Posted on 27th of August at Wanderlust

We Dutchies are in love with Italian (comfort) food. Love with a capital ‘L’. Anti pasti, panini’s, pizza and pasta as ‘di mama’ makes it. And what about their stunning desserts…Thumps up! Great news for the Italian food lovers: Lunch & Aperitivo Bar Piccolo Amsterdam is opened as the new Italian culy neighbours of De Hallen. The name has it all: Piccolo, ‘mini’ in Italian. Expect small bites for small lunch-, aperitivo or evening moments, just as Italians prefer.

The idea of the owner – raised in New Zealand and lived in Italy  for a few years where he caught the Italian food vibe – thought ‘let’s bring all the yummy Italian food to Amsterdam’. He didn’t see a reason why la dolce vita with a table full of small, yummy stuff needs to be left at the border. That’s why he gave it a home right here in Amsterdam two months ago. Piccolo is all about sitting down, chilling with some snacks, meeting friends, family or colleagues and be aware that the most beautiful things in life really are the little things.

Ye-hess, last weekend I gave this new spot in town a try! Upon entry you don’t see a typical Italian bar. Nope, but I was positively surprised! Lots of flowers, hanging plants and unpainted wood prevail this cozy hangout. Bit more a Scandinavian ambiance. The interior inside gives you the ultimate outside, relax vibe. It really is a laid back spot. You even can play games with your table mate, how cool!

First, I created my own aperitivo platter with delicious Piandina, mini panino with feta ánd a fresh apple-fennel-mint salad. All home made with daily fresh ingredients of (mostly) full blood Italian suppliers. The portions are not that big, the size is comparable with our Dutch nibbles or snacks. Because it was my evening snack I had to go for a second round. Three guesses…I choose the surprise platter. In no time I had a lot of little Italian hams, cheeses, a salad with feta-melon and bread with the best green pesto in front of me, oh boy oh boy! Don’t worry vegetarians, there is so much choice for you as well! 

And as you would expect of a real sweet tooth – yup, that’s me – I closed of the evening with the sweet platter full of Italian deliciousness. If I may give you a tip: go go go for this sweet platter, it’s finger lickin’ good! A little piece of home made mini apple pie, cheese cake, cantuccini biscotti and chocolate ‘salami’. Counting calories is a no go ;) I enjoyed pure, home made bites and Italian red wine on the side, oh yeah it made my rainy Sunday!

Seriously, this is what I call a hidden gem. It literally is hidden behind De Hallen en coffee bar Anne & Max, but please say hi to this cute spot. The amazing passionate, welcoming crew deserve your coming! And off course, you deserve their lovely food & drinks. For me it was definitely worth the bicycle (exercise) ride from Amsterdam East!

Enjoy la dolce vita right here in Amsterdam!

Love,

Sharmaine