end and were falling off the pizza. To be honest, I'd rather be eating Ellios pizza than la prima pizza. Also seemed like a bunch of employees were loitering-there were a ton of them, sitting around, doing nothing. anyway the point is-skip la prima, go to Pizza Mania, that's the closest to REAL pizza you can get in the new tampa/wesley chapel area
(2)
Bianca R.
Perfect hole in the wall mom and pop pizza joint. Things that were delicious: * PIZZA - great NY style pizza - go for the plain cheese - it's a revelation * Soups! I love their Pasta Fagiol * Chicken Parm - yummy and cheap Service is always mom-and-pop like. A little slow but full of smiles and hospitality.
(5)
Thuy H.
Came back because the baby was hungry and his favorite is pizza. The slice was very nice. Good and crispy crust. The workers must have read the reviews because they were super nice and very helpful.
(3)
Aaron W.
Best pizza in the area. Much better than the other pizza chains. Nice people too.
(5)
Jen G.
One of my favorite Ma and Pop type pizza shops in the area, located in a strip mall that includes Target and some other department stores, along with lots of little places that overturn quickly. Unlike the smaller places designed for carry-out, they actually have a fairly nice "dining room". You can order at the counter and carry out, or you can have a seat at one of their booths or tables and dine in. The service is good, and the owner can often be seen wandering around chatting with customers. The owner is a New Yorker, so he knows his pizza. The pizza isn't cheap, but if you split a pizza between a family of 4 (which is plenty) it comes out reasonable. There are always leftovers. Their salads and sides are good, too, but the garlic knots are my favorite indulgence. The calzones are huge and plentiful, and stuffed with your favorite ingredients. They also carry subs and mozzarella sticks, along with other italian foods. They do not deliver, which I would gladly use if they did! But, it's in a convenient location, the food is consistent, and it's a local small business, which I support. Doesn't hurt that it's delicious! ;)
(4)
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Address :1211 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Wesley Chapel, FL, 33544
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Joel H.
There is nothing worse than bad pizza and the Tampa area has some real stinkers. I didn't expect much the first time I went to La Prima Pizza (afterall it is located in a dinky corner spot in a Target strip mall). After some deliberation on what to eat J-Fur and I decided to go with La Prima Pizza's Sicilian. It is a gigantic square pie that has a really thick crust. The pizza was extremely doughy and soft (so be forewarned, if you don't like the soft dough don't get it). It has just the right blend of sauce and toppings. The garlic and basil we added provided just enough kick to keep our taste buds honest. The best part of the deal? Between the two of us we were only able to finish three slices. That meant that six more went home with us. It is by no means cheap, but it lasts (and lasts and lasts) making the extra money worthwhile. The owner is a New Yorker. He can be abrasive (I'm sure) but he has always been nice to J-Fur and I. I think it is because we always order the Sicilian and that is like his baby. Every time he brings it out personally and checks in a couple times to see if we are enjoying it. He has even sat with us once or twice. If you ever in Tampa with a craving for Sicilian style pizza make La Prima Pizza a destination. I'd love to vouch for their subs or thin crust slices and salads but I've never tried them. The Sicilian just holds too much clout.
(4)Elizabeth S.
I have been coming here since 2007. The pizza is the best around. Even when I moved out of tampa and came to visit always come back when I visit. The staff has always been nice. The owner (willy) has always been nice to us. Always goes around to greet his customers. If your looking for New York style pizza this is the closest to it.
(5)Melissa M.
We ordered the Sicilian and it was VERY good (expensive but delicious). I also got a Greek salad. It didn't stand l up to the pizza at all. Made with iceberg lettuce, it was overpriced for what you get. The drinks are also a bit pricey as well and refills are not offered. Service was fine. Nothing to write home about, but I didn't feel like anyone was being rude (prior reviews). We may have the pizza again if we are looking for something different, but will take out for sure.
(3)Helen L.
We took the slice to-go so I'm not sure about how the sit down service is but the counter service was good. The place was large and had a few full service tables. I was a little disheartened to see that I could not stay there to eat my slice before I left. However, I think that is the trend in this area (no tables). I wasn't disappointed with their pizza! I bought a regular slice and the crust was not too thick and cheese was just melted and oozed!
(4)Molly C.
We carried out so I'm not sure what the service is like but the pizza is the bomb!!! Yum yum yum! I hope they eventually get a location in Fort Myers!! It's truly hard to find good pizza in Florida!!
(5)Ryan J.
