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Sydney restaurant exposed for Uber Eats 'scam'

"It’s either genius or a glitch with a PhD in sneaky"

A Sydney business has been exposed after a local resident shared some mismatched information online.

The business, an Italian restaurant in the Northern Beaches, sells pizza in one size only. However, their Uber Eats tells a different story, resulting in customers paying far more than what their meals are truly worth.

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Image: iStock.
Image: iStock.

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“It’s either genius or a glitch with a PhD in sneaky”

A local resident has taken to the Northern Beaches Community Facebook group, after a shocking realisation about their favourite Italian restaurant, Valentine Woodfire Pizzeria.

The restaurant, located in Narraweena sells pizzas in only one size - 13 inches, or ‘family size’.

But, their Uber Eats page says otherwise.

“Heads up if you’re ordering from Valentine Woodfire Pizzeria (which, to be clear, is delicious) on Uber Eats — they offer three pizza sizes on the app… But plot twist: Valentine only makes ONE size,” the poster wrote.

“That’s right. Whether you order a medium, large, or pay extra for the ‘family size’, you’re getting the same pizza every time — it’s either genius or a glitch with a PhD in sneaky.”

The poster provided a screenshot, showing the three sizes and prices: $24.90 for the medium Potenza pizza, $4 more for the large, or $5 more for the family size. This pizza, in the only size it comes in, costs $23.90 directly from Valentine Woodfire Pizzeria’s takeaway menu.

“Save yourself the extra bucks and pick the cheapest ‘size’ (aka the only one that exists) and enjoy your pizza without feeling like you’ve been scammed,” the poster wrote.

In the comments, they added that they had originally begun ordering directly from the restaurant, but switched to Uber Eats to find the ‘family size’ pizza they’d gotten previously.

“It was only by chance that we ordered a mix of sizes — and were surprised when they all arrived exactly the same!” he said.

“Curious, I gave them a call to confirm — and yep, turns out there’s only one size after all! But absolutely, 100% still supporting local and ordering direct — their pizzas are fantastic!”

Three sizes (and prices) are listed by Valentine Woodfire Pizzeria on Uber Eats. Image: Facebook.
Three sizes (and prices) are listed by Valentine Woodfire Pizzeria on Uber Eats. Image: Facebook.

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“This is outrageous”

Commenters on the post were shocked at the discrepancy, urging fellow locals not to support the ‘dishonest’ business.

“The alternative is to not support a dishonest business,” one person wrote.

“Not many places actually do ‘sizes’ anymore. They all seem to be one size. This is outrageous though,” said another.

“Report to fair trading, scammy and scummy,” another urged.

“Don't go there if they are that dishonest. So wrong!!!” said another person.

“Try to order from local businesses directly!”

However, many blamed Uber Eats for the ‘glitch’, noting how important it is to instead support local businesses directly.

“Thank you for the public service announcement, this tip is greatly appreciated. I concur, the pizzas are delicious but this is very deceptive from Uber Eats,” said one person.

“My partner and I realised that Uber Eats started charging more for some items on the menu as well (not only the delivery and service fees anymore). It saved us almost $40 the other day to order directly from the business rather than through the Uber Eats app…” another shared.

“Try to order from local businesses directly via phone or website. You’ll save money and they’ll make more from each order!” a third agreed.

Uber Eats confirmed to Kidspot that each restaurant independently controls the pricing of its menu items on the Uber Eats platform.

Kidspot has reached out to Valentine Woodfire Pizzeria for comment. At the time of writing, the listing has changed to two sizes; the standard medium, and a large size for $4 more.

Originally published as Sydney restaurant exposed for Uber Eats 'scam'

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/sydney-restaurant-exposed-for-uber-eats-scam/news-story/4d26739309474a2ce833919fbe91bbf6