La Piccola Italia is one of the longest established restaurants in Bournemouth having opened in 1981 it has been owned since then by the same family.
The restaurant is on the Holdenhurst Road and is amongst a plethora of eating establishments, but unlike most of the other restaurants on this road it is an independent with all the traditional values of a trattoria. It can accommodate up to 80 diners and offers a wide choice of dining options on different days of the week.
Last Saturday I was invited along with the Bournemouth Bloggers to sample one of the restaurants latest initiatives, brunch with unlimited Prosecco. Now doesn't that sound like a grand idea?
It really does have the traditional Italian feel to the restaurant with the checked tablecloths, the relaxed atmosphere, not to mention 2000 + Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling, that apparently started as a simple way to decorate the new restaurant. Thats a lot of wine!
On arrival we were warmly welcomed by the staff and shown to the table reserved for our group, although there is a menu for the brunch chef James suggested that they bring a selection of everything out so that we could pick and choose what we liked.
Various pizzette (small pizzas) soon adorned our table starting with the Napoletana and followed by the Quattro Formaggi, Diavola (a cheeky little number) and then Margherita, Campagnola and the Tonno E Cipolla. They were all cooked just as I like them with not too thick a base and with a nice crunch when you take a bite, some lovely flavour combinations too.. We really were spoilt for choice.
A couple of our group were vegetarians and it was good to see that the restaurant caters for Vegetarians, vegans and can also do gluten free pizzas if requested.
Charcuterie boards came with a variety of meats and cheeses and then there was the Cicchetti (small plates) that included bruschetta, tortellini (my fav) Calamari, mussels, gnocchi and tomato salad.
I love this style of eating its so much more sociable and the whole time we were being offered refills for our Prosecco glasses, it was a shame several of us were driving, but maybe next time?
Restaurant Manager Antonio tells me that they are planning to start a discount scheme for regular customers, in particular the large number of university students living in the area. The entire menu can by ordered to takeaway with the benefit of a 20% discount if it is collected.
They also cater for private functions and the room to the rear of the restaurant works really well corporate events or for small weddings.
Although this restaurant isn't close to where I live I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone in the area wanting a authentic Italian experience, I am keen to support independent small businesses and plan to go back next month with my family when the Metropole Market is on.
If you fancy trying this brunch for yourself it runs every Saturday between 12pm and 5pm, booking is recommended.
23 Holdenhurst Road
Bournemouth
01202 551510
Our food and drink were complimentary all opinions and photographs are my own.