A familiar favorite has found a new home on Marietta Square. Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen, a longtime Kennesaw neighborhood staple known for New York-style pizza and Italian American comfort food, has brought its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere to downtown Marietta. From cheesy slices and hearty pasta to sandwiches and calzones, the new location offers plenty of reasons to settle in for a meal and perhaps stay awhile to soak up the lively atmosphere. I had the opportunity to sample some of the menu and get a taste of what’s cooking at Pisano’s.
Mystery Starburst
Organic Vanilla Vodka, Watermelon Schnapps, Sour Mix, Simple Syrup, Sprite
My experience started on a fruity note with the Mystery Starburst cocktail. Vanilla and watermelon come together with bright, muddled basil for a refreshing and surprisingly vibrant sip. Finished with lemon and lime, the cocktail is easygoing at first taste but packs plenty of flavor and a bit more punch than its sweet, fruity profile might suggest.
Bruschetta
Toasted Italian Bread Topped with Marinated Grape Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Shaved Parmesan and Balsamic Drizzle
Next came the bruschetta, and it quickly became clear that this is a dish for balsamic lovers. The Italian bread was toasted just right, crisp around the edges while remaining tender enough to bite into comfortably. Marinated grape tomatoes added a balance of tartness and sweetness, while fresh basil and shaved Parmesan rounded everything out. The generous balsamic drizzle ties it all together. If you love balsamic, grab a fork and dig in.
Viva Italia!
Mozzarella Cheese Base Topped with Fresh Basil Pesto, Garlic and Fresh Tomato Sauce
I quickly learned why the Viva Italia! is a crowd favorite. The foundation of any good pizza is the crust, and Pisano’s gets this one right: tender and flavorful with a satisfying crisp edge. A generous layer of mozzarella provides a rich, creamy base, while fresh basil pesto and garlic bring brightness and depth. A light drizzle of tomato sauce adds that classic Italian flavor without overwhelming the other toppings. Think of it as a margherita pizza with a flavorful upgrade.
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Hand-Rolled Meatballs Served Over a Bed of Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
As a mostly vegetarian, I don’t often reach for meatballs, but these exceeded my expectations. The hand-rolled meatballs were tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, with a rich, decadent quality that paired beautifully with Pisano’s classic marinara. Served over a bed of pasta and accompanied by a crisp Caesar salad and buttery garlic rolls, the meal is the definition of classic comfort food: hearty, satisfying, and made for lingering over the table.
Chicken Parmesan Sub
Freshly Breaded Chicken Breast with Marinara and Melted Mozzarella on a Toasted Sub Roll
By this point, I was already stuffed, but I couldn’t leave without finding out how Pisano’s handles a chicken Parmesan sub. The generous portion of tender chicken made a strong first impression, but the thin, crispy breading really sealed the deal. Paired with tangy marinara and plenty of melted mozzarella, each bite was savory, gooey, and satisfying. This is the kind of sandwich that calls for an ice-cold beer, a pile of napkins, and a spot in front of the TV on game day.