Piccola Italia Bistro- Don't tell anyone!

-5 Snaps! You MUST go!

Piccola Italia Bistro Ravioli- Spinach and ricotta cheese stuffed noodles topped with mozzarella in William red sauce

Okay pay attention, I don't say this often and am hesitating now because I don't want Piccola to become too popular. So let's just keep this between us. If you are looking for traditional white linen tablecloth Italian restaurant this isn't it! If you like authentic Italian food with great service and great prices, read on. Piccola is a small place in a strip center next to a Tarot Card reading shop. There are only seven tables served by a very small, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Being so unassuming is part of it's charm. Most nights reservations are necessary, and they offer 2 seating's. 

Piccola Italia Bistro Buratta with tomato, fresh greens, dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Look at that fresh burrata bite with tomato, fresh greens, olive oil and balsamic vinegar

There's no liquor license so BYOB. They have no corkage fee. On our visit another patron has left a share bottle (consider taking one if you go), so we were able to partake of a pretty darn good Cabernet no charge! We were greeted by Michelle who runs the front of the house. She pulled up a seat and described the specials, offered us the wine, and we felt like family. 
We start with the Burrata plate ($13.95). It's a huge portion of the Burrata (fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream), perfectly ripened thick slices of tomato, fresh crisp greens, dressed in an olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I will simply say ... divine!

Piccola Italia Bistro Tortellini Boscaiola - Cheese Tortellini with peas and mushrooms in Parmesan cream

Next is house made Ravioli ($19.95) and it is stellar. It's served in a glass pie plate, stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese, and covered with a world class red sauce topped with mozzarella. The sweet tang red sauce is perfectly accented with basil (They call it William red- that's the Chef's name). My table mate and I discuss putting the stuff on ice cream. It's that good!

Puttanesca- Spaghetti, olives, capers, anchovies, mild spiced marinara sauce

For a second entree we have Tortellini Boscaiola ($9.95) -Cheese Tortellini with peas and mushrooms in Parmesan cream sauce. It's a marvelous al dente cheese stuffed curl of pasta greatness. I've not had peas and mushrooms with tortellini before and the combination is exceptional. The thick and creamy Parm sauce is the consistency of a thick gravy and wonderful

Peeking in the kitchen reveals some of the magic, like this tortellini and clams for linguine. Each dish is prepared to order on a five-burner stove

Chef William de Ingeniis - a one man band of culinary art delivers food to the table and checks on the meal before we leave. All standard dinner menu dishes are 9.95. Specials prices differ but are still a great value and are listed on the saloon style doors going into the kitchen. Check them before ordering!
I just love little hidden gems like this. Piccola merits 5 snaps as it meets all my metrics including service, size, food, price, and attitude. Just don't tell anyone!