Worst place I ever been in my life, we went with a group, service was bad, food was ok, when time came to pay the owner was un respectful and we let him know, he was drunk and went of the rails, crazy, calling names and being racist. Don't waste your time or your money. read more

Never in my life have I been treated so horribly by someone. We made a reservation to have dinner here, when we arrived the owner - yes, owner - told us it would just be a minute. 15 minutes later we were looking for an update on our table due to the 4 empty tables in the dining room. The man chased us out of his restaurant yelling and screaming at us that it was not a fast food joint. He verbally attacked all three women and pin pointed my boyfriend, calling him names. We were all literally forced and swept out the door onto the street with an overly mad Italian man yelling and waving his arms at us "good luck finding dinner somewhere else". I have been in some rude situations but this takes the cake. We did have dinner somewhere else, and it was lovely. And we were treated with kindness and respect. Not something you will find at Picollo Nido. read more

Extremely rude staff. I wish there was an option to give negative stars. Wanted to eat here because of the reviews but the person at the reception was very rude. Decided not to eat there. Not sure if it's a general trait in the staff there but somebody should do something about it. Removing this from my list of places to eat. read more

Don't waste your money in this place when there are dozens of better options in the North End. The food is mediocre at best, the service is horrible. The owner is extremely rude . We watched him kick out a couple (with a baby) just because they asked him about some free tables and then he shouted at them. Probably your worst option in the North End. read more

I put one star because there is no option to put something poorer. We went there with a group of friends ( around 15 people) and the owener brought us the bill. He stated in a very unkind way that there was sime money missing and my husband asked him to simply check again and to be more polite and then suddenly he start yelling at us and insulted us because we all were foreigners. This is discrimination. He pushed us all out of the reataurant and came outside to continue screaming and yelling and insulting us. I've traveled a lot and this is frankly my worst experience in a restaurant. I would never recommend to go to this place. read more

This place made me nostalgic of the time when I was a student and I didn't have the time to cook, so I had cheap quick cooked pasta... If you add to that the noisy and unwelcoming owner of the place, you obtain probably the worst deal you can have in all Massachusetts. I would have say from America, but I don't go out of state that often... read more

This is one of the better restaurants in the North End for a high-end dinner experience short of going to Mamma Maria. It's more convivial as well. It's off the beaten track, which makes it a lot more relaxing to spend a long dinner. Don't miss out on their homemade tiramisu... read more

Gave away our reservation and then claimed it was our fault. Claimed they called us when they never did. Stay away from this dishonest establishment! read more

For the first time of my life, we were kicked out of a restaurant. A fun dinner with office coworkers turned out to be an unpleasant experience when the owner started yelling at us an threatening us and telling us to go back where we come from (we are a group of international people). Very sad, even though the food was good, I'd recommend everyone to stay away from there. Its too expensive too for the amount that you eat. Btw, espresso coffee is 4$ does that create a 1000% profit margin? Maybe If you dont believe me: https://youtu.be/mpIFLpJKkJs read more

Perfect restaurant if you want an off the beaten path eatery. Food was absolutely scrumptious, service was great and there was no wait. We enjoyed a much quieter atmosphere after the fun chaos of walking and touring the city all day. Highly recommended! read more

Was looking forward to sharing my father's favorite North End restaurant with a friend. We had had an early dinner and couldn't wait to have their wonderful tiramisu and a cappuccino. It was after 8pm on a Thursday, the restaurant was quiet, not busy at all. I told the owner as we entered we were just there for dessert and cappuccino. He quickly and rudely said " No. We are a full menu restaurant. You go to a cafe on the main street for dessert and cappuccino. " Then he walked away. I had been telling my friend how wonderful this place was as I have eaten here numerous times over the years. Never again will I go here. I would understand him turning us away on a busy night, but more than half the tables were empty. How is this rude man still in business? My father will be horrified when he hears about this. read more

