Carlo Finazzo, Paul Scafidi and son Anthony Scafidi own La Piazza, an upscale eatery with authentic Italian cuisine. The three also own 2 Cousins Italian Pizza restaurants at McGee's Crossroads and in Angier.

"Our other restaurants are kid-friendly, and this is more of a candlelight dinner, dimmed lights and a full bar," said Finazzo, who hails from Brooklyn, N.Y. "You come in, and you hear Italian music."

Calzones, strombolis, pizzas and subs stuffed with meat, vegetables and cheeses are available for lunch. The dinner menu offers traditional pasta dishes, such as baked ziti, lasagna, manicotti and chicken parmigiana. The chefs also cook up other Italian delights, including pasta with broccoli and olive oil, gnocchi with meat sauce and mushrooms and shrimp sautéed in lemon sauce. For those who crave something sweet, customers can indulge in cannoli, tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate fudge cake.

"We make everything ourselves," Finazzo said. "We make our own sauce, our own bread, and we shred our own cheese. The sauce is made by us too. When you order Alfredo sauce, it is made to order."

Finazzo and the Scafidis wanted the atmosphere to match the menu. The space is outfitted with granite countertops, mahogany wood, flat-screen televisions, plush chairs and neutral colors. Servers are dressed in white shirts, black pants and ties. Outdoor seating will be available in the spring.

Customers have responded well to the new eatery. "This place is getting slammed every night," Finazzo said. "We want you to enjoy the food, enjoy the presence and enjoy the atmosphere."

Middle Creek Commons is at the intersection of highways 50 and 42. La Piazza is open from 11 a.m. till 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. till 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon till 9 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 662-5007.

Herald Staff Reporter Sarah McNeil can be reached at 934-2176, Ext. 129, or by e-mail at smcneil@nando.com.