With the offerings from The Rim and Piattello Italian Kitchen, Waterside has proven to be both enjoyable and flavorful.
My wife and I had been on the hunt for a sophisticated pizza-and-wine venue since the closure of our favorite spot, Taverna. Our search had taken us to various recommendations from friends and online sources, but none matched the standard we had come to expect from that delightful Sundance Square establishment: exceptional cuisine, attentive service, inviting atmosphere, reasonable happy-hour prices, a vibrant bar area, and prime people-watching opportunities. Our criteria were high, but in 2026, is it too much to seek a cozy, stylish Italian restaurant with a welcoming bar in a lively area? Apparently, it is.
Our final few suggestions led us to Piattello Italian Kitchen, a well-established eatery at Waterside. Residing in North Fort Worth, my family typically doesn’t venture far beyond a 20-minute radius, which is why Piattello had not been on our initial radar.
Once we arrived, we decided to sit at the bar, but our view was dominated by the opposite side of the U-shaped counter and a distracting array of televisions broadcasting the Olympics. My wife, who hails from a military family, was far less inclined to embrace the patriotic spirit of the moment, which left us feeling somewhat disconnected. The ambiance we were hoping for was noticeably absent.
Gazing out the window, we could see the Waterside common area surrounded by a cluster of apartment buildings, and a nearby establishment where music floated through the air, but we would save that for later exploration. As for the vibrant view criterion set by Taverna? That, too, fell short.
Though we have a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine, a good Italian restaurant must offer more than just a margherita pizza and a house salad. This is where Piattello truly excels. Chef Marcus Paslay from Clay Pigeon provides a range of vegetarian-friendly options, including spaghetti pomodoro, eggplant parmigiana, and butternut squash agnolotti, all of which delighted my wife. For the first time, she left without a single leftover.
As for me, I am certainly no vegetarian, and Piattello’s lobster ravioli was so enticing that it nearly had me dreaming of it. The rich combination of buttery seafood and pasta was nothing short of divine, although at $30, it will remain a rare indulgence.
Despite the incredible flavors and attentive service, the overall experience felt more centered around the food than the casual atmosphere we were seeking. Although we chose to sit at the bar, its lackluster vibe left us feeling that we had few alternatives. While Piattello excels in culinary offerings, it falls short as a go-to spot for relaxed happy-hour gatherings.
As we strolled back toward our car, we passed by the shadowy establishment across the way. It was the sound that drew me in, not the sight of The Rim. The familiar strains of “Can You Stand the Rain?” by New Edition filled the air, and I felt compelled to stop in for a quick drink. “Come on, let’s go!” I urged my wife.
The decor, with its playful nods to pop culture — featuring The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Elvis — coupled with a predominantly Black staff and live music from a saxophonist, immediately caught my attention. The nostalgic atmosphere transported me back to my childhood, prompting me to wonder why we had not visited before.
After indulging in a meal, we opted for drinks at the indoor-outdoor bar. I chose a macrobrew while my wife went for an Old-Fashioned. Nearby tables were celebrating a birthday, and the saxophonist made his way over, engaging me as I sang along to a classic R&B hit. My wife, unfamiliar with much of the music from our youth, was puzzled by my enthusiasm. I attempted to explain the allure of smooth grooves and soulful lyrics, though I could sense it was lost on her. I could have easily spent the entire evening there, promising to return soon.
A week or two later, I returned with my son, but the experience started on a sour note. The speakers were blaring the most grating contemporary country music imaginable. “Excuse me, but I think you love me?” I questioned, incredulous.
“Oh, that’s just the random playlist,” our friendly server replied before darting away.
As I sat there, I couldn’t help but think how Waterside, with its upscale dining and Whole Foods, seemed to cater predominantly to a certain demographic. I found myself wishing for a more inclusive musical selection.
On this visit, the bar area buzzed with activity. My son and I settled into a booth adorned with eclectic decor, including celebrity mugshots, a cigar-store Indian, and a life-size Han Solo figurine. The vibrant atmosphere provided ample conversation starters, and we appreciated the lively environment compared to the more subdued nature of other establishments we had frequented.
From the extensive menu, I opted for the Burley Bird from the lunch combo. The creamy asparagus soup, garnished with croutons, was devoured in seconds. The turkey sandwich, featuring a medley of flavors, was elevated by the succulent turkey, reminding me of cherished Thanksgiving meals.
As we enjoyed our meal, a shift in the music caught our attention. Our ears perked up at the sound of Adele, marking a welcome change from the previous country tunes. We exchanged high-fives, relieved that the musical atmosphere had transformed into something far more enjoyable.
My son’s cheddar cheeseburger, cooked to perfection and simply dressed, provided a delightful combination of flavors. The onion rings were a classic accompaniment.
While I briefly contemplated ordering one of The Rim’s extravagant Bloody Mary Breakfasts, complete with a lavish array of garnishes, I ultimately decided against it. Given the current state of the world, it felt excessive and out of place. However, I made a mental note to try it on a future visit.
Our family has embraced The Rim as a regular spot, even if the menu lacks more creative vegetarian options. The vibrant atmosphere and engaging conversations keep us coming back, and we relish the opportunity to explore the culinary landscape together.
