I went to 8 1/2 several years ago and hadn't been back since. My boyfriend and I were in the area and decided to drop by for lunch. We went right when they opened, so it was not very crowded. Their menu is short, so it did not take us very long to choose. We decided on a red pizza topped with onions and sausage, as well as a calzone. Our order ended up taking about twenty-fives to prepare, so it is definitely not the best place if you are in a big hurry. There is also not much seating inside either, so don't plan on eating lunch there. The quality of the pizza was phenomenal and definitely better than I remembered. The pizza crust was thin and crunchy, which was complimented by a flavorful red sauce on top. The sausage was very good as well, but the red onions were a bit on the raw side. The calzone was pretty good, but not as good as the pizza. It was stuffed with ricotta cheese, which didn't have too much flavor. There was also supposed to be ham in there, but there was so little that we thought they had forgetten to add it until we discovered a few small pieces in the center. Bottom line: 8 1/2 is a great spot for thin-crust pizza, but I would recommend getting it to go. read more

8 1/2 - Calzone - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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THE BEST MARGHERITA PIZZA IN RICHMOND!! 8 1/2 has the best pasta and pizza ever. I've gotten the pasta with butter and Parmesan since I was 7 and Ive never not gotten it when I've gone here or to Edo's because it's so good. The pizza has the most amazing crust and sauce. Would highly recommend!! I love eating my food in scuffle town park right around the corner, especially during COVID. The store only allows one customer in at a time, so they are being very safe! read more

8 1/2 - Already ate some of this margherita pizza - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

We love love love this place! The sauce is so incredibly fresh and the cheese just melts in your mouth. The crust is so buttery and crispy and flaky, yet perfectly doughy in the middle. We give it a solid 9/10! read more

8 1/2 - We'd show you the picture of our pepperoni pizza, but we enjoyed it way too much to stop and take a photo of it. - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

3.5 stars One of my grad school cohort members told me I had to try the vegan pizza at 8 1/2. Some say a pizza with a white bean base is not a pizza, but I say anything on a crust counts. I finally tried it after visiting Idle Hands on Strawberry Street, and it was decent but I don't know if I'd call it a "must try" like my friend. While the restaurant menu describes it as "cannelllini, beans, and broccoletti," it fails to menu another one of its main ingredients, garlic. Yes, the pizza has a very strong garlicky taste, which I do not mind because I love garlic, but some might. Another reason one might not like this pizza is because of its dryness. I was expecting more of a hummus-like paste to replace the marinara, but that was not the case. This is why I liked instead of loved the pizza. read more

Been here twice they don't miss. Got the Meatball Sub and it was prefect. Then got the Italian Hero and probably one of the best Italian subs I've had in a while. The potatoes that come with it are amazing. Great little small place will be back. read more

Hands down the best pizza I've had in Richmond. Each pie is prepared to order w qual sauce, cheese, etc. worth a trip!

Typically my husband and I would take the kids out for dinner on Friday and Saturday night as it's something we like to do on the weekends. When I'm not on maternity leave I work from home so come the weekend I like to go out to eat dinner. Anyway since I decided to check out Taziki's today on my own with my baby boy... I thought maybe we could order take out somewhere. My husband suggested 8 1/2 which we haven't had in awhile and my first thought when I heard his suggestion was MEAT LASAGNA!!!! 8 1/2 owners also own Mamma Zu's, Edo's Squid and Dinamo. If you love Mamma Zu's lasagna as much as we do you will love 8 1/2's lasagna because it is the exact same thing. Hands down this Meat Lasagna is the best lasagna I have ever had. They don't use ricotta like most restaurants do... instead they make a bechamel sauce... all I have to say is amazing. If you don't normally get lasagna because you dislike the excessive creaminess that ricotta usually causes then you must try this as I promise you, you will not be disappointed. I've suggested friends visiting from out of town to order this Meat Lasagna and not every time they visit they crave the Lasagna. It could really be a real addiction... a lasagna addiction. You will probably refuse to eat any other lasagna once you try this. Though if you don't like peas... yes peas this is not for you... sounds odd that lasagna has peas but it really works! Anyway, we ordered one Lasagna to go (this is huge... you will have leftovers if you eat like a normal person haha, my husband figured we could split it) and a White Pizza (this is the same white pizza you can order at Mamma Zu's as well... tidbit... Mamma Zu's makes pizzas for its customers but it's not on the dinner menu. The white pizza is thin, Crispy and has a hint of spiciness. This is not your typical white pizza with ricotta... all I have to say is you just need to try it you will fall in love with it. Originally I was going to mark 4 stars because it is takeout but as I am writing this I am reliving my delicious dinner and I have to give it 5 stars... it's that good. Don't hesitate... try 8 1/2 out and order the Meat Lasagna and the White Pizza you will thank me... takeout meals will be forever changed for the better:) read more

