Ristorante Picolinos Reviews

We went here tonight for a family meal and the service,meal,atmosphere and surroundings were outstanding. I can't put into words what a fantastic place this is to go out for a truly outstanding feast. The calamari was melt in the mouth and scallops to die for and the lasagne was perfect. Thank you for a memorable meal. We will be back and if you are visiting Nottingham this is a must place to eat.

This is a lovely Italian restaurant, everything we ate & drank was excellent but I was especially dazzled by the burrata, nectarines & Parma ham starter I had. Just the tastiest, creamiest cheese!

Awesome ambiance. Simply outstanding food. Real Italians from well, Italy. Have you been to Italy? Have a favorite little foodie thing you recall? Chances are some of the staff will help you have a little bit of Italy in Seattle...Reminiscent of the best we had in Venice...Al Covo. Affogato ? Espresso dumped on rich chocolate ice cream...a fantastic ending... Following a wonderful variety of well executed and delicious pastas that take full advantage of the Seattle seafood and regional produce. Fettucine di Mare, fresh and deliciously simple. A very nice varied wine list, decently priced. Great bar!

Great atmosphere for adults, delicious Italian food, wonderful staff and a charming back garden/patio which is great for summer happy hours and dinner. A neighborhood gem!

Five of us had dinner here and we each got something different. I had the pizza, excellent; another person had gnocchi and it was awesome! The pork belly ravioli was rather rich, but it did taste good.I didn't get to taste the other two meals, but they were said to be very good. The dining area was really well decorated and cozy; kind of quiet in a good way.

Nestled in a corner of the Ballard neighborhood, we "discovered" this great Italian restaurant. Total delight on all levels. The vegetable lasagna was creative and felt truly authentic. Lots of other beautiful and tasty dishes both vegetarian or meat based. Great wine list (the Montepulciano was outstanding). Service was flawless. The decor is warm, elegant and feel like a good home. The place feels intimate, thanks to having several dining rooms "en suite". A true find for us. We will definitely come back, whether for an intimate dinner or with a large group (as was the case this time).

I do not live in Seattle and I always visit Picolinos when I am in town. Just fabulous place , food , atmosphere , best 7 day a week happy hour !

The meal was excellent; the service impeccable - kind and gracious helpers, servers, etc. The basil/olive oil dip for the bread was amazing. Whenever we finished the bread in the basket, someone was there to ask if we wanted more. I had the spaghetti di mare - mmmm wonderful, the seafood was so fresh!

We eat here often and are seldom disappointed. Very good (mostly) authentic Italian food. They have a good selection of wines, pasta dishes are cooked just right, and specials often feature fresh local seafood. Service is excellent.

This restaurant is one of my absolute favorites. Every area of the restaurant is beautiful and cozy, both indoors and out. This is the go-to spot for my husband and I for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthdays, all that. The servers are always super helpful with wine pairing. Get the ravioli, you won't be disappointed! Last time we visited, however, our service was pretty slow, but it felt like a fluke compared to all of our other wonderful visits.

In another example of our control of all events, we were looking the other night for a restaurant our daughter picked out some months back which we gave rave reviews, and had dinner at Picolino's. It wasn't till later I realized, "Oh, wait a minute. That last time, we were actually at Mondello." (Both are in the same area.). BUT, good news, Picolino's was very good. I'm not sure why there were a few bad reviews, but maybe the servers had an off-day (or the reviewers did). We found the wine-list very encouraging, and the prices could have been worse. I had a pork chop with an excellent sauce, and we all liked the mixed anti-pasta platter, which had several cheeses. Thanks Picolino's! And I just sent the address to another visitor. Bon appetit.

This is possibly the best Italian restaurant West of the Mississippi river! The pasta carbonara was the only one I have had on the West coast that uses pancetta instead of bacon. Make all the difference!

Deep in the heart of Ballard, the fishing quadrant of Seattle, rests an oasis from the seafood that is literally a hooks throw away. Julie and I have dined at Picolinos since they opened, and have always been warmly welcomed and enjoyed the food. Walk in (watch your step!) and soak in the ambience of another time and place, with candles, tablecloths, and deep colored walls. Pasta or secondi, the food is rich and satisfying. Since the outdoor garden section opened, we are very happy to dine outside, even going one Christmas Eve, enveloped in a warm corner, surrounded by tapestries to cozy us up. Grazi Tom, Raphael and all!

My husband and I dined at the restaurant in May. We had purchased a gift certificate at an auction. They did not honor it because it was expired. I wrote a review on their Facebook site. They must have blocked because it does not show up. So I will post the contents here: My review: We had purchased a Picolinos gift certificate at a school auction at full price. I had heard good reviews of Picolinos and it was near our old house. Unfortunately, there was an expiration date on the certificate and it was after that date. But we thought we would try the restaurant anyway and hope that they would honor the certificate as most restaurants do. The food was fine. We ordered drinks, appetizers, entrees and a dessert but when we presented the certificate and even acknowledge that it was expired, along with our credit card, we were told that they would not honor it but they would comp our dessert. We were very disappointed. We will not be back and will never buy a gift certificate from them at an auction again. Their response: Hi Pat, Most people who buy a gift certificate understand the money goes to the charity, not the restaurant. Hopefully you bought the gift certificate for principally charitable reasons. That said it does have an expiration date, which you were fully aware when you bid for the certificate. My response: Thank you for clarifying your business policies and philosophy. I will remember that for the future. I have my concerns about an establishment that hides reviews critical of them.

Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted in Italian! Hearing Italian spoken in the background, adds to the charm of the place. We had no reservations and the place was full but Managment made a great effort to accommodate us by setting up an extra table. The food was really good! with a large selection of all time favorites, which include many vegetarian choices. The service was very friendly and timely. Overall a very satisfying experience, we have returned a couple of times since our first visit to Picolinos. I can recommend it with confidence.

Love this place! We live in the neighborhood and visit Picolinos regularly. My favorite place is the back garden but every seat is great. Have the spaghetti Carbonara!

Picolino's manages to do a lot of things quite well, which makes the occasional unevenness in the kitchen forgivable. Situated on a busy street at the far west end of Ballard, the location itself is nothing special--until you walk inside and lose yourself in the cozy atmosphere of the antique-laden dining room or the lushly planted outdoor garden under a huge tent. Nothing about Picolino's is "off the shelf;" everything from the quirky collection of silver teapots to the antique prints on the walls speaks to a carefully curated collection by someone with a good eye for design. Most weekday evenings there is a quiet buzz in the dining room which increases to a happy roar on weekends. Mornings find neighbors dropping into the cafe for a quick latte and croissant, or even slipping into the dining room for a more substantial breakfast on weekends. The menu is creative, but not cutting edge; there are plenty of old favorites for when you just have a hunger for something familiar and satisfying. The food is sometimes great, sometimes average, but never bad, and the servers are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Most of all, the neighbors seem to have claimed Picolino's as their second living room--a place to celebrate family birthdays or other special occasions, a hangout for reading the Sunday paper, and a convenient meeting place for friends on their way to a walk--and that's a lot of the charm of the place. It really doesn't get easier or friendlier than this!

We arrived late on a Saturday afternoon without a reservation, but the host was very accommodating. We sat in the absolutely gorgeous outdoor area, with grapevines trailing overhead and plants and statuary around us, which made it feel as if we just might actually be in Italy. The food was quite good and there were ample portions. The pasta and pizza were enjoyed by all, as was dessert: cheesecake, tiramisu and cannoli. Good wine and beer selection, too. If you want a pretty setting to go with your nice Italian dinner, this is the place.

I came here with my boyfriend for a birthday dinner, and it was more special than we both had imagined. Splendid atmosphere, great service, and delicious food and wine. There is also a beautiful back garden and dining area for parties and the summer season. We cannot wait to dine here again.

