Piccolina da Centrolina

Piccolina da Centrolina is a charming spot that feels like a slice of Europe tucked away in the city. The outdoor seating creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for brunch or lunch.

We tried the salmon skewers and a panini, both of which were fresh and flavorful. The salad that came with the panini was crisp and colorful, adding to the meal’s appeal. A highlight here is the cannoli bar—where they freshly fill the shells upon ordering—making for the perfect sweet ending.

Everything tasted fresh and well-prepared, and the casual yet sophisticated vibe made it a lovely place to spend a slow afternoon. Definitely a spot I’d come back to!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

An incredible meal — high quality ingredients and modern ambiance. Eggplant parm was one of the best we’ve ever had — pistachio cannoli, too! Both had such attention to texture and flavor. Also recommend the uovo pomodoro for a delicious side.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice casual place for lunch. Interesting menu and very tasty food.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very good pizza

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sneaked a 5% service charge that was not disclosed on the menu, and the Porchetta Panuzzo gave me the runs that evening. You should only risk it if you are going to places with public toilets.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 1

Food is very good. Portions on the smaller side.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Delicious little Italian eatery in the well known Palmer Alley.
We were there for the signature Italian pastries, which were all great! Really well made and delicious. We were there with the Underground Donut Tour DC, and our guide had eaten there at other times and said everything they had was great.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

The porchetta sandwich is tender, savory and delicious. Loved sitting at the counter for a spontaneous lunch for one during a not so hectic work day.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food options were really good and everything tasted good. Nothing was exceptional but also nothing was bad. We tried the panini and a couple sourdough toasts and they all tasted good. The cannoli was good too.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

A good value for a bite!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

A very good pizza

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 3

Piccolina in CityCenterDC offers a charming and authentic taste of Italy, focusing on regional specialties and a warm, inviting atmosphere. This osteria-style restaurant provides a more casual yet equally delightful dining experience compared to its sister establishment, Fiola Mare.
The menu at Piccolina showcases a variety of Italian dishes, often highlighting seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes. You can find a selection of antipasti perfect for sharing, flavorful pasta dishes made with care, and satisfying main courses that reflect the diverse culinary landscape of Italy. The focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with a genuine passion for Italian cooking. They also often feature daily specials that highlight the best of what's available.
The ambiance of Piccolina is cozy and welcoming, reminiscent of a traditional Italian osteria. The décor often includes rustic touches and a warm color palette, creating a comfortable and convivial setting. It's a place where you can relax and enjoy a delicious meal in a friendly atmosphere.
The service is typically warm and attentive, contributing to the overall inviting feel of the restaurant. Staff members are usually knowledgeable about the menu and eager to share their recommendations, making you feel like a valued guest.
In short, Piccolina in CityCenterDC provides a delightful and authentic Italian dining experience. Its focus on regional specialties, a warm atmosphere, and friendly service makes it a wonderful spot for a satisfying and genuine taste of Italy in the heart of the city.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Margarita Flatbread Pizza

Good food. Reasonable prices. Good service

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

We stopped by this restaurant to grab an iced latte to go, and unfortunately, the experience was really disappointing. After placing our order, we waited without any communication from the staff. No one informed us when the drink was ready—it was just sitting on the counter. We had to go up and ask, “Is this ours?” only to be told yes.

To make things worse, the latte tasted really bad—watery and bitter, with no balance or flavor. Poor communication and lackluster quality made this a frustrating stop. Definitely wouldn’t recommend this place based on our visit.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

Nice place