Lunch Break: Pizza and Pasta In Piqua, Oh My!

Sampling dishes and diners in and around Miami County.

3 Joe’s Pizzeria and Trattoria

3 Joe’s Pizzeria and Trattoria

Whether you’re on your lunch break or going out to dinner with your family, pizza is often a delicious go-to meal. However, if you’re looking for the perfect slice, look no further than 3 Joe’s Pizzeria and Trattoria. The booming family-owned restaurant in the heart of Piqua has a variety of incredible Mediterranean-inspired pizzas, pasta, salads, and more. When stepping into the restaurant, you’ll feel like you walked straight into a region of Italy. Three Joe’s is quite the popular establishment, though if you find yourself waiting for a table, you can wander by the kitchen to both the bar and a decorated selection of wines. Once you do take a glance at the menu, it might seem a little overwhelming at first, especially since everything is so deliciously described. That being said, you can do no wrong by first ordering their fresh and crispy toasted Garlic bread. Although the wine and cocktail menu is diverse, you’ll head straight for the red cream soda on tap if you're anything like me. It is an amazing sweet treat drink that pairs perfectly with the salty, steamy, and cheesy Margherita pizza on the menu. This pizza comes with an abundance of fresh ingredients, including a creamy 3 Joe’s specialty Sugo di Pomodoro sauce and flavorful basil leaves. If you ride the 3 Joe’s train solo for your lunch break, a quick and easy pie and salad will certainly hit the spot. However, if you decide to dive into the lovely restaurant for an Italian-themed date or family night, The pasta might be the way to go.

The pasta selection at Three Joes is nothing short of a list of equally incredible dishes. However, sometimes less is more, and the simple route is often the best to take. I strongly recommend the Cacio e Pepe. This dish comes with a smooth and creamy mixture of butter, parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked pepper. Although it may seem less flashy than the other plates of pasta on the menu, the simple spaghetti-based dish warms your soul with every bite.

If the wide variety of dishes and the perfect pizza aren’t enough to draw you in, the beautifully decorated interior of the restaurant will surely do the trick. 3 Joe’s is cleverly decorated with Italian and family memorabilia, and feels like a field trip to a restaurant far from the usual Ohioan pizza place. Although the atmosphere may resemble that of somewhere far from home, the warm lighting and soft music, as well as the kind staff and family background, make 3 Joe’s feel as though you’re eating pizza made with not only fresh ingredients, but the warmth of a family connection.