KJ
Kendra Johnson
Aug 11, 2026
After fleeing our original birthday dinner destination before my butt even touched the chair, we ended up at Pignetti’s — and THANK GOD we did because the food absolutely saved the night.
First, the atmosphere is gorgeous. It has that classic, old-world Italian feel without feeling outdated or like you’re eating inside someone’s grandmother’s formal dining room from 1987. The building and setting are superb, and whoever designed the dining room understood something a shocking number of restaurants don’t: people do not need to be seated six inches apart.
The tables are spaced just far enough apart that you can enjoy dinner without also learning that the couple next to you is refinancing their house, their daughter is getting divorced, and Uncle Steve still owes everyone money. You can actually have your own conversation. What a concept.
Then came the food, and it was seriously ON POINT.
We started with the spinach artichoke dip and bread, and it was easily some of the best I’ve had in the South. The bread was flavorful without being overpowering, and the dip was truly divine — creamy, rich, and with exactly the right amount of spinach and artichoke. It was also incredibly filling.
I ordered the Creamy Rosa, and somebody in that kitchen actually understands Italian food. Both sauces had clearly been properly simmered before being brought together. This wasn’t red sauce that met some cream in the parking lot five minutes before dinner. It tasted developed, balanced and exactly like a rosa sauce should.
My husband ordered the chicken parm and said it was delicious. Not as good as my homemade chicken parm — we need to remain grounded in reality — but delicious nonetheless. 😂
The food was genuinely excellent.
The only disappointment was the service.
We were brought water and I asked for lemon. The lemon apparently had other plans.
My husband ordered a Starry — basically Sprite wearing a different name tag — and that never appeared either.
Our meals were delivered by the busboys, and our waitress never checked on us once throughout dinner. Not a “How is everything?” Not a refill. Not a sighting of the missing lemon or Starry. Eventually, we had to track her down just to get our bill.
At some point I began wondering if we actually had a waitress or if the woman who took our order was simply a very organized stranger.
Thankfully, the kitchen was doing enough heavy lifting to save the entire experience.
The prices were fantastic for the quality of food we received, the building and atmosphere are beautiful, and the food alone is absolutely worth returning for.
Would I go back? Definitely.
Would I consider takeout next time?
Also definitely.
Because apparently the easiest way to get a drink with dinner might be to stop at a gas station on the way home.
RM
Reily Macias
Aug 5, 2026
At Pignetti's restaurant in Waco, the owner is very friendly, the atmosphere is lovely for sharing Time with friends, family and neighbors, and the food is excellent.
DP
Dolores Pustejovsky
Aug 1, 2026
He had an amazing meal for our anniversary. Portions were huge and cooked to perfection. Dennis was our server and he was excellent we highly recommend this restaurant and this server.
MG
Mike Garner
Jul 24, 2026
Pignetti’s offers an exceptional Italian dining experience with authentic flavors, elegant presentation, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features delicious pasta, fresh ingredients, and thoughtfully prepared dishes that showcase classic Italian cuisine. With attentive service, a charming setting, and a great selection of wines, Pignetti’s is a perfect choice for date nights, celebrations, or a memorable meal with family and friends.
GS
Gwendolyn Burton Staples
Jul 18, 2026
First, thank you, Jay, for the amazing, outstanding service! If you visit, definitely request Jay, you won't be disappointed. He made our dining experience even more enjoyable.
Now, let's talk about the food! The hot honey dip paired with the fresh, warm sourdough bread was absolutely incredible. The Chicken Pesto Pasta was top-tier, and the salmon was cooked to perfection.
And then, the dessert! The homemade cheesecake literally melted in our mouths. It was rich, velvety, creamy, and hands down one of the best cheesecakes we've ever had.
My husband and I enjoyed every single bite and every moment. We can't wait to come back!