Pier Luigi’s sits on a serene part of the cosmopolitan Princes Avenue. A pleasurable evening for just about everyone from your gran to your partner, it offers well mannered staff and a selection of good quality food but something just seems to be missing.

The Venue
Ten minutes’ walk from the city centre and directly next to Pearson Park, the Italian restaurant Pier Luigi’s is easily accessible and most appealing to look at from the outside, especially at night. The contrast of plum red and fresh, clean white offers it an almost Mediterranean feel that instantly sets it apart from other restaurants in the area.

Upon entering the restaurant, you are met by a spacious and bright waiting area with lots of sofas and tables, and a bar at the back of the room. Pier Luigi’s makes good use of the space it has but you can’t help but feel slightly hemmed in when more than a couple of groups are waiting.

The restaurant also does well in creating the illusion of a larger space with fixed mirrors and large windows that look out onto the street. The actual eating space is attractive and reasonably large, with an additional spot upstairs. Many of the tables sit two people but a couple cater to larger parties of approximately ten people. They are covered in smooth, sparkling white table cloths and a plastic flower offers just a hint of colour.

The Atmosphere
The clientele of Pier Luigi’s seem to be mostly regulars who live in and around Princes Avenue. It is definitely more of a family orientated place but also attracts couples of a more mature age. Far from being hip and trendy it almost seems as though the restaurant doesn’t quite fit in with the cosmopolitan vibe of the area.

The staff are pleasant enough and are very gracious in assisting you to your table. The waiters perform their job to an adequate degree.

The Food
The menu offers a wide selection of starters and mains, which include pasta, chicken and beef dishes, burgers and pizzas, as well as four different vegetarian options.

If you desire an attack of ambiguity to the taste buds then try the proscuitto di Parma and melone con formaggio. The succulently soft and syrupy melon enveloped in an embrace of Parma ham really does require you to ponder over the various tastes. It is topped with parmesan shavings which, once fully melted, gives the whole dish its finishing touch of pure excellence. If you’re not a fan of such a contrast or you’re a vegetarian then there unfortunately isn’t as much choice. But why not try the antipasto di formaggio da capra as a cold starter? A blend of creamy, grilled goat’s cheese with a salad of mixed leaves, delightfully sweet cherry tomatoes and onions – all coated (but not too much) in a rather bitter balsamic syrup.

The pizzas are (understandably) at the heart of this Italian restaurant. All are stone-baked and offer a true taste of one of the country’s most famous exports, using authentic Italian ingredients. The quattro formaggio is a must for cheese extremists. This pizza generates an assault like no other and is highly recommended. Instantly noticeable of the four cheeses is the fontina which is an intense experience. The sheer pungency has you reaching for your drink but, still, you’re unable to stop yourself from going back for more. The distinctive gorgonzola is tamer and offers a savoury flavour. You’ll be hard-pushed to finish this twelve inch feast of a pizza but you won’t find any other that offers such a mouth watering experience.

The desserts consist of delicious tiramisu and the chocolate fudge cake which is as gooey as you could hope. The food at Pier Luigi’s isn’t particularly cheap, with starters coming in at around £5, and mains in the region of between £8 and £9. Desserts (which all come with whipped cream or ice-cream) are more affordable at £2.75 each.

The Drink
A large choice of wines and beers is available, as well as a few spirits and hot drinks. A decent bottle of wine costs between £13.95 (for the Rose) and £19.95 for the Sauvignon Blanc. But definitely recommended is the delicious Shiraz which emerges in the middle at £17.95.

The Last Word
Pier Luigi’s is a delightful little place to go for a family meal, especially if you’re in the mood for pizza. It is an endearing, traditional spot, and one that is set apart from the more trendy restaurants and bars on Princes Avenue, even if it comes across as a little complacent at times.

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