8 1/2 - White pizza - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Always great. Food is amazing, staff is friendly and helpful. Will always have 8 1/2 on my short list if I'm venturing to the Fan for takeout. read more

The sauce they use is very garlicy, and spicy. I know I have a ridiculously sensitive pallet when it comes to spice, but I got a cheese pizza and it was too spicy to finish for me. read more

This was an excellent pizza experience. High quality all around. Great service. A bit pricey but it's worth it. You can tell it's well sourced ingredients. Hence the price point. I would come back here again in a heartbeat. read more

Our favorite pizza in Richmond! Love the crisp thin crust and the spicy red sauce. Add the arugula salad and a bottle of red wine and you have the perfect date night. The eggplant park is also outstanding. read more

We made a little swerve off 95 to make it here and really happy we did. 8 1/2 is a great walk-in with a few tables for dine in and a effortless cool vibe. While I was there I saw call aheads come in with boxes of beer and pick up their stack of take out pies. Each time I nodded my head in agreement. That seemed to be the way to go and what the steady stream of locals hold down. We ordered three pies. A Red, a Red with mushrooms and a White. First off the crust is super crispy and unique. I loved it. It held up the toppings defiantly (for hours!). The Red, a great balance of sauce and cheese. The sauce makes it for sure. Not sweet and enough garlic to make it pop. The Red with mushrooms turned out to be the favorite, just adding one more item changed the Red completely. The White with fontina (one of my favorite pizza cheeses) and a seasoned crust complete with crispy cheese bubbles made this pie taste so much better you would think. Simplicity is key here and it works. I really hope to make it back to Richmond and to 8 1/2 with a box of beer. read more

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8 1/2 is hands down some of the best pizza your tastebuds will experience. As the name suggests, each pizza is 8 1/2" which is a perfect size. Fresh, fast, great service will hit you as soon as you step in the door. Pizza not your thing? Well, they have other options such as pasta, soup, dolci, antipasta, and heroes. What are you waiting for? Get to 8 1/2 and experience all of the deliciousness they have to offer. read more

Since I was in the area and needed a quick lunch, I dropped by 8 1/2. I was able to try the breakfast pizza and it was quite good! There was a good amount of cheese and the sausages were tasty! We also tried the lentil soup and it was flavorful too. The food was great overall but nothing stood out. There were only two tables for seating - which make sense since they brand themselves as a take-out restaurant. Nevertheless, the server never asked if I was dining in or taking my food out so there was some miscommunication and I had to wait for my food for a good 25+ mins (which felt extremely long because I was in a hurry that day). While there were other desserts/snacks/pasta/sauces to buy at this place, there wasn't a bathroom so it wasn't as convenient for dine-in visitors. Because the food was good, I probably would give 8 1/2 another chance but most likely for take-out orders! read more

Always excellent! All the pizzas are perfect. Especially love the spicy pepperoni. Meat lasagna is so worth it! Carbonara my family fights for! read more

I am particularly fond of thin, crispy pizzas and 8 1/2 has just that! Nestled in the Fan District and run by the same guy who owns Mamma Zu's and Edo's squid [2 other solid Italian restaurants] this take-out only spot is a Richmond gem. 8 1/2 only serves 12" pies for $8 + $1 per topping. Though the pizza is smaller and pricier compared others, the quality and the flavor make it worth it. Their red sauce is bright and tangy while their white sauce is aromatic and garlicky [and a little spicy!]. The thin layer of cheese is crispy around the edges. Their crust has a fantastic crunch and chewiness and the slightly burnt edges give a smoky flavor that rounds out the whole experience nicely. I have yet to try their other Italian offerings but those who have tell me that they are just as tasty. Tip: Do call ahead to place your order or you may have to wait 45-60min. Flavor: 4 Value: 3.5 Service: 4 read more