I intentionally waited a couple of weeks to post this review so I could try to be as objective as possible, given our dreadful experience. The review has little to do with food, as we didn't get to eat much of it (more on that later), and EVERYTHING to do with the abysmal customer service we experienced at the hands of the hostess/manager (maybe owner?). The long story short is that our party of five adults had a reservation for the last seating (8:30 pm, closing is at 9:00 pm) on Christmas Eve. I called in advance, not once, but twice, to make sure that we wouldn't feel rushed due to the late seating, and was assured twice that we would not be. TWICE. During neither of those calls did the person on the other end mention that the kitchen closed at 8:45 pm -- which would have been good information to have, given that we were looking for a more relaxed experience and were very clear about that. When our party arrived (three adults at 8:32 pm and the other two at 8:37 pm), the hostess/manager (maybe owner?) informed us that the kitchen was closing at 8:45 and that we needed to have our entire order in before that (she did offer us the alternative of not being seated at all). We scrambled and made our selections just under the deadline, and ALL the food (appetizers and entrees) arrived on our table within 10 minutes. The table, designed for four people but accommodating our group of five, wasn't large enough to fit all the food that arrived in one fell swoop -- and suffice it to say that we totally felt rushed. The hostess/manager (maybe owner?) demonstrated ZERO customer service skills. We were visibly upset by the rushed treatment and explained that we had been assured TWICE that we would not be. She didn't bother to apologize for any miscommunication (there wasn't any miscommunication, but she could have at least tried to say there was). She didn't try to make things better in any way. The end of the story is that my husband used a little choice language (at the situation, not directed at the hostess/manager -- maybe owner?), and that's what she decided to focus on rather than trying to find a way to salvage our experience. Ultimately, and about five minutes after all of the food arrived, my husband asked if we could just leave -- without paying. At this point, we had nibbled on a few of the appetizers, and three of the five of us had sampled the entrees. The hostess/manager (maybe owner?) agreed we could, so we did (at 9:05 pm). In all honesty, if she had apologized and offered us ANYTHING, we would have stayed and paid the bill, including a generous Christmas tip for the wait staff. Instead, she lost at least a $400.00 tab due to her sheer rudeness. And our family had a Christmas Eve dinner of Costco spring rolls and homemade pie when we got home -- which we will definitely be laughing about for years to come! If you've made it this far, I will comment on the food. The osso bucco was absolutely delicious, according to our oldest son, who did his best to stuff as much of it as he could into his mouth when he realized we were leaving and likely wouldn't be able to find another place to eat dinner. We didn't get to try the pizza, but it looked tasty. The Caesar salad was simply terrible -- wilted and totally flavorless. The antipasto platter and brocolini was fine, if a bit on the small side for the price. The two pasta dishes were not just al dente, they were undercooked (probably because the kitchen was closing and rushed things). I know we ordered a couple of more things, but I don't think we got to try them before we left. To be honest, the food, besides the ossu bucco, wouldn't warrant a return visit, even if the hostess/manager (maybe owner?) had been a lovely person.

We went there for lunch based on the looks of the exterior. It looks like a really nice place near a residential area, close to the locks. The restaurant is closed for lunch, but you can order sandwiches and salads. You can take your order and eat in the garden in the back, which is really nice. The food was good; nothing great or exceptional, but good. I wish we could've tasted the pizzas or other items on their dinner menu; I'm betting they're good. If you're looking for a traditional restaurant experience for lunch (waiters, etc) this is not for you. If you don't mind more of a deli experience, but a little fancier, then this is a great option. Kid friendly with a couple of kid menu options available.

Stopped in for lunch at the delicatessen as we were walking about visiting in the area..great helpful service and the food was excellent!! Only found the garden after we ate but it looked very inviting and calm..

I took my Mom to dinner here last week. My Mom retired and is going to go have an amazing life after working for a long time. What is amazing about this restaurant is that its in a neighborhood and off the beaten path. The food here will also just make you smile, its amazing. While we were there carolers came by singing in Italian and it was really special.

I love this place, so hope someone will read this and make some improvements. The little cafe, as other reviewers have mentioned, is wonderful, but the food in the restaurants is for the most part overpriced. Some dishes seem to come out too fast, as if they were pre-prepared, while others take longer, and the timing can sometimes be off. We waited 30 minutes have entrees arriving for a dish labeled a “starter” The menu stays largely the same. Despite some nightly specials, it could use some updating for those who like to make repeat visits. Lovely place and good service, but not especially good value given the high prices.

Great food and a wonderful location. The food selection is very good and the portions are filling. The service is great as well. A great choice in the area for a meal

in a semi remote corner of Ballard one will find the very attractive Picolinos. I had lunch in the patio which was pleasant and the sandwiches were good and the pie and ice cream were very good.

My husband and I love this place. Especially in the summer time when you can sit outside in the "tent" area. The food and service are always amazing, and the 100 year old family recipe for tiramisu is to die for!

I've eaten at Picolinos a few times in the past and found it acceptable but relatively expensive. After my latest venture I have decided to never again return. The ambience is very nice, though the dining room can get quite noisy. But one does not eat ambience. The food has gone downhill, and the service has really tanked. Short staffing cannot explain this experience because I ate early and before the crowds arrived. I ordered a pasta with ragu made from venison. The meat was in small and uniform cubes which was not tender or tasty. The dish arrived luke warm, and I would have sent it back to the kitchen were it not for the fact that doing so would have disrupted the meal for others at the table. I suspect that either the kitchen failed to prepare the dishes to finish at the same time or all the dishes waited too long for the servers to deliver in a timely way.

This seems to be a very nice local coffee and sandwich place with a good menu of soups,salads, sandwiches, wood fired pizza with good service.

Although from out-of-town, we have eaten dinner here several times, and have never had a less than very good meal. Sometimes, the food has been outstanding, and it is served at relatively reasonable prices. Over the course of four or five years, members of our family have enjoyed a variety of entrees and have never been disappointed. Unfortunately, at our most recent visit, while the food was outstanding, the service did not match up with our previous expectations. Our server was not very attentive, did not show up for long periods of time and did not provide the sort of service we have come to expect, the sort of service that usually matches the high quality of the food. Nonetheless, with its long history of quality food, a very good wine list and a wide variety of ethnic entrees, we would continue to recommend this long-established, large eatery in a north Ballard neighborhood.

We met some friends there for dinner recently. As always the food and service was excellent. This little out-of-the-way restaurant is just one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle. No pretentions. We visit Picolinos about three or four times a year and have always been impressed with the quality of the food and service. Don't miss this spot and it costs less than those downtown ones.

Pasta is my favourite kind of food! They have amazing pasta! Live music that night we visited. Very romantic place. Great ambiance, but it was quite warm inside. They also ran out of the special that I wanted to order; my alternative choice was very good as well. I will definitely visit this restaurant again when I'm in town next!! Yummmmm!!

This is a charming neighborhood Italian restaurant with a very wide ranging menu with reasonable pricing. This won't be the "best" Italian meal one will ever have, but the charm, energy, and vibe of the place will make you happy and content.

There are lots of great eateries in Seattle. Some hip, some nouveau, some just creative. Picolino's is just like walking into Tuscany for a meal. Great food, consistent and reliable.

Picolinos is a wonderful restaurant. The food is high quality and reasonably priced. The restaurant itself has a wonderful ambiance. At Christmas, it is fully decorated and you truly feel the Christmas spirit. In the summer, it is wonderful to sit outside and enjoy the weather along with the fantastic food.

I want to love Picolinos - and do in may ways. Its in my neighborhood and its often a lovely place anytime of day to have coffee, lunch, or dinner. Their pizza is another story - we had a bad experience with a takeaway with some friends with the toppings slid past over ridiculously small dough circle - we took pictures and sent to restaurant with hopes it was a one time deal. However I've just paid for the larger pizza and found a tiny version inside - cold. If you don't want to do takeaway pizza just let us know before we order and spend money at your bar as well. Its the third time we've had this experience and you need to improve or stop doing it.