LOL good pizza my ass. If you think this pizza is NY quality you must be Puerto Rican like the owner. This crap is Boboli Pizza the dough is tasteless..meaning no semolina present. If you know good pizza, meaning you are not a native , you know this is crap. Willie how's your lip? Watch who you talk to like that next time.
(1)Angela K.
The owner (Willie Lopez) really knows his customers! Due to calorie counting, I haven't splurged on Italian food as much as usual, so it had been nearly a year since I was last here. Willie asked me right away if I would still be ordering my usual...Alfredo pasta. How did he remember that?? It's because he cares about his customers and the repeat business. I've also had their pizza & chicken parm. Both were excellent. La Prima does not deliver, but that doesn't seem to keep people away. If it's that good, and you want authentic NY-style Italian food, chances are that you will make the trip to pick it up.
(5)Michael G.
I was pleasantly surprised with the level of service this place has. I had read some reviews before coming and didn't really know what I would get, but I had Danielle as a waitress and she was fantastic. In fact everyone in the place seemed great. The pizza was pretty good too, unfortunately I was trying for a quick bite and really wanted to try a calzone, but didn't have enough time to wait for it to bake. I noticed another customer had called ahead for his which was a fantastic idea! I settled on a slice of white pizza and a slice of pepperoni. Both were good with lots of toppings and a crispy crust. Great service and good food puts this one into my lunch rotation for sure!
(4)Lori F.
Stopped in on Friday night not knowing anything about the restaurant or their specialties. Tried to get some information from the old guy working the counter. After asking how much they charge per slice, he pointed at the to go menu and acted as if he didn't have time to help me. I was going to order a large Sicilian, garlic knots and a salad. Here's the lesson, money walks when you don't treat people right......and they tell other people. Lots of people. Learn some manners and customer service, it would probably make you a lot more money.
(1)Michele S.
I love the owner Willie he makes me feel like I'm back up North, I think his abrasiveness is funny as hell especially when you see him being that way to someone who doesn't know northerners! If your not from the NY NJ metro area you really don't understand Willie is not being rude he is just working at a fast pace and doesn't have time for petty chit chat bull. But you won't find a better pizza in the area and his subs are great!
(5)Chris L.
Two stars. The food has always been good, and I have NO issue with the portion size and quality... my issue is with Willie's attitude and indifference towards customer service. I have come across this a few times when I have been there, basically as far as he is concerned "I am the best, this place is the best, and I could care less about you, or what you think". There ARE other family owned pizza restaurants in the area, he is not the only one. Pizza mania has comparable food and pizza, without the attitude!
(2)Gary H.
When Wille wants to go home or to a baseball game he puts a note on the front door saying "due to a previous commitment" we are closing early tonight. What "previous commitment" can be more important than your CUSTOMERS. The pizza is good, but one never knows when they are going to close "early." We use to go there every Saturday night. We would get there around 8:00pm..By the time we left, about 9:00 all of the chairs were up on the tables and they were ready to close. Yet the sign on the door says they are open until 10:00 on Saturday night. It is painfully obvious that Willie does not want to be there. He complains about his staff and his customers. We will never return and he told me that was OK with him. He does not need our business any way.
(1)Chris W.
I wanted to like La Prima Pizza, I really did! The pizza is very good, especially the square slices (I can't recall what La Prima calls this type of pizza). The service did me in. The rude, horrible, people who work in this pizzeria quickly take the wonderful taste in your mouth to garbage. Good luck, La Prima. Perhaps you will learn that a portion of what one thinks of their dining experience is atmosphere. It just so happens that your service is so poor, I give you 1 star.
(1)John K.
We were visiting my folks in Wesley Chapel, FL for the Thanksgiving holiday and tired of eating leftover turkey so we opted for some pizza. I'm not really familiar with the local area here, so I looked up some pizza restaurants and headed over to La Prima Pizza. We ordered a single pie with pepperoni and cheese. It's reminiscent of NY-style pizza, but it was much too greasy. Otherwise, it was OK. The other two reviewers ahead of me indicated the wait staff was rude, but I didn't experience that (maybe, because my order was takeout?). I'd probably get pizza here again in a pinch.
(3)Natasha B.
OMG......I thought I wasn't going to find any true NY style Pizza in Tampa. This is the best place hands down. The owner can be a little grumpy when he is in a New York State of Mind. LOL!
(4)Darlene G.
