If you didn’t get to live out the Italian holiday fantasy this summer, fear not: the Piccolino summer menu is still here, and it’s the perfect way to get your fix.
We headed to the luxe chain’s Bristol restaurant to tuck in and find out the best dishes that you need to know about.
Starting strong, we tried out the antipasti plate – anticipating a piece of bread, wedge of cheese and slice of salami each.
Instead, we got served a huge platter of focaccia, cured meats, multiple cheeses, breadsticks, pickled onions and caper berries.
This would have been perfect enjoyed with a bottle of wine – and, for less greedy customers, was filling enough without other dishes.
But dedicated to trying out the menu, we also sampled the classic bruschetta – a perfect staple, done right – and the beef carpaccio – tender and well-dressed with parmesan and rocket.
Moving on to the pasta course, like a true Italiano, we sampled the salmon tagliatelle – the perfect summer dish, light with hints of lemon and mascarpone, but substantial with a generous serving of pasta.
For the meat course – more pasta! The pollo parmigiana included a large breaded chicken, plus spaghetti pomodoro topped with mozzarella and basil.
While arguably one of the most basic pasta sauces possible, the pomodoro was a lesson in simplicity at its finest – one of the best dishes of the day, especially when paired with the crunch of the chicken.
By this point, we were stuffed, but couldn’t resist when manager Agostinho brought us the dessert menu.
We opted for the zeppole and the cioccolatini (chocolate truffles).
Arriving together, alongside a glass of port, the zeppole was a large choux bun filled with cream, chocolate hazelnut ice cream, hazelnut brittle and a pot of dark chocolate sauce to pour over the top.
If you have a sweet tooth, this is the dessert for you – but beware anyone sensitive to rich puddings: I could only manage a couple of bites!
The truffles, however, were an easy 10/10 – we each sampled one on site and got to take the remaining few home to enjoy later.
Overall, while the food was delicious and the outdoor seating perfect for enjoying the last of the summer sun, even more memorable was the service from staff members.
Clearly priding themselves on their knowledge of the menu, the waiters and manager offered recommendations and could not have been more helpful.
We’ll be back!
