Piccolo's Italian Steakhouse

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  We were looking for something local, Italian and well reviewed.  We came across this place and after living in the area for 15 years wondered how I missed it.  Well, it was easy to figure out once the dining experience began--Appetizers we ordered were attempts at craft bread, both of those were tasteless fail.
  
  Drink list was cheap wine/beer.  Nothing craft or high quality available.  Entre--now this is where the fun began.  My wife ordered scallops and pasta, and I ordered talapia and pasta.  Other servers came to the table to present the dinner and announced each entre.  The server placed my talapia in front of me and I looked at it like, when did they put a crust on a baked/broiled talapia?  Maybe it was their style so I cut, and cut and cut and cut--it was not talapia, it was some other form of meat.  I inquired, and our server said it looked like it was veal---isn't that what you ordered?  No, it was talapia, broiled, that I ordered.  
  
  She took it back to the kitchen and said they got the order mixed up.  I declined anything else and then all of a sudden my broiled talapie arrived at the table.  It looked ok, I was still hungry and gave it a shot.  What I was thinking is the origial meat served was veal, yes, veal so tough you'd though it was shoe leather.
  
  We finished our meal (My wife's sauce on her pasta was overly hot) and both agreed this was a Sam's Club type of place--a dining spot that buys all its stuff at Sam's Club, then attempts to turn low cost (and quality) ingredients into something that aligns with their theme--italian, mexican, chineses.  
  
  My advice is to go to Des Palmas or another discover in the Athens area.  I don't care for Olive Garden either, but even that would be better that this ciao!

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  Posted on 06.23.13 VVally V.

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  Great family-run restaurant away from the college kids.  I highly recommend trying the Greens & Beans.  The unique buttery flavor is perfect for bread dipping, and the solid beans provide a nice contrast from the soft, mushy greens.  
  
  It is both an Italian restaurant and steakhouse.  You may choose from the Italian staples such as Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Parmisian, etc.  Or you can go with steak or seafood.  It is all delicious and portions are very large.  If you are not a fan of leftovers, ask for the "lunch portion" instead.  The food is prepared fresh and the service is always excellent.  It is definitely one of the top restaurants in Oconee.

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  Posted on 07.11.12 Craig S.

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  This is our favorite restaurant.  The food is excellent, the service wonderful and the owner, Tim, loves what he does.  Even though it's an Italian Steakhouse, I have not had a better burger in Athens.

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  Posted on 12.04.11 Dee's H.

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  We found the food to be mediocre and the servings way too big. I just didn't think there was very good value for your money. The service was good and the wine list was what you'd expect. Nothing great but better than others. The beer list needs a lot of work.

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  Posted on 09.24.11 David L.

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  Finally, a nice restaurant in the Athens area that is also conducive to families! The family (two adults, two boys) love the french fries appetizer, which is sprinkled with parmesan cheese and dipped in mayo. The pasta portions are huge, making one serving good enough for two meals (even the kids meals). If you're feeling bold, the steaks are cooked perfectly, and the many different flavors add a unique twist. My family ventures out here as much as possible, and my wife and I try to make it out when we can for an intimate lunch. Definitely our favorite restaurant in Athens.

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  Posted on 07.02.11 Joe D.

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  An especially pleasant dining experience.  Great food, comfortable setting and good service.  Lunch was very affordable and quite filling.  We will definitely be back for more great food.

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  Posted on 06.04.11 M K.

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  We picked this place by reading previous Yelp posts and happy we did so. The food and service was excellent, reasonably priced, good sized servings, and the menu extensive. Good to fair beer and wine selection - try the Athens brewed Terrapin. This is a family run business and do not be put off when you find out it is in a small shopping center. Once inside you will be won over by the owner, wait staff, delicious food and good selection of seating. We had four different dinners, all good to excellent. We arrived late and therefore one of the last groups to leave. We watched the owner walk out front to make sure one of the waitresses safely reached her car. Not that it is a bad neighborhood, it was just a very caring thing to do. You can tell they all work as a good team and produce great tasting food at a reasonable price.

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  Posted on 04.17.11 Newt N.

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  I am from New York & when I tried this place I knew I would be back. The  calamari was great. My lamb chop was perfectly prepared as was my wife's steak. Service was excellent and friendly and the owner/chef came to our table and was very nice. If you like genuine italian be sure to give it a try.

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  Posted on 03.24.11 Mike G.

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  We went back for our Valentine's Day meal and it was AMAZING.  We had the mussels posillipo for an appetizer. I had the shrimp bisque and my husband had the pork marsala. Both entrees were perfect and there was plenty left over for lunch the next day (yay!).  We had espresso and cannoli for dessert and it was sooooo good.  Then the owner/chef came out to the tables and talked to everyone, which I really like at a restaurant. Anyway, the food and service we amazing and we will definitely go back...again.

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  Posted on 02.12.11 Britnie F.

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