Came to this cute neighborhood spot for dinner. We were seated by the fireplace with a candle burning on our table - very warm, comfy, and romantic! There was a woman walking around playing Italian classics on an accordion which was neat. We started with two appetizers (arugula salad, sauteed broccolini), continued with two pasta entrees (ravioli for both of us), and finished with two desserts (cheesecake, tiramisu). We were impressed with both the taste and quality of the food. Will be back!

Have experienced great meals here , dinner last night was good as well. The 4 star rating is because we showed up on time for our reservation however they did not have us on the books. The did have have an open table and scrambled to find one . The attempted to put us in a back dark room alone , we declined. Then a huge empty table in another room. There was room at the bar , so we took the 3 bar stools, it was fine but cramped . We were never offered a drink on the house which would have been the least they could have offered. Calamari on the bar menu was great as well as the spaghetti with seafood . Gnocchi with red sauce was underwhelming . Nice atmosphere if you have a nice table to eat dinner at.

Dinner was fabulous! Ambiance was great and food was flavorful and delicious and service above and beyond. We would recommend this wonderful restaurant!

We had a nice dinner with a dear friend here, but I wouldn't go back. Parking is a bear though this place is not anywhere central. I found the accordion player, who played nothing but hackneyed tunes, really ear splitting, so much so that I couldn't hear my husband or friend. My red wine was so so, and so was the food, albeit the servings were very generous. Our server was fine but didn't check in on how our food was. There are many much better and more comfortable and friendlier Italian restaurants in Seattle than this.

Picolinos is a neighborhood restaurant that is always welcoming with warm people who work there, delicious and wonderful food, and the ambiance is perfect for a romantic meal, meeting with friends, or celebrating a special occasion - even a wedding reception. The staff is friendly, efficient, and make sure you are having a great dining experience always. In the warmer months of the year, the Garden Dining Room is open and it is like being in someone's special secret garden. We always have some pasta - most of it handmade on premises - Lobster Ravioli, Gnocchi alla Romana, Papparadelle with veal ragu...I could go on and on. The pizzas are delicious too along with all of their salads and antipasti. The wine selection is lovely and priced well - and from all over Italy and local wines too. Desserts are scrumptuous - Excellent Tiramisu made from a family recipe. You can sit inside and the tables are placed a nice distance apart from other tables so you can actually have a conversation with your dining partners, or you can sit in the bar, which is a like being under a giant tent with brightness from the outside spilling in, or you can sit outside in the garden dining room, which we love in the summer. You will love Picolinos anytime of the year and it is a true Italian dining experience!

The restaurant is x shape. It is bigger inside when you would expect. We had a group event. The drink was OK, no problems. I am GF dairy free, after having a meal there, I could say avoid at all cost. I ordered steak which seemed to be a good option. When they delivered it, it was not edible. It was hard to chew, for 40 dollars after tips and tax, it was complete waste of money. The mashed potatoes were made from powder, they did not even mix it well. Let me tell you, I was sick for several days after eating there. No decent dairy free options. The only GF option is pasta, but considering quality I was presented, I would not trust them. Pick a different place, Highly disappointing.

I happen to be in Ballard recently around lunch time and stopped by Cafe Picolino. I was greeted by a very nice young lady who took my order and made my coffee. I found a small table by the window and proceeded to watch the locals while away their afternoon in this quiet area of Seattle. Shortly a kitchen staff member served my salsiccia pizza and it was tasty. The San Marzano tomatoes in the sauce shined through and other toppings played strong supporting roles. I happily enjoyed my pizza and coffee before dragging myself away and back to business. Stop by and enjoy a pizza... and escape the hustle and bustle even if for just a small respite!

This is one of those places that will haunt my memories for the rest of my life. Someone very special was visiting me in Seattle for a couple days. We'd been driving around and enjoying getting lost, and were now on our way to Shilshole. He's a surfer from L.A., and I wanted to show him the 'beach'. Anyhoo, we passed this place and he said 'That looks good,' so we went to the water and came back a while later. Little did we know, the casual looking pizza place we passed half an hour earlier was actually a very romantic Italian restaurant with amazing entrees and the most incredible house chianti I have ever experienced. I had the chicken with potatoes and green beans, & he had a pasta dish. I mean it, though. This place is straight out of central casting. It's perfect! Every few bites, we'd stop and give each other a 'wat just happened?' look, and try not to harsh the vibe with our exuberant giggles. The servings are huge. Don' be too stuck up to ask for a to-go box. It's kinda pricey, but reallyreally worth it. And yes, just like in the aforementioned movie, the waiter had an accent and there was an accordion player. 90 minutes after we entered, we stumbled out like two deer in the headlights, trying to process what just happened, and went home stuffed to the gills. It was honestly the most romantically spontaneous dinner ever! That night, I put on my comfy pajamas and we both fell into the kind of deep sleep only a completely satisfying day of travel and food can bring. By the way, I ate on those leftovers for three days, and every so often, I am sure to remind my friend of how well I ate and how well I slept that night.

We held a private party in their separate room for approximately 40 people. The staff was very helpful and professional in working with us on the menu and the atmosphere we wished to set for the party. We went for the hors d'oeuvre menu complete with stromboli, pizza for the kids that attended and smoked salmon, crab, mozzarella cheese, chicken skews and pork. We also added a dessert of chocolate dipped strawberries, mini cupcakes, mini chocolates. This is a very warm and inviting restaurant and made our event feel like a family gathering at home.

Reviews of this restaurant were generally good, so we were surprised at what we found. I ordered the special of the day, Lobster Ravioli. It was inedible. The ravioli were so undercooked that if they were al dente they would have been overdone. A waiter was not to be found until the end of the meal when he brought the check. My husband had risotto with lamb, and he thought it was so-so. It wasn't risotto with lamb mixed in, but plain risotto with a chunk of lamb on the side. Very disappointing. The people we were with had pork belly ravioli, and they did very well. Theirs was cooked perfectly. For appetizer we shared eggplant Parmesan, and it was also disappointing. It was limp eggplant with mozzerella cheese between slices, all swimming in a thick tomato sauce. Our friends had not ordered an appetizer, and we offered to share ours with them. One taste, and they wanted no more. Yet, this restaurant gets excellent reviews.

This restaurant has multiple seating areas including a rear tented section and garden area. I chose to sit there because it is summer. You have to order and pay at the front serving area so if you want anything extra you have to go back to that desk to order and pay. There was no-one else in the rear area apart from a manager who was conducting an interview with a prospective member of staff, This was a little odd since it was impossible not to listen to the conversation about salary, tips etc. Slightly embarrassing to say the least. My meal eventually arrived and the waitress left immediately. That was the only time I saw a staff member in this rear area. She did not give me any cutlery or ask if I needed anything else. I had to go back to the front desk and ask for cutlery. I was told that I could find some in boxes in the rear bar area - which I eventually found. Needless to say my meal was fairly tepid by the time I actually started to eat. Really disappointing - I went because it was recommended but I wouldn't return

The “special” butter lettuce salad had very little lettuce and the other ingredients were barely detectable. All for $14. Ling cod “special” was mushy fish and a sauce that was just tired, obviously not freshly prepared. Chicken Marsala did not taste like Marsala. Pizza had almost no sauce and even less flavor. The 2017 wine we ordered turned out to be 2019, no explanation and no price adjustment.

