By Karen Talbot

Dec. 6 2023: Piccola Trattoria, a recently opened restaurant, is first-rate, serving creative food with complex and exciting flavors! Piccola Trattoria is located at 23 Cedar Street in Dobbs Ferry (914-674-8427). 

The charming and personable Chef/Owner, Sergio Pennacchio, took a two-year hiatus and reopened in a much-needed larger space up the street from his former location. Sergio recently received the prestigious "Ospitalita Italiana" certificate from the Italy -American Chamber of Commerce in a program set forth by the Italian government to promote authentic Italian restaurants around the world.

You enter the restaurant into a bar and dining area that is separate from the main dining room. This spacious and comfortable dining room has neutral walls, a high tin ceiling, wooden tables and chairs, and many banquettes.

Our culinary journey began with warm, tasty rolls and delicious Antipasti. The Antipasti included rich and flavorful Caponata di Melanzane, which is a Sicilian-style eggplant seasoned with olive oil, tomato sauce, olives, and capers with a hint of spice. We also enjoyed baked long-stem artichoke hearts with anchovies, capers, and garlic, PEI Mussels sauteed in white wine, and a delicious dish of creamy polenta with portobello mushrooms and gorgonzola.

Next came two unique Pastas: Penne con Pancetta in a pink cream sauce with shallots, and Pappardelle con Nicciole, a divine mixture of butternut squash and roasted hazelnuts in a cream sauce. These unique pasta dishes differ from your typical Italian menu choices and show the chef's talents and creativity.

Our Plati Principali was Pollo alla Sorrentina with eggplant and fresh mozzarella sauteed in a light tomato and wine sauce served with bite-size vegetables.

The Seasonal Menu also offers three Insalate and four Pesce choices.

Alas, we were too full to have Il Dolce, but two that were available were Freddo, a combination of vanilla and Belgian chocolate ice cream with pistachio, and Affogato, a vanilla gelato ice cream topped with a shot of hot espresso.

Our Red and White wines by the glass were enjoyable and priced well at $11. Service was spot on, and our waitress, Anna, was a pleasure to meet.

Piccolo Trattoria is open seven days a week:
-Mon. Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 to 10 pm;
-Thursday. Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 pm and
-Sunday from 5 to 9 pm.

Starting in early December, lunch service will be served from 11:30 to 3 pm. The bar stays open one hour after the kitchen closes, and catering is also available.