Piazza’s Reza Setayesh.
Reza Setayesh knows about successful formulas. Since its opening, Rezaz in Asheville’s Biltmore Village has been a popular spot owing to great food and service, as well as Setayesh’s knack for keeping his finger on the pulse of his customers’ needs. The restaurant’s first expansion — the Enoteca, a casual wine bar attached to Rezaz — was an instant hit.
Setayesh is once again looking to hit a home run with Piazza, his new casual yet high quality Italian eatery in Fairview. The restaurant opened December 2nd, occupying a bit of space in the Eastwood Village that has already seen the demise of other restaurants. Manager Gabriel Dickinson says that since Setayesh lives in Fairview, he has had the opportunity to gauge what area residents need versus what they don’t.
“He saw where the previous places failed,” says Dickinson, “and felt like what this area needed was basically a friendly environment with good food. Out here, people are looking for a neighborhood restaurant.”
Piazza, says Dickinson, serves “simple, good food.” Menu options are hearty and familiar — but fit for foodies. Appetizers are served family style and include steamed mussels and classic salads like Greek and Caesar. Italian subs and wraps are all under $7 — save the Kobe burger on a homemade roll that won’t exactly break the bank at $8.99.
Entrees include fairly priced wood-fired pizzas with ingredients that run the gamut from basic to gourmet. Pasta bowls are outrageously cheap at $4.99 and come with a slew of sauces to satisfy the finickiest of children as well as the discriminating palate.
“We’re trying to create a fun environment,” says Dickinson. “People feel like we hit the mark of giving really good food with attention to flavors and quality of ingredients. We’ve had nothing but great feedback.”
Piazza is located at 4 Eastwood Village Boulevard in Fairview. They are open every day except for Tuesdays. For more information about Piazza, visit www.piazzaeast.com or call 828-298-7224