La Pizzeria - TELLURIDE

Pizza, Country Music and fresh mountain air; a very good lifeFood: 5/5

Great outdoor seating area and wonderful Italian cuisineFood: 5/5

This is the most disappointing review I have ever written. We have been loyal customers of all the restaurants owned by Carmela and Paolo for almost 30 years. We feel like we lost a friend. This prices have risen dramatically while the quality has suffered. We shared a Pizza Salsiccia Bormina and a Caesar Salad. We have ordered both many many times. The pizza had little evidence of sausage and was overwhelmed with mushrooms. The pizza should be renamed Pizza Fungi. The salad was good. This is the culmination of several recent dining experiences that were disappointing. We did not try one of the $30 plates of pasta- very overpriced. Sadly we have lost one of our favorite restaurants

As is customary in Italian restaurants, we were served bread with olive oil, enhancing the overall experience. The terracotta walls and the cozy vibe truly made it feel like a place where comfort food is celebrated. But enough about nostalgia—let’s talk about the food! I ordered pasta with sausage and vegetables, while my wife chose the chicken salad. Personally, I found the pasta to be a bit too al dente; I prefer it a little softer, but that's just a matter of taste, and I'll be sure to specify next time. I also enjoyed a lovely aromatic wine from Sardinia, which paired beautifully with my dish. A big thank you to Bruno, who served us that evening. Honestly, I didn't want to leave; I just wanted to sit back and enjoy the ambiance for as long as possible.

Just a heads up: tap water is available! However, our waitress insisted we buy a $7 bottle of still mountain water, which was a bit amusing. Don’t worry about dressing up; you can wear anything from sweatpants to a tux, and you’ll fit right in. This restaurant has such a strange atmosphere—it feels more like you’re having dinner in your Italian grandfather's living room, and not in a good way. It doesn't match the overall vibe of the rest of the mountain village at all. Don’t expect any seasoning on the pasta, either. The menu mentions linguini and mushrooms, but it is literally just that—linguini and mushrooms! Overall, aside from the odd atmosphere, the food and service leave much to be desired.