Piccolina da Centrolina — Restaurant in Washington

updated sadly the food is still good but you have to get someone to look up from their phone to get your order in. Chef Amy is a wonderful example of how, if you lack even a modicum of charisma, there’s only so far your brands can take you. Glad she’s got enough money to keep the shop open in a part of town where no one really cares about anything except money, but, in the grand scheme would be better if it closed. * OK, let's slow down here: everyone in DC gives anything that looks like Piccolina 5 stars. It was a solid first week of opening and I was impressed to see Chef Amy cooking at the beautiful new stove each of my three visits the last two days. The dough of the Musica doesn't have the right salt content figured, it's just sort of bland, and the grapefruit is a beautiful experiment that'll be off the menu real soon (when you put a grapefruit in an oven the seeds harden into little bullets and the whole thing's uncomfortable to eat). But the chicken on the escarole salad was stupendous, truly excellent, and the broccoli raab was nicely done (if again under salted).

I'm a huge fan of Chef Amy and I think her dedication to fine food at fair prices in multiple environments (marketto, osteria, now this fast casual concept i don't know the italian word for) is to be admired in a city where the good chefs cook dinner and pretty much nothing else. The only flaw of Chef's is that she believes--pretty dogmatically, it would seem--that salads should only be dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Sadly, this flaw has found its way on to Piccolina's menu as well. And all I can say is, "CHEF, IF YOU'RE OUT THERE, THERE ARE OTHER DRESSINGS!! YOU ARE SUCH A MENSCH, SUCH A TALENT, WHY MUST WE CONTINUE TO EXCLUSIVELY EAT GREENS COVERED IN LEMON JUICE AND OLIVE OIL!!! WHYY??

Overall a great stop in the neighborhood and a wonderful culinary mind worth...

Although the wood-fired oven is promising, the bland dishes lack depth while the scrumptious pastries are the best part. Echo other Yelpers - try the divine Bombolini!

Caprese Scacce (3/5) - Similar to a calzone oozing with tomato and cheese stuffed inside a thin crispy flaky crust. While I LOVE cheese, more veggies which would have elevate the flavor and cut down on some of the super rich cheesiness. Fun to try, but felt stuffed before I got to the end and sadly had to throw in the towel. My stomach felt like a block of cheese for the rest of the day. A Veggie Scacce would be a great option to add to the menu!

Rosemary Focaccia (4/5) - The large block of crispy was moist with olive oil that I didn't need to ask for some on the side. Worth trying and paying $3!

Vanilla Bombolini (5/5) - Hands-down my favorite item on the meal. Saving the best for last! The fluffy scrumptious donut covered in cinnamon stuffed with creamy vanilla was divine! My hubby and I fought for the last bite!

Nutella Bar (5/5) - The decadent bar with granola, chocolate chips, graham cracker, nuts, and of course nutella hit the spot! If you love chocolate, get it! Almost as good as the Bomboli!

Before ordering, take a look at the food in the display cases. The sad droopy Eggplant Parm and Spinach Lasagna didn't look too promising. My friend got the Caprese sandwich looked tempting, but a doozy to eat.

I wish Piccolina offered wood-fired pizza, that would really be a game changer! Might come back to try explore a couple of dishes on the menu and satisfy my sweet tooth with...

Piccolina in CityCenterDC offers a charming and authentic taste of Italy, focusing on regional specialties and a warm, inviting atmosphere. This osteria-style restaurant provides a more casual yet equally delightful dining experience compared to its sister establishment, Fiola Mare. The menu at Piccolina showcases a variety of Italian dishes, often highlighting seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes. You can find a selection of antipasti perfect for sharing, flavorful pasta dishes made with care, and satisfying main courses that reflect the diverse culinary landscape of Italy. The focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with a genuine passion for Italian cooking. They also often feature daily specials that highlight the best of what's available. The ambiance of Piccolina is cozy and welcoming, reminiscent of a traditional Italian osteria. The décor often includes rustic touches and a warm color palette, creating a comfortable and convivial setting. It's a place where you can relax and enjoy a delicious meal in a friendly atmosphere. The service is typically warm and attentive, contributing to the overall inviting feel of the restaurant. Staff members are usually knowledgeable about the menu and eager to share their recommendations, making you feel like a valued guest. In short, Piccolina in CityCenterDC provides a delightful and authentic Italian dining experience. Its focus on regional specialties, a warm atmosphere, and friendly service makes it a wonderful spot for a satisfying and genuine taste of Italy in the heart...