One good thing is you can get a lot of pasta for just $8. Unfortunately, they don't do a thorough job cooking their pasta.
Their technique involves the following:
- Scoop a bunch of pre-cooked spaghetti pasta
- Stir them around aimlessly in a heated pan (without placing the pan on a stove)
- Toss in raw vegetables or cold protein
- Apply a light scoop of pasta sauce
- Take your money
Other options on the menu include sopping, greasy calamari, and oily "Piada sticks". I cannot recommend this place, even for a fast-Italian fix. To me, pasta needs to be generously covered in sauce and served hot. My suspicion is that Piada is patronized by individuals who are tired of the other uninspiring lunch options in Oakland. Nevertheless, please do not settle and accept the food from here as adequate Italian street fare.