When you give 5 stars to a business, it really means something. You can't just throw around 5 stars--it has to mean that this place you are rating really is the jam. 8 1/2, you ARE the jam. We order almost every Saturday night, and we are never, ever disappointed. EVER. It's always a red pizza with capers and onions, roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella, broccoletti, sometimes we'll throw in the Tuscan tomato soup or the vegetable lasagna. We've also tried other menu items, and they are well endowed. If you eat meat, get the turkey hero. I've ordered the white sauce pizza once, however, and wasn't so interested in it. *While writing this review, my boyfriend went on a rant on how he can eat 8 1/2's broccoletti all day, every day because "it's so good." Damn it, it really is. read more

I realize it's a pizza place, but I actually like the other dishes I had from here even more! Loved the meat lasagna - tons of flavorful, chunky tomato sauce; oozing, creamy, melted cheese; and a generous amount of meat! I could eat the sauce alone - it was that tasty. Got a side of broccoletti - more refined than traditional broccoli. Appreciated the detail with this one as the label included all the ingredients (olive oil, garlic, red pepper flake) and it came with a slice of fresh lemon to squeeze on top for a well-balanced dish. Pizza wasn't my fav - a bit oily/greasy and the crust wasn't has crispy and firm as I prefer. Hubby chose the toppings based off of another Yelper's pic: sausage, red onion, poblano peppers and red sauce. read more

Best take out in RVA. I know it's the same owners of Mama Zu and Edos but this actually tastes better to me. Get the pizza (you can actually taste the wine in it) or any of the pasta dishes. You can't eat there and it's super tight but it's on a nice street and it's all part of the experience. read more

I thought I had tried all the best pizza spots in Richmond, until I had 8 1/2. This is, HANDS DOWN, the best pizza in Richmond. It has become a weekly tradition! read more

Sometime ago If you were to tell me that there was a place in Richmond that served pizza and traditional Italian food that is comparable, if not better, than NY pizza and traditional Italian food I would have just called you a liar, that was only until I had 8 1/2. Only a few blocks from my girls house I had to give it a go. My initial impression was very good based on the store's format: a small shop that sells san marzano canned tomatoes, De Cecco pastas, and San Pelligrino Aranciatas and Limonatas. What's so special about that you ask? Well my Sicilian grandmother used san marzano tomatoes to make the sauce every sunday and De Cecco for the pasta, and the Pelligrinos are just inherently good. The red pizza is as good as some of the upper-tier NY spots (Artichoke, Grimaldis), the white pizza isn't as good but is worth a try, the calzone is massive and stuffed with fresh mozzarella, ricotta and prosciutto, and the tomato and basil soup served with fresh bread is perfect for a winter evening. Bottom line is their food, and store, tastes and feels like grandma's sunday meals and to me that is a very very good thing. read more

Really good pizza. The sauce is the star: lots of fresh garlic and basil, and (I think) cayenne pepper. Not heavy on the cheese; they let the sauce shine. Great crust, too. My only complaint is that it's only one size, medium - a 6 slicer. Just enough to make you mad and want more, but at $15 it's hard to justify buying two. But really, really good pizza! read more

If you don't call in your order ahead, expect a wait of at least 35 minutes, and prepare for some snippy service. Other than these two things, 8 1/2 pizza is the best pizza you'll find in Richmond! Both their white and red pizzas are delicious, and I personally enjoy their breakfast pizza with white sauce, freshly cracked eggs, bacon, and sausage on top. It sounds strange to put all those things on a pizza, but they make it work for sure. The white sauce is just amazing, as well as their crust! My fave pizza joint in town! The fact that they have Illy coffee is a plus too! read more

8 1/2 - Breakfast pizza with sausage - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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(Based on a quick stop-in for a drink) Passing by while strolling in the fan, I came across 8 1/2. I had heard from fellow fan friends that they had good pizza, but since I had just eaten, I figured I would save that for a later date. But, I still wanted to check it out. Stopped in and found they had my favorite italian sodas by the bulk so i had to get one (even some flavors my favorite grocery stores do not carry). Luckily, I was in there while they were making a delicious pizza and boy did that smell good. The boyfriend snagged a small and said he would def be back( I cannot partake since they do not offer gluten free options) but the boyfriend said it was one of the best slices in Richmond. So, I guess that counts for something! To the owners/chef at 8 1/2, please make gluten free menu options so I can have a bite! read more

So I admit it: I've been meaning to write a review for this place for some time, but kept not doing it. Since I slacked on getting around to it, there's no reason I shouldn't slack on the review itself. Whatever you get here will be good at the very least. You will not have bad food from here. My favorites are the sausage and pepper hero, penne with eggplant sauce, chicken with garlic and rosemary, red pizza, and (particularly) white pizza. read more

