The story of Piada begins in the Romagna region of northern Italy, where the humble piada — a thin, unleavened flatbread — has been a staple of street-side kitchens for centuries. Our founders discovered this beloved tradition while traveling through Italy and immediately knew: Cincinnati deserved to taste this.
"We didn't just want to serve food — we wanted to recreate the feeling of standing at a street-side piadineria in Bologna, food in hand, world slowing down."
In 2012, we opened our doors on Martin Luther King Dr E in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a small menu, a wood-fired grill, and an enormous passion for authentic piada italian street food. Every ingredient is sourced with care — fresh vegetables, house-crafted sauces, premium proteins — wrapped in a warm, hand-rolled piada that brings the streets of Italy to your hands.
Over a decade later, Piada has grown into a beloved Cincinnati institution, but our promise stays the same: bold Italian flavors, fresh ingredients, fast and friendly service — every single day.
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At Piada, everything we do comes back to a simple belief: great food, made with love and fresh ingredients, has the power to bring people together and make every moment better.
We prepare every piada to order using fresh, locally sourced vegetables, house-made sauces, and premium proteins — never frozen, never compromised.
Our team brings genuine love to every dish. Authentic piada italian recipes, perfected over years of craft, served with pride in every single wrap.
Piada is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We partner with local farms, support Cincinnati events, and give back to our neighbors.
From the flour in our flatbread to the final garnish, we hold every detail to the highest standard. If it isn't great, it doesn't leave the kitchen.
From a single street-food stand to a Cincinnati landmark — here's how Piada Italian Street Food grew into what it is today.
Co-founders Marco and Elena travel through Emilia-Romagna, Italy, discovering the centuries-old art of the piada — a flatbread so simple, yet so deeply satisfying. They return with a vision: bring authentic piada italian street food to America.
Piada opens its doors at 291 Martin Luther King Dr E, Cincinnati, OH. The small, bright kitchen serves its first piada to an eager crowd. Lines stretch out the door on day one — the city is hungry for something authentic.
Cincinnati Magazine names Piada one of the city's top new restaurants, praising the freshness, speed, and bold Italian flavors. The recognition brings new guests and cements Piada's reputation in the community.
Piada launches a formal partnership with local Ohio farms, guaranteeing seasonally fresh produce in every dish. The "Fresh Always" promise becomes a cornerstone of our brand identity and menu philosophy.
We expand our piada italian menu to over 30 items, introducing seasonal specials, hearty bowls, and a dedicated catering service for Cincinnati events, corporate lunches, and celebrations of every size.
Piada celebrates serving over 50,000 guests and achieving a 4.9-star average rating across platforms. We launch our loyalty program and online ordering, making it easier than ever to enjoy piada italian street food your way.
Behind every piada is a team of dedicated food lovers who wake up every morning excited to craft something extraordinary for our guests.
Co-Founder
Born in Bologna, Marco grew up rolling piada dough at his grandmother's knee. His lifelong mastery of Italian street food is the heart and soul of every recipe at Piada.
Co-Founder
Elena's background in hospitality and her passion for community-focused dining transformed Piada from a dream into a thriving Cincinnati institution built on warmth and connection.
Executive Chef
With 15 years of culinary experience and training in Florence, Italy, James leads our kitchen team in constantly refining and evolving our authentic piada italian menu with seasonal creativity.
Guest Experience
Sofia ensures that every guest who walks through our doors feels like family. Her dedication to hospitality and genuine warmth has shaped the welcoming culture Piada is known for across Cincinnati.
Passionate about food and hospitality? We'd love to meet you.
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