Reserve now:
Pienza - Gaylord National HarborReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Washington, D.C. Area Restaurant Reviews >
Maryland - DC Suburbs Restaurant Reviews >
National Harbor Restaurant Reviews >
American Restaurant Reviews
Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor Reviews List
Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Pienza is buffet dining at its best serving breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch. Using the freshest ingredients, Pienza's ever-changing offerings reflect seasonal changes and the passions of our culinary team. For breakfast, select from a variety of pastries, fruit, eggs, bacon and more. Our lunch menu features antipasti, home-made soup, freshly baked brick oven pizza, made-to-order pasta, and an assortment of salads and sandwiches – and be sure to leave room for dessert.
See more Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor details
64 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 64 reviews
5 stars
(25)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for brunch(48)
- special occasion(31)
- good for groups(27)
- kid-friendly(25)
- scenic view(24)
- fit for foodies(17)
Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor Reviews List
Review 1 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day breakfast
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Seven family members met for an 8:30am Mother's Day breakfast. The food was great and the service was wonderful. Some of us were traveling; otherwise we would have wanted to make reservations for the brunch. Maybe the next time. However, the breakfast was great and complete. We thought that the price was appropriate for what we had."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Piezna Outstanding Review
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent customer service specifically by waitress Queenie,and chef Ricardo would highly recommend that they receive promotions.."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
New Brunch Magnet Destination
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pienza in the Gaylord Hotel, National Harbor, presented a new opportunity for brunch this recent Mother's Day. The decor within the vast Gaylord lobby is nicely done, and much like dining in a well-maintained garden. The brunch selections were quite extensive (everything one would expect and even including Alaskan crab legs & lasagna), well-prepared and nicely presented. The wait-staff were very attentive and not the slightest intrusive. The menu exceeded our expectations -- and the notable appetites of my college graduate and HS lacrosse player! I'm please to find out that all six of us will be there for Father's Day."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Brunch at the Pienza
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A fabulous brunch at the Pienza. Crab legs, shrimp, carving stations, fresh home-made deserts and much more. Everything was wonderful including the service and ambiance. Overlooking the National Harbor at the Gaylord Hotel-what a view. I will definetely return and recommend highly."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, scenic view, special occasion, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
a bit busy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We attended the Mother's Day Brunch. It was very busy and hectic, but the food made it worth the wait!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Grossly overpriced --- I was shocked."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I was at Pienza for a breakfast
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was at Pienza for a breakfast meeting. It was a little noisy but the buffet allowed us to get our food quickly so the work could begin. The waiter was excellent - attentive and positive. I had cold cereal - so rated the food as good since I had nothing prepared by the restaurant staff and the cereal was what it always is. I liked being able to book the reservation on-line - very efficient and effective - good for travelers like me. I I"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Other than the convenience of being where our conference was, I was disappointed at the quality of the food and the price. I hosted my work group there for breakfast, which was a buffet. Frankly, it was only a notch above the free breakfast buffet we were given at the conference. Same tired old slices of fruit, same juices. There was a steamer of scrambled eggs and sausage. And I did appreciate the egg white fritata (we are in the field of health care). Still, $25 each by the time you figure in tax and a tip was a lot to pay for what amounted to simply having a quieter place to meet with someone bringing us coffee than if we had joined the conference for the free breakfast. Sorry to say it. The staff was very nice, however."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
good brunch food!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband and I loved the outdoor feel of the restaurant. The wait staff was very friendly and we enjoyed the live music. Brunch bar was extensive and the food was very good. We are definitely going back!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2008
Special Features: great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is such a lovely location
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is such a lovely location for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner etc. Service was outstanding, our Hostess and server were so nice, so attentive, so friendly. We had personalize musicians serinade our table several times, were my entire ladies group stopped talking and listened and flowed with the music. All 12 in my group asked if this location could become a regular spot for our group to return for brunch. One of my group required a specialized omlet, it was made to order and brought to her at the table when everything was self-serve. We found that to be exceptional service above and beyond the standard service you get at most brunches in the DMV. My only issue was the waffle station, if the waffle chef could make waffles to order."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
There are no good lunch options
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"There are no good lunch options at the Gaylord."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A buffet only approach can
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A buffet only approach can work, but only if it includes interesting food. The selections for lunch were uninspired. I get the same from my local sandwich shop for a whole lot less money."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Easter Brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We brought our in-laws to the Easter Brunch....the food was excellent and the outside seating was the best. We especially enjoyed the omelet station. Service was great. We will return for brunch again. Thanks."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Easter Brunch for 7
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful experience at Easter Brunch. Grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed it. Food was great, service was outstanding and the Gaylord Easter Bunny was hopping."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great attentive service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great attentive service. You could stay all day, eat, converse and people watch. A little on the pricy side for a brunch, but an inordinate amount of food."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good Easter Memories
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Took my family here for Easter Brunch. Great ombiance and a wonderful view! Have been here before and enjoyed as well. You provided such a variety of food for both breakfast and lunch. The service was very good and friendly."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was okay not great.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was okay not great. Crab was ice cold, eggs were powdered eggs, the dessert selection was slim. The items that were good were risotto, tortellini, ham, beef, shrimp, fresh squeezed oj, mac-n-cheese and chicken nuggets. Service was okay we had to wait for plates to be cleared. the setting was beautiful. I didnt think the Easter brunch was worth 56.00 and I am glad that I didn't have to pay for my two year old twins as they were free."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2004
Special Features: kid-friendly, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place, "OK" service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Pienza is great for that special occasion Sunday brunch.... You are in an "outdoor" setting but fully protected from the elements. A little pricey, but you're paying for a lot more than the food. While the spread is great, given National Harbor's out-of-the-way location, the hired help is sometimes lacking, and the high-level service and spit-and-polish you would expect from a place of this caliber is lacking throughout."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Inspiring View
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place was breathe taking. The food options were reasonable for lunch and the service was great. I will definitely visit again very soon. I really appreciated that they validated my parking. Perfect ending to a wonderful lunch."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We went to brunch at Pienza
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to brunch at Pienza to celebrate my birthday. I had eaten breakfast there before, but had never been to Sunday brunch. My family and I thought that it was the most incredible brunch we had ever been to. We were impressed by variety of food as well as the quality of taste. When offering that many options it is sometimes difficult to make everything taste good and not bland - and Pienza did not have that problem.
