Piccolino Ristorante
In Mission Viejo, the textbook definition of a "good Italian restaurant," plus some special dishes
For over a dozen years, Mission Viejo’s Piccolino Ristorante has been the textbook definition of a good Italian restaurant: It’s the sort of place where a red sauce fan can find enough of the classics to feel comfortable, while those seeking less common dishes will have ample choices.
We were thrilled by the Tortelloni di Zucca – pumpkin-stuffed ravioli with sweet amaretto crumbles and a drizzle of mascarpone cream, the sort of artful balancing of savory, sweet, light, and heavy elements that exemplify excellent Italian cooking. In the “liked but didn’t love” column was Piccolino’s salsiccia sausage, pepperoni, and pepper pizza, as well as the Riccioli al Nero ai Sapori Mediterranei, a black pasta with plump shrimp, small clams and mussels, squid and garlic: both were attractively presented and properly cooked, but not real standouts on flavor despite their ample proteins.
Similarly, a Sicilian limoncello cake, chocolate mousse cake, and Sicilian cannoli – the latter garnished with walnuts and candied fruit – were all solid without inspiring wows. And despite its name, the Divina Cesare was more serviceable than divine.
We had mixed feelings on the environment inside Piccolino: Highlights were its very attentive service and reasonable prices, but it was sometimes hard to hear anyone at our table over the din of loud and somewhat unpleasant nearby customers. While we’ll leave it for you to decide whether to consider Piccolino for a date night, we’d certainly be willing to return for a family meal there, any time.
Stats
Price: $$-$$$
Service: Table
Open Since: 2011
Addresses
28719 Los Alisos Blvd.
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
949.380.7261
Instagram: @piccolinoristorante