When a restaurant reaches 30 years, it is not just a business; it is an institution in the neighborhood, a place that has woven ties and built a family of loyal customers. This is the case of Piazze d’Italia, a restaurant that opened its doors in 1992 and has been a piece of Italy in Barcelona ever since. Its proposal is simple, but forceful: to bring diners the best of authentic Italian cuisine, far from the stereotypes that often limit the imaginary about Italian food.
A culinary journey that began in the heart of Barcelona
The history of Piazze d’Italia cannot be understood without its creator, who brought with him an innovative and, at the same time, traditional vision. This entrepreneur arrived in Barcelona after the ’92 Olympics, when the city was just beginning to become a center of international interest. At that time, few foreigners chose to settle in the city, and the beaches were not yet the meeting point they are today.
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However, this pioneer decided that Barcelona was the perfect place to start his gastronomic adventure, opening a restaurant that from the very beginning had a clear identity: an Italian corner on Casanova Street, where every dish tells a story.
Passion for quality ingredients
The key to Piazze d’Italia lies in its raw materials, something that few restaurants can say with such pride. From the beginning, the founder traveled monthly to Italy to bring back products such as Tuscan oil or Modena vinegar, essential elements that were impossible to find in Barcelona three decades ago. Today, although the market has changed and these products are more accessible, Piazze d’Italia continues to pay attention to the smallest detail in the selection of ingredients. This dedication is reflected in every dish, from classic pastas and pizzas to more elaborate dishes such as melanzane alla parmigiana or scalopinas al limone e salvia.
An advocate of authentic Italian food
From the beginning, the restaurant not only sought to be a place to eat, but also a place to learn. The mission is to educate diners’ palates and challenge clichés about Italian cuisine. In Spain, many still believe that pasta should be overcooked or that pizza should always be thin and crispy. Piazze d’Italia invites customers to discover the true essence of these dishes, respecting the authenticity and tradition of the original recipes. With a menu full of genuine flavors and a selection of exclusively Italian wines, the restaurant offers a total immersion in the culinary culture of the country of the boot.
Awards and recognitions
Not surprisingly, Piazze d’Italia has won several awards for excellence and authenticity. Winner of the Ospitalità Italiana award for six consecutive years, the restaurant has stood out not only in Spain, but also in international meetings such as the Italian Cuisine World Summit. This track record of awards and participation in high-level events consolidates it as a benchmark for Italian cuisine in Barcelona and throughout Spain. In addition, the founder has been a true ambassador of Italian gastronomic culture. He has participated in multiple cooking master classes and has represented Italian brands in Catalonia. As president of the CIAO ITALIA association in Spain, an institution endorsed by the Italian Ministry, his commitment to the dissemination of authentic Italian food has been fundamental in changing the perception of this gastronomy.
Beyond pizzas and pasta
Talking about Piazze d’Italia is not only about pizza and pasta. Although these dishes are emblematic, the menu goes much further. The desserts, prepared daily, are another of the great attractions of the place, and one of the most recommended is the tiramisu alla Nutella, a delicious mixture that satisfies lovers of tiramisu and this popular hazelnut cream. The pizzas, meanwhile, are also outstanding, from the classic Margherita to innovative combinations such as the Gorgonzola alle pere e nocce, all made with the best quality dough and fresh products.
Expansion and evolution: beyond Piazze d’Italia
With the success of Piazze d’Italia, the founder has taken his passion for Italian gastronomy to new levels in Barcelona. He has opened an Italian haute cuisine restaurant and a tapas and small plates restaurant, both located in the heart of the city. This expansion is not just a business, but a reaffirmation of his commitment to culinary excellence and offering dining experiences that showcase the richness and diversity of Italian cuisine.
The legacy of a restaurant that has become a tradition
After three decades, Piazze d’Italia continues to be a benchmark of authenticity and quality in Barcelona. It is a place where customers not only enjoy a good meal, but also feel at home. The atmosphere is casual, unpretentious, like an authentic Italian trattoria. The warm atmosphere and personalized attention make every customer feel like a friend. This restaurant not only nourishes, but cultivates a special connection with those who visit. In a world where globalization often dilutes traditions, Piazze d’Italia stays true to its roots, offering a little piece of Italy in every dish.
Piazze d’Italia is much more than just a restaurant.
Piazze d’Italia is much more than a restaurant; it is a tribute to tradition, to the flavors of childhood and to the passion for sharing a culture through food. For those looking for an authentic experience, this place is a hidden gem in the heart of Barcelona, a must stop for those who wish to explore true Italian cuisine.
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Address: Carrer de Casanova, 94, Eixample, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Tel: 933235977 Website: piazzeditalia.com