Rialto Dining Center - Cedar Falls

Tasty college food. Definitely beats eating ramen everyday! They are taking COVID-19 very seriously.

I ate here just about every day! It would be good if they had more of a selection some days but I still have many fond memories eating here.

The food and atmosphere were both excellent. The fresh juice machine was impressive and truly standout. I was quite taken by it.

The Piazza is larger but tends to be more crowded, creating a bustling atmosphere around the food stations. In contrast, Rialto has a more contained layout, with all seating in one area and the food options lined up along the north wall. The Piazza boasts the vibrant Frey/Eastern kitchen area, which is absent in Rialto. However, Rialto offers a frequently changing grill station where you can find items like crepes and omelets. Additionally, Rialto features the cozy Farmers Market Parlour, complete with lounge seating, while the Piazza has more food stands. Aesthetically, Rialto is tastefully decorated, while the Piazza is famous for its extravagant transformations, particularly during Halloween, when it becomes a haunting spectacle for two nights each year. Ultimately, what everyone can agree on is that the food at both locations is among the best available in Iowa's public schools.

I've changed my mind—Rialto is the superior dining option. The constant Taco and Nacho Bar with queso is a definite highlight, and the pizza is consistently better. Their sandwiches, burgers, and fries are fantastic, and they also offer great vegan and food allergy options. The central bar has quesadillas and sushi bowls, among other things, and everything is delicious—definitely better than Piazza. The only advantage Piazza has over Rialto is its diner-style food (if it happens to be good).