The food might be great here but I never had a chance to try it. I'm still not really sure what happened, but here is my experience at this restaurant... I was with three friends looking for a place to eat around North End. Most restaurants had a wait so we called here and were told that we could have a table in 10 minutes. Great! We walked over and into the restaurant. There was a menu sitting by the door which we looked at while we waited to be seated. Someone came over (I'm assuming the owner based on other reviews) and told us without any hesitation "There are plenty of other restaurants. This is North End. Go somewhere else." We thought he was joking, especially since only three or four tables where occupied. A couple of us laughed to which he replied "Don't laugh at me. Leave now." We realized he was serious, and didn't want to eat somewhere that didn't want our business, so we left. We stood outside for a couple minutes while we looked for another restaurant to go to. During this time another couple walked in and were seated immediately. Like I said, I'm not really sure what happened. It's not like we're some riff raff - we were there for a physics conference, just about as nerdy as you can get! There are lots of restaurants around here that want and deserve your business. This place does not. read more

Great food, nice atmosphere. Love the chef/owner's care and engagement with his diners. The restaurant obviously has a lot of returning customers, soon including me! read more

We had a splendid dinner here last night and enjoyed superb service from the owner, Pino. We shared an order of bruschetta and a caprese salad, which were both plentiful and delicious. My husband enjoyed his chicken with capers and artichokes with a garlicky butter sauce, while I slurped up every drop of my porcini ravioli that had a wonderful cream sauce. My nephew enjoyed a spaghetti dinner with an Italian bacon he said was delicious. No one left a bite of food on their plate, but we had no room left for dessert! It was a wonderful dinner I will enjoy remembering as the best meal I had during my first visit to Boston! read more

Perfect Italian food! It is a small, cozy little place off of Hanover st. We ordered the antipasto and calamari for apps and they were the perfect size. The entrees took a bit to come out, but it didn't matter as we were very much enjoying out apps and wine. I got the Flounder special with lemon caper sauce. Probably the most perfectly cooked, flaky soft fish I ever had. Wait staff was very friendly and the pricing is very reasonable considering the excellent quality. Go here! read more

Food was really good, service bad. Group of 20 of us from out town for Graduation. The waiter was confused as to whom ordered what. We had read via Yelp that the owner would greet every table, did not happen for us because we were not locals, after spending close to $2000. Not even offered coffee or dessert. Not recommended for travelers. read more

Why wasn't this place packed on a Thursday night in the summer?! It was great! Pasta was outstanding. Service was good (prompt and attentive without being intrusive). I'm going again. read more

The food was delicious and the service was attentive. They accommodated our large party of 11 which included 5 children. I can't wait to go back. read more

Gem of a restaurant a little off the beat and path in the north end. Fresh pasta, incredible sauces! Pino, the owner, was amazing generous with his time and attention to our small party of 3. Will definitely return on our next trip to Boston! read more

An exceptional experience...it truly is like coming home...and if you have the chance to meet Pino ... it will even be a more special evening read more

I love that there's never a wait for this place, and that they treat you like family every time you walk in the door. The menu is small, but they serve up legit, decent food. If you don't feel like waiting an hour outside of Giacamo's this is a solid second choice. read more

Our sincere thanks to waiter Micheal, chef Jose, and owner Pino Irano for providing my wife Ann and I, one of the tastiest as well as the most memorable evening dinners ever. The vibe, the food, the neighbors, the family setting etc., were all tremendous. The friendliness was so true. After reading a few of the negative reviews, I can only imagine the frustration these professionals must endure from needy, self absorbed folk. This place was removed from the Uber touristy Hanover st., and for this, we were treated to a unique dining experience. The fungi crepes were delicious, as were our entrees and wine selection. The Pino stories are from the heart and hilarious. We are well seasoned travelers, and these are the gems we relish, staffed by honest hard working real people with a lust for life. We will return time and time again, when we are in this wonderful part of the north end of Boston. Graci and Ciao BellaGil/Ann read more

Good but not spectacular. Hot in the dining area. Trout was good. Gnocchi was good but sauce reminded us of chef boyardee. Nice environment. House red wine was good. read more

Authentic italian food. Make sure to get a reservation. Its seafood pasta has sooo much clams and two scallops and shrimps. Worth it.

