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La Piazza
Master Critic Review
La Piazza
8.1
La Piazza brings a polished Venetian-inspired dining room to 49th Street, where a rich Bolognese lasagna with royal beef ragù sits alongside seafood pastas and wood-fired pizza. It’s a splashy, two-floor space suited to business dinners and special occasions more than quick weekday lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bolognese Lasagna with Royal Beef Ragù, Paccheri with Lobster, Pizza Veneziana
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 6.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Venetian-rooted showpiece where a refined Bolognese lasagna is served in a dramatic, two-level dining room steps from Rockefeller Center.
Who should go: Expense-account diners and date nights seeking a splashy room.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner after office hours or pre-show.
What to order: Bolognese lasagna, paccheri with lobster, a shared pizza Veneziana.
Insider tip: Request an upstairs table for a quieter experience and better views of the room when booking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around Rockefeller Center; nearby garages on 48th–50th Street typically run $35–$50 for evening stays.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—blazers, elevated tops, and polished footwear fit the room; jeans are acceptable if styled well.
Noise level: Moderate-loud during peak dinner hours, with softer conversation levels on the mezzanine.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation due to pre-theater and visitor traffic.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; the restaurant is quieter and easier to book.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—vegetable antipasti, salads, and several pizzas and pastas can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and a few vegetable sides are workable; most mains rely on dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be adapted; gluten-free pasta is available on request, but pizzas and lasagna cannot be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its dramatic two-level room, polished service, and softly lit ambiance create an impressive setting without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but difficult during prime dinner hours; walk-ins are more successful at early dinners, late evenings, or at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens; high chairs and kids’ menus are unlikely, and the upscale setting skews adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion dinners, polished Venetian-style pastas, and an elevated dining room near Rockefeller Center.
Skip if: You want a casual red-sauce spot, fast service, or budget-friendly Italian—nearby trattorie or slice shops may suit better.