Seattle Restaurant Guide

Located conveniently behind University Village, Ristorante La Piazza has become a family tradition for many families celebrating events with UW students. As the owner and head chef of Ristorante La Piazza, Gao Le is passionate about authentic Italian cuisine.

Gao was first hired at La Piazza (formerly La Salute) as a dishwasher. Working in this small family-owned restaurant, Gao quickly learned the traditional recipes from watching the chef and owner. When a sudden event took the owner/chef back to Italy, Gao stepped up and offered to keep the restaurant in business.

How did a dishwasher knew the recipes? Gao told the owner that he knew from watching in the kitchen. Convinced by Gao's dedication and passion, the owner took a chance, and gave Gao full control of the kitchen while he was in Italy...and customers continued to raved about the food.

After that trip, Gao was promoted to head chef. He trained closely with the owner on authentic Italian cuisine and closely guarded family recipes.

In 1998, the owner left La Salute and sold the restaurant to his protege - Gao.

Since then, Gao and his family have made Ristorante La Piazza their own while maintaining the authentic Italian Cuisine that he learned from the original.