I just don't get it..... Pretty much the cheapest tasting pizza I've ever had. In my opinion it's over cooked as well. Crust is thin, crispy and flavorless with no chew or tenderness to it at all. The sauce is actually quite tasty, and I don't mind the sprinkle of herbs and peppers on the crust. Oh, but the cheese...the poor cheese. Burnt to dark brown and bubbly. It would seem this wasn't an accident, but standard procedure here. There is nothing inherently wrong with how they make their pizza I guess, it's just not for me. It is slow, but we were warned. Quoted 45min and I think it took 50-55. I just don't understand the hype. It's pretty mediocre at best, and I certainly won't go back for pizza. If this was $7, 3am, drunk food it miiiight be acceptable. Just a little over priced for what you get. I'm curious about the heroes though. read more

I ordered both the vegan pizza and eggplAnt Parmesan to-go and both dishes were the saltiest meals I've ever eaten in my entire life. I couldn't even finish my pizza it was SO salty. So gross. Will not be returning. Made me feel terrible. read more

When I first heard the words Breakfast pizza spoken from my girlfriend I thought you're crazy you're insane someone should burn this woman at the stake like the witch that she is but then I tried 8 1/2's breakfast pizza and all I have to say one word five stars read more

8 1/2 continues to impress. I've never witnessed a time when the place wasn't busy! I think this says a lot about the popularity of 8 1/2. Everytime I need a default place to eat, 8 1/2 always comes to mind first bc i know it will hit the spot. I've branched out more and tried the eggplant parm, which is amazing! Keep in mind that your order consists of eggplant parm with no pasta on the side. But I like it this way, more eggplant parm for me! The breakfast pizza is worth a shot if you are eating during a brunch hour. I can't say enough about the red sauce. The spicy side of the sauce really won me over and screams out to me EAT ME! So delicious. read more

I know, I know - pizza pizza pizza. No pizza on my first try. They were out of side salads. We waited 30 minutes for half of a 4 inch rock hard loofah covered in olive oil and herbs, a from-the-fridge container of cold broccoletti/ini/whatever, and an eggplant parm that tasted like the eggplant was partially fried earlier in the week, everything assembled and warmed up - a little. The cheese and sauce was tasty and the service was fast and courteous. I have no beefs with grungy hole in the wall places that serve excellent food, so this didn't cut it. read more

I go crazy when it comes to 8 1/2. I just tried the MEAT LASAGNA and it was the best lasagna i have ever had. The sauce was really fresh since they put A LOT of fresh tomatoes in it. I really love this place. It is my favorite Italian place here in Richmond. This is a take-out place so make sure you call-in before you go. They have a couple of tables set up in their restaurant but is not comfortable to stay in since it is an open kitchen restaurant and it can get pretty hot inside. My husband ordered sausage and mushroom pizza with the red sauce. It was not the best pizza ever but it was very good!! i still think Mary Angela's is the best in town when it comes to pizza. When you order at 8 1/2 make sure you get the meat lasagna! THE BEST!! read more

The pizza crust is amazing. Its thin and crispy. The choices of toppings seems like it helps maintain quality and taste of the pizza. The sauce seemed a little spicey but was good for me. 1 pizza is good enough to share but keep in mind this place only has 2 tables and can only seat 4 people at any given time. The prices are very reasonable. One thing that concerns me is that I can't imagine myself ordering a few pizzas here and then traveling back to the suburbs. I would be too worried that the food wouldn't taste as good as eating it fresh from the oven. read more

My husband lived in Italy for five years and highly recommends the spaghetti carbonara. I love it so much I once ordered it and brought it to friends in Harrisonburg. read more

Hands down- Best pizza in town! Accept no impostors. Takeout only, no delivery. The broccoletti is amazing, delicious pasta, and their tiramisu is perfect. 8 1/2, edo's and mama zu's are all great, even though they have a reputation for being surly (which i have experienced in edo's and mama zu's) But my experiences with 8 1/2 have always been good. They even tell you the correct wait time so you can hit fan video or strawberry st market for sweets and still get hot pizza. Once, they made fun of my date (a blind date) who was acting like a fool complaining loudly about the price/heat in there- which was comical and well deserved. But once when they were out of tiramisu for the day, they went out of their way to get my mom a piece from the next day's batch- so that was sweet. Tip them well- it's hot, hard work in there. read more

Good pizza with meh service. I ordered a red pizza with arugula. It was good, but I wish I had gotten some spice on it because their sauce is bland. Parking is tough. It's street parking and you most likely won't find a spot. If you are within walking distance, just do it. I don't think friendly service is their thing and that's fine, but listening to a customer when they say their name for a pick up would be just basic respect and dope. read more

