4/5
My wife and I love a special meal out and in San...
My wife and I love a special meal out and in San Francisco we'll try the newest Michelin star restaurants so while on vacation in Italy it occurred to me that we should try one in Italy. We selected Ristorante Il Piccolo Principe because of it's picturesque location in Viareggio and they have TWO Michelin stars. The photos on their website are magnificent but when we arrived it was so windy and being on the rooftop they used a massive tent to block the wind. While we welcome the protection, it really hurts the views. While discouraged to two different tastings, we forged forward and requested one seafood tasting (my wife) and one meat tasting (me). While the menu indicates 6-courses for each tasting, I promise it was many more.
Seafood:
CRISPY RED MULLET
CANDIED CODFISH
GRAGNANO?S CALAMARATA
RICE FLOUR RAVIOLI STUFFED
COAL ROASTED AMBERJACK
THINKING ABOUT TARTE AU CITRON
Meat:
CRISPY EGG
SMOKED ?TUSCAN SUSHI? BEEF TARTARE
OUR ?GREEN RISOTTO?
AGNOLOTTI
DUCK WITH TAMARIND
HAVANA SPECIAL
We were started with 3 amuse bouche as gifts from the chef and then the courses began. Classic plating and visually very well presented. We start off thinking "This will never be enough food" but by the end we are limping thru the main entrees. The tastes are bright and perfectly executed by Chef Mancino. However, as the courses continue the size and weight of the dishes also increase. Service is beyond spectacular as the staff treats you as royalty from the moment you sit down but are as equally approachable when you don't recognize an ingredient or flavor. I would provide the exact same feedback for the sommelier and the assistant somm....knowledgeable, helpful possibly even graceful in service.
I believe but the end of the savory courses our bellies were ready to burst as our 6-course meal was more like 12 with chef gifts and extra courses. However, I don't judge quality based on quantity and if there were any negative feedback here it would be to keep the portion sizes consistent because as proteins arrived we were almost too full to enjoy them and they were beautiful.
However, for both of us desserts were the star of the show. My chocolate course might have been the best thing I've eaten in my life. When I saw it listed as Havana Special, I wondered what it might be and I'll leave it a surprise if you decide to dine here.
Overall, I'd repeat this meal but wait for an evening that isn't too windy so we get the full rooftop experience/view, maybe try the a la carte option and maybe order extra desserts! Ciao :-)
Brendan Coen 25-07-2017