Solid eatery if you're hungry at IAH. I ordered the mushroom pie, a bit pricey at $15 but a larger size than I expected (could feed 2 if you're not super hungry or split a salad). The crust was thin on the inside with a generous edge, and the edge was soft and chewy, with a slight crisp to the perimeter - very pleasing! Like most big hotel eateries nowadays, you order on an iPad, and there's no free water, but staff were around and nice in providing us two complimentary glasses. Overall restaurant was clean, nice tile work decor, but pretty uncomfortable wood bar-style seats. read more

Pala - Chicken panini - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Bad service... I would eat anywhere else! People working there are rude and more worried about who is sitting where.

Pala is solid for an airport meal, but it's not anything special. I appreciate being able to order on an iPad, although since it was my first time, I required someone to explain it to me, which defeats some of the efficiency purposes. Back to the pizza, I thought it was good, but again, not the best meal, not one that sparks joy and changes the tenor of your day (in my case, a day full of too many flight cancellations). I got the saltimbocca pizza, which had a sauce bianco, chicken, prosciutto, and sage. I thought the pizza was a tad too salty, but overall decent, and an okay portion even though it was a $16 pizza. You could definitely make it into two meals so that makes it a little less value, but I do wish airports had Quality food options that didn't feel overpriced. I might eat here again if I was stuck at IAH, but I definitely wouldn't give this meal another thought otherwise. read more

Pala - Saltimbocca pizza (sauce bianco, chicken, prosciutto, sage) - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Failure on pretty much every aspect. Offered at a table with my wife (two separate orders). While we were waiting for our food two separate people came up to our table (like they wanted to sit down across from us. I had to show them away like hello Covid and I don't know you ... Anyways those people find other seats after I had to direct them two them. My wife's food comes out late and then those two other people (that ordered well after I did) food comes out. Pretty sure they forgot my order. When my food came out it was burnt. Staff knew they forgot the food and didn't offer anything as an apology like comping my drink or salad. read more

Pala - Burnt pizza - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

I get that everyone is trying to not need to employ people to save their bottom line, but the houston airport monopoly needs to change. In the 4 restaurants we stopped at, they all had the same set up. Seat yourself and order through a QR code (same ridiculous prices for bar drinks too, no competition). We could not get the menu to load and it took waving down someone through the glass partition to get a lovely server to come to us. She was great and ordered us 2 mimosas. Requires an 18% tip. 2 champagne glass style mimosas + tip = $45. Ridiculous. The pizzas looked good, but we were not hungry. We did walk around to 3 other restaurants for comparison and all the same....employees don't make eye contact and everything is so impersonal. It's sad, really. read more

Really good for a airport food. The wine was expensive $11 for a 5 oz. pour but it's the airport so nothing surprises me! I had the margarita pizza. The crust, sauce and cheese was incredible!! Very impressive for airport. The 2 bartenders were extremely nice. They have machines where you have to order your food so they don't take cash. Over all recommend this in the houston airport! read more

Pala - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

The one star is for the server, who could not have been nicer or more attentive. Sorry I can't remember his name, but he is white, fairly tall and wears glasses and I had seen him there at least twice in the last year. The negative four stars is for the so-called panini. Billed as prosciutto, salami and mozzarella it was actually ordinary ham, the worst-quality salami imaginable and some melted cheese. Worst of all, it wasn't even smashed in a panini press! A restaurant that features several types of panini on its menu should at least have a press. This was the most disappointing sandwich I ever ate. I guess I should have sent it back, but there's never time for that in an airport. I don't know about the rest of the menu, but I have to imagine it is of similar quality (not). Airport food is always a crap-shoot, but at least you can't say you haven't been warned about the "panini" at Pala. read more

Pala - Worst "panini" ever - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

If you want a good pizza this place is a great stop. But if you want a drink or a friendly bartender than look elsewhere. The pizza comes out pretty good and has great flavor. The bartender had no personality and wasn't up for any small talk. Asked a different bartender if the other was having a bad day and he said he was always like that. I guess I have watched too many Bar Rescue episodes. But saw them cleaning the top of bottles and they were BLACK. I said "Oh no look out that will attract fruit flies" he replied "Whatever". read more

Sitting here now writing this. The reviews are so mixed but I'm having a really nice time hanging out here. The technology works smoothly and there were no issues putting in my order or paying. Service has also been helpful and friendly. Just ordered some nice warm olives and some pizza bread. Food is tasty but the marinara sauce is cold. Also ordered a nice rosé of course. Would def come back. Tablets Self order Self pay read more

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It was ok for airport food. I ordered the meatballs they were good but the pizza was Meh.

