As the world’s top athletes are competing for gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, viewers have been captivated by their inspiring athleticism and groundbreaking achievements. For spectators who dream to be in Italy for the Olympics, but can’t attend, they can now eat like an athlete by enjoying authentic northern Italian cuisine from Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
To commemorate the Milano Cortina Games, the beloved Italian restaurant Piccola Cucina in New York City has created a limited edition menu offering delicious new dishes inspired by the 2026 games. Acclaimed Chef Philip Guardione has whipped up traditional dishes from Milano and Cortina that are available at all Piccola Cucina’s five locations from now until February 22.
The highlight on the special menu is the traditional Milanese dish osso buco di vitello alla, which consists of braised veal, osso buco, saffron risotto, lemon and rosemary gremolata. Piccola Cucina’s version is exquisite and a must-order. The veal was extremely tender and the osso buco itself—the name, literally translating as “pierced bone,” refers to the marrow bones—contributed a tremendous amount of flavor as the rich marrow renders during the braise, basting the meat and infusing into the sauce with deep, cozy flavor. The meat also was perfectly paired with the risotto that had a velvety texture and had a bright golden color. This dish is one you won’t forget about after the final bite.
The special Olympic menu also features radicchio semifreddo with thyme and vanilla sauce that is from the Cortina area as well as the asiago and beet-filled ravioli dish that is made with butter and parmesan sauce, toasted hazelnuts and poppy seeds. This beet dish was a pleasant surprise and had a vibrant, earthy, and slightly sweet taste. The beets used in the filling of the pasta dough was a bright pink color that was incredibly beautiful—a hue not often seen in hearty meals, which was very welcoming.
For dessert, Piccola Cucina’s Olympic menu has the pear strudel with grappa and with infused vanilla sauce. This sophisticated dessert from Cortina features a flaky, buttery pastry, spiced pears, and a warm custard or sauce enhanced with Italian grape brandy (grappa). It was not overly sweet and dense, making it the perfect ending to a rich meal.
Other items on Piccola Cucina’s menu that’s worth ordering is the classic spaghetti alle vongole. Their pasta with clams is one of the best I’ve ever tasted in a long time. Served without the shells, the long strands of spaghetti were silky and the broth-y sauce with baby spinach and lime was flawless. The overall harmonious blend of fresh, briny clams with their garlic-infused olive oil, white wine sauce is simply superb.
Another hit on their everyday menu is the lasagna della Mamma Rosa that is served with meat ragu, rich tomato and creamy béchamel sauce. The balanced ratio of sauce to pasta was exemplary with the béchamel perfectly binding the layers without being too heavy.
Piccola Cucina really has it all providing exceptional service, authentic food, relaxed atmosphere with a high-end dining experience. Now with their Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games menu, Piccola Cucina is the top destination for an unforgettable meal.
