Newtown Restaurant Takes Dining Experience To The Next Level

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — It’s a Friday night and Piccolo Trattoria is bustling with patrons.

Almost every seat at the newly added bar area is taken as patrons take advantage of Happy Hour specials on a cold Friday evening.

A newly added event space, decorated for the season with a fireplace setting and sparking with holiday lights, is hosting an after hours office party while the restaurant is beginning to fill with patrons.

“We’d like to thank the community for 23 years of support,” said Fami Elabed who operates the restaurant with his wife, Amali. “We wanted to give the community something more - a place to have private parties and events. We also wanted to add to their dining experience, which the liquor license is allowing us to do."

Fami and Amali Elabed who own and operate the restaurant. (Contributed)

A look inside the dining room at Piccolo Trattoria. (Contributed)

Earlier this year, the restaurant went through a transformation expanding into the former Dogs and Cats Rule store next door and to the far end of the shopping center with the creation of a new indoor/outdoor party space.

The restaurant also secured a liquor license earlier this year and opened a new bar area in September. The addition of a liquor license has allowed the restaurant to elevate its dishes to the next level and to provide a complete dining experience to its patrons.

“This community helped me grow,” said Fami. “We started with 2,000 square feet. We had 60 seats back in 2001. Now look at it today. I want to thank God for my staff. The dedication of our team is the foundation of our success. Their passion and professionalism ensure every guest feels valued.”

Added Amali, “Fami is the creative energy behind all of this. It’s amazing his passion. Our vision is to be more than just a restaurant. We want to be a cornerstone of the community, where people come together for great food and even better memories."

In addition to creating a new space, the expansion has allowed the restaurant to expand its special event offerings including its popular Feast of the Seven Fishes coming up on Christmas Eve and add new events to the schedule including wine dinners in January.

Of course, it’s the food that keeps patrons coming back. Some of its more popular offerings include its best selling Brooklyn Pie, its chicken parmigiana and its vodka rigatoni.

The Brooklyn Pie at Piccolo Trattoria. (Contributed)

An Italian dish on the menu at Piccolo Trattoria. (Contributed)

“The food is great and it will continue to be great," said Amali. "We’re focused on continuing to grow but staying true to our roots, which is serving exceptional food - all the classics with a personal touch. Fami gives that personal touch and it’s something that people value and love.”

The expansion and bar addition have been warmly received by their patrons. “They love it. It’s a transformation. When they walk in here it’s like a wow factor. People love it. They say it’s like dining in New York," said Fami.

He added, "The heart of our growth has been our loyal customers, whose support and feedback have helped us innovate and refine our menu and services."

Piccolo also has restaurants at the Barn Plaza in Doylestown Township and in Pennington, New Jersey.

Piccolo Trattoria is known for its Italian food, including its take out pizza, and as a destination for intimate gatherings for family and friends. All three locations offer an atmosphere of Old World ambience with Italian flair, creativity and quality.

The restaurant offers various on site and off site catering options and has space available for private parties.

"We’re committed to creating moments that matter, whether it’s a family dinner, a catered event, or just a quick bite," said Amali. "Expanding our catering services has allowed us to be part of countless milestones, from weddings to corporate events, building a stronger connection with our community."

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