December 11, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Restaurant Spotlight: Piccolo Bringing Fine Italian Dining to Santa Monica and Venice

Latest restaurant from Chef Antonio Mure with two locations on Westside 

By Timothy Michael

An esteemed chef with deep ties to the Westside has opened an Italian restaurant called Piccolo with two locations in Santa Monica and Venice. 

Piccolo’s kitchen is helmed by co-owner and Executive Chef Antonio Mure, who has opened numerous restaurants throughout his career, including the former Michelin-starred La Botte in Santa Monica, the current Barrique on Main Street in Venice and a former restaurant also called Piccolo near the Boardwalk. 

The new Piccolo, 2127 Lincoln Blvd in Santa Monica and 1616 Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, is managed and co-owned by Tony Black. He and Chef Mure first became partners when they opened Barrique on Venice’s Main Street in 2015, a gourmet Italian restaurant with an extensive wine list. The restaurant has been voted the most romantic restaurant in the United States several times, in part because of the atmosphere, an old train conductor’s house which was built in 1904. And also because of the food. 

“Quality of food and great service creates a recipe for success. Our end goal was never to make a lot of money, it was to service Venice and see what happens,” Black added. 

Mure has opened 11 restaurants throughout his career. The newest Piccolo restaurants were inspired by his original restaurant under the same name which opened in Venice in 2004 before closing a few years later. 

Chef Mure has carefully cultivated the menu to incorporate dishes and styles from all over Italy, drawing inspiration from his Sicilian roots, his family in Parma, and his time working in the Dolomites. He is aided by Chef de Cuisine Victorino Balbino, who has been by his side since the original Piccolo opened. 

When asked what makes the new Piccolo restaurants stand out Black said, “It’s an artistic take on Italian cuisine. We source local ingredients from different farmers and combine them together to make unique dishes that you can’t find anywhere else.” 

Some of those dishes include jamon serrano, which is served with poached pear, sweetened with canella vanilla, and complemented by a creamy burrata. 

If you love pasta, Black recommends a potato and fig tortellini served on a bed of parmesan fondue with a brown butter sage dressing which blends the savory and sweet elements together to play with the diner’s palette. 

For those that have a bit of a sweet tooth you can’t go wrong with either the three layered tronchetto chocolate mousse or the creme custard. 

“Chef Mure has been a chef most of his life,” Black said. “Cooking and restaurants are his life. The dishes he comes up with are mind blowing. He has a pretty extensive recipe book.” 

Piccolo Santa Monica is open for dinner seven days a week at 2127 Lincoln Blvd and Piccolo Venice is open Tuesday through Saturday at 1616 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Both locations have both indoor and patio seating options. In addition, there are plans to expand into lunch and brunch options soon. Visit piccolosantamonica.com for more information.  

in Dining, News
Related Posts

Renowned Architect’s “Swan Song” on Market for Under $5M

December 10, 2023

December 10, 2023

Realtor.com Describes the Four-Bedroom Home as a Crowning Achievement of Pierre Koenig (1925 to 2004) The Schwartz House, a celebrated...

Boxing Legend Selling Eight-Bedroom Palisades Mansion for Nearly $40M

December 10, 2023

December 10, 2023

The Property Recently Reduced in Price by 9% Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard persists in his quest to sell his...

Under-Construction Mar Vista Home with Spa, Theater Lists for Nearly $7M

December 10, 2023

December 10, 2023

Rooftop Deck Presents Views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Marina Nestled on a highly sought-after Mar Vista street,...

Rare Penthouse in Marina Arts District Goes for $1.5M

December 10, 2023

December 10, 2023

The Unit Incorporates 100-Year-Old Reclaimed Brick An exceptional penthouse unit in the Marina Arts District showcases a distinctive opportunity for...

(Video) Civic Auditorium Could Become Historic Property

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

The Santa Monica Conservancy Submitted an Application to Make it Happen @yovenicenews The Civic could become a historic landmark. #santamonica...

Venice Shorts: Main & Market RV Mess Lingers for Two Years!

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

While Other Vehicles Are Ticketed for Parking Violations, This Van Remains Immune From Such Consequences! By Nick Antonicello The above...

(Video) Menorah Lighting Recap from Palisades Village

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

The annual menorah lighting at Palisades Village was a celebration. @yovenicenews The annual menorah lighting of Palisades Village was a...

(Video) Get in the Holiday Spirit at Santa Monica Place

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

With Free photos with Santa and a Giant Christmas Tree, Santa Monica Place is must visit this season! @yovenicenews With...

California Brunch Destination to Open on Ocean Ave

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

Santa Monica Debuts the Iconic San Francisco Brunch Eatery to Southern California Food Enthusiasts Renowned California restaurateur Hoyul Steven Choi...

(Video) Third Street Celebrity Bakery Closes Its Doors

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

The show made appearances on the hit TLC show @yovenicenews Third Street has lost a bakery. #bakery #restaurant #santamonica #dining...

Milonga Tango Cafe to Host Holiday Sunday Brunch

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

As the Festive Season Approaches, Unique, Handcrafted Dance Shoe Bags Are Available. Milonga Tango Café will present the Holiday Sunday...

Shakespeare Theatre Workshop Coming to Venice

December 6, 2023

December 6, 2023

Participants are Asked to Come Prepared with a Monologue of Their Choice The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy of Washington DC...

Yo! Venice Interviews Candidate for L.A. District Attorney Jonathan Hatami

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Campaign 2024: The Race for Los Angeles District Attorney By Nick Antonicello In 2024 there will be several critical races...

(Video) Multiple International Retailers Now Open at Palisades Village

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Check out the new international brands now with an open shop in Palisades. @yovenicenews Check out the new retailers at...