PepeNero

I had such a wonderful experience at Pepenero. The service was absolutely amazing. Carter and the entire team were so friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. The food came out quickly and everything was fresh and delicious. I really appreciated how welcoming the staff was and how smoothly everything went.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My family had a great experience here. Food was fantastic, host team was splendid, and the water (Noah) did such a great job. Would highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

An excellent experience all around. The atmosphere inside was lovely, our server was very knowledgeable about the wines and helpful in answering all our questions about the menu. The food was incredible. We ordered a couple apps and the lamb chops and fettuccine with braised baby back ribs ragu. Would definitely recommend! The tiramisu dessert was the cherry on top - was light, delicious, and a perfect end to our meal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is great! Very upscale. The staff were very friendly and got us seated even though they were very busy and we didn’t have a reservation. The food was amazing. Definitely get the beef tartare

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The best meal we had in Traverse City. Service was excellent, ambiance was lovely and the food was out of this world delicious. Will definitely come back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Beautiful place. Excellent service. Very delicious food.
Service was beyond excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had a mixed experience, much to my surprise. I had been told high remarks, and perhaps walked in with too high of expectations. It is a very small space and loud atmosphere, put me off instantly. The drink pours were alarmingly small when compared to the price you are paying, the wait for the food was extreme, the food was delicious and very well presented, the server was not attentive to our needs and seemed distracted - but we were the only table of theirs during our time there. My wife’s silverware was taken after her first course and not replaced until we asked. Unsure if I will give this place another shot, does not seem worth the “hype”

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 2

My husband and I make a point to visit every time we are near Traverse City. This is our favorite place for dinner. Food is outstanding and we have always had wonderful, attentive service. The owner has checked in to ensure we were enjoying our meal, which is really nice to see. Our favorites are the focaccia bread, grilled romaine, and branzino cooked in parchment paper. It’s a great presentation.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I came here to see friends that I had not seen in many years. We sat outside. The staff was very friendly. Because the food is prepared fresh and made to order it does take a little time. However I suggest ordering an app to start out. Everything was absolutely amazing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Short rib fettuccine was awesome. Drinks were also solid. Was able to walk in and get a table.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely incredible dining experience! We shared the Tagliere Italiano to start—amazing mix of meats and cheeses. My husband’s lamb was perfectly cooked and full of flavor, and my linguine with shrimp, lobster, and clams was beyond words—just perfect. Our server Stefan was attentive and recommended the perfect wine pairing, and the chef even stopped by to check on us. We finished with their gluten-free tiramisu (made by the chef’s wife!) and cappuccinos. Fantastic food, wonderful service, and such a warm atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent food and service. A little noisy. Made conversation a bit hard.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Beautifully decorated with a very cozy ambiance in The Commons, I visited in June ‘25 and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The food was incredibly tasty, only to be outdone by the fantastic service. Although the price point is a little high for me to be a regular visitor, I’d love to come back and try other dishes in the future. Th owner even came out to personally check on our experience and chat with us before my group left, which I really appreciate.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Carter our amazing server would have made any meal incredible but thankfully the food at Pepe Nero is equally fantastic. The tiramisu is the best I’ve had. Calamari and fettuccine were other delicious highlights of our meal. Definitely consider any specials when dining here also. Can’t recommend enough, really made for a special evening.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Melissa was an excellent server, the food however was a huge disappointment. All I can say is the food was bland. Per the menu description and Melissa's explanation of the halibut special, we were expecting a very flavorful meal, and sadly we were disappointed. For the prices, I had expected more.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 5