A new cafe just opened last week on Amsterdam Avenue between 74th and 75th Street, and its sheer cuteness is kind of astonishing. From the stenciled letters on the awning, to the wallpaper made of old newspapers, to the exposed brick walls, to the fresh mozzarella balls and pans of fresh chocolate and plain croissants sitting near the cashier, it’s all a little overwhelming. Oh, and there’s a little “to go” window on the side.
Piccolo has three other locations throughout the city, including one on 3rd Avenue and 16th Street I’ve been to. It’s good stuff. And they’re serious about coffee. The menu is here.
Photos by Avi.
JusT finished out meal here. Incredible. Small plates, only 5 tables but a great staff and a real treat. Thanks to Weat Side Rag for turning me on to this cute place. I’ll definitely be back!
I’ve been to the one near the Morgan Library. Same decor, and if the coffee and food are remotely as good as the other location, this will be my favorite new spot on the UWS.
SO excited.
I’m surprised to see all these positive comments on the food. We got takeout from Piccolo on Thursday night. The mesclun salad was OK, but rather skimpy for 8 bucks. The lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs were, in a word, awful. Gummy and overly oozing, with an off taste. I couldn’t take more than a few bites. Even my hungry teenage son couldn’t finish his serving. Maybe the food just doesn’t travel well?
We just went for dinner tonight. Agree with Dee–the place was adorable but the food was completely mediocre. Hope it improves.
The one I went to on Madison and 37th had a Head Cook in house. Every single thing on the menu was prepared while you waited and it was a restaurant-length wait. If this place just has people popping food in convection ovens, then I can see why the food wouldn’t be as good.
Overly oozing lasagna is a sign that the lasagne was prepared before as one large piece, then cut into serving sizes causing the already cooked cheese to liquify further. That being said, depending on how far your travel was, pasta shouldn’t be served longer than 5 minutes after it’s made so “to go” pasta is usually a bad idea and tough to get right to begin with. The starch begins to stick as moisture is drawn out via steam. But, hey, if you didn’t like it, none of this matters. Bad food is bad food. 😉
I attended the soft opening on May 14, 2012. The food & desserts was delish!!! The staff was friendly & courteous…a real gem!!
It IS an adorable place, but the service is poor. My husband and I stopped in, sat down, and waited for 15+ minutes while the waiter helped other customers who arrived after we did, answered questions at the window, etc. We left and I don’t think we’ll go back. Perhaps I’ll try something from the take-out window.
It was a little bit of heaven. Went for dinner yesterday and the food was amazing. Excellent Lasagna! Fettucini Bolognese was also absolutely decadent. Can’t say enough good things about the food. Adorable true Italian vibe, seating is definitely an issue , but worth a reservation !!!
Food was delicious. Been there for four times and it was great each time.