Piccolo | Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria — Restaurant in Arona

The restaurant, Piccolo, was a real adventure. We arrived to find the staff playing a thrilling game of hide-and-seek, which was great for suspense but not so great for getting a table. After finally locating a waiter, we were seated at an inner table, despite the stunning sea view tables being wide open and practically waving at us. After a bit of polite begging, we were grudgingly allowed to sit at one of them.

My hopes for the food were high, but the food didn't live up to the spectacular view. The chips were cold. The pasta was so dry it could have been used to patch a pothole, and my daughter's plate was returned untouched.

Our waiter, a man of few words, simply cleared the plate without asking a single question—a true testament to their efficiency, I guess. At least they're not wasting time on pleasantries like "How was your meal?" or "Is everything okay?".

In summary, the views from the front tables are great if you're lucky enough to snag one. The service, however, leaves much to be desired. Maybe they could consider offering the waiters a map to the seating area next time.

Pizzas did look nice but we...

Was really looking forward to our meal here, it started well and our seats facing the sea were great. We ordered our drinks, (I think our waiter may have got out of the wrong side of the bed!!!!) that came fairly quickly, but had a fair wait for food; we were a group of 7 so understandable. Unfortunately our food came out at different times, my friend first followed 10 minutes later by the other adults. We had almost finished our meal before the kids pizzas came, we refused the garlic bread as arrived too late.

There was by a lovely waitress who offered 3 free deserts and limoncello by means of apology.

We then had to ask 3-4 times for the bill, again the lovely waitress responded really quickly when we asked her.

The food was lovely, the atmosphere was nice. Its a shame that, although there seemed plenty of staff , the organisation (or attitude) was not great, which really spoiled our experience, otherwise may have achieved 5*

Positives: lovely position / seaview Lovely atmosphete Drinks good

Negatives Toilets- small and a bit grotty no loo roll Service - wasn't great, but...

Decided to visit this place after many years, hoping for a great Italian experience, only to be met with a huge disappointment & disgruntled staff, This Restaurant has changed alot, not the once thriving place I knew, the staff were not attentive at all, it felt like you was a bother to them by simply being there, the place was unkept, the atmosphere was very negative and gloomy so we decided to leave. The manager applologised, blamed a staffing problem yet it was him that also seemed off from the start, he did however give us a coffee, and 3 cokes and a water for free but he lost alot more by 5 of us leaving. 2 other guests had also left before ordering. Its a shame as the location should be fantastic, but this was far from the proud Italian restaurant it should of been. Won't be returning unfortunately. Needs friendly staff, clean kitchen chef, Staff to meet guests with a friendly welcoming face, a good cleaner to blitz the place for a deep clean, invest in some non wobbly clean tables, and teach younger staff that a smile is what could lead to a great tip at the end...