What a disappointment.... Ordered a margarita and added extra fresh mozzarella for extra 3 dollars so total of 20 bucks for a little pizza They cook the pizza and then tell me they are out of fresh mozzarella to add after they cook it.... at margarita only has fresh mozzarella.... they decided to cook my pizza with regular mozzarella that should not be on pizza in the first place.... No refund no nothing.... Then I try and eat the pizza it was just horrible.... tossed it in the trash... read more

Waited 35 minutes for a pizza and had to leave without it to make a flight. When I asked about it at 20 minutes I was told "you'll get it when it's ready". That was never. read more

Pizza is absolutely amazing!!! I have had pizza sitting in a small restaurant in Rome Italy and thought nothing could be better than this !! Had a long lay over in Houston and decided on a pizza from Pala and it brought me right back to that moment in Rome 30 years ago. I may start scheduling travel through Houston just to have it again. read more

False Advertisement. If you're looking for Neapolitan pizza, you're not going to find it here. If you're looking for chewy dough, loads of tasteless cheese, just a pile of junk food on fancy plates, this is the place for you! Also, forget service. At the airport with the self ordering system, waiters don't even acknowledge you. I was either not lucky or they are merely food runners. If you want to purchase junk food, I suggest simply going to a fast food chain which at least is sincere when it comes to marketing and branding. Mi dispiace Napoli! read more

Pala - Awful! - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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My sandwich/calzone was under cooked. Quite a bit of raw dough. The parts that were baked thoroughly were delicious, but then again I hadn't eaten in 7-8 hours and anything probably would have been delicious. Service was friendly and nice. I'd revisit but stick to pizzas next time.pp read more

Nice wine selection available by the glass without high-dollar airport pricing. Meatball pizza, easily enough for two, is a flavorful pie. ($16.) You can tell it's made with good ingredients. Flavor enhanced as it got cooler, then I could even taste good olive oil. Although the crust is not chewy it has a nice taste and I enjoyed the slightly blackened edges. Lots of counter seating with power plugs for individual travelers. Chairs are bolted to the floor so you may not find the perfect counter fit. Tablets in front of you, meant to be helpful, are annoying! Ordering is easy enough but then content on the tablet keeps flashing and changing, which is distracting and obnoxious. I followed the lead of my bar neighbor and covered mine with a napkin. Best part is the convenience of settling your tab whenever you wish. read more

I get this is airport food, but I expected more. The place looked nice and there were only two or three other customers. Service was okay to be nice about it. They have these digital ordering menus now (tablet menus). I was excited to try it. The thing is it wasn't clear if my order had gone through or not. I asked for help and the guy said he'd come right over to help. I went back to my table and watched him chat with his coworker for 5 mins. So I poked around the tablet again and figured it out. I checked with the lady making the pizza and she said it went through. At this point the guy asked if I still needed help... So the pizza came and it did not look anything like the picture on the menu. I know, it never does. The thing is, the menu picture implied lots of tomato sauce. I LOVE tomato sauce and so was disappointed to find barely any in my pizza. There was tons of cheese that quickly became rubbery. Tasted okay before the cheese got rubbery. read more

Pala - Margarita pizza - supposedly. Was actually a cheese pizza with barely any tomato sauce. :( - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is a great place to catch a bite and a drink before your flight. When you sit down at these long counters with an I pad before you on the counter. Ok the concept has been around for awhile but this is one better. You scan your boarding pass so they can let you know when your flight is boarding. Cool no missed flights because you are too busy eating and drinking. We place our drink and food order from the I pad. Now their is a waitress on hand so I am a little confused why there is both. In LaGuardia Airport you only have the IPad. Well having a waitress too is definitely a plus to guide you. Unfortunately the Tom Collins that was on the IPad they didn't have the strawberries as shown. So she made up for it in gin and raspberries. Seems like s better trade off don't you think. Me and my colleague shared a 14 inch pepperoni pizza. It is made fresh there crust and all and they have pizza ovens too. Very large pizza that I was compelled to finish in fear I would starve to death on my flight home. This looks like your best choice in this terminal so go you won't be disappointed. read more

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Great pizza if you care about the dough. And I do. Got the mushroom pizza and radicchio salad, both great portions for the price (esp the pizza). Definitely a place to come and hang out in IAH if your flight is delayed, too. They have outlets at every seat and a friendly staff. read more

