Celebrating 25 years of Piccolino: A legecy of Italian cuisine

Much-loved Italian restaurant, Piccolino, is celebrating its silver anniversary in October, marking a quarter of a century of unforgettable food and warm hospitality.

From humble beginnings in Knutsford in 1999, Piccolino has grown into a beloved collection of 21 stunning restaurants nationwide, serving over 1.2 million guests every year and embodying the charm that has made it a cherished destination for lovers of Italian cuisine.

The iconic Italian restaurant has expanded across the UK over the past 25 years, celebrating openings in Marlow and Henley-on-Thames in its 25^th year, following an iconic opening in Wilmslow in 2023 that marked an evolution of the brand, paying homage to Piccolino’s beginnings in Cheshire, where it all started.

To mark this incredible milestone, Piccolino, part of Individual Restaurants, has crafted an exclusive, limited-edition menu that not only honours its storied legacy, but also spotlights the culinary innovation that has kept Piccolino at the forefront of the dining scene over the years. But the celebration doesn’t stop there! Guests are invited to ‘celebrate your silver’, so whether celebrating a 25^th birthday or silver anniversary, there will be a bottle of prosecco waiting at the table from Piccolino*. Guests can also expect a series of exciting, interactive events at restaurants nationwide, all leading up to a festive and unforgettable Christmas season.

Available for a limited time only, the exclusive celebratory menu includes the show-stopping 25-layer lasagne, a decadent dish that layers wagyu beef between delicate sheets of pasta and truffle, creating a true masterpiece of Italian comfort food. This signature dish is a testament to the decades of experience and passion that have gone into every Piccolino kitchen, blending tradition with the finest ingredients. Restaurants will also offer the Club IR menu, featuring two courses and a drink all for £25, and a glass of Moët for £5 supplement.

Guests can also sip on the new, exclusive ‘Italian 25’ cocktail – a playful twist on the French 75 aperitif – and for those who prefer to toast with bubbles, champagne comes courtesy of the 25th anniversary official partner, Moët & Chandon champagne.

“My inspiration for the menu at Piccolino comes from the quality of the produce and this is the key to success at the restaurant,” explains Mark Window, Group Executive Chef for Piccolino. “We find the best quality of produce we can which gives a balance of ingredients adding to the quality of each dish. Our food offering has evolved over the last 25 years, with now the most traditional Italian cuisine showcased within our current menu, along with authentic interaction and theatre.”

Commenting on the special anniversary, CEO of Individual Restaurants, Andrew Garton said “We are beyond thrilled to be celebrating the 25^th anniversary of Piccolino this year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests to celebrate with us through the delicious menu curated to mark this momentous milestone in the story of Piccolino.

“The Piccolino brand has stood the test of time, and it’s a testament to the real Italian people working at the restaurants that make the business special. We pride ourselves on the evolution of hospitality through our deep routed connections with guests over the past 25 years, and we live and breathe the Italian morals and principles which make our guests feel special and relaxed – what dining is all about.”

Lyn and Gordon, regular guests at Collingham Piccolino, share the secret to loyal custom; “We’ve been coming to Piccolino since it opened and we know the team at the restaurant like family now. We love the people, the food is excellent and the chef is fantastic, catering to our dietary needs every time and nothing is too much trouble. The staff make the restaurant, always welcoming you to make you feel special and that’s why we’ve never stopped returning.”

More than just a marker of time, this milestone anniversary for Piccolino represents the enduring passion, dedication and close-knit relationships of its staff that have made the restaurant a cherished part of the community for a quarter of a century.

Speaking on this, Francesco Fiore, Group Operations Director of Individual Restaurants, reiterates that “Piccolino is all about the staff, with some fantastic team members across the brand that have been with us for a long time. We have a beautiful restaurant, with great food but it’s the people that make Piccolino special.”

Join Piccolino to celebrate 25 years of unforgettable Italian dining, where every meal honours Italian heritage, the joy of great company, and, of course, exceptional Italian cuisine.

For more information, please visit: https://piccolinorestaurants.com/