Something that I personally feel is lacking in the Ann Arbor foodie scene is cheap Italian food. Of course we have cult favorites like Pizza House and Palio, but unless you’re drunk or looking to spend a small fortune, Italian hasn’t really been an option. Piada is about to change that.

Piada Italian Street Food is set to open on April 1 (which is this Friday people) right on State Street. The casual eatery is a gourmet Italian food chain that started in Colombus, Ohio. It will undoubtedly be a game changer here in AA where students value nothing more than good, quick food.

Piada

Photo courtesy of @piadaitalianstreetfood on Instagram

I stumbled upon Piada’s mouthwatering insta months ago. Since then I’ve been imagining the endless pasta bowl possibilities (or pastabilities if you’re punny). But, Piada will be offering much more than just pasta.

Piada

Photo courtesy of @piadaitalianstreetfood on Instagram

The restaurant works much like our beloved Chipotle because the food is ordered and prepared in an assembly-line fashion. This means not waiting a long time for food: ain’t nobody got time for that.

If you pride yourself in making your own culinary masterpieces like I do, Piada will be the place for you. First you choose from a salad, piada, or pasta bowl, add the meat of your choice, choose any sauce or dressing, and then pile on the toppings of your dreams.

Piada

Photo courtesy of @piadaitalianstreetfood

They also have a set menu that takes a modern twist on Italian classics. They offer a variety of pasta bowls, chopped salads and signature piadas. FYI a piada is an Italian flat bread that is like a wrap but it’s cooked on a stone (which makes it way cooler).

Piada

Photo courtesy of @piadaitalianstreetfood

The item that I’m personally the most excited about are the cannoli chips served with chocolate chip cannoli icing. Now that sounds like the kind of snack that I need in my life.

If you are as hype about this restaurant opening as I am be sure to check it out this Friday, and stay tuned for a review of the new spot. Also feel free to buy me some cannoli chips if you’re feeling generous.