Part of the Mamma Zu's family, carry out only basically. Sometimes the pizza crust was a little to "hard" but the last time the margarita was so good. Great mozzarella. Dreamed about it the next day. Thin, crispy and delicious. If you are already a fan of Mamma Zu's or Edo's squid's pastas, they have most of the more basic ones which are quite affordable for the portions and just as good. (And if for some reason you have something against those places you may not like it). I hear the veggie lasagna is excellent, but always get tempted by old favorites. read more

We have always loved 8 1/2 for their amazing Italian food. During the last few months though we've eaten there significantly. It's a small little place, basically with only take out before, so adjusting for covid was minimal. Only one inside, everyone else waits outside. Their pizza is fantastic, and I really love the roast chicken. The roast chicken is perfectly cooked, in a light tomato and onion based sauce, and served with some polenta. It's a half a chicken, so it ends up being two meals worth for me (most days- ha!). The pasta is also very good, although I am a sauce person and I wish I could just get a little higher in the sauce to noodle ratio. There's a little park across the street, so we usually grab our food, eat there, and then swing back by one of our other faves- scoop for dessert. Speaking of dessert though- their tiramisu is the best in Richmond. If they have it, get it. Also in the fridge of prepared foods are white anchovies (omg yum), and they have a bean salad and a black lentil salad, which are both fabulous! The point is, go to 8 1/2 ASAP. Phone your order ahead of time, it usually takes 30-45 minutes for them to prepare your food. TREAT YO SELF! read more

Not sure what all the hype is, top 50 places to eat in Richmond? I would have to say I disagree. Pizza was fine, nothing special really. I liked the flavor of pepperoni. I thought their hospitality was nonexistent. Not so welcoming staff. We ordered one pizza and waited 25 mins for it. Priced at $11, I think it is fair but not a value. read more

8 1/2 - Pepperoni pizza, red sauce - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Man, I love this place. Probably the best pizza I've ever eaten. I love their chose of ingredients. For me, this is a must-stop spot for pizza if you are visiting Richmond. read more

8 1/2 - My friend and I shared a pizza half and half - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

THE BEST PIZZAS: best pizza in rhode island: nice slice (recommended pie: the margharetia) best pizza in chicago: boiler room (recommended pie: the purist) best pizza in charlottesville: belmont pizza (recommended pie: the rougemont, add balsamic reduction) AND...best pizza in richmond: 8 1/2 (recommended pie: red w/sausage and green pepper) 1) Order ahead, they back up but can fit you in. 2) Slices are small but nothing goes to waste (you will want to eat the crust). This means two slices (with side) can be sufficient per person, but if you are planning to indulge, order more. 3) If you eat meat and like a little spice try the red pizza with green peppers and sausage.They serve their peppers into fat wedges rather than thin slices, which is a surprisingly good thing (see pictures below). 4) If the weather is nice you can take the pizza through the alley across the street into Scuffletown Park. There are benches/chairs, gardens, and green areas for picnics. And, a variety of additional sides/beverages are available at Strawberry Street Market (next door). read more

8 1/2 - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I've been dying to go to 8 1/2 for what seems like years-finally got my chance tonight. I a yummy roll and the vegetarian lasagna because my brother loves it-and it was among the best I've ever had. Sincerely. It was a generous serving, with lots of excess sauce to dip my roll in, and was chock full of spinach, eggplant, and mushrooms. Not covered in cheese like a lot of restaurants so that you can't taste anything else, it was perfectly balanced. On to the not so delicious: I also ordered a white pizza, my personal favorite, and have heard so many great things about the pizza from 8 1/2. Maybe it was an off night, or maybe it was just me, but I was completely underwhelmed with the white pizza. It was quite dry, not very flavorful and incredibly hot (from too many red pepper flakes)-and trust that when I say it was hot, I mean it-I'm half Indian and eat spicy food like it's my job! It just wasn't that tasty. They have an interesting selection of imported beverages and I also picked up a Kinder bar while I was there-yum! I would definitely return for the lasagna and would love to try the eggplant parm as well...may even try a red pizza just to say I can. But for a place that people go gaga over for their pizza, not that impressed. read more