8 1/2 - Red with arugula! So fresh!! - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I would eat the pizza off the floor if it fell. It is that good! Call ahead or plan to wait a bit. read more

Favorite pizza in Richmond! Sometimes I wished the pizza was bigger because it was so good and sharing it with 2 people only gives you a few slices! read more

Since moving to Richmond, I was not convinced by the pizza seen, then I was introduced to 8 1/2. Now I know I won't be convinced by anywhere else because yes I have turned into one of those cult followers. Forget wooing me with flowers or chocolates. Bring me a white pizza with artichokes and you will make me one happy girl read more

8 1/2 - White pizza with artichokes. May seem weird, but totally delicious! - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I'm in love!!! The sausage and broccoletti pasta is insane!!! The flavor of the pepperoni pizza was sooo good but what's up with the huge slice of pepperoni. 1 massive piece of pepperoni per pizza slice. This pizza would be top notch with hand cut quality pepperoni - you know that kind that cooks up into delicious little grease bowls. The also carry San Pellegrino aranciata!! I wish I lived close and I wish it wasn't just take out! read more

Honestly, I was personally offended by my pizza. I got the white pizza - it was doused with red pepper. I just don't get why so many people ruin the pleasure of eating by masking all the flavors with numbing fire potions. Other than that the location has the nicest lighting, the staff is nice, and the pizza looks great. However, I have no idea what it actually tastes like because of the amount of spice involved - disappointing . read more

We ordered the red sauce pizza with pepperoni and mushroom. Pepperoni had a kick to it, and the crust was nice and crispy. As for service, we waited 25 minutes after placing our order over the phone only to realize they had no record of our order when we got there. We waited another 10-15 minutes but this was no big deal since a) we live right around the corner and checked out the beers in the Strawberry St store next door, and b) they gave us our pizza for free for the inconvenience. This was absolutely unnecessary, but greatly appreciated. Will def be a regular here. read more

I always love 8 1/2. Tasty, unique pizza with a zesty sauce and chewy crust. Eggplant parmesan layered with sauce, eggplant and stringy fresh mozzarella. Those are my favorites, but I've never had a bad bite to eat there. Another hole in the wall that delivers more than satisfying eats. read more

My favorite go-to gourmet carryout. Seriously delicious food. There is no delivery, but you can call it in. They say there Average pick-up time is between 30-45 minutes. I highly recommend either of the pizza's. White is garlicky and cheesy. Red is spicy and flavorful. I ALWAYS order the sausage, ricotta and broccoletti penne pasta. SO GOOD. And I always have enough for a 2nd meal. I have never been disappointed. read more

BLUF While I can appreciate the artistry behind their pizza, I want a pizza to be a pizza. Hate me if you want but and please don't boo me but I'll take the Mary Angela's, New York, greasy spoon, dive pizza over the artsy one presented by 8 1/2. 3.5 stars for the rich taste, presentation, timeliness and (gasp) helpful service. Background I've only tried their Margarita type pizza, red sauce with mozzarella cheese and thinly sliced basil (almost ribbon like) lying delicately across the top. I almost didn't want to eat it. It was a pretty pizza but like I said, I wanted PIZZA and when I think "pizza", I think NYC. I wanted hand tossed with slightly crispy crust; the kind you fold over and get your hands and quite possibly your elbows messy from all the grease. The 8 1/2 pizza was well, delicate (I hate using the same descriptive but it is so appropriate here), and buttery. I'm not used to a buttery crusted pizza and it was sort of unholy in that manner. I would describe it as a pizza the French would make, light and buttery with a rich garlicky sauce. If I were looking for a pizza with this description, 8 1/2 would be the spot. It's a solid pie and certainly NOT bad but it's not New York. Final comments. I admit the folks at 8 1/2 can be quite gruff but they were kind and allowed my 5 year old to use their employees only bathroom. It didn't seem like they wanted to be thanked however, once we were done and ready to pick up our pizza (which was done at the time they said). Go figure. We'll have to try the white pizza, which appears to be their specialty. read more

Whoa my god! I've been meaning to try 8 1/2 for probably a year now. And I've just been in the mood for a sandwich. So I placed an order for the arugula & mozzarella sandwich, with prosciutto. The order was ready when I said I would be there and they were busy. I brought my sandwich home, immediately when I opened it my mouth was watering. It comes mildly drenched in olive oil, which is perfect! I'm a hot sandwich kinda gal, so I wrapped it back up, threw it in the oven and heated it up. To die for! I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I like hot sandwiches better. Can't wait to try the pizza. read more