We met up with family members that live in the Ballard area and they chose this restaurant because it is close to where they live and they had eaten here a couple times before. Our party of five sat indoors. They have a lovely outdoor garden area but it was full so we were seated in the middle of this restaurant near the kitchen. It was extremely loud. I would say personally, that this is not a restaurant for children, although there were several children here this night. The chaos of the kitchen and the children and the fact that it was a Friday night added to the sense of chaos and noise. I prefer a quieter atmosphere for dinner and I enjoy conversation which was hard without yelling across the table. Out of the five dishes ordered I think it was decided that all were okay but only one was worth coming back for. The Crab Cakes were decidedly the best thing ordered at our table. The Chicken Melanese was burnt, the Ravioli with the seafood was just okay, the Rigatoni Bolognese was just fine, and the salad with the pears was just okay. Nothing really stood out except for the chaos and noise. The servers were very attentive and there were lots of them, quick to serve, quick to clear used plates, quick to answer questions. They were always close at hand and happy to help. The restaurant is beautiful in its decor and setting so if I visit the Ballard area again I may want to give it a second chance and try sitting outside or in the back of the restaurant near the bar. There is no parking lot just street parking so it took us quite some time to find a spot that was just a block or two from the restaurant. Where comfy shoes for the walk to and from your car!

The setting is pleasant. We were there on a Sunday, and it was full of mostly families having a nice long meal. Food was well done, portions big, everyone at my table was happy. The service was pleasant, though a little slow. Apparently there was some confusion about who was handling our table, so we had a slow start. Very nice place to spend an evening.

We had a fairly large group and no reservation. We were visiting friends in Ballard and they suggested the restaurant. We walk in asking for seating for 7, which quickly grew to 8 as someone else wanted to join us. They appeared very busy but didn't leave us waiting for long before seating us. The restaurant is larger than it looks at first glance. Room and after room of quaintly decorated walls (our room had stuffed pheasants on the walls ... as well as pheasant on the menu!) We were comfortably seated at a round table. The waiter was very nice and went out of his way to assist us in making our dinner selections. The food was pricey for sure but it was good. I had the pork ravioli. It was good but could have used a bit of vegetables on the plate. One of our friends had the pheasant with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Not my thing but she said it was very good. No one had any complaints other than we left feeling very full. Had a great time, good food but it was a little pricier than we were looking for. Overall, though, great evening.

we came to celebrate the conclusion of a two week vacation and were not disappointed. imagined we were in Italy somewhere dining. some classic and some modern twists. could have spent many more hours dining except we were stuffed. nice wine choices. great service (if not a bit fast paced). we will return. you must go.

Was surprised at how much outdoor seating they have. Plenty of shady plants and umbrellas to keep off the sun. All three of us enjoyed our meals of veal, beef, and seafood pasta. Prices were reasonable for such good quality and service. Would definitely come back again on our next visit to Ballard area.

We had a celebration of life for my mother yesterday and reserved the patio area of Picolinos for the brunch. We had a party of 19 attending and I felt nervous about attending, so many mixed emotions but the experience couldn't have been better. James Riemer was our Banquet & Special Events Manager and he was a perfect host/server for a sensitive occasion. The ambiance in the patio room is bright, sunny, cheerful (it also helped having a beautiful sunny day). The food was excellent, in fact, they had the best bruschetta, croissants and garlic roasted potatoes I've even eaten! The service was so excellent and things went so smoothly, we could really relax and focus on enjoying the guests and sharing fond memories in a beautiful setting. I'm so grateful things went so well and allowed us to have had such a beautiful celebration in honor of my mother. 💐

Excellent customer service, best tiramisu we’ve ever had, best dining experience we’ve ever had, if you get the gnocchi be sure to get Whitt sauce. Do yourself a favor, it was slow when we went but that might be do to pandemic times, so ya better call.

There must be a reason this restaurant has not had a review since Feb. Sadly, the service has deteriorated, likely a result of lack of staff and the attempt to seat too many at the same time. The overall ambiance is as nice as always, but the poor service takes away from what might be an enjoyable evening. Our food arrived before our wine, and we never saw the waiter again until it was time to ask for the check. Sadly, we went for coffee an desert elsewhere. Food is average. Prices high

i have been coming here for quite awhile now even when they were in the other location and have never had anything but delicious food ; the new location is so much bigger, better and easier parking . Roberto & Leonora are the most gracious host and hostess of any restaurant I have ever been to living here in Florida . The meatballs were amazing and so much so that I took an order home ., yummy , everything delicious , service great , good staff ., will be back many times .

Food is excellent and one is made to feel so welcomed. Morning coffee and pastries are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!! We love this place.

The outdoor garden seating here is beautiful. Lots of different areas with tables for two, four and more. We had a wonderful birthday dinner here with five people. Service is very attentive and the food is very good. We especially love and appreciate the Pico cafe which is open very early 7 days a week. Pastries are excellent and there are plenty of options for outdoor seating. The only suggestion is that they require their staff to be vaccinated as well as patrons. One person in our dinner party dropped out after calling the restaurant and finding that they have no such requirements.

A family we’d was held here and it was wonderful!! It was outside in their gardens; beautifully decorated with a violinist as well. It was a dinner and the fabulous was delicious!! It was served in stages which made it even more enjoyable! The wait staff were kind and very professional!!

I love this place! I love that they have real tablecloths. I love that there are real candles on the table. Beautiful wrought iron gates that obviously have been custom made just for the space. The food is excellent. The owner TOM really has put his heart and soul into this space. Great wine. Friendly staff. Food that melts in your mouth and begs you to take a trip to Italy!!! Easy parking to which is a miracle! Love it!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤❤

It's my neighborhood go-to. You could say we're "regulars." And you wouldn't be wrong. We usually sit at the bar and chat with the bartender or the folks sitting next to us. The food is very good to great (but I'll admit these days I usually have the Chicken Milanese and arugula salad). The ambiance is very upscale Italian. The cocktails are excellent.

I had an incredible meal here - a capellini pasta with seafood and a saffron cream. The cream had a smoky flavor to it that elevated it from excellent to "out of this world." It came with an embarrassment of seafood: lobster claws, crab legs, tiger prawns. The cream sauce was so good, it even made up for the fact that the seafood was a little dry and the pasta might have sat for a little too long. Didn't matter - the sauce was incredible. Bruschetta was excellent as well. The atmosphere is incredible, and we didn't even get to experience the outdoor seating (reserved for a private party - looked like an awesome setting). This was one of two restaurant experiences this weekend where wait staff really pushed family style ordering. The waiter seemed almost annoyed that we didn't want to order and share. Or maybe he was annoyed because we were a big unwieldy group.

So charming and personalized service. The food was delicious and large portions. Loved the private intimate tables they have added outside during covid. It’s such a special and unique place to dine.

Lovely Italian restaurant in the Ballard area recommended by my colleague. What's nice about the place is they have a cafe section for pastries and if you prefer outdoors they have a garden area with tables. I love their gnocci and I can eat pasta everyday so pizza and pasta night was superb.

My wife and I attended a retirement/Christmas party at Picolino's, and having lived in nearby Loyal Heights growing up, was surprised to find this large and amazingly good restaurant so close to my teenage neighborhood. The restaurant appears to be a combination of four side-by-side storefronts on 32nd that have been connected into one long restaurant broken into four separate dining rooms. Our party of about 50 were seated in four long tables in the room with the bar, and although cozy, we had enough room to move around and socialize. The food served was from a set four-course menu, starting with plates of appetizers, followed by two salads with bread and oil, plates of spaghetti and pumpkin ravioli, grilled veggies, meat platters with sausage, chicken, and pork, and finished with dessert platters filled with small pecan pies, tiny gingerbread men, mini cupcakes, and chocolate tiramisu shells. The food was served family style, with two plates of every course provided for each table of 12. Everything was wonderful, superbly-realized Italian food that I can't wait to return and experience again. My favorite dish was the large folded pumpkin ravioli, a deliciously sweet treat that I would love to eat an entire bowl of. The sausages were also particularly good, and all of the desserts were each sublime in their own way. I ordered a couple of drinks from the bar, a whiskey drink made from a Kentucky quinoa bourbon that was tasty, and an old fashioned. My wife had a cosmo that she said was very good. All of the staff were friendly and accommodating, and the whole restaurant was festively decorated and lively with talk and celebrating. The whole night was a perfect holiday evening with friends, and we stayed well after closing chatting and snacking on the remaining dessert bites.

