Temple's Favorite Italian Restaurant Opening New Location In Waco

Fans of Pignetti's in Temple can rejoice, because the popular restaurant is opening a location in Waco!

According to a report from the Waco Tribune, the former space of the Phoenix Ballroom on South Third Street in Waco is set to be transformed into the second location of Pignetti's Italian restaurant.

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The Big News

As a Temple transplant from Waco, this is truly exciting. When I initially moved to Temple, the first thing I wanted to know is where the best Italian food could be found. I was quickly pointed to Pignetti's Italian restaurant, which did not disappoint! Not only is the food absolutely amazing, but the atmosphere is divine.

By the way, a lot of locals in Temple refer to Pignetti's as "The Pig." I have to make sure my Wacoans are up to date on the proper nickname.

Why Now?

Clinton and Lydia Harwell own Pignetti's in Temple, and are constantly being asked about their plans for expansion. It wasn't until the location of the former Phoenix Ballroom was pitched, that expansion made perfect sense. The Harwell's wanted a space that would exhibit the same ambiance that can be felt when you visit in Temple. Plus the new location is in a prime spot for business, as downtown Waco has seen a huge amount of revitalization over the past few years.

Yummy In Your Tummy

Now Wacoans and tourists can both be seduced by Pignetti's delectable eats. One of the most popular items is the candied bacon. Yes! Candied bacon that will melt in your mouth and have you begging for more.

I can't forget to mention that Pignetti's has a vast assortment of wine as well. Word on the street is that Mr. Harwell is planning to introduce a "couple hundred wine selections to start." Yeah, just a couple hundred, no big deal.... Uh, yes big deal! That's way more than your average restaurant supplies.

When?

Plans for the new location are already underway, and the Harwell's hope to have the new restaurant open in the Spring around May. With a full staff, the restaurant will be open for lunch, dinner and even brunch.

Top 20 Restaurants Central Texans Wish Would Come to Temple

A while back, I asked the good people of Temple if they could picture a good restaurant to fill the lot on North General Bruce Drive where the soon to be torn down Long John Silver's stood.

This was before it was announced that a Dutch Bros. Coffee location would open there (which was one of the places I predicted as a contender in our article).

So now Dutch Bros. is open in that spot, but the responses to my survey were interesting because they paint a picture of just how diverse Temple's population is. People recommended some familiar restaurants with locations in the surrounding area, but also a few I'd never even heard of.

Here are the top 20 results of the survey. Let's see what the good people of Temple are craving!