Italian restaurants

Piccolo Trattoria

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

800 Denow Rd R, Pennington, NJ 08534, United States $20–30
4.5
1,251 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the heart of Pennington, NJ, Piccolo Trattoria offers an authentic taste of Italy through an exquisite fine dining experience that masterfully blends traditional flavors with an inviting atmosphere. Specializing in Italian cuisine, this gem is especially renowned for its elegant pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and carefully curated lamb entrees, making it a beloved destination for locals and visitors seeking a memorable meal.

The menu at Piccolo Trattoria reads like a love letter to Italian culinary heritage. From the comforting richness of Fettuccine Alfredo to the vibrant, herbaceous notes of Penne Al Pesto, every dish bursts with fresh, thoughtfully combined ingredients. The Mom’s Carbonara stands out with its perfectly creamy sauce enveloping al dente pasta, transporting diners to the heart of Rome with each bite. For baked pasta lovers, the Baked Rigatoni and Lasagna Classico offer generous portions layered with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce that evoke a rustic, home-cooked charm.

One cannot overlook the spectacular lamb offerings — whether indulging in 20 or 50 pieces of tender, expertly seasoned lamb chops, these dishes present a luxurious finale to your dining experience. The variety of styles and flavors ensures that every palate is catered to, making Piccolo Trattoria a perfect venue for special occasions or intimate dinners.

The ambiance at Piccolo Trattoria is a delightful surprise, especially given its strip mall location. The interior welcomes guests with understated elegance and comfortable seating, fostering an atmosphere that balances intimate fine dining with casual warmth. Many diners note the attentive, polished service that complements the delectable food — servers and staff maintain a thoughtful presence without being intrusive, creating a seamless and welcoming experience.

Customers frequently praise the fresh, soft rolls served with a garlic-infused dipping oil that whet the appetite right from the start. The octopus and caprese salads sparkle with freshness and vibrant Mediterranean flair, while specialties like the eggplant, garlic, and red pepper spread offer a bold introduction to the meal.

From celebrating birthdays with large groups to quiet dinners for two, Piccolo Trattoria consistently delivers satisfying plates and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re craving the comforting layers of Baked Manicotti, the spicy kick of Penne Arrabiata, or the savory richness of their cheese-stuffed dishes, this restaurant promises a culinary journey that is both comforting and refined.

In short, Piccolo Trattoria is not just a place to eat but a destination to savor the artistry of Italian cooking in a setting where every detail feels crafted for your pleasure. For those seeking a memorable Italian fine dining experience in Pennington, Piccolo Trattoria is an absolute must-visit.