Yep, 8 1/2 still serves up some darn good pizza. I was craving comfort food on this dreary day, and today, that meant pizza. I don't often eat it, so I wanted to make sure that if I was indulging, the calories were worth it. I was between 8 1/2 and another favorite pizza joint in town, but since it's been literally years since I've snagged a pizza from this Strawberry Street spot, I knew I had to go for it. In the past, I've always ordered a white pizza with olives. I was just so in love with that sucker that I never changed up my order. However, today I was feeling red, so I tried that instead. It was good, there's no doubt about that, but the white is better in my opinion. One thing I really like about this pizza is the crust. It's thin, crispy, and a tad spicy! There's pepper or something sprinkled over it, and it gives the pizza an extra flavor bite. Certainly nothing bland about this bread. As for the size, it's not huge but it was perfect for my lunch and the S.O.'s dinner... enough for two! If you're a pizza fan, you'll love 8 1/2. If you're the rare indulger, like me, 8 1/2's worth it. read more

8 1/2 - Red pizza with mushrooms (minus a slice - I was hungry!) - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Hands down the best cheese pizza in Richmond! They also have other delicious types of pizza, but they do the classic better than anyone else. The pizza was ready fast too which was a perk. read more

Amazing pizza. In the area and went here based on the reviews. This place does not disappoint! No flop on the pizza, crunchy crust, great flavor to the sauce and the cheese was fresh. The staff was really nice. Will definitely come by the next time I'm in the area and can't wait to try the white pizza! read more

8 1/2 - Red pizza - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

From NJ/NY and this is one of two places in Richmond that really get it right (the other is Zorch). Whatever their cheese blend is, is so good. Good ratios. Wish they would try and develop the flavor of the crust, but the whole package is delicious so whatever. Do yourself a favor: order yourself a pie and go sit in Scuffletown. read more

Can't beat the red or white pizza. I usually go red plus pepperoni. The calzone and pasta are also delicious. What a great neighborhood spot! read more

Pizza burnt, crispy. How do you put a burnt pizza in a box as if it's all good?? Next time I order a pizza, fr another place, I'll always look in the box before taking it out!!! This place had good white pizza years ago. Do not like this thin , burnt to a crisp pizza . Shame read more

Never have been a huge fan of eggplant parm, but theirs changed the game. Absolutely delicious. Then you throw in the pork sausage with beans and polenta. Splendid. The broccolini was fine. I didn't expect it to be served cold. I definitely prefer it hot. Perhaps hot broccolini doesn't work for a takeout restaurant... and that's what I truly applaud. In ordering takeout from some of my favorite restaurants during Covid, I realized the food is not always the same. Doing takeout right is not that easy. 8 1/2 has figured out takeout and I'm exited to try more. read more

The same person takes orders in line, on the phone and pick up orders. You will wait 10-15 minutes to pick up your pizza that is sitting in the cold. Avoid this place. Easily the most inefficient pizza joint. Disappointing. read more

After my friend telling me about how this place was good, I decided to try it out. Food - I ordered the red pizza and got about 2 toppings on it. I thoroughly enjoyed the tomato sauce they used. Price - Pretty overpriced (about $15 for a small)however the pizza tasted good. I didnt enjoy the fact that I would have needed to get a side in order to be full but the whole point of buying a pizza was to fill me. All in all, it's alright. A good place to go if you're in the area and craving pizza and don't mind spending a little more for it. But if you're looking for good pizza for your money, I would skip this place. read more

8 1/2 is simply amazing. & Dangerously close to my house. I can honestly say, you can't order anything wrong here - everything is delicious. Pizza, lasagna, eggplant parm. Lawrence, Evan & the A team have played a key role in making so many of my evenings that much better. True miracle workers on Strawberry Street. You don't need psychotherapy. You don't need church. All you need is 8 1/2. Love you. read more

