Bayonne Waterfront: Heats Up With Sophisitcated, Modern Italian Pizzeria/ Restaurant

By Monica Prestia

The new 60 seat restaurant, designed by world-renowned architect/designer R. Alexander German will celebrate its theme with a Roman Stone Hearth Oven.  The name, Piazzolla gives homage to the stylish and classic Argentine Tango musician.  The Bayonne Waterfront restaurant, in Southcove Commons Shopping Center, serves up Modern Classic, Italian Cuisine with timeless Roman style and Argentine flair.

As you enter Piazzolla, you are captivated by the centerpiece of the cozy space, the dome stone oven that mesmerizes with its fiery flames and open hearth.  The detailed blue tile work accentuated by the buttery terracotta walls and evenly spaced Tuscan inspired sconces lead the focus to the open kitchen. The dome stone oven attraction has its origins in the Tuscan and Roman tradition for informal family gatherings.  The soaring ceilings with the open kitchen and architectural details of the entrance way make it feel welcomingly grand and familiar at the same time.  An array of table sizes makes it perfect for a small intimate party of two to a party of twenty.  The space is filled with soft rhythmic beats of contemporary Italian music and melodic modern tunes that gently create the ambience.  Evening candlight soothes the senses.

The menu pays tribute to Roman Style Pizza.  With over 20 varieties of Gourmet pizza, owner Alex German comments “Our ingredients are all authentic and are imported from Italy.  The best and freshest: tomatoes, virgin olive oil and, most importantly, the mozzarella are delivered twice a week from Rome.   We are very happy to see our patrons enjoying the quality of our delicious and unique menu”. 

Chef Brian Noto formerly of the famous River Café in Brooklyn, brings his global experience and passion for food to Piazzolla.  Chef Noto uses garden-fresh vegetables, pasta, seafood and prime cuts of meats creating an exciting and constantly evolving menu.  It’s developed around the seasonality and availability of only the freshest ingredients. Chef Noto says “we cook with love and passion in our hearts”. 
Chef Noto’s favorite Pizza’s include: Tango Pizza: with tomato sauce, oregano, Parmigiano, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, Prosciutto, roasted peppers, crispy and thicker pizza.   The Montanara Pizza is served with sausage, peppers, mozzarella and ricotta and is a thin crust pizza.  Pizzas range from $8-25 for Extra large pies.

His signature dishes include Orecchiete con Salsiccia and Chicken with Ricotta & Eggplant. The round ear-shaped pasta is drizzled with olive oil and fresh hand-made sausage with the spicy and sharp broccoli rabe.  The chicken with ricotta and eggplant are just like his nonna taught him -   Stuffed succulent breasts with ricotta and marinated eggplant.

For guests with a heartier appetite he loves to prepare: Maile Ai Ferri: The Grilled Pork Chop served with sautéed figs and plum tomatoes.   The Mari e Monti (Surf n Turf) Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail with marinated Portobello mushrooms and grilled asparagus with a port wine reduction sauce.  All cuts are USDA Grade A and Grain fed. 

Piazzolla also features dishes such as Risotto del Giorno. Delicious Italian Rice combinations that change daily.  For the dessert lover, a cornucopia of desserts that range from the 20 layer paper thin crepe cake made with ethereally light cream cheese to Italian chocolate canolis and Panna Cotta.  Served with Italian or Brazilian coffees.

“Piazzolla, the musician, is an inspiration for modern classic tango”, said Alex German, owner of Piazzolla.  “We are pleased to offer a place where guests can gather to celebrate the best that Rome, Tuscany and Argentina has to offer through our distinctive cuisine and contemporary space.

Piazzolla Ristorante and Gourmet Pizzeria is located at 120 Lefante Way, SouthCove Commons Shopping Center, Bayonne Waterfront, NJ 07002. Lunch is served daily, stylish dinners nightly with family style and catering menus available.  Prices range from $6 appetizers  – $18 entrees.. Private parties and corporate events offered. All major credit cards accepted.
For reservations please ask for Alex German at 201.339.3607.