Piaci | Pub & Pizzeria — Restaurant in Fort Bragg

I'm going to be honest here folks. I have tried every place in Fort Bragg that offers pizza. This was my last place in town to try. I always walk in with an open mind and pallet with zero expectations, an even playing field - just do your best.

The place is small, okay, but so small that the space inside cannot comfortably accommodate the seats they have (elbow to elbow). If you want more elbow room for your dining experience, you have the choice to sit in the parking lot (it does have a carport cover).

The place, inside and out, is not clean or cared for by even the meagerest standards.

The staff, well, our server had a very pleasant demeanor backed with a very pleasant smile. She was attentive and welcoming.

The food is sub-par. I really, really try not to be a food snob, but this place delivers THE WORST pizza in Fort Bragg. They don't even try. The margherita pizza was a thing crust (nice crust) cheese pizza with a sprinkling of dried herbs - that's it. Viewing the rest of the menu, more of the same. Inferior ingredients with an "I don't care" assembly of god knows what it's supposed to be.

Nothing on the menu has any resemblance of what it is said to be.

It is sad when places like Mountain Mikes, Round Table, and the frozen food section of the local grocery store beats out a locally owned and operated specialty restaurant.

Whoever the owners are, they have long left even half-trying to serve the community they reside in.

Your best bet for having the best pizza experience in Fort Bragg is either Bernillo's or Cocina Verona. Cocina does also serve various Italian dishes for your enjoyment.

Having been born and raised in the San francisco Bay Area where there are thousands of fooderies to choose from, my opinion may be of some value, but, I am just one pallet and one opinion.

If you want to try this place after reading this review, well, you've been warned.

Peace Love and may you be blessed in your foody...

The smell of the pizza cooking drew us into this place. In waiting to be help, the gal taking the orders walked by me several times when she was going in and out to the patio and never once acknowledge us for an unreasonable amount of time 10 to 15 mins. When she did finally take our order and I went to pay she said "we dont take cards (no where did I see cash only) the ATM machine ATM is down the hall. I went to the ATM machine to get my cash. I came to pay for my order and she was helping other people and again leaving me standing there not coming back to help me. As the line formed with more people finally (10 mins later) a gentleman came to counter and I was able to complete my order. After waiting for 45 mins to an hour out on the patio and not seeing the tables be cleaned in a timely manner. The gal that took my order says "oh didnt see you there your older is ready" (she sure did because she spoke us when we were out there). As for the pizzas, we ordered a New York (which is a pepperoni pizza) which a very very little sauce. The Margarita pizza (which comes with herbs) I asked if does it comes with basil? She said "we can add it". I said extra please. It turned out to be a cheese pizza with a very very little sprinkle of parsley. Very disappointing!! I gave this a one star because I could not give it any minus stars! With the poor service and cleanliness I will not return nor recommend this...

Piaci is consistently some of the best food you can eat in Fort Bragg. It goes without saying that the pizza is outstanding, made in a classic East Coast thin crust style that allows the star of the show to be the elegant pizza sauce (red or white, they both taste fresh and have complex flavors) and the fresh mozzarella cheese which are always generously applied. The toppings are top notch but applied in just the right proportion that it's the quality of the simpler, obligatory elements that really sticks the landing for the pie. This is as distant from chain pizza as you can get, and not that much more expensive.

The salads are similarly delicious, especially the Caesar, I regularly get them when I stop by for lunch, when they have sandwiches and fresh foccacia that are just the right size for a quick bite on a busy day. Speaking of busy, that's where we encounter their Achilles' heel, as it's difficult to visit at a time when the small location is full to overflowing with guests. This presents cacophonous problems if you plan to dine-in, and usually pretty brusque and inattentive service if you're trying to escape with take-out. I try not to judge too harshly, and have always forgotten about it by the second bite of my meal.

In a place with such a precarious economy, it's a blessing of epic proportions to have seen them thrive for over 18 years, and hopefully there are many...