Piazza Italia — Restaurant in Portland

Fair Italian food for a higher price tag.

The atmosphere at this restaurant is definitely on the unique side; something that is apparent when you first walk in. The ceiling is covered in autographed sports jerseys, mostly from soccer. The music (or TV if a soccer match is on) is all in Italian which is fun even if you don't speak the language. Most if not all the staff are Italian as well which is generally reassuring.

The building is rather small, though this is unsurprising given it's location in a larger city setting. They seemed to have quite a few tables, but I can definitely see this place filling up quickly. The facility seemed to be cleaned and well maintained.

The staff were friendly which was nice. We were seated quickly, though we had called ahead to reserve a table just in case. During our meal the waitstaff made sure that our table was kept clear of finished dishes and that we always had water. Even the staff that did not serve us were polite and friendly when asked questions .

I tried two of the main dishes while dining here: the Rigatoni Bolognese and the Penne al Pesto. Both dishes were fine in that they did not taste bad, but they seemed rather lackluster especially when compared to the price. The portion size was nice, but again, did not merit the cost of the dishes. The Rigatoni seemed a little under-cooked and the meat sauce a little on the bland side. The Pesto dish was about the same, though the sauce in that dish seemed to have a bit more flavor. I was disappointed to find that the Lasagna which I had been looking forward to trying was made with veal, something which was not mentioned on the online menu.

Something else about the meal as well: those of you who like the bread generally provided at restaurants should take note the the first bread basket is free, but subsequent refills are provided for a cost. While I did not require extra bread, this may be disappointing to some. Also, as I mentioned, the portions are smaller. A plate will fill you, and they even offer half orders for those who eat less, but don't expect to share a plate and be full or to have leftovers.

For desert I was able to taste the Profiterole and the Tiramisu. The Profiterole was good; the cream puff was just average but the chocolate mousse that covered it was pretty tasty. I would probably have simply preferred just a small dish of the mousse. The Tiramisu was also good, coming from someone who does not care much for anything coffee flavored, and it was not too light but not too dense either.

Overall, while you might not necessarily regret visiting Piazza Italia, I feel that there are other places in Portland to enjoy tastier Italian fare at...

Authentic Italian down to the Italian speaking waiters that like to watch the Soccer game as much as serve tables. Mostly freshly made pasta with various sauces offer a good variety and can be substituted, within reason, at a $2 up-charge.

We sampled a tasty, simple green salad and a fantastic Tiramisu, all sold Ala-cart. The light, fluffy Gnocchi special was served with a silky smooth saffron sauce that was quite overpowering. I counted enough saffron threads in my plate to make 6 quarts of rice pilaf.

I really wanted to find an Italian place that had fresh pasta that was, at least, an above average experience. I'll have to agree with another reviewer's comments that the pappardelle was reminiscent of lasagna noodles that , albeit still fresh and hand made, had just been sliced to a narrower dimension. They lacked the thin, light tooth of an outstanding pappardelle, fettuccine or tagliatelle.

One star was removed because all ALL the waiters' soccer distractions that added an additional 15 unnecessary minutes to our dining experience and of course, the big let down with the pappardelle. and the minor faux-pas with the gnocchi. Another was removed for a lack of veal, lamb, poultry or fish options. A "wild boar meat sauce" (can you say pork butt?) and some sliced sirloin salad like thing were available...but no "real" options.

Yeah, It's authentic Italian to a point, but...there are just too many "noodle joints" around here already.

Minus another star Tried this place again and was served ravioli that was just plain uncooked. Yeah, yeah, yeah...you're gonna say, "it's supposed to be 'Al Dente' "... Yep, I get it...and I KNOW the difference! This was raw pasta, stiff and tepid, covered in a pink sauce that was nearly as frigid...all that topped with some day old fried ham slivers that could have doubled as the rubber bands that come wrapped around the morning newspaper.

This is a pasta joint that can't even get their pasta right. Look elsewhere.

Incidentally, too many boneheads out there think that ALL pasta is supposed to be served "al dente"....Spoiler Alert......Fresh pasta is NOT!!! By definition, fresh pasta can not be "al dente" because it was never dry in the first place. So quit writing reviews stating that "ABC Trattoria" doesn't serve their pasta "al dente" you're...

This place has been on my list of places to try for a while. Sadly, I was very disappointed by the food and service I received. I came in on a busy Saturday evening and was quoted a 1 hour wait for just myself. The host suggested the bar next door (Bar Rionne) and suggested I order and eat there. I advised I was ok with the wait and headed over for a drink. I waited behind a couple to be served. The couple had a few questions so they took their time. A couple came in after me and walk straight towards the front of the bar( in front of me). I told them "I'm actually in line as well" it didn't seem like they heard me. Rather than helping me, the bar tender ( Max I believe his name was) asked them how their day was going. I spoke up and advised that I was actually next in line. Max apologized and proceeded to serve me. After placing my order I was asked if I'd like to close out or leave my order open. I said open and was asked to provide a card for him to hold. After I ordered a drink and decided to check on my wait next door. The wait was still 1 hour so I decided to take the hosts advise and order to have my meal delivered next door at the bar. After placing my order at the podium, I was immediately asked to pay for my order. I did. As I ate and drank my meal, I noticed several other patrons that ordered were not asked to hold a card or pay at the register. Everyone else got a bill at the table like a normal, nice restaurant would. No one offered to wipe my table for me and only after I received my appetizer was I offered a glass of water. To note, other than one black man accompanied by a white woman, I was the only black woman in the establishment. Despite the smiles and thank you, this place is really giving WHITE ONLY VIBES. BEWARE. The food was mediocre at best. I ordered the lasagna in which the sauce reminded me of spaghettios and the...