We gave this casual dining chain a try yesterday at their new Wake Forest, NC location. I am from originally from Boston where we have a strong Italian population. If you have ever been to Boston’s North End and experienced places like Pizzeria Regina then you will know exactly what I mean. The Italian food there is really good. I moved to North Carolina in the early 2000s and searched high and low for good Italian food.
I had the most amazing Italian sandwiches on a recent visit to Cervinia in the Italian Alps and although I knew this would be served on a flat bread called a Piadina Romagnola. I was looking forward to trying this street food.
Piadina is served in the Northern Italian region near Bologna it looks like a tortilla but is made with white flour vs corn and traditionally it is made using lard or olive oil.
The best way I can describe of Piada Italian Street Food is it is a compilation of many of the serving styles of other chains The sandwiches are made from your choices held under glass like at Chipotle. Their specialty drinks sounded much like the tractor drinks at Showmars, and the menu resembles Panera.
I do like their logo of the scooter it totally captures Italy.
This particular location in Wake Forest is situated in Grove 98. It appeared clean and bright. We took some video (below) of the location so you can see for yourself. There is some outside seating available, if you do not mind the constant noise from Route 98.
The staff was friendly and offered to give me a complimentary drink or sweet snack while I waited for my order. I declined but appreciated the management has empowered their staff to make those kinds of judgement calls.
I did not wait long for my sandwich and watched the employee who wore gloves roll and wrap the piada.
The takeout bag looked like it came from a high end chain. It had the logo of the scooter and twine handles.
What Did We Think About The Piada Sandwich?
It was a beautiful sandwich. The colors of the ingredients inside were carefully thought out. For example the corn adds a nice pop of color. All the greens complement the color of bread. The Piada is a much prettier version of a Mexican tortilla.
How Did It Taste?
Well it was fine… a tad dry and no real defining flavor with the exception of the avocado. Maybe the addition of fried chicken made it less moist. I do not want to totally dog it, however there was nothing here that would make me crave it again.
Maybe my expectations were a bit high. Perhaps I need to go back and try another menu item.
Locally owned and operated Dante’s, Frankos, and Amalias have nothing to worry about when it comes to the Italian Food produced by this chain.
We are giving Piada Italian Street Food a 3.75 out of 5 hearts
