A 90s-inspired Italian cafe is on its way to 55 Greenwich Avenue in the West Village. Owner Luca Lewis told What Now New York that he and his team are aiming to open Casa Piada by the end of March, with plans to start buildout in a couple weeks.
The spot will be based around piadas, an Italian flatbread made by hand with simple ingredients like flour, water and eggs. It is then filled with other ingredients such as Italian meats and cheese to form a sandwich that is somewhat similar to a quesadilla.
Lewis draws inspiration from his own background. He grew up in Pesaro, Italy, and piadas were popular in his coastal community. He will also be using fresh, natural ingredients directly from Italy for all the piadas.
“We have a kitchen in Italy with these wonderful ladies who have been making the same recipe since the 1400s — it’s been passed down,” Lewis said. “They’re producing it in Pesaro, Italy, and we’re going to get it shipped in weekly by plane, fresh, and we’re using that bread to make the piadas in New York.”
Casa Piada will have what Lewis describes as a “beachy, sexy, fun vibe” to stay true to the mood of the retro Italian Riviera.
The spot will serve coffee beverages, focusing on Italian blends. By night, it will serve as a wine bar with charcuterie and small plates, featuring Italo disco and DJ visits for atmosphere.
The cafe will also have an outdoor space, featuring Italian umbrellas and beach chairs.
“When you’re eating outside, you can really feel like you’re in Italy,” Lewis said. “I think it really caters well to that neighborhood.”
Lewis wants to emphasize affordability and fun in his concept. Casa Piada will also offer vegan and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
“I want to make a strict rule that we won’t sell $7 lattes, but more like $3.50-4 lattes and $2 espressos,” Lewis said. “It’s just something that’s the right way to go about this and not sell simple things for too much money. Everything will be budget-friendly but of the highest quality.”
