I may have found a neighborhood gem of an Italian eatery on a Friday afternoon for a casual lunch alone before an errand at another store in the same shopping center. Quite a few people were dining outside this day, leaving the inside for me to have some welcome space at the end of the week. The decor seems rather plain if clean, and I wonder what a brighter aesthetic inside might do for the ambiance of this place. I was greeted promptly by one staff person offering me a menu followed by another to take my drink order. The pacing of my courses was mostly within reasonable times with a couple of short waits. The staff seem rather personable and eager to engage patrons in friendly, neighborly conversation. I myself quite enjoyed the brief exchanges I had with both my server Jarrett and the manager Carmela. They were both attentive and again friendly in a relaxed, down-to-earth kind of way.
Choices were many both on the lunch specific menu and main menu, but I settled on a porchetta sandwich with both a house salad and fries as sides followed by a version of cake and ice cream for dessert â chocolate mousse cake and orange gelato. The salad normally calls for blue cheese, but Jarrett easily accommodated my preference for fresh mozzarella instead. The combination of cucumber, tomato, and cheese was satisfying to the point where I could have done without the lightly dressed field greens in favor of some fresh basil or oregano with a little good quality extra virgin olive oil. Still, I liked how I started to be sure. The star and highlight came with the sandwich and fries for which I joyfully say no complaints whatsoever. Both items arrived thermally hot ensuring I received my lunch truly cooked to order. The sausage was mildly spicy, the peppers and onions had the right amount of bite, the mozzarella perfectly melted, the fresh-tasting tomato sauce neither too sweet nor too acidic, and the bread slightly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Fries were a good portion, thermally hot, crisp throughout my eating time, and herb seasoned well. Based on this experience, I would try most any sandwich in the menu. Desserts were satisfying for the most part. The mousse cake was still relatively moist on the bottom with a good dark chocolate flavor in the mousse and the shavings placed on top. Whipped cream tasted fresh as well. The well-portioned house-made gelato had a subtle orange flavor to go with the creamy texture. A minor quibble centered on whether I may have felt a slight aftertaste of maybe the emulsifying agent with this batch. The use of the same kind of plate as the mousse cake for the gelato was also curious. The flavors rotate regularly and sounded appealing when I heard some of them from Carmela, so I could be tempted to go another round or two to see what might go well with their tiramisu or limoncello cake.
The web site needs to be updated, as I saw a couple of items without description, another with some kind of placeholder for a description, and a reference to an apple pie that did not appear on the dessert menu I was given. This place could be one of the better values I have experienced in sometime given the food quality and engagement of the staff, particularly Jarrett and Carmela this visit. My lunch totaled around $35 excluding tax and tip. I would like to come back the next time I am running errands at Franklin Farms and try more of the offerings of this chef...
   Read moreLast night, my friends and I decided to elevate our evening with dinner at Pieroâs Corner before heading back to unwind with Pull Up DCâs finest. The night turned out to be the perfect blend of hearty Italian indulgence and top-tier relaxation. From the moment we stepped into Pieroâs Corner, the inviting atmosphere wrapped us in a cozy embrace. The aromas of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces made it feel like weâd walked into an Italian grandmotherâs kitchen. We started with their famous bread basketâit was impossible to resist. Warm, fluffy, and paired with herbed olive oil, it was a preview of the excellence to come. For starters, we shared calamari and bruschetta, both prepared to perfection. The calamari was crispy without being greasy, and the bruschettaâs fresh, vibrant flavors transported us straight to Tuscany. For the main course, I went with the seafood linguini, a masterpiece of perfectly al dente pasta, fresh seafood, and a light, flavorful sauce. My friends ordered the bucatini carbonara and chicken marsala, and we all kept swapping bites because everything was too good not to share. One of us couldnât stop raving about the chicken parmigianaâit was massive, crispy, and covered in a marinara sauce so rich it could double as comfort food therapy. The service was flawless. Our server was not only friendly but also had a knack for making the meal feel like an event. His wine recommendations were spot-on and paired beautifully with our dishes. What stood out most was the atmosphere. Pieroâs Corner isnât just a restaurant; itâs a gathering place. You could tell itâs a favorite spot for locals, filled with lively conversations and laughter. It felt like a slice of Italy right here in the neighborhood. After a satisfying dinner, we wrapped up our night by reconnecting with Pull Up DC. Pieroâs Corner gave us the comfort and warmth of a family-style Italian dinner, while Pull Up DC brought the vibe full circle, helping us wind down and savor the evening. Itâs the ultimate pairingâamazing food followed by DCâs best cannabis strains to keep the good vibes rolling. Whether youâre planning a dinner with friends, family, or even a romantic evening, Pieroâs Corner is a must-visit. Itâs the perfect spot to fuel up on authentic Italian cuisine before heading out for a night in DC or relaxing at home with Pull Up DCâs finest. For us, it wasnât just a mealâit was a memory. Pieroâs Corner now holds a special spot on our list of favorite places, and pairing it with Pull Up DC made the night unforgettable. Five...
   Read moreAbsolutely one of the top Italian dining experiences in the entire DMV area. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance is invitingâelegant yet cozyâwith attentive staff that truly elevate the experience.
The menu is outstanding across the board. Weâve tried their soups, pizzas, pastas, and winesâand everything is consistently exceptional. The soups are rich and flavorful, perfect starters that set the tone for the meal. Their pizzas are some of the best weâve hadâthin, crisp, wood-fired crusts with perfectly balanced toppings. They also offer gluten-free options that donât compromise on taste or texture, which is a rare find.
The pasta is simply outstandingâfreshly made, cooked al dente, and served with sauces that are clearly crafted with care and quality ingredients. Whether itâs a classic marinara, a creamy truffle, or a spicy arrabbiata, theyâll happily adjust the spice level to your preference, which shows their attention to guest satisfaction.
Their wine selection is thoughtfully curated, with options to pair beautifully with every dish on the menu. Ask for recommendationsâthe staff knows their list well and wonât steer you wrong.
What really seals the experience is the service. The team is professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely hospitable. Every visit feels personal and welcoming. Whether you're going for a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or just craving good Italian food, this place never disappoints.
Highly recommendâthis restaurant has definitely earned a spot on...
   Read more