My wife and I visited Pulci on 29/9/2012. We are only sorry that it has taken us this long to visit. A few other reviews mention feeling rushed and this not being a place for a lazy meal with friends. While I would agree you may not get chance for a long and lazy meal, that should under no circumstances stop you visiting this excellent restaurant. We did not feel rushed even though we were seated, served drinks, had three courses and were out in an hour.

The place was busy, very busy, yet the staff were attentive and not intrusive and very efficient. The host was friendly and spent time chatting with customers where the conversation was wanted. He was there to do what a host at the front of house should do - make sure everything was perfect - and it was.

While we were there they had to turn away 4 parties who turned up expecting a table at this small intimate venue and also maybe double that number on the phone wishing to book a table. Booking really is essential. Bear in mind this was between 5.30pm and 6.30pm and you may get some indication as to how popular this place is.

Why is it so popular? Well apart from the efficient and courteous service the food is outstanding.

While the choice of food is slightly limited as it is one cuisine style, it is certainly not lacking, and this helps with the speed of delivery. Everything is cooked freshly as you would expect and definitely to a superior standard. It really is first class.

As an aside, if you want a larger range of Italian dishes try the “full size” parent restaurant Pulcinellas also very popular located in Cleveleys for over 11 years.

The Pulci venue in Poulton is small, but when we were there I still counted 8 staff attending to their duties, I could see the kitchen and the preparation area - which I like, nothing to hide.

Being called Pulci Pizza it shouldn't surprise you that it is a pizza and pasta place predominantly.

I love fresh Italian pizza and it saddens me to say that this was without doubt the best pizza I have ever had (40 years of trying them in many, many places). I had the “Big Al” and I could not fault it at all it was an unmatched perfect combination of taste and texture. Why has it taken 40 years for me to find a place that makes pizza this well?! The bbq sauce option was honestly delightful topped with the Italian sausage, salami/pepperoni, Parma ham and mozzarella.

I had a simple garlic pizza bread with tomato to start, again 12" of perfectly cooked, light and crisp dough; and the garlic wasn’t over-done either (by that I mean not too strong/powerful).

My wife opted for one of the specials to start, a fig stuffed with gorgonzola, wrapped in Parma ham, baked for a few minutes and drizzled with a light honey. Again, superb.

My wife had a pasta dish as her main meal, lovely fresh rigatoni pasta cooked al dente with a sauce of cream, mushroom, pancetta and parmesan stirred through it.

Our deserts were meringue with ice cream, clotted cream and a raspberry coulis, and ice cream with a shot of espresso and Sambuca. Both really good and enough yet not over-facing in either quantity or price (£3.50 at the time of writing).

Prices in general? Splendid! As simple as that.

Amazingly cheap pasta dishes, at the time of writing this they were just over £6 for the popular Italian dishes. The pizzas fell into two categories, standard and gourmet, both 12” but the dearest priced at half the cost of a popular national delivery pizza chain.

Our meal (2 starters, 2 mains, 2 deserts, table water and a bottle of Peroni came to £32. Superb value and no special offers - standard price. They do take out too!

The only beer available when we visited was bottled Peroni at a standard restaurant price. There was a good selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks. Table water was free and served in a bottle with a Grolsch bottle style top and chilled which was a nice touch, or in a jug for larger parties.

Drinks seemed to be a standard price not shockingly expensive as in many restaurants. There were people there when we arrived and still there when we left, others came in and left before we did, so I honestly can't substantiate the "being rushed comments" on other reviews. Everyone seemed to eat at the pace they wished. The service is noticeably swift. No hanging around, not much time between courses so this does speed the process up somewhat in comparison to other venues.

This restaurant is a breath of fresh air locally. There are many places to eat in Poulton but they all have their bad points and many are a bit long in the tooth.

Pulci is a fashionable yet friendly eatery that you would more expect to find in London or New York.

Full credit to the owner/Manager and the staff they employ.

A truly exemplary establishment, I cannot recommend it enough.