Piccolo's Serves Up Ravioli Worth Remembering

Kinnelon has few restaurants, but sitting back by the entrance of Smoke Rise is t.

Approaching the restaurant, I noticed an inviting décor. Inside, a rack of hangers greeted me to take off my jacket before making my way to the table.

The fireplace surrounded by beautiful stone was on when we arrived, heating the room with a warm glow, and a vase of fresh carnations sat upon each and every table. Towards the kitchen, a chic bar was busy with customers, as the bartender was shaking up drinks non-stop.

The extensive menu carries so many dishes that it took us some time to decide what to have, as everything sounded delicious. There are several dishes of seafood, pasta, veal, chicken and of course steak.

We were greeted by bruschetta and warm bread, our glasses were filled with water and our waitress, Sara, was with us to take our drink orders while we read through the menu.

One of the appetizer specials was Zucchini Fritters, which was served with crispy Italian bacon on top in a creamy mascarpone basil sauce ($9). The Italian bacon gave off a salty taste, accenting the zucchini, and the mascarpone basil sauce added a wonderful flavor to the dish. We were also served a salad with our choice of dressing before our meals.

I browsed the specials and my eyes landed upon the homemade Filet Mignon Ravioli ($21). I closed the menu, as I knew the more I read, the more indecisive I would become. My husband had so many choices in mind, he actually closed the menu and told our waitress to surprise him. She was excited with the challenge and served him the Veal Saltimbocca, which was veal scallopini topped with prosciutto and fontina cheese in a brown sage sauce, served with vegetables and spinach. He was pleasantly surprised with her choice.

My ravioli had the filet mignon thinly sliced with a creamy porcini mushroom sauce and a touch of brandy that was out of this world. Every bite had the perfect blend of mushroom and onion, while it melted in my mouth.  This may have been the best meal I have ever had—the sauce brought together all of the flavors in perfect harmony.

Although we were full, we decided to look at the dessert menu and when Sara brought out a tray to explain each one, there was no way we were going to resist. We each had a cappuccino and my husband got one of his favorites—the crème brulee. I had my eye on the Peanut Butter Pie, a thick chocolate graham cracker crust with rich peanut butter filling that is coated with hard chocolate and topped with peanuts. The texture was perfect and, as you can see in the picture of the desserts, I took a bite before I got to the camera because it looked so good.

Owner Al Piccolo has been in the restaurant business for years before opening Piccolo’s Restaurant and he rarely forgets a face. He even said, “tell me your reservation time and I will tell you your name.” Then he pointed to a table and said, “See that family over there in the corner? They have been coming to my restaurants for the last 13 to 15 years, back when we were Lotsa Pasta, before Piccolo’s even existed.”

Customers who have eaten at his restaurants rarely leave, and I can tell you one thing, after trying a few dishes, I am definitely a new loyal customer as well.

Piccolo’s serves you with great attention to detail, a beautiful atmosphere and most importantly, an exquisite dining experience. The restaurant also offers a full catering menu.

Piccolo's is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.