Piccolo Restaurant

We have visited this restaurant for the past 7 years on New Years Day and have never been disappointed with the menu or service. They have always managed to seat us despite there being at times 10 of us.

The Garlic Dough Balls are a favourite with the children (4 between us) and the ice cream desserts always finish the meals nicely!!!

We would recommend a visit, they cater for all tastes without breaking the bank.

We'll definitely be there again on 1st January 2013.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, January 27, 2012

We had the same experience as previous reviewers regarding the service charge although our menu clearly stated it was included in the price. The waitress claimed a lack of English when we complained so we requested to speak to the manager who reluctantly removed the charge. To be honest I would not have minded the charge if the food had been good but it was very average. My wife's pasta was edible but my calzone was the worst I have ever had. If you do go there don't have the house red - it's disgusting. We have had some great meals when visiting Brighton but not this time....
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Stuart Michell
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 2
Thursday, December 29, 2011

A friend and I went to Piccolo's on a quiet Friday lunchtime. And I'm afraid to say I was disappointed.

We were served by 4 different waiters, only one of whom, when asked for advice could help us.

I ordered a risotto, with chicken, prawns and mussels. Instead of a delicious creamy risotto, I received a bowl of loose boiled rice. There were strands of spaghetti in the risotto...not a common addition I don’t think. Though, in all fairness, the flavours were there, but just not the skill I would have associated with Italian cooking.

My friend was more successful with a delicious bowl of gnocchi.

The atmosphere of the place was generally friendly. I was, however, surprised at the music, more normally associated with a nightclub than a quaint Italian restaurant.

The pizza is clearly made from scratch, right in front of you in a dining room side kitchen.

I think Piccolo’s is good value for money, but you need to be quite selective when ordering.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 6
Thursday, October 27, 2011

Terrible. Dirty plates, awful food. Totally dissatisfied 0 out of 10
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Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Sunday, October 16, 2011

Looked like a popular restaurant as we walked in, very busy although I have no idea why. We ordered a bottle of house red and was not even asked if we would like to taste the wine. The wine was absolutely terribe, it was more like drinking vinegar. For starters my sister ordered sardines, well, they arrived looking all shrivelled and burnt and it looked as though all the meat of the fish had disappeared and she was left with just a burnt skin. The waiter took the plates away after we had finished the starter and dropped the remains of the fish from the plate (which we thought was on the floor). When my sister reached in her handbag she found the remains of the fish which had crumbled in her bag - what a mess! My main course was a pasta dish with seafood which looked and tasted as though it had been in a hot pan keeping warm for hours. One of the mussels tasted like iron which I had to spit out. The pasta was soggy and it was pretty tasteless. The food went back. Before my Mum could finish her food, my sisters plate was removed from the table which I think is pretty rude. The staff should wait until everyone has finished their meal, not just take plates as people finish them while others are eating. I would not recommend this restaurant if you want a decent meal with nice wine. Totally dissatisfied - 1 out of 10!
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Mel
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Monday, June 06, 2011

I was quite disappointed with my visit to Piccolo. The food was average, some of the sauce on my starter had formed a skin and looked unappetising, but tasted ok. We specifically asked if each main was suitable for vegetarians but my partner was presented with meat lasagne. My main again did not look appetising, and was quite bland. By the time a replacement vegetarian lasagne arrived, which I'm told was enjoyable, I was a bit fed up.

We asked for the bill, which didn't add up, until I noticed that the printed "service is not included" had the 'not' crossed out. The menu also stated service not included. The waitress who brought the bill had not taken our order or served our food, and when we asked if the service was mandatory she said that it was. We explained that we weren't happy about the mix up and delay with the food, but she just asked if we had been given a receipt when we ordered.

I prefer to leave a cash tip so that the waiting staff have a chance of getting it, and also so that I can decide how much to leave. Since we weren't given an option, we paid the bill and left. This was a particularly unsatisfying experience, especially the service at the end, and I won't be returning.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Saturday, May 07, 2011

I specifically asked if the main course- vegetable lasagne and if my partner's pasta course was vegetarian- not sure if the waiter fully understood english but he said yes and took our order.

So then I was quite shocked to find they served me a meat lasagne! Luckily I know what it looks like and was able to point it out to the waiter who brought it over (different person), and he was very apologetic and brought me a new one. Unfortunately my partner had to wait with hers going cold until they could bring me what I asked for.

Don't be fooled by the good prices on the menu or the fact that it says service not included, gratuity at YOUR DISCRETION. They added 10 % onto the bill and said it was MANDATORY with no option given to pay it separately. I wasn't even going to leave any gratuity after I almost ate meat but had to, I paid but will never go there again. I did question it and said I was not happy with the service nor the meat lasagne but still had to pay the service charge. I expect to pay MENU PRICES not 10 % on top, when your menu says OPTIONAL. In other restaurants I leave a CASH tip so the waiting staff get it, and I can chose how much, rather than being forced.

I visited the bathroom and there was no toilet paper in one of the stalls, on the wall there was what may once have been a hand dryer except it was taped up with a warning 'do not touch, dangerous' and there were no paper towels provided as a replacement.

We had drinks with our meal and one of the glasses had something stuck to it, they need to take better care with washing.

The food was OK, not amazing- it also did not look that appealing. I have had better food from pizza hut, I would expect something better from an 'authentic Italian' restaurant!

The only 'good' thing was how apologetic the waiter was with the error which was not on his part.

I will not go again and definitely do not recommend it.

I sincerely hope someone from this establishment reads these reviews, as something has to be done!
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Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Saturday, May 07, 2011

Ordered a takeaway from this restaurant via the eatnowbrighton website.

The food was very poor. The squid rings were awful and rubbery. The pasta was very bland and lacked taste. The penne was supposed to have pesto in it. There was a green colour but little evidence of any actual basil, pine nuts or cheese in it. The lasagne was a generous portion but the quality was no better than a microwave ready meal.

Away from the atmosphere of the actual restaurant you can really examine how good the food actually is. Piccolo's restaurant serves up cheap tourist trap fare. Any resemblance of real flavoursome Italian cooking does not exist here.

There are far better Italian restaurants in Brighton. Give this one a wide berth.
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Greg
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Monday, May 02, 2011

i went to this restaurant for my girlfriends birthday

we ordered 2 salads which were the two nicest salads ever tasted by me and my girlfriend. we then order one ham pizza and she ordered calamari which was very fresh and juicy after we had dessert and coffee which was delicious.

i had been trying to propose to her for about a week but something always got in the way and i decided that there and then would be the right time. i got down on one knee the manager stopped the music and then i asked her she said yes. And from that day on we go there every Monday night

thank you piccolo and all of the staff :)
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josh halloway
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Sunday, May 01, 2011

I think I can safely say that this was one of the worst meals I have ever tried to eat, and have I left this restaurant determined to never visit it again. The calamari was defrosted, dry and tasteless. My friend and I ordered 'fresh' sea bass, which tasted dry, stale and tasteless. When I complained, my complaint was answered with a smirk. I would advise that there are many good Italian restaurants in Brighton, but this is the worst I have been in..
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Maggie Bloom
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, January 09, 2011