Graffiti Restaurant

Having lived in Harpenden for several years now, I have tried all of the Italian restaurants, both chain and independent, and the independent Graffiti is the best by far across a number of criteria.

First, and most important, the food. While not the best Italian food I have had in my lifetime, it is quite good, especially the handmade Neapolitan style pizzas. Just remember to ask for the crust extra crispy if you like your pizza that way.

Next, the atmosphere and service has always been good, and it is especially a great place for kids in the early evening. All tables are covered with a large, fresh sheet of sturdy white paper for the kids to draw on with provided crayons. Definitely choose your timing wisely, as before 7:00/8:00 there will be mainly families with (sometimes) loud children, however, later in the evening the atmosphere settles to a nice buzz.

Finally, the value is probably the best of all Harpenden restaurants, with very reasonable prices across the entire menu, but especially the fixed price menu and kids menu.

And on top of all this, they are now offering two takeaway pizzas for just £10. I am telling you that without a shadow of doubt that you won’t find a better pizza for a better price anywhere in the area.

We were the first to arrive that evening and were welcomed to a nice round table at the back of the restaurant. Having never visited before, and with a toddler in tow we were duly impressed with a lovely fish tank there. My dad took his grandson to look at the fish. Having not been there long, just looking, a male member of staff came over to request that they leave the fish alone so that they are not stressed. At first we thought he was pulling our leg and having a laugh (they were only looking at the fish and never banged on the glass or anything) but apparently he was dead serious. At no time did the fish hide in their rockery or swim fast or anything that looked like they were remotely scared and we were only enjoying them. It left a very flat feeling. There was no-one else in the restaurant at the time, so we could not be said to be encouraging others.... Just all very odd. It was the end of a sad day already (having been to a funeral) and this just left us feeling odd and uncomfortable. That being said, when the food arrived, it was very tasty but they should seriously consider a sign to let people know that people can only observe the fish from their tables.

A great little restaurant. I've been going for nearly ten years, never had a bad experience and I recommend it without reservation. Understated personal service from the staff, and the Calzone . . . . excellent!

Just went with a huge party and the service was fantastic! Genuine tradtional italian restaurant! Family run! Food was simply to die for!

A good and tasty meal tonight cooked fresh and to order, the pasta was excellent and the choice was very good.

A pleasant evening in nice surroundings and well looked after by the staff.

Don`t go the food was shit they only had enough Lasagna for 4 people and rest had to have Spaghetti Bolognese which look like a can of tomotoes pour over the spaghetti and could hardly taste any mince the service was bad and they charge £ 1.99 for a small glass of pepsil that comes from a can
go to a harvester or mcdonalds instead

Graffiti is a really good little Italian just down from the train station. They specialise in pasta and pizza, all cooked fresh in the open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work, with a decent selection of each.

The fun aspect comes where they take the restaurant name literaly. Each table is provided with crayons and you are positively encouraged to draw on the table clothes to your hearts content - do a good enough job and your piece may even find itself up on the wall for posterity.

The food is always good here, and it’s a great place for an evening out with friends.