Picolinos is my only go to Italian restaurant in all of Washington state. I LOVE this place. The food is always superb and the staff so attentive. This evening I took my sister to dinner to celebrate her 70th birthday. With it being summer most patrons ate outside on the open air patio. We sat inside and it was very nice and relaxing. We started by splitting an Insalata Caprese. So good. We looked over the regular menu and tonight’s specials. Both of us decided on the Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto. OMG. Incredible. So flavorful and rich. The meat was so tender and fell of the bone. Left some room for dessert. We both ordered the Tiramisu. Again it was so delicious and a good size portion, too. Another fabulous meal at Picolinos. Can’t wait for my next visit.

The dining experience was not terrible but it was rather ho-hum. It got off to a bad start when the tatooed lady at the bar told me that the beer I wanted to order would be what I wanted and then didn't offer any other beer options. So, I settle for iced tea. "When in Seattle order Salmon" - which I did. It was not bad but it also was not great great. The service was perfunctorily friendly and certainly business-like. One got the feeling that there were there to earn there money not to serve the customer. Really nice atmosphere. Great range of choice on the menu. But the experience could have been so much better.

Very few times in life you can go to a restaurant and get great food, wonderful ambience and beautiful surroundings and not pay a lot - well this is the one - lucky for me its in my hometown and what a gorgeous restaurant. The wood fired pizza, together with a section of antipasto for starters, and a penne puttanesca and a fruit de mare, finished off with pistachio gelato - all served perfectly - the gelato too much to eat for one, in fact all the food had to have doggy bags and at a price that is half of the fancy places which serve half the portions on top and not so delicious food - wow. What a gem of a find.

Cozy restaurant. Main rooms tables are pretty crowded, but try one of the back rooms or the patio out back. Very good food on my three visits there in the past year. Mid-range food, although if you add appetizers, dessert, and wine you can run up a $100 tab for two pretty easily.

My daughters and I had dinner here on July 14, 2014. A large rehearsal dinner was being held at the same time that we arrived, however, it didn't interfere with the quality or timing of our service. We ordered the Chicken Marsala, Chicken Milanese and Gnocchi alla Romana, soft drinks and one Tiramisu for dessert. The food was excellent. The next time we dine here, we will ask to be seated in the patio. We took a walk back there after dinner, and it's very cosy and pretty! A bit on the pricey side, but well worth a try.

I love Picolino's - the penne with sausage is a favorite, and the wood- fired pizzas are fantastic. Great wine selection. The service is quirky, but fun so long as you have a relaxed attitude.

Our family planned a birthday dinner for 13 at Picolinos. I have always heard great things about Picolinos and looked forward to dining there. We made reservations well in advance and the restaurant said either family style or individual meals were fine for a group of this size. When we walked in, I was thrilled to hear the hostess and waitstaff speaking Italian. Its always fun to practice my mixed up spanlish-italian...ha! The restaurant has a few different dining areas and has a nice quaint, dimly lit , romantic feel to it. The menu was had many great options and the food at the other tables looked and smelled fabulous. They also had a nice wine special that evening. The pizzas looked fabulous! Our waiter promptly brought our drinks and appetizers and took our order. Here's where things went a little awry... the entrees took a considerable amount of time which is expected with a large group and everyone was quite content with their appetizers and drinks...so not a big deal. The bus boy began to bring out one or two entrees which we didnt not order... Much later he brought back a few other entrees...not knowing who had ordered what, he called out the entrees and found their owners. One end of the table had their dinners, the other end did not....still not a big deal. After a half an hour my husband and daughter still did not have their dinners. The other end of the table was now finished eating. The waiter came around and inquired how everything was, my husband asked about the missing dinners. The waiter replied that perhaps someone at the other end of the table ended up with my husbands pizza... Not exactly what we wanted to hear at this point. My cousin also mentioned that he didnt get his salad....still not a huge deal. The waiter made no apologies, somewhat shrugged off the mistake and said he would bring out a pizza for my husband (how gracious...ha, ha) My daughter finally got her kids spaghetti and my husband got his pizza, which was really good. All in all I would go back as the food was very good and I enjoyed the atmosphere, but not in a group setting. The food was tasty and well prepared but the service was a little lacking for a place that serves groups on a regular basis... We had to laugh as we found the service very "authentic" to what we experienced in some locations in Italy. Just a side note: The restaurant is very dimly lit and the dining areas are separated by one step down, which was very hard to recognize. I watched one poor lady miss the step and fall down hard on the concrete floor....I ran over to make sure she was okay. Im not one for overly cautious signage but these steps are very hard to detect.

We ordered a pint and glass of wine at the bar the pint costing £5 then I ordered 2 halves costing £6 I queried this and was told that was they way it us. !! We ordered duck and breaded chicken for the main course both of which were over cooked Which is a pity as we have had some nice meals there in the past but they do need to address the cost of a pint / half of lager

Don’t be fooled by the small bistro you see as you enter from the intersection. The wonderful display of baked goods and barista bar is just the first of many rooms to be explored and enjoyed in this expansive restaurant with as many outdoor seating areas as inside. The food is excellent and if you’re lucky as we were you can chat up and become friends with the Mark the owner or Amber and Jordan. They were great hosts and took us under their wing and gave us a great insiders understanding of the Ballard area. This is a must stop for anyone visiting the greater Seattle area.

This review is way overdue just because I cannot find enough ways to thank the folks at Piccollinos for making our daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner perfect in every way. The wedding was in August 2016. Our daughter lives in Seattle but we live on the East Coast. It was almost a full time job for me to find the appropriate venue for a dinner for approximately 60 people on a Friday night. Our daughter wanted a cocktail hour, preferably on a terrace, followed by a dinner, again possibly on a terrace. No way could we find a dinner on a terrace (she wanted charming not corporate) but we did find some restaurants with a terrace for cocktails prior to an inside dinner. I called, emailed, tore my hair out and finally narrowed the list to 5 restaurants. Daughter and fiance visited/ate at all five options and narrowed it down to Piccolinos. The staff at Piccollinos were fantastic - worked with me on the menus, appetizers and food. You'd think we were planning a White House State Dinner - they gave it that much thought and consideration. August in Seattle is delightful. However, this Friday night was hot as hades - a heat spell. The staff put up a tent on the terrace to keep us from roasting alive. The terrace itself was pretty and festive. Just perfect. Then we went to the main floor where the dinner was cordoned off behind screens for privacy. As an East Coaster, I was shocked that there was no air conditioning, just fans. But we managed and it was a testament to the fine food and service that we ignored the heat. Noise was minimal. I believe Michele and Travis were our servers. They were just great, very attentive. The food was served family style - three different pasta dishes and three green salads. Delicious. I'm probably forgetting some of the little touches that made the event so enjoyable for all of us. The extra food was boxed up and sent home with us. We lingered outside, hating to go home. Thank you Piccollinos and Michele and Travis!! I only had one chance to get this right and you helped me do it.

The food and service are excellent but I could not hear much from the others at our round table due to a wandering violinist. I'm hard of hearing and asked the manager to have him play in other rooms. This was a special occasion for the family with out of town guests; the manager's reply was not to come on weekends but that was not an option here. I wish they would just offer a quiet room for those who don't want or need music.

A couple of foodie friends suggested we try Picolinos. We were a little apprehensive after reading some of the reviews, but were still willing to try it. We were so glad we did! The food was very good! I started with an arugula salad that was excellent, my Husband had the spinach salad and loved it too. For main courses I had a seafood pasta in a white wine tomato sauce and Husband had the Salmon special. Both were delicious. Our friends had Beet Salads followed by homemade goat cheese ravioli, and lamb chops. We also shared broccolini which was very worthwhile. The only warning I will share is -Come Hungry!! The portions are enormous! We each took at least half of our entrees home.

