Piccolo on Carlton

[Googs]

Anybody tried this place yet? I noticed it on a walk home. Apparently it's been open 3.5 mo. Who knew? Anyway the place was completely empty on a Thursday night at about 7pm. Wanna figure out if it's a bad restaurant or just a bad publicist before I commit my hubby to it.

[peasontoast]

Piccolo is one of my faves in the 'hood, and when I tried to go there on Friday there was a sign up saying they were closed for renovations. Anybody know what the scoop is? I sure hope it's just a reno and not a closure...

[peasontoast]

I called them today to find out if they've re-opened, and the person I spoke to said they'd be closed for about another month. :-(

[sweetotter]

Incredible value, amazing service and feels weird to be saying this, but rather romantic.
Ate there for the third time last night, real attention to detail, impressed by the menu, wine list fine, neat little bar in the basement, can't wait to try the pizza. Nothing on the menu has been a let down so far. They have a $25 4 course tasting menu but so far I've been to distracted by the regular menu to try it.
I signed up here (have always just been a reader) just to give this place a boost.

[ghetto_scarlem]

The 2 of us went for Sunday brunch, and we really enjoyed Piccolo. At $14.99, the all-you-can-eat brunch is a very good price.

I liked the french toast, pasta salad, and especially the home made caesar salad. Overall, the spread of food was not that large, but the dishes were nice. The home made desserts were wonderful as well.

We didn’t find out until after we were too full, that Piccolo does eggs to order. We will definitely be back another time.

Our waitress said that they have live jazz on Friday nights in the lounge, so maybe we will check that out.

226 Carlton Street
[phone]

[Googs]

I've enjoyed many dinners there. Agreed, the buffet brunch (the only buffet I'll do) is quite a bargain. Pair that with the pretty rooms with fireplaces and you have some heartwarming winter days ahead.

Between them and the eventually opening John Lee's Omi across the street that's going to be quite the foodie corner.

[hungry_pangolin]

Just out of curiosity, how's the wine list? Anything interesting?

[Googs]

They're not about to win any Wine Spectator Awards, but perfectly serviceable. I have the feeling this will improve as patronage increases.

[Googs]

Finally, finally, finally somebody noticed! I adore this little place from top to bottom. Great neighbourhood trat. The comment "grilled calamari are just trat-standard" I consider to be a compliment. As tender a calamari as I have ever had.
http://www.nowtoronto.com/food/story....

[jofhurley]

I just had dinner at Piccolo's on Carlton and I have to say I was very impressed. I have walked by so many times and for one reason or another just didn't consider it as a place to go. But tonight we were a bit bored and decided to give it a try and what a surprise. We had pizza and the house wine and both were great. The pizza is terrific - excellent base and a good selection of toppings. Since it was midweek we went for the house wine and it turned out to be a good match. They had even brought out warm bread to start with our salad. At the end of our meal they gave us a shot of sambucca gratis. It was delightful all round. The service was excellent, the decor was just what you expect for Victorian Italian, if you will. It was intimate without being too hush, hush. There is a patio outside but we wanted to be inside because it looked like rain. It was empty which is a shame because the place should be full. The prices were good as well. We will certainly go again for both a more formal meal and for a quick pizza.

[hungryabbey]

what were prices like?

[jofhurley]

When we arrived they brought us warm foccacia with a ricotta cheese spread and water, we then shared a salad that was a good mix of leaves, some delicious grapefruit and lovely little parcel of goat's cheese, we each had a pizza and a glass of wine, they then brought us a sambucca gratis. The total bill was $63.00 plus tip. I think that was very reasonable. The pizzas were in the $13.00 range. They did have a lot more on offer but we only went to for a quick supper while on our way to something else.

[hungryabbey]

hm that is very reasonable. thanks !

[Googs]

My experience has been the same Hungry. The food is terrific. The best in Cabbagetown so far. The prices are unbelievably reasonable.

[peasontoast]

I'll chime in to agree with the favourable reviews of Piccolo. DH and I went for dinner a few weeks ago - we each had a cocktail, appetizer, main, and then shared a yummy dessert. Including tax and tip, it was $90. We don't make it out of Hair of the Dog for that little. And we enjoyed the sambuca shooters with the bill, too. :-) Service was friendly and the room was lovely. We'll be back for sure.

[hungryabbey]

wow sounds awesome, thanks guys!

[yoyodyne]

the downstairs bar is a tight squeeze but very nice for chilling and hosts the occasional book launch/reading by canadian authors.

[sta]

I went to Piccolo last Saturday with 5 of my close friends. I must say the food was fantastic. I had the beef tenderloin as my main dish, and there was no knife needed as the beef was so tender. The desserts were all homemade and even though we were all full we couldn't resist. I definatley recommend this place. The atmosphere is very intimate and the staff extremely knowlageable and friendly.

[robb]

Interesting sta, how you chose Piccolo as the restaurant to post your first message!

[pimentdespelette]

If only a publicist could make that stretch of Parliament a better restaurant strip. The House on Parliament is consistently pretty good, but otherwise . . .
Haven't seen Piccolo yet, but hoping it fares better than all the rest.