Piccolo Forno: A Cozy, Carby Favorite in Lawrenceville

Piccolo Forno: A Cozy, Carby Favorite in Lawrenceville

Piccolo Forno in Lawrenceville has been one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh for years—literally since the day they opened. My mom and I were early fans, making it our go-to for cozy dinner dates. These days, it’s my favorite place to celebrate with girlfriends—whether it’s a birthday, a promotion, or just a much-needed girls’ night out. It’s also an ideal spot for a bachelorette dinner before a night on the town: warm, lively, and always insanely delicious.

One of the best parts? Piccolo Forno is BYOB. You can swing around back to Grapperia (their cozy wine and amaro bar) and grab a unique bottle of wine to bring with you. It’s one of my favorite rituals—picking something special, then enjoying it over handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza with my people.

Pro tip: Make a reservation! This charming little spot fills up fast, and for good reason. The pasta is made fresh, the pizzas are perfectly crisp, and the flavor-to-square-foot ratio is off the charts.

While you truly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, my forever go-to order is the tortelli and the margherita pizza—with extra cheese and a dollop of ricotta (always). If something new catches my eye? I’m ordering that too. This is a place where you want everything.

Know before you go:

• The vibe is casual, cool, and intimate—perfect for conversation.
• Dress it up or keep it chill; either way, you’ll fit right in.
• Located in the heart of Lawrenceville, it’s a perfect jumping-off point for a night out—turn left or right and you’ll hit your next favorite cocktail bar.

Whether you’re planning a celebration or just craving a top-tier pasta night, Piccolo Forno delivers every time.