Piccolino Italian Ristorante — Restaurant in Boca Raton

I wanted to clarify a couple of things after reading some additional reviews. I certainly didn't expect the previous owner to let me know he sold his restaurant but I would have expected to be greeted by the new owner or a representative of him if he was busy welcoming us back and letting us know that it was under new ownership as there were many changes. Since it now appears he is doing that maybe that feedback from reviewers here helped him. Being an Open Table customer he certainly was able to tell who were returning customers and who were new and made at least a small effort to welcome those people who were expecting something they didn't get. The expectations that my regular group had when returning after the annual late summer closure were far from met. It's a service business after all. Change doesn't always have to be a bad thing but we were left with such a bad impression we are hesitant to return when there are other equally good Italian restaurants in the area that are worth trying. I don't believe I'm entitled. I didn't complain about the higher prices, the changed menu, the food that appeared to not be the same quality that we had previously experienced the wrong sides that were delivered, nor the clump of angel hair pasta stuck together at the bottom of the dish. The new owner is apparently a restauranteur from somewhere else in the area but that wasn't demonstrated to us. Maybe after a year if I don't see these types of reviews we will consider trying Piccolino

Apparently the previous owner sold the restaurant while it was closed for the summer. The former owner and or his wife personally greeted every customer with a warm welcome. There was no greeting by the new owner when we arrived on their second night of operation. Nor was there any mention of there being a new owner. At best the greeting upon arrival was similar to walking into a Denny's. We overheard about the sale when a neighboring table asked about the owner.

There are obviously going to be changes with new ownership but would not have expected everything all at once. Price increases across the board, impersonal service, food served warm at best. Running out of a specific wine on their second night is not a good sign. The food quality was not what we have experienced for years. My veal parmigiana was tough. Asked for regular spaghetti as a side instead of the angel hair but was served angle hair anyway. That would be the fault of the expediter, if they have one. I know they have spaghetti available as it is served with the clams. Our friend who had ordered that said the clams did not taste fresh. My wife has been ordering the same entree for years and it is no longer available. There are so many Italian restaurants in the area that we will be looking for a new place to call home.

Very disappointing.

This continues to be the best Italian restaurant in the area. The food continues to be consistently excellent and the owners are actively involved in all aspects of the operation. It shows!

Best Italian food in the area. Family owned and they pay attention to every detail...

I enjoy going out to eat and I find the small spots, where no one knows about just yet, and keep it to myself so I can get in. I don’t drink, but I love to eat and try new things and meet new people. Nothing wrong keeping things to yourself when you find that spot that brings you home.

I found it at the NEW Piccilinos here in Boca Raton.

Whether it’s the hospitality smile and greeting you get from Barbara when you walk in the door or the sound of the New Owner’s (Ernie) voice from around the corner to welcome you in “great to see you and thanks for joining us tonight”, you feel like family. The bartender/waitress Dawn is friendly and knows her cocktails and it’s always great to see a familiar face from the previous resturant staff as Felipe is still here to welcome us and remember my name as well as my drink! There is some serious experience on the waitstaff floor, which are all professionally dressed in their own ways to keep their own individuality. There’s no reading from a board or their pads, there’s eye contact, and they all know the specials and the menu quite well. The Chef Tony, who I got to meet by chance has been cooking for many years and loves what he does as it shows when he is accommodating to make dishes that are not on the menu. Now onto the food, we tried everything practically. We started with meatballs & Ricotta basil excellent meatballs were soft and flavorful and then we shared Baked clams and Fried calamari, great sauce on the clams and the calamari was crispy and fresh and a good sized portion. Next we shared the Caprese salad, which knew the cheese was made fresh in house because it was still warm. Delicious! For our entrees we shared Braised Short Rib over Risotto Milanese with a Demi Glacé “banging” like the waiter used to describe the dish, as it was, and we had the Salmon Marchaire which was well seasoned and quite a good portion for the fish special of the night. We both had specials for our entrees. We were full but not stuffed. We had coffee and asked for the check. As the check was placed on the table there were these small cookies/biscotti on a plate on the house as a thank you before leaving. They were homemade and delicious! The decor is the same as the previous restaurant, but I over heard that it will be going through a renovation soon after season is over. Can’t wait to see it and hopefully still...

Even though some reviews sounded almost entitled, with complaints that the previous owner didn’t personally inform them of a sale or requested free food, I was still a bit hesitant to visit after reading some of the latest feedback from those who chose to review. However, my recent experience at this restaurant under new ownership was a delightful surprise, not only outstanding food but also a warm and inviting atmosphere. We all had a great time, our party of 4 could all talk to each other comfortably, there is no loud obnoxious music. The new owner was very hospitable, within 5 minutes of being seated the new owner introduced himself as Ernie and chatted a bit, we felt welcomed and appreciated, a notable change from what others have mentioned. Now, to the food, the true highlight, and why we dine out! We first feasted on delicious appetizers, we had the Mozzarella Caprese , the Mozzarella is fresh, we were told it was made every day and we could tell! We are big eaters, so we also had the Italian Sausage, with peppers and onions, and the House Specialty Piccolino Shrimp, both fantastic. For entrees we had the chicken scapariello one of my favorites it was delish. My partner said the solefrancese , said it was light, tender, and perfect. Our other friend had the french cut veal chop with wild mushrooms and said it was cooked to perfection and the mushrooms a nice addition. Her husband had the pork chop and said it was cooked perfect and was delicious, he likes a bit of heat, and knows cherry peppers, but we asked, and it also can come with sweet peppers like other dishes. All of us loved our dishes, and nice ambiance, and already reserved our next visit. Oh, I cannot forget to mention what is a real pain elsewhere, the parking is a breeze, easy, free...