Sukhumvit 24’s newest neighbourhood hangout offers homely Italian eats at great value for money
ITALIAN expat Antonio Armenio may be best known for his eponymous upmarket restaurant on Sukhumvit 31, but his latest venture, on Sukhumvit 24, shows he is no stranger to casual dining. Shunning well-dressed tables and fine glassware in favour of a more homely approach, La Piazza takes its cue from the kind of family dinners Antonio enjoyed when he was a youngster. And the venue, inspired by Italy’s renowned town squares – known as Piazzas, vibrant hubs of wining, dining and socializing – sets itself up as the ideal meeting place for residents of the surrounding neighbourhood and beyond. |
Set over two floors and decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows, a terracotta-tiled floor, mock-brick walls, and an open kitchen showcasing a wood-fired pizza oven, the restaurant has more style and charm than its ‘casual-dining’ label may suggest. Most of the staff were trained at Antonio’s, so superior service comes as standard, and the whole operation runs swiftly and slickly thanks to Antonio’s wife, Bel, who is always on hand to tend to diners’ needs.
Free from the shackles of fine dining, Antonio has clearly had a ball creating his menu. Among his generous selection of soups, salads, appetizers, pastas, risottos, wood-fired pizzas, main dishes, and desserts, there are rustic favourites like Chicken Parmagiana (B490++); and hearty feasts perfect for sharing, such as Black Angus Tomahawk 200 days grain fed (Australia. B300 per 100 grams).
The Fiorentina (light, creamy pasta cooked with mushrooms, garlic, cheese and spinach. B300++) showcases Antonio’s talent for creating a well balanced sauce, while the authentic Diavola pizza (tomato, mozzarella, black olives and spicy salami. B300++) highlights how a thin, stone-baked crust always results in the tastiest pie. Chocolate Panna Cotta (B250++); Tiramisu (B220++); and Crème brûlée (B250++) all prove that one should always leave room for dessert.
La Piazza’s handpicked wine list features respected labels from Australia, France and, of course, Italy. Bottles range in price from B1,600++ to B3,400++. Wine by the glass starts at B220++. Cocktails start at B250++. Lavazza coffee and specialty teas start from B80++.
Food delivery is available between Sukhumvit Sois 23-39 and 18-26 for just B50. Orders can be placed over the phone.
La Piazza Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, 50/4 Sukhumvit 24. Valet parking available from 6pm. 02 661 0588-89. lapiazzabangkok.com
Free from the shackles of fine dining, Antonio has clearly had a ball creating his menu. Among his generous selection of soups, salads, appetizers, pastas, risottos, wood-fired pizzas, main dishes, and desserts, there are rustic favourites like Chicken Parmagiana (B490++); and hearty feasts perfect for sharing, such as Black Angus Tomahawk 200 days grain fed (Australia. B300 per 100 grams).
The Fiorentina (light, creamy pasta cooked with mushrooms, garlic, cheese and spinach. B300++) showcases Antonio’s talent for creating a well balanced sauce, while the authentic Diavola pizza (tomato, mozzarella, black olives and spicy salami. B300++) highlights how a thin, stone-baked crust always results in the tastiest pie. Chocolate Panna Cotta (B250++); Tiramisu (B220++); and Crème brûlée (B250++) all prove that one should always leave room for dessert.
La Piazza’s handpicked wine list features respected labels from Australia, France and, of course, Italy. Bottles range in price from B1,600++ to B3,400++. Wine by the glass starts at B220++. Cocktails start at B250++. Lavazza coffee and specialty teas start from B80++.
Food delivery is available between Sukhumvit Sois 23-39 and 18-26 for just B50. Orders can be placed over the phone.
La Piazza Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, 50/4 Sukhumvit 24. Valet parking available from 6pm. 02 661 0588-89. lapiazzabangkok.com