When it comes to pizza, my favorite in Davao has always been Picobello (5/F Gaisano South). But my friend — who happens to be an excellent chef — upbraided me for my “uneducated tastes” (in his opinion), and claimed that the pizza offerings at La Toscana are much better. So to prove his point, off we went to that quaint-looking Italian bistro. I always see La Toscana whenever I pass through Quirino Ave., but the location just was never inviting enough. Until now.
When we entered, it was a visual cacophony of clashing patterns and seemingly hodge-podge placements of assorted bric-a-bracs. The place is also quite cramped. But, boy, when the food arrived, I was an instant convert!
We had Pizza Volcano (it still escapes me until now why it’s named so), calzone, tuna spaghetti and carbonara. Except for the pizza’s being sprinkled all over with capers (which I dislike), every single morsel of our superb spread agreed with my taste buds. The calzone was especially tasty, and awash with subtle flavors that made me eat half of that huge order.
The carbonara too was interestingly prepared. For me, carbonara has always been white. But this one was deep yellow — my friend said the sauce had egg in it. I was hoping the owner would come out and chat with us, so I could probably interview him about his cooking, but that didn’t happen. Oh well, next time.
No matter that the location of La Toscana is rather off, the cuisine more than makes up for the effort of going there! I’m looking forward to my next treat already! Next time, I’ll try the other pizzas, the spicier ones.
Price-wise, well, let’s just say it’s worth what you pay for. 
Still and all, I disagree with my friend about Picobello. I still love it there — it’s just that, now, I have one more favorite eating-out place in Davao!
mas masarap ang pasta ng la toscana kaysa sa picobello, but picobello serves better, more delicious pizzas =)
actually i agree with you there, kars! i’ve so far had only one type of pizza at la toscana, but i think i can still say for myself that picobello’s pizzas hit the spot anytime. but the calzone, though, i really liked la toscana’s a lot more.
did you get to see the 2 lil half italian kids running around the place? Hehe. I love the place as well…
no, tina, i didn’t… the only other people there were some businessmen having a meeting. so i guess it was good there were no kids running around the place during that time..
hmm. haven’t tried la toscana. you’re right.. it doesn’t look very inviting. hehehe.. right now, picobello is my one true love
ano price range ng pizza sa la toscana?
i knew i should’ve paid more attention to the prices… sorry, karla, i don’t remember how much the pizzas were. anyone?
ye dont know a good pizza you are brain dead go to new york if you want a pizza you fool
i agree, pizza in new york is probably the best in the world. but there’s no need for name-calling, mike.
I have gone to La Toscana many times and always enjoyed the food. I think pizza is okay, but as far as I am concern it is not the food to die for. La Toscana would not be a place I would take friends to and think of pizza. If you are taking a taxi and it is at night it sometimes is difficult to get a taxi in front of the restaurant when you leave. I also frequent Picobello and Swiss Deli they are okay and I have no complaints and I certainly will continue to go, but I just do not see what the big deal is with all my friends about going there. They are okay restaurants never had a bad meal, but on the other hand never had a meal that I thought was a blue ribbon winner.