Abiance, great service and delicious food - Picolino's has it all. Located in a mostly residential neighborhood in Ballard, we have never had a bad meal at this Italian dining icon. Portions are generous, well priced and thoughtfully prepared. The antipasto is a delicious way to start a meal. The wine list is very well priced. Had a great bottle of red for $29 that satisfied close friends who know their wine. Love the spaghetti de mare which was filled with perfectly cooked seafood. Wonderful ravioli. Also can depend on the fish of the day which is always well prepared. Nice Happy Hour. Don't miss the in-house bakery. The garden courtyard is a beautiful place to dine during warm weather.

This is an amazing restaurant in a residential neighborhood in Ballard. The food here is 4 star food, the coffee shop serves food as well. What a great place to eat. I was there with my Mom for a formal dinner. I love this place

Did the manager of Picolino's arrange for the full moon on *02-14-2014? I wouldn't be surprised. Expect the best at Picolino's and you will not be disappointed. The food was so inventive, fresh, beautifully presented and DELICIOUS that I am still remembering it one week later. We had a very large group (22) in one of the back rooms, so we were able to totally enjoy each other's company and appreciate the very attentive wait-staff. But make no mistake, the cuisine is the real star at Picolino's. If you are anywhere near this neighborhood, make a point to come. You will leave happy and full with great memories of a lovely meal. *love the numeration of that date!

This was a very charming restaurant from the first steps inside. As we visited in December, it was very tastefully decorated for Christmas-- There were even real candles on each table. I enjoyed the ravioli and my husband ordered the spaghetti with meatballs. The portions were large so we did not have room for dessert. This is a true local gem.

Went here for the first time tonight. Had the Calamari appetizer , which was outstanding followed by the vegitanaria pizza which was also excellent, The service was good, we will be back.

Brunch which included several courses brought to the table. Service was fair due to vast number of guests. Food was tastey, beverages well received, espresso all right. Desserts attractive, small cupcakes tasteless with greasey frosting- very disappointing.

Our server Tony was very attentive, and the food was delicious. We would definitely recommend. See you soon.

Perfect service; perfect ambiance; perfect starters; perfect entrees; perfect desserts and perfect wine! Dining is romantic over candle lite tables. Authentic Italian with wonderful selections. The Risotto was one of the best ever. The Chocolate Mouse dessert was divine (which means a LOT coming from me!!). Warm & authentic in every way.

I ordered off the daily special figuring those dishes must be especially good that day. Menu said Leg of Lamb ($24.00) and then described the condiments, including pear with a side of risotto and vegetables. What arrived was a pile of grey-brown meat on top of some risotto. The meat was thick cuts piled on top of each other. No steak knife so I was immediately aware how tough it was. When I finally got a piece to my mouth it was chewy! Yikes! This can't be Leg of Lamb! I assume this must have been a 'saddle lamb' and I got the saddle bags. I have handled, cooked and eaten leg of lamb many times and this was NOT leg of lamb. If it was, it had been handled so badly that it was indistinguishable from any other grey meat at a cheap cafeteria. The beans were also disappointing, hollow and tough, The risotto was pretty good but my appetite was so curbed by the pile of dark, undistinguishable stuff on my plate that it was difficult to enjoy the underlayment. I reported to the waiter at the end of the meal that I was disappointed with the lamb. No attempt was made to acknowledge my comment. I hate to waste food, so I took the remains home to make hash out of it. There was enough to serve two. That's the other reason I'm convinced I was not served leg. Leg of lamb is expensive. It is normally served in relatively small portions. I am really sorry this was so off-putting since I live in the 'hood and it would be great to be able to walk to a good restaurant. I stop in for coffee some mornings and they do a good job with espresso and their pastries. Dinner -- please, there is so much world class food in Ballard. Picolino's needs to tighten up their kitchen.

Great food , classic cocktails, attentive service , elegant setting , what's not to like. The food is delicious , the desserts divine. When you're in the Ballard area of Seattle treat yourself to an enjoyable , tasty night out at Picolonos Restaurant.

Friends took me to this place on my last visit to Seattle. I've never been here before and it looked great inside, very authentic. And it wasn't too too busy for a Friday night. They have a terrific selection of wines and spirits and the menu has an excellent selection of Italian foods to choose from. Try the lamb, it's top drawer. And if you leave the table hungry, it's your fault. Ciao!

Our family celebrated a birthday milestone at this charming restaurant in Ballard. I experienced the Italian pasta ravioli in a red tomato sauce-all freshly made with excellent ingredients. The bread served was fresh baked with a pesto/olive oil dipping sauce. We also shared Tiramisu for dessert as our celebration and it was light, flavorful and well worth the calories. Our waiter, Gerald treated us like family and I noticed that all the staff interacted with the patrons and with each other like family. He helped with our wine selection and was spot on. It reminded me of special restaurants I visited in New York. This is a neighborhood restaurant with an atmosphere of charm, excellent customer service and well worth visiting more often!

This is a popular neighborhood restaurant that serves excellent Italian food. Atmosphere and service are excellent as well.

We've taken every friend and family member here and everyone always loves it. It's off the beaten path and really makes you feel like you've gone somewhere in Italy when you're here. Whether you choose the bar, the dining room or outdoor seating, expect great service and atmosphere. This is one of those restaurants where you will always get a great meal. Some of my favorites are the italian sausage rigatoni, pizza and anything on the specials menu.

We were taken here by cousins who live in the area. No regrets. They offer a solid Italian menu with a very good wine list. We had a Super Tuscan wine that I was not familiar with, and it was excellent at a reasonable price. They were many other attractive wines offered. The anti pasta appetizer was delicious and made in a traditional Italian manner. My wife and her cousin grew up around an Italian grandmother who came from the old country and they know what traditional Italian home cooked food is rellay like. I had veal scallopine as the entree, and enjoyed it very much. My wife had lobster stuffed ravioli, which I tasted, and it was a great taste treat. The pistachio gelato for dessert really topped off a fine dining experience. I would recommend this place to anyone who appreciates fine Italian style food.

Celebrated my birthday here with my husband and several friends on 3 different visits this month. I had dinner here and 2 brunches. When I discover a fabulous place I like to go there as many times as I can to share a new discovery with loved ones. This place has convenient street parking and is very easy to find if you are meeting friends in the Ballard area. It's up the street about 3-4 blocks from the Ballard Locks. This is a great place for brunch and has an excellent reasonable priced menu. You can find fresh squeeze orange juice for $4 or Mimosas for $5. The eggs benedict is wonderful. The breakfasts is served with fresh made toast with strawberry compote. During the fall the restaurant is decorated so beautifully with pumpkins hanging from the ceiling. Very festive and fun. It also has a small cafe/bakery/deli next doors so you can also pick up baked goods and desserts for later. They have these tiny pies for two that are wonderful. I have already tried the pumpkin, apple and marionberry pies. In the summer, they have a really nice garden in the back where you can watch the hummingbirds feed. It's really a gem of a place in a very nice neighborhood. I'm looking for my next visit to try their lunch.

Let me start off by saying that the restaurant is unique in that it's in a quiet neighborhood area with all of the right ingredients to be a fantastic restaurant. The staff is friendly with Italian heritage to make everything feel authentic...except for the food. This is where the challenge begins. We ordered the Arugula Salad, the Pork Belly Ravioli & the Picolino's Pizza in the Old World way. The salad came out fresh with the apples being crisp as well as the arugula. The caramelized onions lacked seasoning and just sat clumped together on the greens which did not compliment the salad. The bleu cheese, however, was a nice compliment. The ravioli was lack luster as the filling was ground and not recognizable covered in I suppose an Alfredo sauce without much depth. The ravioli skin was too thick as well. I think the pizza was suppose to be a Neoplitan style thin pizza. It came way too late after everyone else ate their entrees so It was a losing proposition from the get go. It's a good place to have a glass of wine and maybe antipasti but that's about it.

