Yeah I said it indirectly: PizzeRizzo is terrible. It’s not great. If I had kids and fed them this, I’d be afraid of being charged with child neglect. Some argue this place is great if your child is hangry and you just need to feed them something. But honestly, anything else you feed your child would be better than this. Spoiler alert: there were two decent menu items here. First, though, we need to wade through the bad to get to the good. As I was taught: eat the yucky stuff first so you can enjoy the good stuff last.
Before we get started on this regrettable review, I should go over some restaurant and location details in case you’re dying to try this place. (I’m slightly concerned if you are).
PizzeRizzo is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in the Grand Avenue area of the park, between Commissary Lane and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Also in this area is the wonderful show, Muppets 3-D. In keeping with the theme of the area, PizzeRizzo is Muppets-themed, focusing primarily on the rats from the show and movies, with Rizzo being the owner of PizzeRizzo.
Okay, I’ve procrastinated long time. Time to discuss the food. I apologize in advance.
Offender #1: The Pizza
That’s what you get! This is the standard pepperoni pizza on the menu at PizzeRizzo. Feeds one, but really, are you going to really be fed after this? Mostly dough, some sauce, some toppings. Want some marinara to dip your crust? Too bad, paisano, it’s not available. But wait, I haven’t told you the really offensive part: this pizza is $11.29!
Offender #2: The Side Caesar Salad
Here’s your salad. Yes, it’s that small. Yes, it’s served in a small plastic drink cup. No, I’m not embellishing or making it look bad on purpose. It is, indeed, this small and this sad-looking. I think the dressing was at the bottom. You’ll get to it eventually when you’re nearly finished. The only thing that’s not sad is the price: $3.79. You don’t pay that much, and therefore you don’t get that much. Perspective, baby!
Offender #3: The Macaroni and Cheese
I’m sorry this picture is out of focus. I’m also sorry that this is your standard store-brand macaroni and cheese. On a positive note, we are heading towards the better menu items. If your child (or you) loves any and all macaroni and cheese, then this will be an okay item to get. Sadly, this is no longer offered as a side item, but instead as a main dish on the kid’s menu ($6.99). If you’re not picky and just want something, get the macaroni and cheese. You’ll still be a bit disappointed, but it’s better than nothing, right?
Tolerable Selection: The Meatball Sub
You may think to yourself: “that looks like a lot of bread” and you would be correct, it is a lot of bread. However, the best part of this meatball sub is hidden under the melted provolone cheese.
You guessed it! It’s the meatballs.
They’re huge! They’re also out of focus. I was using an older phone camera that isn’t as good up close, so I’m making due with it. What the meatballs lack in seasoning and flavor, they make up for in size. Will you be pleasantly surprised by how good this meatball sub is? No. Will you be stuffed to the gills because of how much meat and bread there is? Yes! Choose wisely.
Here’s the hoagie roll itself, so you can see how much bread there actually is. This deliciously decent meatball sub can be yours for the low, low price of $10.49.
Almost Decent Selection: The Cannoli
Attractively priced at only $5.29, this cannoli shows promise. It looks delicious and inviting, and for a brief moment you may think the worst is over. However, it’s not. The chocolate is tasty and chocolatey. The cream cheese is creamy and cheesy. Unfortunately, this cannoli is only 2/3rd full! Both ends have a satisfying dollop of filling, but the middle is empty! I couldn’t believe it myself, and I wish I had a picture to show you. How can a dessert be both delicious and disappointing at the same time?! This is how.
The Wrap-Up
By this point of the article, I’m sure you understand why I describe PizzeRizzo as ‘terrifically mediocre’ and ‘very good if you like cafeteria pizza’. As terrible as this place is, people flock to it! It has a line of people waiting when it opens. This restaurant has two floors of seating, with an elevator, an outdoor patio, and an outside deck.
The overall appearance, while feeling like a cafeteria, has a fantastic array of Muppet décor with lots of hidden details if you take the time to look. It’s also worth your time to look around the outside along the sides and makeshift alleyway between PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose. The food may be terrible, but the theme is great if you love Muppets.
But you don’t have to take my word for it. Go ahead and give PizzeRizzo a try! You might like it, or you might hate it as much as I do.
Only one way to find out!
Disney Rover 