"Gina’s Pizza is conveniently located in the Campus and California Shopping Center, right next to Albertsons. Its proximity to campus makes it a great option for students looking for a bite to eat. If you and a few friends are hungry, it’s just a short walk (or a quick bus ride) to get there.
The restaurant is relatively small, even smaller than many McDonald's locations in Irvine. Upon entering, I noticed the dim lighting, typical of many dining establishments. As you walk in, a sign informs you that you can either serve yourself at the counter or sit down and have a server assist you. Given our eagerness, we opted to order and pay upfront to avoid waiting.
The menu, displayed above the counter, features a variety of items, including pizza, pasta, salads, and appetizers. We decided to share a pizza, and Gina’s offers a broad selection. From specialty pizzas like the House Special and Barbacoa Chicken, you can also customize your own. The large pizzas are quite generous in size—around 16 inches—and priced at $18.95 before tax. We went with the Barbacoa Chicken pizza and placed our order.
Here’s where I hit a snag. For some odd reason, the service seemed quite slow. Two young female students ahead of us had a puzzling experience as they were shuffled between cashiers, causing a delay that confused everyone. Even though we were waiting a while to finalize our order, the staff was very polite, checking in with us to see if we needed anything. After clarification, we took our order and were seated, looking forward to our pizza.
They asked if we wanted it to-go or for dining in, and since college is about enjoying experiences, we chose to eat there. As we chatted, our pizza soon arrived. Interestingly, the same cashier who took our order served it, which means if you order at the counter, you’re not obligated to tip. Most of us spent less than $5, but I still felt compelled to leave a tip, so I added some change and a dollar to the tip jar.
The food was delicious, the service was decent, and the prices were very affordable. Plus, once you turn 21, Gina’s also has a bar, offering a perfect spot for you and your friends to unwind and enjoy an evening out!"