Pala - Mushroom pizza - awesome - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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F for delivery , F for technology (QR code readers not working), F for human service, no one says hello nor wait in you for over 15 minutes, if you have a flight forget it, they charge you for gratuity when no one serviv s you nor checks on you.....give me my mileage points back you robber. Food is made in turbo chef microwave ovens - yuck, at least they are wearing chef attire to make it look authentic. Need bartenders, wait staff and servers at an airport dining restaurant.....real ones NOT failed technological mishaps...you can use your airline miles for food, I want my miles back. read more

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what they had was pretty good but a very small menu. what i had seen pictures (the whole reason i went to another terminal) of wasn't actually on the menu and i didn't have time to find another place before my flight. the pizza was ok but it was very greasy. the caesar salad was very good. read more

Pala - margrerita pizza too much cheese and greasy, not great but good - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

My experience here was awful. I ordered food on the tablet, which is their service model. I watched several other people order drinks and food and received said orders before anything even came for me. I hailed the server, again through the tablet. No one came. I pressed the call server button again. This time someone approached, and I asked if my good was on it's way. I was assured it was coming. When my "server" approached again, it was with a plate of food, but not what I ordered. My food has on fact home to another costumer. The "server" made very little attempt to apologize or correct the issue: he seemed unaffected that what he was going to serve me was not at all what I'd ordered. This is a horrid service model. Take the tablets away. And give your servers adequate service training. I would like my money back, but I can't seem to find any way to contact any sort of management or Customer Service portal. Since I was waiting for a flight, I hurried away when I finally received my order- nearly 30 minutes after ordering it. Very bad experience, I do not recommend this, however, these tablets seem to be the only way to order at EVERY restaurant in Houston Airport. The stupidity is astounding. read more

Very good pizza at Pala! Personally, I prefer more sauce, but it was still a good eat. Staff was very helpful and friendly, but had a long wait for drink replacement and never got the box I asked for. Location is perfect for waiting on a flight. read more

Pala - Margarita Pizza - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Pala was located right next to our gate, so we decided to eat there. Ipads located at the communal table were used for ordering and payment. Diners can choose from starters, vegetables, salads, and (neapolitan) pizzas. I ordered the mushroom pizza with shaved cauliflower, oregano, and sauce bianco. It was a not cheap, but the quality was good. My friend ordered a drink and discovered the glass cup had a crack. After sending back the drink, it took them a while to remake it. When it did come out, she inspected the glass and discovered that it also had a crack. Once again, they remade her drink and gave her a free drink. It was no surprise when she KO'd on the airplane. read more

iPad service with no service I tried to order a refill of my water without luck. I also asked for a napkin as my husband & I were splitting an appetizer. Didn't happen. They require you to tip when ordering but the service is beyond lacking. Really pisses me off. read more

Great thin crust pizza! I ordered the sausage and it was delicious. The service was great and very attentive also the uniqueness of ordering off a tablet was cool. The pizza only took 5 minutes to cook so it is a great option for on the go or to sit and have a meal. I would come back as they have vegan options, salads and other items other than pizza. read more

Pala - Sausage Pie - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

The food is pretty good, and not too overpriced, so that makes it above average for airport food. No printed receipt. Still haven't gotten the receipt they said that they'd mail. That'll make expenses fun. They tack on 18% gratuity before you see a person. Sorry guys, that happens at the end of the order, not the beginning. The server was lovely, and I enjoyed the 3 sentences she said to me. Is that worth 18%? No, it's not. read more

Give me Human Interaction! The service was ok, and the pizza wasn't half bad. What I don't like is the 'Tablet' ordering system. I am not that old by any means, but going to bar any bar a lot of what makes it great is the bartenders. I couldn't even order my drink the way I always do, I had to tell them anyways how to make what I wanted... Which wasn't difficult, water, vodka , with limes. You couldn't order that with their 'online' ordering system, which is pretty ridiculous. I do not like this system and think it is awful. We couldn't even leave a tip as well (Unless you have cash), how awful is that? Not a fan, give me a dang bartender please. read more

Quick bite before boarding. My panini was very dry unfortunately, but my server was nice. I have a feeling that if I would have ordered the pizza like I really wanted, I would have been happier because they looked tasty. Maybe next time and if I do, perhaps I update the review. But for now, not my favorite. read more

Pala - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

The pizza was excellent with a perfect crust and flavor. The pizza took about 12 to 15 minutes but well worth the wait We had the tiramisu dessert really delicious The pizza peddler customize the pizza for us when we asked him The service was fast and courteous and friendly Would definitely eat here again read more