First, I am from NYC and def know what real pizza, NY style should taste like. This pizza is the closest to it in Wesley Chapel. The owner is a nice guy with a healthy ego and typical NY confidence n bravado. Yes some would say attitude but understand lots of non-NY'ers mistake our upfront, take no crap attitude for rudeness. He is no exception, he grew up in NY and is pretty upfront and yes can be abrasive. Don't expect to go in and get spoon fed, like NY they want to serve you in a timely manner, in and out for you to be satisfied and come back. However if you can't take that faster pace, n accent n upfront behavior then this is probably not for you. I am looking for good quality food. I was in mngmt at a NY pizzeria years ago and know the difference in quality of just the cheese can make or break a pizza....this place does use quality and cooks most themselves, a lot for this part of Florida. In Tampa Alfonso and Orazio is def NY pizza, two brothers from Brooklyn and now their sons are taking over....awesome food and peeps.
(4)Rick B.
La Prima is a fantastic local shop for pizza and many other items on it's menu. My wife and I have been enjoying the fare there for over 10 years, and now our 2 daughters also love the place. I've read other reviews that the staff / ownership can be rude or abrasive, and yes there have been some wait staff over the was that were no good, Willie has always been a great host and always one to stop at our table and chit chat with us. We were gone to Boston for 2 years and the whole time we all missed Willies pizza !
(4)Nadine F.
I have been here a few times for lunch because the food was reasonably priced and relatively decent. For the price it was a great alternative to other options in the area. BUT....They just recently raised prices and it's no longer worth it to come here. If I'm spending nice Italian restaurant money I expect nice Italian restaurant food and atmosphere. Or at the very least...huge portions. Do not order the cheese ravioli. The lunch portion was 9 dollars and includes a total of 3 ravioli. Picture attached.
(3)Cynthia B.
New customer!!! Will be a forever customer. Been living in the area for almost 5 years and we were devoted to another local pizza place until we had a very bad experience. Desperately searching for the New York pizza we found la prima!! Love it wish I found you 5 years ago. Pizza is fantastic owner and staff are friendly and happy.
(5)Sammy H.
The pizza is solid but there's a snotty little teenage looking prick behind the counter, I think it's the owners son, he probably has a small penis I think is why he's such a prick
(4)Amy J.
Great place to refuel and grab a "slice" while shopping! Their pizza is excellent and they have a nice, friendly staff. Feels like your old neighborhood hang out!
(4)Xiao C.
La Prima Pizza definitely has the best pizza in the New Tampa area. The cheese, the sauce, and the dough form a perfect combination of tastebud nirvana. O to deprive yourself of this wonderful slice of pie is unthinkable for me. While some reviewers have dropped their review because of their reaction to the owner's caustic attitude or the service staff. I for one have never had bad service there. Been going here since the month that it opened in the Target plaza, before the name change. Come and join us and have a slice!
(5)Ben V.
Liz Here- i didn't really care for their pizza, not as good as everyone made it out to be- especially hate when pizzas with toppings arent' baked in with the cheese. Felt like the toppings were just tossed on at the end and were falling off the pizza. To be honest, I'd rather be eating Ellios pizza than la prima pizza. Also seemed like a bunch of employees were loitering-there were a ton of them, sitting around, doing nothing. anyway the point is-skip la prima, go to Pizza Mania, that's the closest to REAL pizza you can get in the new tampa/wesley chapel area
(2)Bianca R.
Perfect hole in the wall mom and pop pizza joint. Things that were delicious: * PIZZA - great NY style pizza - go for the plain cheese - it's a revelation * Soups! I love their Pasta Fagiol * Chicken Parm - yummy and cheap Service is always mom-and-pop like. A little slow but full of smiles and hospitality.
(5)Thuy H.
Came back because the baby was hungry and his favorite is pizza. The slice was very nice. Good and crispy crust. The workers must have read the reviews because they were super nice and very helpful.
(3)Aaron W.
Best pizza in the area. Much better than the other pizza chains. Nice people too.
(5)Jen G.
One of my favorite Ma and Pop type pizza shops in the area, located in a strip mall that includes Target and some other department stores, along with lots of little places that overturn quickly. Unlike the smaller places designed for carry-out, they actually have a fairly nice "dining room". You can order at the counter and carry out, or you can have a seat at one of their booths or tables and dine in. The service is good, and the owner can often be seen wandering around chatting with customers. The owner is a New Yorker, so he knows his pizza. The pizza isn't cheap, but if you split a pizza between a family of 4 (which is plenty) it comes out reasonable. There are always leftovers. Their salads and sides are good, too, but the garlic knots are my favorite indulgence. The calzones are huge and plentiful, and stuffed with your favorite ingredients. They also carry subs and mozzarella sticks, along with other italian foods. They do not deliver, which I would gladly use if they did! But, it's in a convenient location, the food is consistent, and it's a local small business, which I support. Doesn't hurt that it's delicious! ;)
(4)