Contact Information:
800 Denow Rd R, Pennington, NJ 08534
Phone: +1 609-737-9050

03 Notes from regulars

1,251 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.5
Based on 1,251 verified notes
5 935
4 204
3 67
2 26
1 46
All Garlic Knots Paninis Outdoor Seating Cannolis Pizza Slices Vodka Sauce Gluten Free Options Sicilian Slice Baptism Party Chicken Francaise
Bradley Sean.
2 month ago
This evening we came to Piccolo for a party of eight to celebrate our stepbrother’s birthday. I’ve been coming here for years and always love it, but tonight was especially great — everyone at the table enjoyed their meals! To start, the eggplant, garlic, and red pepper spread served with the bread was delicious. And this might sound random, but the Diet Coke was epically good — it honestly tasted like the Coke family made it just for us to drink! For entrées, my fiancé and I shared the cheese tortellini with vodka sauce, peas, and chicken, along with the lasagna. The lasagna includes the same bolognese from their pappardelle bolognese — which is my usual go-to — and it was just as tasty as ever. The bolognese here is always solid. Others at our table ordered the PEI mussels, tortellini Alfredo, and tomato basil salmon, and everyone was really happy with their meals. Dessert was also a highlight — the new pastry chef is doing a great job! We tried the raspberry pistachio cake and the chocolate Diablo mousse with cherry filling. Our table also enjoyed the Dark Side of the Moon, cheesecake, and fresh-baked cookie skillet. Everything was delicious. Our server, Austin, was fantastic — incredibly attentive, courteous, and on top of every detail. He remembered everyone’s requests perfectly. Highly recommend Piccolo, especially for their pasta. Always consistent, always great. Thanks again, Austin — and happy fall
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Eric Edmunds.
2 month ago
This place was first class. Located in a strip mall, but inside was elegant. Not very busy while I was there, but the service was top notch. Multiple servers and bussers that were very attentive and helpful, plus, it seemed an owner and/or manager was around to check on every table. The octopus salad, caprese salad, pasta and bread were all delicious. I didn’t think I would be able to eat it all, but couldn’t stop the delicious from winning out. Finished with an espresso, and it was a pleasant treat to have it served with a lemon wedge. Good prices, great food, and would recommend as a solid option any day of the week.
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K Surace.
2 month ago
Stopped in Piccolo Trattoria for dinner with my husband. Love the ambience of the restaurant. We were greeted on entering and were promptly seated and waited upon. Soft, fresh rolls with a dish of dipping oil with garlic was on the table in a flash. Menu has a nice selection. The baked rigatoni with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella and tomato was very good; portion was a good size. My husband’s eggplant parmigiana was stacked high on a bed of al dente cooked angel hair. He loved it. Our meals came with a choice of salad or soup. I always appreciate that. Our server, Diego, took great care of us. Service was wonderful overall with water glasses being filled when needed and dishes being removed from table as meal was finished. So much attention to detail. Wonderful experience.
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tom mattaliano.
2 month ago
We had a family dinner with 10 people. We were seated near the open kitchen. The seating was comfortable abd the decor was nice if a little plain. The service was especially good. Attentive, water continuously refilled, and the courses were brought out promptly and hot (well, except for the salads LOL). The food was generally well received but there were a few missteps. I originally ordered the blackened tilapia but it was overcooked and appeared to be freezer burned. The server seemed taken aback and started to say they served it earlier and it was fine but then asked if there was anything else I would like. That dinner came out fine. Another person ordered a pasta bolognes. It was tasty but had very little meat in the meat sauce. All other dinners seemed to satisfy their recipients. Overall everyone had a nice time and most would return. 4 stars.
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Karen C.
2 month ago
We ordered door dash. They called to make sure the order was right!! We have ordered from here many times. Food is always good! Just saying.... cheese steak with feta and kalamata olives was delicious! Also cheese steak with gorgonzola was also awesome!!! Highly recommended!
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scott ratner.
3 month ago
We’ve been going to this wonderful restaurant for the last 14 years. Piccolo’s always hits the highest Mark every time we go. I decided I was going to bring back a pizza to my North Jersey family over An hour and a half away. They set me up with a half baked pie and all of the accompaniments to finish it when I got home. It tasted fresh out of the oven as if I ate it In the restaurant. Thank you once again for a fantastic meal.
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VideoManDan.
4 month ago
I got a cheese and steak stromboli, and it's very delicious, well prepared, and very presentable looking. The only reason why I'm knocking off a star is because I don't like the redesign of the take-out area. There used to be a long bench you could sit on along the front facing wall, and that entire area is now occupied by the display counter that shows you all of the types of pizza they have. I think this was a poor decision, because it was practical and functional the way it used to be. Now if you get take-out, instead of waiting on a comfy bench seat along the front wall, you have to wait on the wicker chairs at a table. During a slow period this is fine, but I can't imagine having to wait if it's busy and there are no chairs at a table left to sit on. Standing room only, for 10 to 20 minutes while your order is being prepared? No thanks. Change it back please.
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Charlie Cook.
4 month ago
We recently hosted our son’s baptism celebration at Piccolo Trattoria, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! The private room was absolutely perfect for our 65 guests, providing the ideal setting for our special day. The service was outstanding—Diego and Dicente went above and beyond to ensure our family and friends were well taken care of throughout the event. Their attentiveness and professionalism truly stood out. We were also incredibly grateful to Yasin, who was so accommodating in staying late on Friday night to allow us to set up our dessert table, balloons, and seating arrangements. His flexibility made the entire process seamless for us. Not only was the staff exceptional, but the food was also fantastic! Our guests couldn’t stop raving about how delicious everything was. From start to finish, Piccolo Trattoria exceeded our expectations, and we’re so grateful for their hospitality. If you’re looking for a great venue with amazing service and delicious food, we highly recommend Piccolo Trattoria! We’ll definitely be back for future events.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 10:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Tuesday 10:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Friday (today) 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Finding the door

800 Denow Rd R, Pennington, NJ 08534, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Fast service
  • Serves local specialty
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Private dining room
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
Dining options
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
Crowd
  • College students
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
Pets
  • Dogs allowed outside
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