Piada Italian Street Food — Restaurant in Eagan

• WE'VE BEEN TO EVERY LOCATION AND THIS REVIEW COVERS THEM ALL FOR SURE! **

An Italian Chipotle Option?

You're probably trying to answer that question at this very moment and potentially this question as well, "how could that even be possible?" Well, it is indeed possible, just change the ingredients and an establishment does indeed exist. This clever new place that no one should ever overlook is called Piada Italian Street Food and there are three locations in the Twin Cities to check out with more on the way.

Now you're probably trying to figure out how the two even compare and again, I'm here to help. Like Chipotle, Piada is a convenient, quick style establishment with quality, fresh and a healthier option than that of fast food options. Your food is made right in front of you and the options are similar as well. Wraps or Piada's in place of a Burrito and Tacos while Salads and Pasta Bowls replace Burrito and Salad Bowls. Finally, simply stand in line, looking of a piece of glass and telling the person on the other side of the counter what you want included in your selection. Sound familiar?

During my families first visit to this exceptional new delight, we went with the following items; the Fall Steak Avocado Piada off their seasonal menu and the Basel Pesto Pasta. We also went for a street side, a Parmigiano Reggiano Piada Stick. All of which, was absolutely amazing! But of course, I'll break the meals down for you.

Lets begin with the Piada that I decided to order. Prepared with Steak, arugula, pancetta, fresh avocado, spicy balsamic aioli, fresh mozzarella, pepitas & roasted butternut squash. I held off from the avacado and after just one bite, I was definitely happy with my selection. My Piada came with a side of a creamy parmesan dipping sauce that was insane and I was willing to drink it! I know it's on the seasonal menu, but if you see it on the menu, it's a must get!

My wife went for the pasta and typically I'm not a fan of anything pesto. However, Piada's version isn't just any pesto! Prepared with parmesan alfredo, fresh basil pesto, sundried tomatoes, freshly grated parmesan. Best with crispy chicken or grilled chicken which we of course added. WOW! Talk about a pleasurable eating experience! As for that Piada Stick.... Well, if you decide to not get one, you'll be missing out because these bad boys are awesome!

I'm definitely going to be making this place a go-to when I'm out and about and I think my wife will be as well. The food is fresh tasting and amazing! If you see a Piada Italian Street Food, don't go next store to the "grease bucket", you'll just regret...

Update 6/3: I tried this place again despite the eh food the first time, and I am glad I did! I went in this time and got the power bowl. It was delicious and the staff this time were nice and informative. The girl that I ran into the first time was there again and helped in the beginning of my order before passing it off to the other girl (tall, ginger/red hair, thin). Again, she wasn't the most pleasant and seemed kind of annoyed to help? I've worked retail and customer service for years before going into medicine so I get that some days are rough. I totally understand that. However, twice now she's just seemed annoyed and was frankly unpleasant to deal with. I am so glad she passed my food off to the second girl, who was much friendlier and less judgey.

Overall, I am glad I gave it a second try because the power bowl redeemed the salty calamari and okay ceasar piada.

Previous Review (May 2024): I ordered pick-up from this place yesterday: crispy chicken ceasar piada + calamari + cannoli chips.

The chicken ceasar piada was okay. The tortilla was very bready/chewy, but I just ripped off all the excess and ate it. Sauce heavy, which I hate, but others may like. Maybe if I ordered in person, I could've specified that (my foot is broken so I couldnt go in).

I was excited for the calamari due to all the good reviews. However, it was inedible. I tried a few pieces just to see if maybe it was only the first piece, but that wasn't the case. This was the SALTIEST calamari I have ever had. I don't mean a little salty either, I mean this was like licking a salt stick. It was awful.

Cannoli chips are cannoli chips. If you've ever been to Hyvee and purchased their cannoli chip/dip set, it's the same quality. Its okay. Nothing spectacular.

Overall, its very mid. Im honestly not going to waste my...

We eat here frequently and really love the food. However our orders always seem to get messed up. It’s truly a shame that the managers and the staff are so unprofessional when something doesn’t go right with your order. There have been several instances where we have ordered directly on the piada app and had it delivered. To be honest it’s hit or miss if the items will be correct. The staff does not check nor care about quality control over the food before it goes out. Tonight we ordered our usual and lo and behold the premium protein that costs extra (salmon) was missing on both the entrees. I called the store and spoke with the rudest female manger I have ever encountered and explained to her that our premium protein was missing from the order. She informed me that since they have a 3rd party deliver their food on their behalf there was nothing she could do but she would try and submit a refund but couldn’t promise I would get it. This makes absolutely zero sense as I ordered it directly on the piada app and not throw this third party but The only solution this horrible manger with poor customer service skills could offer was to tell that next time I should come in and order at the counter so I can watch them make my food. I asked if they could leave me a gift card at the counter that I could pick up, and she told me that wasn’t an option either and that there was nothing she could tell me other than to come in next time. She then hang up on me. I don’t ever leave bad reviews as I am a small business owner myself but this is outrageous and her attitude was uncalled for. Don’t be a manager or work customer service if you can’t be a kind human and offer genuine solutions when your team who you represent messes up.

You lost good customers today Piada Eagan. We...