A pizza shop owner in Melbourne has become an internet sensation for his unapologetically blunt responses to negative reviews. Sunnyside Sliced, a New York-style pizzeria in Mentone, southeast Melbourne, has been serving up slices inspired by the city that never sleeps.
Naturally, like any popular eatery, it sometimes attracts criticism. But rather than quietly accepting the complaints, owner Ali Cengiz, who spent a decade living in New York before bringing his pizza dreams to Australia, decided to fight back.
According to the NY Post, the 38-year-old decided to respond after he felt a “line was crossed.” One customer complained the prices were too high, calling the $9 slices and 18-inch pizzas priced between $40 and $60 “outrageous.” They also said the New York pizza was “quite basic in flavour and texture.” Cengiz replied: “No more pizza for you! Lifetime ban.”
His sassy comebacks are dividing people online
Another reviewer called the place “overrated” and said they “left them with my $9 and walked away.” Cengiz shot back: “I’ll pay you $9 for every step you take away from our store.” When a third person complained their pizza was “very salty” and the service wasn’t good, Cengiz wrote: “The pizza can’t have been as salty as your review.”
One customer said the staff had “a lot of attitude” and they would “never go back.” Cengiz defended his team, saying: “The same staff member you had an issue with has received countless praise. In this particular circumstance, I side with them.” This isn’t the first time restaurant owners have clashed with influencers over negative feedback.
His responses have split opinions. Some people think he lacks “business etiquette.” One person said his replies sound “mean” instead of helpful. Another wrote: “The sass is hysterical, but this is such poor form.” Others felt the customers had “legitimate concerns” and called his responses “disgusting.”
But many people loved his honesty. They said he was just calling out “bogus reviews and serial whingers.” One fan wrote: “The sass makes me want to fly to Melbourne just for that pizza. I don’t care if it’s good or not. Good advertisement.”
Cengiz told reporters he welcomes feedback through private channels like email or direct conversations with managers. He wants to fix genuine problems. But he said the line is crossed “when a review stops being about the experience and starts becoming personal, misleading, or unfairly damaging.” He feels he must defend his team and business, especially when restaurant workers face unfair treatment from customers or employers.
Cengiz explained that some customers are rude to his staff, which affects the younger team members. He tries to keep his replies light and humorous rather than staying silent when reviews feel disrespectful.
Published: Jan 9, 2026 09:15 am