Piccolo Angolo Restaurant

“She gave me a free lobster cannelloni because I couldn't decide between that and the scallopini alla marsala (veal marsala)….”

“The food is authentic northern Italian cuisine, prepared by Renato (from the Genoa area) and his loyal staff.”

“Go for the Lobster Canneloni, Stay for the Family bickering.”

Piccolo Angolo Restaurant

Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes

Price range.

$$ Price range $11-30

8 reviews

  1. Make reservations because this place is a hot one, but worth it! The food was authentic, and the service was great. I had the Chicken Francese and it was soooo delicious! I can't wait until I go back for more! But the place is tight, and there isn't really a hostess, so even with reservations, you have to wait a bit. But if you're into Italian food, this place is worth it for sure.

  2. They treat you like family here… that kinda sums up my experience at this very authentic Italian neighborhood eatery. The place is kinda small with a throw-back ambiance. I'm not the biggest fan of rubbing elbows with your neighbor at the next table but somehow I got over it here.

    We started out with porchetta which really didn't taste like what I expected but it was decent. Then I had the Minestrone Genovese (Minestrone soup with pesto basically) which was absolutely wonderful. I first had this dish when I was in Genoa so if you're looking for that version this ain't it. But somehow I liked this rendition better. Wonderful…

    The Chicken Scarpariello was very hearty and tasty, if not a bit salty. We also really enjoyed the Cannelloni with Bolognese sauce, though I have to admit it wasn't my favorite. That award goes to the Linguine with Meatballs which, if I'm being honest, I'd have to say is probably the best version of that dish I've ever had (and I've had it a lot). Granted this dish was enough for four people to eat and be totally satisfied, but for the part I finished I thought it was top notch.

    Portioning was a bit uneven (some people's dishes- even the exact same dish- were much larger than others), and service can be a bit slow, but I advise taking it all in stride. It's way more food than anyone can eat, and you get a side of genuine hospitality. We felt good (and full) when we left.

    So if you're ready for carb overload with a heap of red sauce, this is your place. We'll be back…

  3. One of the best Italian restaurants in NYC – authentic Italian food. Not fancy like other restaurants – the seating is tight, it can get a bit noisy, but the atmosphere is nice and cozy. My boyfriend and I split the rigatoni vodka and chicken parmesan – both were delicious. I usually can't finish my meal but I had no trouble here. We wanted dessert but were too full – will definitely go back again. Definitely recommend!

  4. If you need a break from the tasting menu scene and the hot spot du jour, head over to Piccolo Angolo.  It's a lot like the Italian place you grew up going to with your parents and grandparents, but this one is still going strong.

    I was impressed that the owner greeted my friend by name and with a hug even though she had been out of the country for more of a year.  It's just that kind of place.  Oh, and if it's someone's birthday, the lights will be dimmed and the whole restaurant will join in with the piped in Italian-American version of Happy Birthday. Just like at Nonna's!

    My friend had the lobster ravioli. Too often this dish is a disappointment with hints or bits of lobster, but not here.  There were hunks and chunks of lobster inside those ravioli.  And there were plenty on the plate, so good!

    I had the salmon livornese.  The salmon would have been 3 or 4 servings at another place in Manhattan and at a crazy price.  Here you get plenty of salmon served in a delicious red sauce at a reasonable price. This came with a salad as well, which was also a nice serving.  And we got a plate of garlic bread to start us off.

    I would say that if you are going for a quiet conversation, you might want to head over on the early side.  Once the place is full, it's pretty loud, but everyone seemed to be enjoying their meal and the service.  

    We did wait a bit for the check at the end, but that was better than being rushed out.  Plus, they had a full dining room and that birthday celebration.  Check out Piccolo Angolo if you want to try a neighborhood spot and support a local, nonchain restaurant… and have some good Italian food!

  5. Wow!!! Best meal of our nyc trip. Yes, we have been coming here for years. My brother, a new yorker, found this place 5-6 years ago, and we have been fans ever since.

    To start, the place is now run by Maria and Peter…the children of Renato. We can remember him sitting outside of the restaurant years ago ,telling us that if we didn't have reservations that we couldn't get in. He made an amazing 5 cheese manicotti and was the heart and soul of this place.

    In the year and a half since his death,  we have seen a few swings in the restaurant. Happily for us, the kids have gotten things back together and have made a place that would make their father very proud.

    Our Friday dinner was at 7pm and we were promptly seated. They have expanded their wine menu and we started with a great California red.  Only negative was that bread is good,  but they used to serve an amazing complimentary garlic bread. ..not anymore.  ; (

    For appetizers,  we ordered a couple of arugula salads,  cacio e pepe pasta (cheese and pepper. ..it's great), and baked calamari. Pure food bliss. We devoured every morsel.

    Next, onto the entrées. Spaghetti and tennis ball sized meatballs,  fettuccine alfredo, eggplant parmesan,  rigatoni with tomato sauce, chicken sorrento,  and chicken rollatini. With the chicken dishes, you can add a side of lobster cannelloni for $9….to die for!!!

    With more food than at thanksgiving dinner,  we indulged,  but took our leftovers to go for a treat the next day.

    We couldn't pass up dessert. ..you should not leave this world without trying their almond tiramisu. We splurged with 2 orders of their almond,  on one regular. ..and if they ever offer the sea salt caramel one again. ..yum!!! We ate it all.

    Service is always attentive, and we love seeing our friend Fernando who always helps to take great care of us.

    As we rolled out the door,  we thanked Maria and Peter. ..this was the best meal we'd ever had there!!! Kudos! !! If only we lived closer. ..

  6. I loved this restaurant.  It is a cute Italian restaurant with red checkerboard tablecloths.  It can be romantic.  The garlic bread is great.  I had chicken parmagian.  It was very tasty and juicy.

  7. Now THIS is an authentic Italian restaurant. My friend and I took a chance coming here without a reservation but we were promptly seated.

    Yes, the seating is tight and it's pretty loud but the food is oh so good.

    We shared the Chicken Florentine and the Lobster Cannelloni.

    The chicken was good but the cannelloni might be one of the best things I ever ate. Next time, I am getting a full portion for myself!

    We of course also got bread and a side salad. All the dishes came out split up for us, which is really helpful. We ended our meal with the chocolate royale, which was good but nothing memorable.

    Definitely make a reservation!

  8. My 1st time to NYC & this restaurant was highly recommended. Thank goodness I was told to make a reservation, because it was necessary…totally worth it! The food was excellent! We tried caprese salad, baked clams, veal scallopini, short rib raviolis, lasagna, & chicken parmesan. All delicious! The bread they serve was fresh, warm, & soft. The service was fantastic as well. Highly recommend coming here if you're in New York City area!

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Tuesday, 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Wednesday, 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Thursday, 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Friday, 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Saturday, 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Sunday, 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm