Piccolino Ristorante located at 552 Broadway in Bayonne is a cozy escape from the daily grind.
This grand old-world style restaurant serves delicious, homemade Italian cuisine in an intimate and comfortable setting.
They are open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, or take-out.
The atmosphere
Upon walking into Piccolino’s, one is greeted by the friendly staff who make every effort to attend to every need – whether it be large or small.
Immediately after sitting down, my companion and I were served ice water with lemon and thick, warm crusty Italian bread with olive oil.
We happily crunched on the crispy bread while soaking up the cozy atmosphere.
The cream colored walls with mahogany chair rail give the space the feel of a European hideaway. There are a few well-placed Impressionist paintings above the tables, which add to the ambiance.
The red chairs and burgundy table cloths give a splash of color to the stately room, which is lit by candles along the walls.
Pleasant aromas of garlic and meat waft into the dining room add to the overall appeal of the room.
The relaxing feel make this a great place to take a date or enjoy a meal with friends when the food and conversation are the focal point.
Starters
Our server was happy to suggest a few items for us to start with including a specialty salad.
They paired rich arugula with slices of apples and strawberries. It was topped with freshly shaved ricotta cheese and jumbo grilled shrimp.
This salad was terrific. It was a variation of their “insalata fantasia,” which is on their menu.
Next, we sampled their fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.
The mozzarella was sliced thick. It had a creamy texture and a slightly sweet finish and It was topped with slices of juicy tomato, roasted peppers, and balsamic dressing.
This appetizer was beautifully presented and the perfect dish to split.
Other appetizers include: hot antipasto, calamari, little neck clams seasoned with white wine or red sauce, broccoli rabe, grilled Portobello, and a wide selection of salads.
The appetizers are priced from $5.95 to $9.95.
The main course
For dinner, my companion and I chose the penne alla vodka and the grilled Tilapia filet.
The delicate pasta tubes were covered in the rich red sauce with a light cream base. This is a totally satisfying filling dish.
The tender Tilapia was seasoned with a light butter and lemon sauce that was infused with fresh herbs. It came with a side of absolutely perfectly sautéed broccoli rabe and fresh garlic.
We both were served the family style fresh vegetables. On that night, we were given fresh roasted carrots and string beans that were roasted with a light butter sauce.
Both of the servings were large enough to satisfy even large appetites. Those with a smaller one will want take the goodies home.
Other entrees include: ravioli with spinach and ricotta; fettuccini primavera; tortellini alfredo; risotto with shrimp, clams, and scallops; lobster fra Diablo; chicken burgundy; stuffed chicken breast with ricotta, prosciutto, and spinach; grilled salmon; coconut shrimp; shrimp scampi; veal dishes; lamb chops; and more.
The entrees are reasonably priced from $9.95 to $24.95.
And…
Diners will want to savor the rich coffee with a side of grappa while contemplating dessert.
All of the desserts are made fresh daily. A few of the sumptuous choices include: tiramisu, Italian cheesecake and the strawberries zabayone.
We decided on the fresh sliced strawberries which were served in a parfait glass. The light cream was layered with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.
It was the terrific ending to our fabulous meal.
There is a full-service bar located in the front where customers can comfortably wait for their table.
Reservations are recommended on weekends and for large parties. Also, there is a separate dining room that can be rented out solely for private parties.
All major credit cards are accepted and they will deliver for orders over $15.
Lunch is served all week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner is served from 4 to 10 p.m. On Friday and Saturday the kitchen stays open until 11 p.m. Piccolino Ristorante is located at 552 Broadway in Bayonne. For more information, call (201) 436-8800 or visit: www.piccolinoristorante.com.