Piola Pastificio

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Fresh pasta, made by hand

Piola Pastificio on Thorvaldsensvej in Frederiksberg has one clear, uncompromising focus: fresh pasta handmade according to Italian tradition. The name says it all — piola is Piedmontese dialect for a simple, convivial eating place, and pastificio means pasta workshop. That combination of informality and craft defines everything here.

The White Guide 2026 awarded Piola its "Very fine level" recognition, describing the experience as stepping into a small neighbourhood spot in the heart of Puglia — except you are a few steps from H.C. Ørstedsvej in Copenhagen. The space is tight, the atmosphere is lively, and four young Italian hosts run the room with warmth and genuine hospitality.

What's on the plate

The menu is focused and seasonal. Among the antipasti, hand-cut beef tartare arrives with hazelnuts and Parmigiano Reggiano, grilled asparagus comes with pecorino sardo, and cured meat from producer Stefano Bettella — a name that appears twice on the menu — signals a real attention to Italian sourcing.

The fresh pasta section is the heart of the meal. Agnolotti del Plin, the small pinched parcels of Piedmontese tradition, are filled with beef and pork and served with roasting juices. Tortelloni are stuffed with ricotta and spinach, finished with butter, sage and parmesan. Spaghetti alla chitarra comes with garlic, oil, chilli and raw langoustine. Tagliatelle carries a lamb ragù with mint and pecorino. These are not approximations of Italian classics — they read like the real thing.

For those who prefer a structured experience, the Menu Fisso at 495 DKK moves through antipasti misto, a choice of pasta, and tiramisù, with an optional wine pairing at 475 DKK.

The atmosphere

The room is small — genuinely small — but on warm evenings the terrace opens things up. The drinks list leans Italian: Negroni, Americano, Campari Spritz, and a thoughtful selection of amari and grappas including bottles from Capovilla and Albino Rocca. There are also well-chosen alcohol-free options from Copenhagen producer MURI.

Piola serves lunch on Saturdays and dinner from Monday through Saturday, making it one of the more focused and consistent destinations for handmade Italian pasta in Copenhagen.