A salami pizza with mushrooms at L’Italiano restaurant in Weiden, Germany, on Feb. 16, 2022. (Immanuel Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
The already limited options for Italian cuisine in the German town of Weiden have plummeted even further due to tragedy.
On February 12, a customer at La Vita restaurant died after drinking champagne fortified with ecstasy. Several others have been taken ill and police are still investigating what happened.
The Vita had been my first choice for this review. With that no longer an option, I researched a similar fare within driving distance of US bases in the Grafenwoehr area. I opted for L’Italiano, an eponymous restaurant in the old town of Weiden.
Choices include pizza, pasta, and house recommendations, as well as desserts and drinks. Tried L’Italiano for lunch and it wasn’t crowded on the Wednesday I visited.
The ambience was nothing special and the light above my table was off so I didn’t look much at the food that was being served.
On the other hand, the menus were already on the table, so I was able to browse the offerings immediately after sitting down.
Despite the many drink options, ranging from soft drinks to beer, wine, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, I stuck with plain water.
This put the load on the food to deliver flavor. I went with spaghetti carbonara, lasagna and a salami pizza, which I asked to top with mushrooms.
The spaghetti carbonara was my favorite, and for the price it was a good portion. The pizza, which looked and tasted fresh, also turned out to be a good option. They measure 34 centimeters, or about 13.5 inches, and their price ranges from seven to 12 euros, depending on the fillings.
Spaghetti carbonara at L’Italiano restaurant in Weiden, Germany, on Feb. 16, 2022. (Immanuel Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
L’Italiano’s lasagna is also generous, but the restaurant overdid it with the curious addition of peas, at least for my taste.
While choices abound on most of the menu, dessert is another story. The sparse selection is highlighted by the homemade seasonal tiramisu.
Underground parking is located a few steps from the restaurant.
All in all, it was a pleasant lunchtime experience. I found the staff to be helpful with recommendations and attentive without being overbearing. Just make sure you have cash, as credit cards are not accepted.
L’Italiano restaurant in Weiden, Germany, shown here February 16, 2022, offers pizza, pasta and other Italian standards. It is a short drive from the US Army base at Grafenwoehr. (Emmanuel Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
Restaurant L’Italiano in Weiden, Germany, on February 16, 2022. The restaurant offers pizza, pasta and other Italian standards. (Emmanuel Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
Italian
Address: Tuerlgasse 1, Weiden, Germany
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Close on Sunday.
Prices: Between four and 20 euros.
Menu: Available in English, Italian and German and online at wp.litaliano-weiden.de/litalianoweiden
Call: +49 961 47055033
