Pietro's Famiglia — Restaurant in Sparks

Ok so I went here on valentines day and it of course was busy. I did have a reservation so I didn't believe it would be terrible but it was. We were not seated until after an hour past our reservation time. So, it was not a great start. There is part of the ceiling which is falling down from a water leak and overall the condition of the restaurant is just unkempt. If the manager or whoever opening would take a out 20 mins to wipe off the ceiling around the air vents it would make a world of difference and while the plastic vines and decorations were cleaned it would be much more charming. However, dirt and dust seem to be the charming theme at this place. Ok then we got sat, which was great. The waiter seemed to be attentive as he could be while they were overloaded with customers. We had the scallops for an appetizer, and they were absolutely delicious. If I were to ever come back that would be the only reason. I got a veal dish which I pictured in this review. It was boiled meat in a bath of flavorless warm water. The pasta was cooked fine but that should never be an issue. I am serious when I say I am not sure if the veal actually touched a pan. The fat on the meat also was not rendered. My partner order chicken Alfredo, and while the chicken was cooked well, she also got the soup version of the dish. Her pasta was sitting in about 1/2 inches of white water. Dessert was no savior as I had the creme Brule that had the texture of reduced milk with protien powder on it and the top burnt to a charcoal taste. So I will never go back to this restaurant and I would NOT recommend it. Total cost of dinner was 130 bucks without drinks. Oh yeah we also received no bread to the table. Not sure if we were supposed to get it or not. A waiter at the end of them meal did offer us the left over bread from another table...

Minestrone soup Light/ fresh flavors I got a bit of pepper which I recommend Not heavy feeling, veggies cooked well, not served to you hella hot

Spaghetti with meat sauce - xtra sauce Sauce had a slight sour taste I have to say the portion is way too large even for a hardy eater, the entree is good and does fill you up but also serves as a double meal the day after.

Tiramisu The top layer is very light and creamy while the bottom is rich and moist, not too strong of either flavor since they are a good balance of rich and delicate. The presentation is nice and the chocolate sauce drizzled is the richest flavor on the plate. Big enough to share with someone. Kind of vanilla/ cinnamon flavor and light coffee flavor

Over all Come here with a genuinely empty stomach. We did not have a reservation but despite this we sat in the bar along with another walk-in just seconds before us and got seated within 5-10 minutes. It’s very much feels like a multi course meal with how they present the food to you. By the time I got to my entree I was already pretty ok with all the soup and bread they provided. I ended up taking almost my whole entree home even after eating some which it did in fact not look like I even ate. I recommend the salad over the soup and definitely get dessert. I also like to throw in when a place has good regular sodas and they are very good at the refills of anything at the table. Most plates are 15-20 but they can range to 30-45, expect to spend around 100 with two people and a lot of food. They box your food for you and yes you can...

Pietro’s Famiglia has been a local favorite in Sparks since 2005, and it’s clear this place knows how to deliver a memorable dining experience. The atmosphere strikes a great balance between upscale and welcoming, with white tablecloths, warm lighting, and a traditional Italian ambiance that feels just right for a relaxed yet refined evening.

We started with a bottle of Cabernet, which was a great match for the meal to come—smooth, full-bodied, and a nice complement to both the charcuterie and the entrées. The charcuterie board was a satisfying opener: a well-rounded mix of quality meats and cheeses, thoughtfully presented with classic accompaniments. It wasn’t flashy, but it delivered on freshness and flavor.

For the main course, I went with the New York strip steak, which was cooked exactly to temp—tender and juicy with a flavorful sear. The accompanying jus added just the right depth, enhancing the steak without overwhelming it. My colleagues ordered the lasagna and the chicken piccata, and both plates were completely cleaned—a clear sign of approval.

Service throughout the evening was spot-on. Our server was attentive, checking in frequently without ever feeling overbearing. It was the kind of service that makes you feel genuinely taken care of.

Pietro’s Famiglia is the kind of place that gets the fundamentals right—solid food, a welcoming yet polished setting, and service that adds to the overall experience. Whether you're celebrating something or just winding down after a long day, it’s a spot worth...