Fabulous Food ! Attentive waitstaff! Lovely Atmosphere! What more could you ask for! We love this place! We come every time we visit Seattle! Also ,check out the beautiful sunset nearby on Sunset Hill!

In February our family enjoyed a meal at Ristorante Picolinos. We'd eaten dinner there in November as well as a breakfast and lunch this Winter. Each meal was delicious with very attentive service. Dishes we've especially enjoyed include the Capresi salad, daily soups, scones, Broccolini Saltati, Penne Puttanesca, and Lobster Ravioli.

We had help from James planning the preparation for a rehearsal dinner for our son and daughter-in-law which was amazing! James is incredible to work with. He is very professional, wonderful ideas, suggestions and very attentive. The service he provided, the atmosphere, decorations, and food was amazing! Thank you for a memorable experience that we will never forget! Your kindness is much appreciated!!

This is amazing. The food is great but the service and wait staff are the best in the business. Michelle is great. Mark your bar and service is first class.

Nice location with plenty of street parking. Since the weather was so beautiful we sat on their outside patio which was really lovely. The staff was friendly, attentive and did a great job explaining the dishes. I look forward to returning.

We ate at Ristorante Piccolino's for Mother's Day brunch. Ouch. The regular menu was unavailable, but what they had was spendy and it didn't live up to the cost (otherwise I'd give them 5 stars). Still, the MIL in question greatly enjoyed it, which was the ultimate goal. But we ate there a few weeks later, and it was amazing. I couldn't find fault with it - even the basket of toast was good. I had some kind of omelet, I can't remember which one, only that it was tasty enough. But I made the mistake of accepting a bite of my companion's dish, mushroom crepes. OMG. The sauce was one of the best things I've ever tasted. Lots of mushrooms, delicate crepes...WOW. Next time, I'll order the mushroom crepes myself, and maybe a side of potatoes (which also were quite good). Seriously...that sauce was good enough to flop down and roll around in. And in case anyone was wondering, I don't think I'll share.

My daughter and son in law recommended Picolinos to his Mom and me as the venue for their wedding rehearsal dinner. We contacted Tom and he came up with the perfect menu for our large party. EVERY single aspect of this wonderful evening was planned with his expertise and came about with perfection! The suggested wines were wonderful and the food was beyond delicious. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and the service was of the highest quality. The ambiance of the restaurant was festive and comfortable. We can't wait to return for dinner! Picolinos provided a wonderful start to an ideal wedding weekend for our children! Thank you Tom and staff!!

Mixed review. Counter staff very helpful and pleasant. Great pear and gorgonzolla arugula salad, but dressing not on side as requested. Wait staff argued back and forth there was no note. Pizza tasty but under cooked, middle a soggy, watery glob. Coffee/tea good.

Excellent food and service but a bit pricey since there is no view. Parking is easy on side streets.

I went to Picolinos for dinner with some friends and we truly enjoyed. I had the lamb shank and it was one of the best I had. We also tried the squash pizza that was good but not enough squash and the mushroom ravioli that were excellent.

We had such a great evening here. The service, the atmosphere and the food were all wonderful! It was a little noisy but our corner table kept most of that at bay. At the table we had two seafood dishes, a pasta dish and a pizza and everyone was really happy with their meal. The service was attentive and friendly and we never felt rushed. Don’t miss the dessert menu. Definitely recommended!!

Yes it is nice to be greeted warmly as a stranger in this large and yet romantic neighborhood restaurant. Totally transported back to Italy but without the checkered tablecloths that I remember in a similar place in Pisa. The service was great. Food just above average. Nice to be thanked sincerely for dining with them when leaving. Great place for that special occasion or just a romantic dinner in at a table for two tucked away in a dark corner.

Wow, the best pastas I have had in Seattle (fresh, al dente). Lovely ambiance--warm, homey-- quiet on a weekday evening. Moderately pricey, but par for Seattle these days. A bit out of the way, worth the trip!

We have frequented this lovely restaurant several times in groups of 2, 4 & 6. The staff are always attentive & professional. The food is always above reproach. Italian cooked with local ingredients. Desserts are plentiful & delicious. The attached cafe & espresso makes a fabulous breakfast spot. All around wonderful.

We were looking to have dinner without a reservation and headed out early in the evening to eat here. The place was jam packed and we were seated in what is normally the coffee shop/bakery. As we had a 2 yr old with us, we did not mind being away from the action. The person who greeted us appeared to be the owner and he was most gracious. The staff took really good care of us and brought out the 2yr old's meal asap. We had a Caprese Salad and Calimare as an appetizer. Our mains consisted of Chicken Marcella , Rotini pasta and Seafood Angel Hair pasta. Everything was served piping hot and was delicious.

I found this place because it was mentioned in a review of Grappas. So we decided to try out both. The atmosphere and interior felt Italian and the fare is definitely authentic Italian. The service was great and the food excellent. The prices were also fairly reasonable compared to Grappas. The family had fun splitting two Pasta & Ravioli (Primi) and then two Secondi. That way multiple things could be enjoyed.

My wife had heard a few good things so we thought let's check it out. We chose the bar because we figured if they could create some tasty treats there then that should continue on into the dinner menu. We purchased the green salad with slices of pairs, red raspberries and blueberries. It was large enough for the two of us to split and we really enjoyed it. Fresh ingredients done nicely. Next we had the sausage pizza and prosciutto with arugula. Again we Gotta say we weren't disappointed. Not crazy great pizza yet a nice thin crest and crispy with good toppings. Lastly came the spaghetti agliolio one of my basic favorites whenever I can order it. This was a little different for me as the garlic was more toasted which gave it a nuttier flavor thus less on the sweetness of the garlic and not too many crushed red peppers for the heat. I asked for those on the side. The staff and mention how terrific they work together and provide a top notch service where they make you feel like number one. Remember, we were sitting at the bar. They never hesitated when we needed something and they got it very quickly. We already are looking forward to going back and try some other things on the menu as well.

We have been here twice. Once about a year ago on a Saturday night for a special occasion and then again recently during the week for no good reason. The first time we shared that we were celebrating an engagement and were showered with attention and special extras. This last time the food was good but the service was rather lackadaisical (how fun is that word, by the way). We specifically asked for separate checks and when it came time to pay the server brought one bill and said for us to figure it out and let him know how much to put on each card. Grrr.

Absolutely the best pasta anywhere and the service is great! Love the salads too with ultra fresh greens and original dressings.

Cool decor, energetic wait staff, great menu options. We had a group of 8, two were kids. Pork ravioli was a big winner at our table. Three of us ordered it. The pasta is firm and delightfully chewy, not mushy at all. The crab bisque soup leans a little on the salty side, but not too far. Excited to get back to this wonderful spot!

Our food was wonderful and very tasty. We've been to Italy twice and this compares to what we had there. Their pizza has a crispy bottom with no soggy center which you get at other restaurants. I usually try pizza everywhere I go. My husband's Stuffed Goat Cheese Ravioli was amazing. The flavor was out of the park. The sage added a great texture and the sauce was great. It was a nice night, so we sat out on their patio. After dinner we headed over to Sunset Hill Park for an amazing sunset.

Our son and his wife recently moved to Seattle and we came to visit over the holidays. My son wanted to go to The Pink Door for his birthday but he couldn't get a reservation. We decided on Picolino's because it sounded good and was only a 5 block walk from their house.. We were not disappointed. Everything was wonderful - the drinks, the antipasto, the salads, and the tiramisu. Being a sausage lover, I had the Rigatoni Salsiccia and it was fantastic. My wife had the Lasagna and she was equally pleased. Others had a ravioli dish and a Tagliatelle special. All were satisfied. Our waiter Tom and his support team were great. The atmosphere was very homey and warm - well decorated for Christmas. Our kids will be going back soon!