Was visiting Boston and found this place. Off the beaten path, but very nice overall. The owner was extremely friendly and nice. Made us feel right at home. Seems like a lot of locals eat here, which is always a good sign. The best item we had was the bruschetta. It was honestly the best bruschetta that either one of us has ever had. The other items were good as well, but we really felt the bruschetta was EX CELLENT. We woud return if visiting Boston again. read more

Wow! This place is quite the hidden gem. I am almost hesitant to write this review because I feel like I found a secret and I want to keep it to myself, but their food is so good and their staff so hospitable, it deserves to be shared with the yelp world. The atmosphere is definitely no frills, but the food and the service are out of this world good. It's like eating in your Italian grandmother's kitchen. The menu is straight forward and simple, but sometimes simplicity is beauty and what they so here, they do very well. Glad to have found this little gem on a Saturday night. I will surely be back soon. read more

For a little background, I had asked a resident of Boston's North End to recommend a few places for six people to dine at on a Monday. We wanted to dine at about 4 PM. We cannot thank Keith enough for suggesting Piccolo Nido. In business for 21 years, the owner, Pino, he made our dining experience a happy memorable one. He accommodated us by letting us enter the restaurant before it normally opens. We six were the only dinners here for two hours. He and staff prepared delicious food and appetizers and his choice of bottle of red wine from his home town in Italy was the best! Finding out it was of the friend's birthday, Pino surprised us with song, birthday music and Tiramisu. This dessert was terrific. The whole time we were here, Pino made it a truly fantastic day. He is a great guy. Each of us ordered a different entrée and we were all ever so pleased. With patience, he explained each dish. For appetizers, we tried the antipasto and the Bruschetta Classica. So happy were we all, that at the end of the time, we all stood and gave a round of applause. Yes, we will come back. read more

One of the best restaurants in the North End by far!!! The food is always fresh and delicious, the atmosphere is wonderful, you never feel "rushed", if anything it is very welcoming! The owner is always present and along with the staff, very attentive and welcoming. You must try the grilled calamari - the best ever!!! read more

My husband and two sons had dinner here tonight. My youngest insisted I writes review. He said that place was amazing. The food was great and the service could not have been more friendly. read more

To be honest, I'm surprised that this place is still in business. If my experience last night -- and the accounts of all of the "filtered" reviews which described the same behavior by the owner -- are any indication, this restaurant should be avoided at all costs. I made a reservation, using the restaurant's website, for 8pm on Saturday night. At about 6:45pm, it became obvious to our party of 4 that we were going to be a tad late for the reservation. I called the restaurant no less than nine times during that time period to let them know. Twice the line was busy, and seven times there was no answer even though I let it ring. Not a good sign as to how the place is managed, but it only got worse -- and surreal -- once we got there at 8:20pm. The owner of the place, who in some of these reviews is described as some type of whimsical elf, approached us in a gruff manner. I told him my name and apologized for the late arrival. He told me I was 45 minutes early for my party of 8 reservation and to go away. That's a quote. What? What's he talking about? I said "umm, no, it was a party of 4 for 8pm." He grimaced, went back to his reservation book and returned to say he had no reservation for me. And even if he did, we were late. And that we should leave. Yes, really. There was no offer of "not sure what happened, but we can take you later in the evening." No "let me see what we can do." Nothing. Then -- and in all of my 25 years of going to restaurants I've never seen anything like this -- he simply brushed by me and attended to the next customer/victim behind me. It was astoundingly rude, completely out of bounds, and entirely avoidable had this gentleman, or someone else on the staff, picked up the telephone one of the nine times that I attempted to let them know that we would be a grand total of 20 minutes late for our reservation. In any case, based on the content of the "filtered" reviews for this establishment on Yelp, and my own experience there last night, I suspect that the owner is somewhat mentally unbalanced. I really don't know how else to excuse his behavior. He would have ruined our night, except for the fact that we went to another joint next door, were treated as human beings, and had a great time. I would advise you to do the same. read more

