Oran A.
Yelp
After wrapping up running around NYC, I was hoping to find a pizza restaurant along my way back to catch an Amtrak home. Doing a quick Yelp search & removing the promoted content, La Piazza popped up meeting my requirements. From the moment I walked in, all the way through my exit, I felt like I was appreciated by simply being a guest in their establishment.
A very charming young lady greeted me and after quickly confirming they would not be closing anytime soon, I was offered options for where I could dine. Menus for dinner & adult beverages were offered, and she immediately stated, if I had questions, do not hesitate to ask.
I knew what I wanted, & after closing my menus, I was promptly attended to. A margarita pizza, with a caesar salad would be perfect - along with a glass of Malbec and a Coke.
Everything was handled with almost perfect timing. My salad, Coke & water made their way to my table. The Caesar salad was light, refreshing and delicious. The dressing wasn't slathered on - more is better, right? Not always & this was a prime example. A delicious balance of flavors made the salad a great decision.
As I was 60% through my salad, a very nice bartender came over & poured my glass of Malbec. I was holding off drinking so I could enjoy for when my pizza arrived.
The front of house manager was making his rounds and checked on me, making sure all was up to standards. I think his name was Troy (my apologies if wrong), clearly believed what he was selling: a great dining experience. He was spot on.
Shortly after, he came back with my pizza and it looked fantastic. He said, please enjoy the rest of your salad but I suggest to take a bite while it is still hot. I did as he suggested and wow. Fresh, flavorful and well made- the only item
I would knock is they didn't cut the 13" pizza into 8 slices - just 4.
It didn't need any extras - no salt, pepper, garlic or pepper flakes. It was just right.
The waiter, host & manager all stopped to check if all was still going well - it was as it exceeded expectations.
As a polite and friendly gesture, the manager offered a sweet treat before I made my way home. I declined 2 times but the 3rd, I gave in. A slide of cheesecake was offered for me to enjoy and round out the meal. Truth be told - I don't like cheesecake. But, everything else was good, why stop now? I told the manager I didn't like the cheesecake (wink) after consuming 95% of it. Pretty damn impressive.
I thanked the staff and they all hoped to see me again sometime soon. After a meal like this, I might be making more trips to NYC.
For the pizza snobs that will say, Big Little Vinny's place is better, that's great for Big Little Vinny. This entire meal was like a well tuned machine. You will often find a place that hits 1 or 2 items of what makes a great dining experience. La Piazza was as close to perfect that 1 might enjoy.
I recommend checking the menu and stopping in for lunch (they have a number of happy hour specials) or a reservation for dinner. Come hungry & come back often. It's absolutely worth it. Thank you to all!