Today was one of those days when you lose track of time running errands. At around 2:30, we had the realization that we had to either eat something quick or risk killing each other. We pulled into the first place we saw, and good thing we did. Il Piccolo is a small restaurant/diner without much ambiance. However, what we had in the way of sandwiches was enough to overshadow the lack of decor. I had the 'House Grilled' (or Cuban) sandwich, which literally dripped cheezy-goodness the entire time I ate it. So much so, that I had enough to dip my fries in. (More on the fries later.) I love Cuban sandwiches, and have been disappointed with tasteless ones from time to time. This was perfect for me. Now, I may have been overly hungry, and may be over-romanticizing it. I'll be having the other half for dinner tonight, and will let you know if it doesn't hold up. While the sandwich was great, the fries were the star. I'm not a thick-cut, steak fry fan. They can sometimes be pale and flaccid. (Who likes that?) These fries were both thick and crisp. Well-cooked on the outside and mashed potato like inside. I ate them all and wished for more. So, would I go there for a fine dining experience? No. Would I go back for lunch? In a heartbeat (next time I'm in the area, of course.)
(3)
Dannie M.
TO DIE FOR Spaghetti Carbonara!!!!!!! Hugh portions and great atmosphere. Always love the food. The owner is really friendly and the food is top notch!!!
(5)
Davian H.
I grew up eating at this restaurant...it truly is a neighborhood joint with upscale gourmet food. I would come in here after soccer practice still in my gear with my parents, and I've come here dressed up too. Every time I go, we see somebody we know, it provides small town feel, in big town Miami. The Food - 5 stars! Caesar salad - best I've ever had, tangy garlicky, strong, delicious, this sets the bar for all others, in my view. (with our without grilled chicken...delish!) Baked Ziti - with their signature meat sauce, pomodoro sauce, or garlic and oil...you cannot go wrong. My Dad is a fan of their Angel Hair with Broccoli, and both my parents like their Tilapia... I've never had a bad meal here. The Ambiance - 3 stars This is why it didn't get a 5 star rating. It's in a strip, blah blah blah. The space is a little tired. The atmosphere is family/older folks. Go here!
(4)
Joel P.
teriffic neighborhood place great staff friendly owners good food
(4)
Alissa W.
The food here is good, and the coffee is the best I have ever had. There regular iced coffee is whipped up in a blender and tastes like dessert. They give you as many refills, as you want too. I usually get the same thing here. I only go for lunch though they are open for dinner too. It isn't the nicest restaurant inside, but hey jut fixed it up and it looks a little better. For lunch it is one of the best in the area. I usually stick with the eggplant wrap it has, gruyeree cheese, fresh spinach, onions, red peppers, and onion. The the veggies are very fresh, and the portions are huge. You get a choice of fries, salad, or fruit salad. For the money you can't beat this place $9.95. I tried a special there for lunch yesterday that was incredible. I am sure they would make it if you asked. It was a wrap with fresh roasted turkey, sauteed crispy onions, and cheese served hot for $10.95 WOW !
(4)
Michael O.
Not too expensive but just classy enough, nice look and decor, you have your pick of portions. You can go light and easy with the salads, or fill it up with the pasta. They're really good for a quick lunch, love the grilled chicken sandwich. This is a great little bistro for a date night, I took a girl here a couple years ago for a first date and she married me two months later!
(4)
Kimberley C.
I would like to know if this restaurant is even actually still in business I tried to go on a Sunday and Monday recently and they were closed both nights with no business hours posted anywhere - on the door nor on any websites that I could find - and the phone number is out of order. I might assume they are permanently closed... that or they just have the worst (most well hidden) operating hours I've seen in a long time.
(1)
Fatty Cakes - Luisy P.
Small family owned establishment that never disappoints! Food quality is superb and service is outstanding...Must come on a Friday for their legendary "fall off the bone" baked chicken wings. Huge fan of their green vinagret dressing.
(5)
Ricky O.
FAMILY OWNED NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT. HUGE PORTIONS. CALM PLACE. GOOD FOOD. WIDE VARIETY OF SELECTIONS. Its not fancy, flashy, or hip..... And i like it. If your ever in the area, you should try for lunch or dinner. Its a home cookin at its best! I had the lasagne! it was HUGE.... a lotta food. I noticed afterwards that you can order in half portions. I liked pretty much everything about this place. I dont think you can go wrong with anyhting you try at this place.
(4)
Lindsay L.
awesome neighborhood joint. no ambience but who cares with snacks this good.
