A menu for Mezza Libbra Burger and Bakery rests on one of the high tables in the Pordenone restaurant. The location is one of three Mezza Libbras in Italy. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes)
My wife and I were passing the time in Pordenone recently when we came across a sidewalk menu full of American-style meals.
My frequent disappointment with restaurants in Europe that say they serve American-style food raised doubts about whether I would enjoy this place. But I was hungry, so I cast away my hesitance and we gave it a whirl.
Mezza Libbra Burger and Bakery in Pordenone, Italy, about 20 minutes from Aviano Air Base, is a good option for brunch or lunch. The offerings range from breakfast fare to burgers, sandwiches and salads.
The cheeseburger and fries at Mezza Libbra Burger and Bakery in Pordenone, Italy, on Feb. 2, 2024. The burger is a quarter-pound patty served on a toasted bun with cheese. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes)
My wife chose the classic cheeseburger with American cheese and fries. Although not especially flavorful, the pan-seared burger was void of pink and still juicy, just the way she likes it.
I tried it and agreed with her assessment. I also thought the slightly toasted bun-to-burger ratio was just right.
The American brunch at Mezza Libbra Burger and Bakery in Pordenone, Italy, on Feb. 2, 2024. The dish is served with three eggs, sausage, bacon, bread, butter and garnishes. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes)
The American brunch listed on the menu proved too much for me to resist. But I also ordered a smoked salmon bagel, having recently taken a liking to smoked salmon as a snack.
I was figuring on being disappointed by the quantity of food served. However, my low expectations were defied by a generous plate of three eggs, sausage, toast and bacon that was actually crispy. It’s a very hearty meal and it would be plenty to eat for any time of day, if you’re an all-day-breakfast kind of person.
The salmon with cream cheese on a multigrain bagel turned out to be a wonderful breakfast option. So wonderful, in fact, that my wife wished that she had ordered that instead of her burger. The classic combination was both satisfying and indulgent.
The bagel with salmon and caramelized red onions at Mezza Libbra Burger and Bakery in Pordenone, Italy on Feb. 2, 2024. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes)
As I went to pay, I couldn’t help but order one of the Twix cupcakes, which practically called to me from the display case.
The amount of frosting on the cupcake bordered on excessive, but the chocolate flavor was rich and elegant. Mezza Libbra also offers cookies, slices of cakes and brownies.
The restaurant left me with enough of a favorable impression, just with the bagel and salmon alone, that I plan to return for another one. I might even go for a slice of red velvet cake to finish things off.
A cruiser bicycle is displayed in the seating area of Mezza Libbra Burger and Bakery in Pordenone, Italy, on Feb. 2, 2024. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes)
Mezza Libbra Burger and Bakery
Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele 58, Pordenone, Italy
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Prices: Bakery prices, 2-7 euros. Appetizers from 5-13 euros. Main dishes range from 6-14 euros.
Information: Phone: +39 0434 312183; Online: facebook.com/mezzalibbrapordenone