Pino, the owner, makes this a 5-star dining experience all by himself. I would give 6 stars if I could, because the food here is really good as well. Classic italian cuisine. Start with the antipasto platter, and I strongly recommend the bolognese. read more

This is the place for fine dining in a sane and relaxed atmosphere. We ordered three different apps: bruschetta, portobello mushrooms, and GRILLED calamari. All were delish and expertly prepared. Mains included shrimp risotto, sole, and veal. Again, the food was exceptional. The server was knowledgable about food and wine (recommending a red and white from his native Campagna) and appropriately atttentive without hovering. Piccol Nido is a place to eat and talk, with enough space between tables to offer privacy. The menu and wine list offer just the right amount of choices without overwhelming you. Nor will the final tab! read more

Not somewhere you'd go for a romantic dinner. music and decor is kinda cheesy, but if you are hungry, want a solid meal, and don't want to wait the lines, you will leave with a happy tummy from piccolo. read more

Loved this place. Nice to have the owner greet you at the door. Awesome food.

Piccolo Nido is off the typical North End route, which is why we picked it! We loved our experience here. It was a quiet Friday night, we got lucky and walked in without reservations around 6:45. I enjoyed the salmon with roasted potatoes and my husband loved the seafood linguini. We actually took an April trip to Italy, and being at Nido's felt like we had returned. It's a smaller space with cozy features and the waiter was happy to talk about his homeland with us. We'll definitely eat here again! read more

Absolutely delicious! A coworker and I stumbled upon this place after all the more noted places on Hanover had ridiculously long waits. The restaurant was nearly empty and the service was prompt and efficient. We had our water and bread within minutes of sitting down. We both ordered the porcini mushroom ravioli, which came served in a light cream sauce. The flavor was good and smokey, and the ravioli was cooked perfectly. The portion size was just right too, leaving us satisfied but not overwhelmed. Would definitely come back! read more

Ate there- loved it. This is what a down home Italian place should be. Start with an outgoing Italian owner, smallish seating area and reasonable prices. Add some really authentic Italian recipes and a chef who will cook whatever you want as long as they have the ingredients. Finish with yummy desserts and espresso. I'm going to be a regular here! read more

We found this place on yelp and even though it had 1 or 2 bad reviews we decided to check it out.We didn't feel like a typical Hanover street place that night so it seemed like Piccolo Nido perfect choice. To keep it short: this place is a hidden gem of North End! Not only we had a delicious authentic italian meal and wonderful Italian, we had an amazing experience! At some point we were served our wine by the owner of the place - Pino - who turned out to be a great guy who entertained us with hilarious jokes, shared wonderful stories about the place and showed us the pictures of him with Red Sox and Bruins stars who are regular customers of the place. Also we found out that Pino and his place recently appeared in a movie! And not to mention that Pino himself looks like John Malkovich's brother!! All in all, that was a unique experience, great atmosphere and delicious food. The waiters were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and very attentive. Pino is definitely the best restaurant owner in town! We are looking forward to come back with more friends!! PS I can't believe somebody could leave a negative review of such a great place! read more

Food was very good, but they did t have coffee or espresso! Service was good as well. Glad we came!

My family of four found this great little place via Yelp. We stopped in very late on a Thursday night. Pino - the owner greeted us warmly and made us feel very welcome and not rushed at all even at the late hour. We had been traveling all day and wanted an authentic non-chain experience. We started with the minestrone which was amazing! Everything we had was authentic and homemade. Pino was gracious and charming but also gave us our space. Don't know when we will be back through there, but if you are in Boston or live there this is a great neighborhood spot. One final note - Don't park in the lot nearest the restaurant - they charge a $15 flats fee after 5pm. A little pricey just for dinner... read more