We were also impressed by the condition of the food service area..someone was constantly wiping up spills and cleaning the areas. The service was also great! Our used plates (and there were many) were immediately removed and drinks were always full. All of the staff was helpful and friendly."
We were also impressed by the condition of the food service area..someone was constantly wiping up spills and cleaning the areas. The service was also great! Our used plates (and there were many) were immediately removed and drinks were always full. All of the staff was helpful and friendly."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We went for the Sunday brunch.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for the Sunday brunch. IMHO its over priced at $38/pp. The food is just fair.
Another issue I had was were given conflicting information for kid prices. When I called to ask about prices, I was told that kids under 6 eat free at the brunch. However, when we got to the restuarant, we were told its was ages 4 and under for free.
Save your money and look at other brunch options."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
So so
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This Sunday brunch was way overpriced for what we got. Food was good, not great. My kids paid $20 and one had two small waffles. Very expensive. For this price, I expect really good food and choices. Sides were underseasoned and bland. Two bright notes, the roast beef and cocktail shrimp. Pastries and desserts were very disappointing. I waited forever for a drink refill, which I never got. Not a great experience."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Buffet with cold food and
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Buffet with cold food and options in line with a grade school cafateria"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Bad service and bad food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Basically this place was incredibly overpriced below average food. It was over $50 for 2 of us to eat and the service was so bad. It took us 15 minutes to get drinks and then they didn't check on us for quite awhile for refills. The place was not busy and there were plenty of people working. I would equate the food to a sub par Golden Corral but with a lot less choices of food. I would not go there again."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous place for Sunday brunch!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had brunch for our mom's 92nd birthday. We were overwhelmed with the service and attention we received. Mom felt like a queen. The selection of food was outstanding. The atmosphere was incredible, being located near the beautiful atrium of The Gaylord Hotel. The 3 piece strolling musicians really added to the experience. They played Happy Birthday to my mom and even included some songs from the 1940's. The staff was very attentive and the chef visited our table. We wanted to give our mom a special birthday experience and Pienza delivered! Thank you so much! She is still talking about it!"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2010
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Large party
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"We had a really nice time! Was excited to see gluten free products!!! Wished there had been more options for vegetarians! All in all we all had a great time and our servers were fantastic! Will definately return again with the family!! Please consider making a tofu scramble. This is an alternative to scrambled eggs! These would have been great with the hash brown potatoes you offered!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
EVERYTHING was beyond wonderful!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"EVERYTHING was beyond wonderful!!!!!!!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved the ease of making reservatio
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved the ease of making reservations online! Our waitress, Amerikesh
from Eritea was a delight. She made our brunch so enjoyable. We will
Try to come back with some friends. The food was outstanding!
Thanks. Drew & Linda"
from Eritea was a delight. She made our brunch so enjoyable. We will
Try to come back with some friends. The food was outstanding!
Thanks. Drew & Linda"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2009
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Make sure you call to confirm...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was great...buffett style,yet pricy, so keep that in mind. My only complaint is that the reservation was for 2:30p, made a week in advance. Yet I got a call day of telling me to come at 2:15. We get there and find out that they stop cooking at 2:30. Lucky for us they brought out more of most of the food, but the carving station was slim pickings and the omlette bar was closed."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Inattentive table service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Inattentive table service. Pricy"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 31 for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Was attending conference at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Was attending conference at the Gaylord, this restaurant fit the bill for a business oriented lunch with a broad buffet selection -- I wish they had a broader menu selection for the table because I didn't want to spend the time going through the buffet but, it worked out."
Dined on 01/15/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Pienza - Gaylord National Harbor
Based on the average of (33) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
9 out of 10 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic