I visited Piccolino for the first time this week. It’s situated on Ouse Bridge (where the big Boyes used to be you might remember if you are as old as me!). It is a upscale Italian restaurant with a great steak choice worthy of Swaledale Butchers and extensive seafood menu. They place a great importance on the provenance of the ingredients which is demonstrated in the menu. It is large and spacious inside with quite an opulent vibe about its decor.

Piccolino York Review

We were a little early for our table, so sat in the bar area and were served with drinks. When our table was ready, the waiter returned, placed our drinks on a tray and took them over to the table for us. We were then sat in a comfortable circular booth overlooking the river.

Piccolino York Review

The service was smooth and seamlessly attentive.  Extra cutlery and crockery were swiftly removed from our table, indeed this continued throughout our visit, with plenty of check backs on the quality of our meal.  I visited on a lunchtime with two friends, it’s a lovely relaxed oasis in the middle of York.

We began our meal with a selection of starters.  I plumped for a Caesar salad (Grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, gem lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons & pecorino cheese) which was fresh, light and delicious.  (I deliberately chose a light starter as I had my eye on the cheese board).

Piccolino York Review
Caesar Salad

We also tried the Calamari Fritti (Crispy fried calamari, garlic mayonnaise & lemon).

Piccolino York Review
Calamari Fritti

And the Carpaccio do Manzo (Raw sliced beef fillet, Venetian dressing and rocket salad.  I wasn’t sure about this dish but tried a little and it was delicious.

Piccolini York Review
Carpaccio do Manzo

For my main I tried the Aberdeen Angus and Hereford Ribeye steak, with a side of chips and a peppercorn sauce.  Piccolino do a large selection of steaks, as well as Aberdeen Angus they also serve Spring Creek Ranch, Canadian beef.  Or you could choose large sharing platters of cuts like Chateaubriand or Bone in Prime Rib.

Aberdeen Angus and Hereford Ribeye steak
Aberdeen Angus and Hereford Ribeye steak

I took along a friend who is a seafood fan and she chose Risotto al Frutti di Mare with Isle of Man scallops, king prawns, mussels, white wine and chilli.  Piccolino has an impressive seafood selection with shellfish like oysters, langoustines, Atlantic prawns and Devonshire crab.  Or you could choose seafood like grilled salmon, swordfish or even lobster!

Risotto al Frutti di Mare with Isle of Man scallops, king prawns, mussels, white wine and chilli

While my younger guest chose the Pollo pizza – marinated & grilled chicken, mozzarella, tomato and fresh basil.

Pollo pizza
Pollo pizza

Finally, we saved room for desserts, and my friend and I shared the classic Tiramisu, (which was delicious, so light and creamy), as well as the cheeseboard.

Piccolino Tiramisu
Tiramisu

And we also tried the Tortino al Cioccolato, Warm chocolate fondant stuffed with chocolate truffles, vanilla ice cream – because why wouldn’t you?!

Tortino al Cioccolato

And yes, I am a complete cheese fanatic and love to try a cheeseboard.  This one was really unusual and consisted of Gorgonzola, buffalo ricotta and pecorino cheese served with truffle honey, crostini, walnuts and mustard fruits.  Cheese lovers’ heaven!

Formaggi – The Cheeseboard

Piccolino is a little more expensive than other Italian restaurants in York, but everything, from the food to the attentive service was excellent.  Oh, and we finished off our meal with a Limoncello each – perfect!

 

Have a look at our list of the Best Restaurants in York.

 

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