For authentic Italian eats, some of the most irresistible pastas, fresh insalatas, tender proteins, and decadent desserts are served at Piccola Cucina, four popular restaurants in New York City by chef and restaurateur Philip Guardione. He has been operating his three highly successful Sicilian eateries—Piccola Cucina Osteria, Estiatorio and Uptown—in Manhattan and his Brooklyn outpost—Piccola Cucina Casa—provides more of an intimate setting than his other fine-dining locations. Plus, the Brooklyn iteration is a few blocks away from Barclays Center, making the restaurant the perfect spot for a relaxing pre-concert dinner this summer.
Located at 141 Nevins Street in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, Piccola Cucina Casa is also unlike Guardione’s other restaurant concepts. It doesn’t focus just on Sicilian dishes. On their vast menu, every dish is connected to the Italian region where it originated, such as the cacio e pepe, which originates from Lazio in Central Italy, the bolognese lasagna from Emilia Romagna in the north, and the fusilloni with scampi langoustine from Puglia in the south. New on the menu is tagliatelle verdi with wild boar and tartufo, an ode to Umbria.
A highlight was the cavatelli with sausage and fennel ragu mixed with fresh ricotta from Molise, Italy. This hearty pasta dish was perfectly cooked—more on the al dente side—and the richness of the cream sauce made it a satisfying and enjoyable dish. Another top pasta was the paccheri with scampi, langoustine, lobster, and shrimp, hailing from Sicily. At $30.95, the large, smooth tube shaped pasta dish was reasonably priced and filled with generous portions of seafood. The red sauce was light and a little sweet—a perfect balance to the seafood.
As for the main entrée, the grilled branzino with olives, capers and lemon dressing sauce was a winner. The skin of the branzino was perfectly crispy, while the inside was moist and tender. Every bite was delectable. An alternative to fish is Piccola Cucina Casa’s skirt steak that’s served with chimichurri sauce and mashed potatoes on the side. For $32.95, this dish is a great value. The meat was lean yet juicy and tender.
Ordering dessert at Piccola Cucina Casa is mandatory, or you’ll truly miss out on some incredible goodies. The cheesecake limone is the top dessert to order. It is shaped like a real lemon and is gluten-free. The bright, zesty flavor of lemon adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the rich creaminess of the cheesecake. It balances the sweetness and creates an enjoyable flavor profile. Plus, the presentation of the cheesecake limone is beautiful and Instagram-worthy.
Another delightful concoction is their tiramisu, which is prepared tableside, and a fun experience to watch one of the servers create it in front of you. From pouring espresso into a cup and soaking ladyfingers in it to layering creamy mascarpone and whipping it all together with a touch is dusting of cocoa powder—voilà, a delightful tiramisu is ready to devour. We highly recommend ordering this confection.
Not only is the food at Piccola Cucina Casa delicious, also the ambiance is relaxing. Nestled on a brownstone lined block, the restaurant’s 1600-square-feet dining room holds 46 seats, a cocktail bar, and a seated high-top pasta counter where guests can see the chefs hard at work. The service is exceptional with a staff exuding friendliness and attentiveness.
Overall, Piccola Cucina Casa is the ultimate destination for an incredible Italian meal. Whether you’re looking for a pre-concert dinner or a cozy neighborhood dining experience, you’ll be inspired by the rich flavors of Italy due to Piccola Cucina Casa’s yummy and substantial offerings.
