Welcome to Il Padrino Caffe

Dropped in here with a group after work drinks on Friday night. No reservation, we had to wait for about 10 minutes and then we were gratefully squeezed in to a back table.

We only got the pizzas (since that is what they are so famous for) and they were delicious.

We went for the Quattro Stagioni, Capricciosa, Calzone, Vegetarian and one other so we tried quite a few. They really hit the spot after a few drinks but this won't take over as my favorite Pizza place in Perth, although that said I will go back another time to try some other things on the menu.

Décor was fairly messy and the waitstaff were a bit scattered, but overall a jovial experience.

Great food. Absolutely loved the vegetarian focaccia we shared as an entree - it was fabulously tasty - an unusual find in Perth. Both pizza and service were great - especially considering that we were the last table to arrive on a Friday night when I am sure they were keen to close.

It was Thursday night and two of us were off to see the Perth Glory game. We got to the ground early and decided we better get something decent to eat, so we headed to this hidden gem.

$10 for a good-sized Margherita (take away) is terrific value. We just walked in, asked for a takeaway and it was ready in ten minutes. The lady who took our order has been at Il Padrino's for many years and, whilst she may at first come across as gruff and unfriendly, she is really very nice and greets us whenever we come in (we used to come here often several years ago).

The walls are covered in pictures of pizza chef Nunzio Nici (who has cooked for the Pope), of other members of his family and local celebrities who have visited his cafe. This creates a rather unusual atmosphere, but one that is unique in Perth and perhaps in the more traditional style of Italian cafes.

In regards to the food, I would recommend the pizzas. They are magnificent and if they're good enough for the Pope then they're good enough for me! The menu may have pasta and other dishes but I would come here just for the pizza.

The tables are a little tacky, the room may be cramped and don't get me started on the music! But all in all this is a wonderful place that I urge everyone to try. I was unconvinced before my first visit but I have been back many times since and it is still, perhaps, my favourite pizzeria.

I've been to Il Padrino's (aka "Pope Pizza", as the man has made pizza for the pope) a few times - always on a Tuesday night for their half price pizzas.

Not surprisingly, the pizzas are all I've had. They're great - all authentic woodfire oven with nice toppings... Some simple pizzas, some with lots of ingredients - all of them very nice.

The prices are a bit steep if you're paying full price (~20 each), but the man is a world renowned pizza chef, so it's to be expected. He also looks like Mario, of Nintendo fame.

The cafe itself is a little small, bordering on cramped, but the walls are adorned with lots of interesting things to look at.

Service isn't great - I'm not sure if they're annoyed because we only come in for half price pizzas and stick to water for drinks, or if it's just the naturally brusque manner you get in many European restaurants. It's not terrible or anything... just don't expect a whole lot of pleasantries.

Anyhow, if you're in Northbridge (particularly on a Tuesday night) and want good pizza, give Il Padrino's a look.