La Piazza - County Durham

The restaurant had very poor service. Despite the restaurant being nearly empty, we had to wait 15 minutes for a table for 5. Once seated, the waiter/waitress refused to take our lunch order despite us seeking assistance multiple times. The supervisor, a lady wearing glasses, even had the audacity to ask us to wait for 2 minutes and they would come to us. It was clear that they were not interested in providing us with their services, so we decided to leave.

It is rare to come across a restaurant next to a Travelodge, especially one of such high quality, but this one surpasses expectations. The restaurant greeted us warmly, provided exceptional service, and served top-notch food in generous portions. The staff were outstanding, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and making us feel right at home.

I ordered takeout as a special treat for my partner and me. We spent nearly £40 on 2 starters and 2 main dishes, but were disappointed when the food arrived cold. One of the main dishes cost £14 and was the size of a starter, with very small portions and low quality. The chicken tasted like it had been boiled and was very bland. I regret not saving my money and cooking at home instead. Overall, I ended up wasting almost £40 and had to cook anyway.

We stayed at the travel lodge Friday night. I decided to get a takeaway and bring back to the room. Ordered calamari fritti good portion but lacked salt seasoning. Ordered the bruschetta and we found the bread soggy didn’t like this. Ordered 2 portions risotto ai fruitti nice portions of seafood especially the size of prawns. But what was surprising was that the rice was not Italian Arborio and just normal rice which lacked the flavour. This was disappointing so be aware of this.

We ate here Sat 31st whilst staying at the travelodge. We had a bottle of house white that was lovely quality, a garlic bread wheel , a chicken pasta, a salmon pasta one desert £42 which was great value and good portions. Would return. Very Covid secure