I really like 8 1/2. Call in your order about 30 - 40 minutes before you intend to get there and you're sure to have something pretty darn good. If I don't call it in, I'll get the mozzarella/arugula hero and run over to Strawberry St Market to pick up a bottle of wine and a bag of chips while they're making it. And perhaps some Ben and Jerry's. When I do phone my order in my FAVORITE is the eggplant parmesean. It's just the eggplant, covered in delicious tomato sauce and cheese. So if you want anything else more, you're going to have to order it. My fiance likes the meatball subs, I've tasted it before and I have to say - amazing. The sauce is almost a little spicy - but so delicious. They may or may not have San Pellegrino Orange (HINT: THEY DO!) And it is delicious. A little pricy? Definitely. Very good? Absolutely. Check them out. read more

Definitely a mediocre pizza! I don't want to be mean, but to be honest, this pizza tasted like someone was trying to invent pizza from photos & descriptions and had never had a really good slice before. - The sauce was too saucy. - The dough was crisp and brittle; it should be chewy on the inside with a good crunch on the exterior, like a good loaf of bread. This was more like a flatbread. - It cooks too long; the ovens are too cold, I suspect, because the pizza comes out tasting over-cooked & burnt. I love a thin blackened/charred crust, but this isn't it, because I suspect they aren't making a good pizza dough. - There is an off flavor in the sauce/cheese. I can't put my finger on it. read more

Best pizza in Richmond, in my opinion. I love the red sauce pizza with pepperoni, onions, capers. Delicious. It can take a while so call and order up to 1 hour before you want to pick it up. And if its Super Bowl Sunday...get your order in even earlier. The meat or veggie lasagnas are also great. Look out for the daily specials. The short ribs are amazing. For lunch, try the prosciutto, mozzerella and arugula sandwich on french breach. Amazing! read more

This is the best traditional new york thin pizza I've had in Richmond. Simple. Great. A little pricey for a 12". Not something you buy a bunch of for a football game. If you're feeling curious you should try the white anchovies. read more

INCREDIBLE pizza. I've lived in a Richmond six months, but I just recently went to 8.5 for the first time and I'm in love. I love the simplicity of sizes being just one size. I also love the quick service. Quick pizza that's tasty. I mean, really, does it get much better? Let me know. I'll be back!!! read more

Love the lasagna! Great tiramisu as well. Always a great choice for Italian. I recommend this place!

Great food, but they've gotten really stingy on garlic bread. Is that intentional? Either way, one tiny soap-bar of garlic bread doesn't garner any positive feeling. It's almost worse to give a tiny piece of bread than to give no bread. I love all the restaurants in this family of restaurants though. The food is so flavorful and not fussy. *to be fair, i asked for more bread when i saw how much i received. they gave me one more piece of the same dimensions and looked at me funny. it was awkward for everyone, but i wasn't going to just leave without another piece of bread after spending $15 + tip on my credit card for a modest meal. read more

8 1/2 - Eggplant penne for $10, a salad for $3.50, and the tiniest piece of garlic bread they have ever given me. - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I want to like this place *so bad* particularly now that they've opened their Churchill location and its in close proximity to my house. I have tried it on three occasions and ordered different things each time. I find that it closely resembles cheap frozen pizza one would purchase at a gas station except saltier. I don't find the stack of pizza boxes in what would otherwise be a seating area charming either. The staff isn't super friendly, although to be fair, maybe they know I'm a hater. Not worth the carb calories. read more

Love. My go-to in RVA for pizza... always. Call ahead, and don't give any gruff---these dudes work their asses off in a hot kitchen for hours filling orders for hungry Fannies. Add the roasted green peppers to any pizza for immediate portal to heaven. Also love the mozz/prosc/roasted red sammie. Best deli-style sandwich this far south of the Mason Dixon. read more

The staff was super friendly on phone and even suggested leaving off garlic for kids pizza. They were also nice when we picked up. Bad part was that the pizza was burnt and didn't really have any flavor. Fear it's just another one of those hipster joints that is trendy but not really good. Sort of like PBR. Will give it one more try someday just to see if we were wrong. read more

I love 8 1/2 and almost everything I've tried is garlicky goodness. I usually get the red pizza with mushrooms and pepperoni and it's to die for. I don't know what they put in their marinara but it's addictive. Also their pasta carbonara is great. The one thing I didn't enjoy from 8 1/2 was the white pizza. I usually love all things white sauce, but this tasted burnt, and was hard. I'm pretty sure it was intentional but I'm not positive. It had cheese bubbles that were tough and made the pizza burnt tasting and hard to eat. I was looking for a creamy or buttery garlicky tasting white pizza but was pretty unsatisfied. They also aren't the fastest at making pizza so definitely give them a good 40 minutes to get your pizza ready. Those are just a couple things that I am aware of now.. and 8 1/2 will continue to have my business! read more