Ordered ceasar salad not so fresh. Pizza was not bad wish we walked further up could have eaten better. Was very hungry stopped at the closest place. Waiter was nice though. read more

Pala - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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For an airport restaurant it is not bad, mind you it is not. It's located conveniently next to one of the international gate terminals, so you can keep an eye on your gate while having a quick bite. It's very interesting type of ordering system, since it's all on the iPad in front of you. You just shop for your meal and beverage there and a server will bring it to you. It's a cool concept, but there's like no human interaction and it was a bit of a downer for me. Only person that you get to talk to is a server and that's for a brief second. Food was ok, salad that I've ordered had wilted greens and wasn't crisp or fresh. Wine is wine, can't go wrong with that especially before your flight. It's a very cute little spot that is visually very attractive, too bad it lacks some genuine care from the staff and the owner I feel like. I'd like to re-visit and see if any changes were made. read more

I went there and their ordering system did not work. One went all white and the next rebooted to a dead battery screen. As I spoke to the staff about this they informed me that they are out of pizza. The group that runs these restaurants is lame at executing to the standards expected of an airport restaurant. And they don't seem to care enough to fix the issues read more

Cool place to eat and drink while waiting on your flight. The staff was friendly and very accommodating. They toss the pizza by hand and the pizza overs are super cool. read more

The quality of the food was there but service was horrific. I came here on a 3 hr layover and this is one of those places that you order on a tablet. I ordered...and about 5 min later the tablet asked for payment, so ever so stupidly I paid and tipped (I regret tipping now, and will do it in cash in the future) An hour went by and still no pizza. Finally A server came by and asked if I needed anything and I pointed out that my pizza hadn't come and it had been an hr. The servers discussed and had apparently given my pizza to someone else (I had been at the same tablet the whole time, so clearly the tablets don't work or the people don't work... you decide). The cook then made me another pizza and was messing around with his friends... cue burned pizza. It has now been 2.5 hrs and still no pizza. The cook apologized and started cooking another pizza... the pizza is finally complete 3 hrs after I ordered and at the end of my layover... I had a very hot pizza and a plane to board with no time to eat. I won't be back. read more

I ended up here when I couldn't find a particular restaurant but very glad I did. This was the ideal place to grab lunch in between flights. I get motion sickness so I don't eat before flying and eat little while in air. This was real food, served quickly. The waiter was friendly and helpful especially with the ordering process (via personal tablet). I had the house salad with Margherita pizza accompanied by a cocktail. Everything was delicious and satisfying. I had over 3 hours so I took my time to eat. I'm guessing the cocktail made the remaining 2 hours pass quickly. read more

So throughout the airport there are tablets set up at each table to facilitate and incite you to eat , drink , spend your dollars and stay put. But that somehow kills the conversation if you happen not to travel on your own. Pala's menu is Italian based, we ordered the pizza. It was prepared and baked in front of us. It was tasty , with crispy crust and just enough topping. Yum. read more

Welp it's inside of the airport so you know what your getting overly priced drinks and descent food to fulfill your hungry I have the pepperoni pizza which was good and the mixed drinks are over priced a watered down your best bet is to get a shot and a craft beer read more

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Actually an amazing price for airport food and the pizza itself. The airport has iPad stations to order your drinks and food from each restaurant. Pala was nice and clean with inviting decor. Once I ordered the pizza I did not expect a whole full size pizza. Recommend this place if you're traveling in a group on a budget. I was alone so I had a lot of extra food. I got the meatball pizza and it was everything I expected it to be. Wish there was a Pala is every airport I'd definitely visit during my travels. Must try if you have time!!! read more

Pala - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Hands down best airport dining experience I've had by far. LaToya was a fantastic waitress, kept checking on me and making sure I had everything I needed! My flight to SF got delayed by an hour so I had some time to sit down and eat. Originally I was a little nervous about time, but my waitress assured me I could get my food to go if I had to. The roasted cauliflower was excellent! It was a little underdone but the flavor was fantastic. I also got the meatball boli sandwich, which was pretty good as well, the meatball was juicy and flavorful. The dough was super crispy and flaky on top, but the bottom was still soft, so it would be great if they could make sure it's crispy throughout. One thing I'd say they could improve on is the side salad that came with the sandwich. It probably could have used about half as much dressing. They do use iPads to order, and while I have seen other reviews complain about them, I had no trouble at all ordering, tipping, and closing my tab. (Remember to close it when you're done!) Overall a great experience, I was not expecting to have such great service in an airport, and would definitely eat there again. Thanks LaToya! read more