Opinions on Piazza Del Panne - Fresno

[gmk1322]

I was wondering if any other Hounds have checked out the new Piazza Del Panne on Palm and Herndon and what they thought of the overall experience. I've been there twice for dinner since they've opened and had an overall good experience both times.

Ambiance: Hectic when you walk in the door since the open kitchen area/take out area are right near both entrances. In the main dining area it is a bit quieter and the feel is a lot homier (e.g. darker lighting and an awesome fireplace).

Food: I've yet to branch out since both times I've ordered the same main entree, the 1/2 roast chicken served with polenta/marinara sauce and vegetables. I've been satisfied with the dish both times even thought the polenta changed (the first time it had a creamier texture and the second was more cooked and cut into shape). However, the difference between the appetizers has been night and day. The first time I had the bruschetta, which was very good with a fresh tasting pesto; but the second time I had the ceviche, which was a HUGE disappointment. For about 10 dollars I got to share 2 shrimp and 2 pieces of whitefish from a huge martini glass. I think that the appetizer should have been more seafood than the chopped vegetables. I've had the bread pudding for dessert and it was good too.

Service: The first time I had an excellent server. She was attentive and approached the table only when it was necessary. Also the food came out very hot, which is a huge plus. However, the second time the waitress committed the cardinal sin by asking if we were interested in dessert about 10 minutes after we got our entree. She hovered around the table way too much, which made conversation with my companion difficult since I didn't want to be rude and ignore the waitress. But once again the food came out hot so I can deal with a little poor service.

Overall: Piazza is right down the street from my house so when I need a decent meal or take out I feel confident that I will get good food from the restaurant. Score 4 out of 5. They also have a decent selection of gelato that I can't wait to try the next time I go to eat there.

[FAT Traveler]

I was so happy the new location opened. I think the whole concept is teriffic. I like several pastas, the steak salad, and some of the pizzas. They carry a pretty nice Pinot Grigio for $18 a bottle and they have some reasonable reds, as well. I certainly agree with the OP about the ceviche--it's awful. We've visited the new location several times, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and it's become one of our favorites. The service can be less than professional, but usually it's not terrible. With all the new restaurants opening in Fresno, there must be a lot of competition for wait staff that has experience.

The prices are very reasonable and that also ensures our return.

Last weekend we stopped in to look at the menu at Bella Pasta and, frankly, we couldn't bring ourselves to pay $17 for pasta with "red" sauce. The PDP prices are around $10.

[gmk1322]

I have yet to go there for breakfast. What would you say some of the better breakfast dishes are? Do they have waffles?

[FAT Traveler]

They have quite an extensive Bfast menu:

http://www.piazzadelpane.com/m_br_0.html

[rah]

Not much in the way of breakfast I'd say... mostly pastries (you would be WAY better off going down the street a few blocks to the new Le Persian Cafe! GREAT Pastries... or for the best waffles ever.. head south to Fig Garden and try the Patio Cafe... wonderful "classic " waffles... whole grain ones too! (best oatmeal in town!)

[cocktailqueen77]

I think that the food at PDP is hit and miss. But I am quite impressed with the bar and cocktail menu. The Bloody Mary I ordered was fantastic!! They create their own BM mix with a homemade pizza/marinara sauce, plus the presentation is an appetizer all in it's own - a traditional celery stalk and olive, but in addition a basil leaf, radish, and cocktail onion. When asked a how they make their mix, the bartender was more than happy to produce a recipe and wrote it down for us. That's a huge plus in customer service as far as I am concerned.

It is just around the corner from where we live (which we love) so we have been there numerous times, I think more for cocktails than food though. I would recommend the pizzas. I have had the mushroom pizza which is very delicious, I have ordered this on many occasions and love it!! The burger is also quite good. On one visit we tried the polenta (okay, was luke warm when served and not as crispy as I thought it should be) and these dough balls filled with pepperoni and cheese (again only okay, luke warm and too doughy with not enough filling).

I am happy that this type of establishment has opened near our residence. We usually do not ever enter "chain" restaurants, but I think the Bloody Mary (and the attentiveness to detail and quality) had us at hello. We are creatures of habit so I think that when we do order food it will be what we have already had - although the chicken piccatta sound like a must try (thanks KW).

[KenWritez]

I've been to the one on Cedar & Nees a few times and thought it offered typical chain restaurant food--until I tried the chicken piccata. Wow! That was a great dish! Next time I return I'll order it again to see if my first was a fluke or not.

[alanstotle]

Ken, was the chicken piccata on the dinner menu? Or the lunch menu? Or both?

[KenWritez]

I had it for dinner, I don't recall if they had a lunch menu. I've never had chicken piccata before, so I have no idea if it was authentic or whatnot, what I remember is how much I enjoyed it.

[alanstotle]

Here's a link to a report my wife wrote up when we visited the Piazza del Pane for lunch over at the corner of Nees & Cedar:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/89281

That was back in 2006, & we visited for lunch instead of dinner, but there may be some helpful information in there.