8 1/2 - Red w arugula - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Don't get me wrong, the pizza was good but yet I was left unsatisfied. For the price we paid for three pizzas between three adults the portion size was underwhelming. Pizza is thin and although there is a lot of flavor this is not my favorite pizza in Richmond. Call it a style preference but this is not a family meal sort of place. Better as a lunch on the run or party of one. read more

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If your menu is brief, you'd better be good at what you do. 8 1/2 offers 2 kinds of pizza, red sauce or white pie, and they're some of the most uncomplicated and delicious pizza I've ever had. A little red pepper in the crust adds that something extra, and the pizza is even good cold after you got caught in the rain walking back to your car. That right there is a solid pie. Call ahead, be prepared to wait, don't try to gild the lily by adding a stack of toppings. Grab a beer from Strawberry Street Market and give that pizza the attention it deserves. read more

I got a pizza to go from here the other day and it was a spiritual experience. The pizza was thin crust, garlicky and just downright delicious. I didn't even know this place existed- it's small and mostly take out, though there are a few chairs. No one was dining in when I was there. They have plenty of pasta options, eggplant parmesan, and desserts. I will be frequenting this place...it is delicious. I went back and tried the eggplant parmesan and it is heavenly and huge. The arugula salad was also delicious. 8 1/2 can do no wrong! read more

Ok so I tried the pizza today (plain cheese) after reading the reviews. So the sauce is actually good as reviewed, a bit spicy but not to where you need a drink. This is not the best pizza in Richmond.The cheese is actually over cooked so you don't get that cheesy flow it's more like grilled cheese pizza (that's what it reminds me of) the customer service not to friendly kinda reminds me of the soup chef from Seinfield. would I return if I was in the area and hungry yes. Would I go out of the way to get this pizza or order it from a food app probably not... read more

8 1/2 - Cheese pizza aka grilled cheese pizza with a good Sauce...... - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The pizza IS good, but I usually get pasta when I come here. I've gotten the lasagna and the spaghetti with meat sauce (the kids' fave). The meat sauce is a classic bolognese, but not very wet when we received it- it coats the spaghetti. If you want a wetter sauce, maybe look elsewhere. Or try the marinara- which is also very good! Lasagna is a classic. I love the garlic bread that comes with the pasta, it's coated in red pepper flakes and garlic and it's punchy! My favorite thing to get here, though, is the spicy sausage with polenta and beans. If you've ever been to dinamo or gotten the spicy sausage and Mamma Zu- you know what I'm talking about. It's the stuff that dreams are made of. A must order for spice loving, meat loving, Italian loving lover types. The space itself is tiny so we always get it to go- we call ahead, though. You can get beer or wine nearby at the Strawberry Street Market to round out your meal. read more

8 1/2 - Spicy sausage and polenta - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Having just moved to Richmond my lovely wife and I found 8 1/2 on Yelp and ordered two pizzas for pickup. The female on the phone was not polite but I wouldn't go so far as rude or terse. I placed my order and the employee stated our pizzas would be ready in 45 minutes. We arrived in 40 to 45 minutes and was informed it would be a further 10 minute wait. After an hour my wife inquired about our order and the young lady (I am assuming the same one I spoke to on the phone) stated they prepared one of the pizzas with incorrect toppings but would include the pizza for free in addition to the two pizzas in the original order. We took our three pizzas home and they were phenomenal. Having lived in Europe for several years this pizza is traditional Italian with emphasis on a crisp salty crust, quality mozzarella, and a truly amazing sauce. Bottom line: the customer service and hour wait for pizza needs improvement. However, the pizza was so good I will definitely return. If you are a fan of Pupatella you will love 8 1/2. read more

the smell of Italian deliciousness instantly hits you when you walk in! I could live in here! I've been here three times now and haven't been disappointed yet! I've only had the cheese pizza but I'd love to try the pastas. in my opinion one of the best pizza options in richmond! read more

8 1/2 - cheesey goodness - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Placed an order for pickup and was extremely disappointed to come home and see it was not my order. I heard great things about the white pizza and was looking forward to trying it. When I called to report the mistake they told me there was nothing they could do I would need to buy an entirely new pizza even though they had record of my original order. Terrible customer service I will not be returning. read more