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Ken D.
Today was one of those days when you lose track of time running errands. At around 2:30, we had the realization that we had to either eat something quick or risk killing each other. We pulled into the first place we saw, and good thing we did. Il Piccolo is a small restaurant/diner without much ambiance. However, what we had in the way of sandwiches was enough to overshadow the lack of decor. I had the 'House Grilled' (or Cuban) sandwich, which literally dripped cheezy-goodness the entire time I ate it. So much so, that I had enough to dip my fries in. (More on the fries later.) I love Cuban sandwiches, and have been disappointed with tasteless ones from time to time. This was perfect for me. Now, I may have been overly hungry, and may be over-romanticizing it. I'll be having the other half for dinner tonight, and will let you know if it doesn't hold up. While the sandwich was great, the fries were the star. I'm not a thick-cut, steak fry fan. They can sometimes be pale and flaccid. (Who likes that?) These fries were both thick and crisp. Well-cooked on the outside and mashed potato like inside. I ate them all and wished for more. So, would I go there for a fine dining experience? No. Would I go back for lunch? In a heartbeat (next time I'm in the area, of course.)
(3)Dannie M.
TO DIE FOR Spaghetti Carbonara!!!!!!! Hugh portions and great atmosphere. Always love the food. The owner is really friendly and the food is top notch!!!
(5)Davian H.
I grew up eating at this restaurant...it truly is a neighborhood joint with upscale gourmet food. I would come in here after soccer practice still in my gear with my parents, and I've come here dressed up too. Every time I go, we see somebody we know, it provides small town feel, in big town Miami. The Food - 5 stars! Caesar salad - best I've ever had, tangy garlicky, strong, delicious, this sets the bar for all others, in my view. (with our without grilled chicken...delish!) Baked Ziti - with their signature meat sauce, pomodoro sauce, or garlic and oil...you cannot go wrong. My Dad is a fan of their Angel Hair with Broccoli, and both my parents like their Tilapia... I've never had a bad meal here. The Ambiance - 3 stars This is why it didn't get a 5 star rating. It's in a strip, blah blah blah. The space is a little tired. The atmosphere is family/older folks. Go here!
(4)Joel P.
teriffic neighborhood place great staff friendly owners good food
(4)Alissa W.
The food here is good, and the coffee is the best I have ever had. There regular iced coffee is whipped up in a blender and tastes like dessert. They give you as many refills, as you want too. I usually get the same thing here. I only go for lunch though they are open for dinner too. It isn't the nicest restaurant inside, but hey jut fixed it up and it looks a little better. For lunch it is one of the best in the area. I usually stick with the eggplant wrap it has, gruyeree cheese, fresh spinach, onions, red peppers, and onion. The the veggies are very fresh, and the portions are huge. You get a choice of fries, salad, or fruit salad. For the money you can't beat this place $9.95. I tried a special there for lunch yesterday that was incredible. I am sure they would make it if you asked. It was a wrap with fresh roasted turkey, sauteed crispy onions, and cheese served hot for $10.95 WOW !
(4)Michael O.
Not too expensive but just classy enough, nice look and decor, you have your pick of portions. You can go light and easy with the salads, or fill it up with the pasta. They're really good for a quick lunch, love the grilled chicken sandwich. This is a great little bistro for a date night, I took a girl here a couple years ago for a first date and she married me two months later!
(4)Kimberley C.
I would like to know if this restaurant is even actually still in business I tried to go on a Sunday and Monday recently and they were closed both nights with no business hours posted anywhere - on the door nor on any websites that I could find - and the phone number is out of order. I might assume they are permanently closed... that or they just have the worst (most well hidden) operating hours I've seen in a long time.
(1)Fatty Cakes - Luisy P.
Small family owned establishment that never disappoints! Food quality is superb and service is outstanding...Must come on a Friday for their legendary "fall off the bone" baked chicken wings. Huge fan of their green vinagret dressing.
(5)Ricky O.
FAMILY OWNED NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT. HUGE PORTIONS. CALM PLACE. GOOD FOOD. WIDE VARIETY OF SELECTIONS. Its not fancy, flashy, or hip..... And i like it. If your ever in the area, you should try for lunch or dinner. Its a home cookin at its best! I had the lasagne! it was HUGE.... a lotta food. I noticed afterwards that you can order in half portions. I liked pretty much everything about this place. I dont think you can go wrong with anyhting you try at this place.
(4)Lindsay L.
awesome neighborhood joint. no ambience but who cares with snacks this good.
(4)