This Italian Neighborhood restaurant somehow takes me back to Italy. I just like this place! from the Italian that is heard upon entering the restaurant, the decor, and spatially the food... It quickly aTransports me across the Atlantic. If you are in the area, give them a try.

My wife and I stopped by Picolinos, a nice neighborhood restaurant north of Ballard. We sat in the garden area in a lovely setting. We started by sharing their Insalata di Cesare and a bottle of Italian rose. My wife then ordered their Ravioli Al Formaggio Con Burro e Salvia, a stuffed goat and ricotta cheese ravioli. I ordered their lamb chops off their specials menu and a glass of chianti classic. Both dishes were great.

Not only is this place charming, unique and not stuffy, the food is out of this world! We came for dinner (the first time) and were happy with every aspect of the meal. From the bread to the olive oil dipping sauce to the salad to the meal....everything was as fresh and artistically prepared as you could hope for. Lots of positive moans going on at our table with each bite of a new item. We weren't seated in the back garden, but it's a stunning covered tent area that you would want to try to get if you can. We came back the next day for coffee and pastries the next morning and those were also 5 star. Love this place!

Don't let the unassuming storefront fool you! Inside you find an enthusiastic staff and fantastic food. Plenty of seating inside and outside. One truly unique feature is the 4-season tent and the seating in the garden, and if the weather is right it feels just like Tuscany! The menu offers a full complement of antipasti, salads, pasta and traditional entrees. Frequented by folks in the neighborhood, tourists are also comfortable with the vibe. Plenty of space for big family meals too! Fur people, two bottles of wine, two courses and desserts = $200, truly well worth it!

We met up with friends for a special dinner here. The atmosphere is really nice with both indoor and outdoor dining. We were here in October so dined inside but we hear they have a delightful outdoor dining area and we look forward to trying that when we visit during warmer weather. The food was very good and there was a large selection of food & wines on the menu. A must if you are in the Ballard/Seattle area!

This place is awesome! I always take friends here when they come to Seattle. It's a perfect little neighborhood Italian restaurant with a bar, a deli, a coffee shop and a wonderful outdoor garden and an outdoor tent for year round outdoor dining. I have to admit I adore the specials they have often more than the standard menu. It's usually seasonal fare based on what vegetables are current. The cocktails are good, they are generous with their bread which is served with a pesto spread and on the weekend they have live music. Often it's a older woman with a accordion but I've also been there when a gentleman with a violin was wandering through playing tunes. Very fun and off the beaten path. My only real complaint is that the few times I've ordered a steak, the steak knives are pathetic. PATHETIC. It's like having a Cadillac dinner and then noticing that the seats are vinyl. It just makes no sense. P.S. The bar menu is different than the restaurant menu and they do have a happy hour. P.S.S. The coffee shop is open until the restaurant opens in the evening and is its own kind of awesome. I've spent many mornings there. Nice employees and lots of regulars make it a great morning stop over... Lots and lots of fresh baked goods!!!!

How many times can I say WOW? We had a my birthday dinner here the other night and it was out of this world. Pork Belly Ravioli was what I had and it was out of this world!

This is a busy popular place. We were here for a late evening meal and the place was nearly empty by the time we left. Our wait staff was very accommodating with our requests for their recommendations. The Chianti wine was a very good table partner. We ordered the handmade ravioli Nettuno and the grilled prawns. Both were well above average and the portions enough to go home with. This restaurant is easy to come back to for a good meal. Sit outside in the back garden if the weather complies.

For a place with a lot of tables, this restaurant does a great job with food and service. Four of us shared the antipasto classico, which is a bit heavy on olives and short on other veggies and chese. The butter lettuce salads on special were good, with raspberries and pistachios. The pastas were all delicious and with generous portions, and a tiramisu dessert was excellent. Service was attentive and even though the place was full, we did not wait an unduly long time for our food. One note - their website says reservations are not necessary, but they do take reservations and recommend that you make them.

Grabbed some sandwches and snacks here on the way to a picnic at Golden Gardens on a beautiful day. Both of our sandwiches suffered from entirely too much pepper, but both were enormous. Pastries were great.

If you like the Italy at it's worst - tourist traps, crappy food annoying waiters - then this is the place for you. It is a shame, that this little restaurant has taken up a perfectly lovely spot in Ballard. The food, ok, not the worst I have eaten, but there is absolutely nothing to recommend the trip. There are plenty of top notch Italian restaurants in Seattle where you will get amazing food, Picolinos isn't one of them. There food is akin to any standard mom and pop join you find in most towns in America. The wait staff is fine and serve as expected. The last time I tried the place, I have given it three chances, the waiter almost comically annoying and kept hugging up to the tale like we were his neighborhood friends...? The last thing I'll say is the place really is nicely done and it makes you want to come here. It is a little on the noises side for my tastes, but what place isn't anymore.

This was the second year in a row a friend of mine and I have had a wonderful dinner, lots of red wine and a lovely dessert to celebrate our mutual birthday month. The wait staff is always friendly and helpful. I highly recommend ordering off of the daily special menu. If you have questions ask – they are always willing to walk you through the specials. Each year the management has brought us a little something extra to enjoy in recognition for our birthdays. A very nice touch, since I don’t want goofy hats or a dozen waiters singing to me. We will likely celebrate our birthdays here again and again, but I also look forward to a summer visit to see their lovely patio.

A little bit off of the beaten "Seattle" path, in the Ballard neighborhood, this restaurant is a real treat! The atmosphere is wonderful, the food is delicious, the hospitality is incredibly warm. Their menu is innovative and unique. Their drinks are fresh and their wine selection is generous. The staff is simply amazing - very attentive, but not intrusive. Reservations are almost required now, although it's worth it to eat in the bar and from the bar menu if you decide to just drop in. The outdoor seating area is charming, in all kinds of weather, thanks to the attention to detail in the facility. Or enjoy the ambience of the dining rooms.

We live in Ballard and Picolinos is our go to place when we like a homely meal with a family like atmosphere, and I mean Italian warm family, very authentic. The food is consistently amazing and the menu is changing with special sheets very often. Portions are great too, we always have leftovers to take home and enjoy later.

Even though this restaurant is 5 blocks away, we never went until Father's Day this year. When it first opened the reviews were poor and with so many other choices in Ballard, we didn't bother. We'd heard that they had new chefs since then and it was very good. The food was excellent (maybe a little pricey), the portions were good, the service was very good and they brought a dessert for Father's Day on the house (tiramisu). We would definitely go back for a celebration dinner.

I enjoyed going to Picolinos, not only for the delicious meal, but for the ambience and pure pleasure of observing a well-oiled, perfectly working staff in action. Empty your bread basket and another refill was shortly forthcoming. My eyes took it all in just observing the goings on back and forth at not only my table but all the others. The semi-darkened environment was comfortable and cozy, so much so, that I actually regretted when it was time to leave. I could have whiled away hours there, it was so enjoyable.

Pastries are much better than most coffee shops. Excellent array of coffee and tea. Go for breakfast, you won't be disappointed.

When I envision the attributes of a perfect neighborhood restaurant, they fit perfectly with what we experienced at this charming restaurant. We were there with our party of 7 (6 adults, one toddler) and I have to say this restaurant was ideal for our birthday celebration. Kid friendly, great food, superior service and fairly priced wines. Every one of us ordered something different, and we were all pleased with our selections. The service was perfect - attentive and anticipatory without being in our faces. It was comfortable and casual and quite inviting. We had hoped for a friendly neighborhood restaurant with great food, a warm ambiance and good value .... and that is exactly what we found here!