Piccolo Forno

Piccolo Forno

3801 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, United States

+1 412-622-0111

Italian restaurant, Pizza restaurant
(1098)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh's vibrant Lawrenceville neighborhood, Piccolo Forno is a culinary gem for lovers of authentic Italian and artisanal pizza. This charming eatery captivates with its thoughtful, ingredient-driven menu that balances rustic tradition and inventive flair, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine taste of Italy.

Piccolo Forno's cuisine celebrates the warmth and soulfulness of Italian cooking, with standout dishes that stir the senses and invite you to indulge. The aroma of freshly baked pizzas, like the classic Margherita with its vibrant crushed tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella, instantly whets the appetite. More adventurous palates will delight in the Prosciutto Funghi Rucola, layered with savory mushrooms, delicate prosciutto, peppery arugula, and a dusting of grana padano, delivering an elegant harmony of textures and flavors. For those seeking rich, hearty pasta, the Tortelli — beef and pork filled delicacies smothered in bolognese and topped with grana padano — offer a warm, comforting embrace in every bite.

Vegetarian diners will appreciate creations like the Spinach Tagliatelle and the Carciofi Pizza, which brightens the palate with the freshness of artichokes, fontina cheese, and a subtle hint of citrus oil. The Risotto with Truffle Oil tantalizes with its creamy, earthy flavors, while the Beet Salad brings a vibrant, fresh contrast to the meal.

Desserts are no afterthought here; the Tiramisu with Chocolate Shavings offers a luscious, velvety finale layered with bold espresso and bittersweet cocoa, and the Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta melts softly on the tongue, a refined sweet note to complete the experience. For those who love a kick, the Ice Cream with Espresso is an invigorating treat that blends creaminess with an aromatic punch.

The atmosphere at Piccolo Forno complements the food beautifully. The intimate, inviting space fosters a cozy, neighborhood vibe — perfect for everything from laid-back weeknight dinners to lively gatherings with friends. Although some visitors have noted moments where staff attentiveness could improve, many also praise the welcoming, respectful service that makes you feel right at home, even when arriving late in the evening.

Moreover, Piccolo Forno’s BYOB policy is a delightful bonus, allowing guests to pair their meals with a personally chosen bottle, adding a special touch of customization to the dining experience. Customers rhapsodize about the thoughtfully crafted dishes, with praises for fresh, balanced flavors and perfectly cooked pasta and pizza dough that have earned loyal repeat visits.

Whether you're a Pittsburgh local looking for an authentic slice of Italy or a traveler seeking a memorable culinary adventure, Piccolo Forno is a place where passion for quality ingredients and traditional recipes shines through every dish. It’s not just a meal, but a sensory journey that celebrates the art of Italian cooking in every delicious bite.

For reservations or inquiries, Piccolo Forno can be reached at +1 412-622-0111 and is conveniently located at 3801 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.

Service options
-contact delivery Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great dessert Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Small plates Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Lively Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly LGBTQ+ friendly Tourists Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid street parking Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Switt InPittsburgh
    2 month ago

    I had some mixed feelings about the pizza . The dough was good, but some flavors just weren't my fav—like the one with honey, which was way too sweet for me . but, I really loved the pizza with red sauce! When I visited, the place wasn't too busy, but I noticed the staff could've been a bit more attentive. I had to wait a bit for someone to help me, and one employee just walked by without even looking my way . It felt like I had to actively seek out help, which was a bit frustrating. But shoutout to the one guy at the bar! He was really on top of things and kept checking in on our table. His service made a big difference and really improved our experience . Thanks!

  • Bowmanlaurapiper
    2 month ago

    Piccolo Forno was a hop, skip, and a jump from our Air Bnb. Started by splitting a salad misto with the tastiest salad dressing. Hubby got Mortadella y pistachio pizza with basil and burata cheese. I got spaghetti with shrimp, crab, yellow squash, zucchini, tomato, capers in a Calabrian butter on the perfectly prepared spaghetti. It was delicious! Oddly to us it was a bring your own bottle of wine with a $8 charge to open the bottle or buy a bottle from the next door store and they deliver it to your table with no $8 charge to open the bottle. It’s evidently a Pennsylvania thing. It all worked out. Just wanted to give a heads up to you out of staters. I’m sorry I took my food photo after I’d eaten a bit. It was a very good meal with good service. We got in without a reservation on a Thursday. You might not be so lucky on the weekend.

  • Mandy Merritts
    3 month ago

    Very good food. BYOB. The risotto was a little on the salty side but still so good! The kale salad is amazing!!!

  • Vanessa Rudin
    3 month ago

    We started with the burrata as an appetizer, it was perfectly prepared. For the main dish, we had the raviolis; the infusion of butter, sage, lime, and garlic was spectacular, and the dish itself was very light. For takeout, we ordered the Carciofi pizza, it had a slightly citrusy flavor that was very delicious. Our waitress was also super nice.

  • Darnell Drewery
    3 month ago

    First time my wife and I hung out with friends from Maryland in Pittsburgh PA. They picked the place and that definitely did not miss. Although, we arrived later than we wish and closer to the Closing time. They didn't turn us away and every staff treated us with absolute Welcome and Respect. The community atmosphere was comforting. The food and quick service, top notch. Our server Hattie was a breath of fresh air and beautifully spirited person. Great job KEEP SHYNING!

  • Frank Dougherty
    3 month ago

    Small, authentic Itallian Restaurant by Pittsburgh's Strip district. Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable server. May want to skip a few meals prior to going, as you will want to try everything on the menu. We started with the meat and cheese plate and the Burrata which was very good. I highly recommend the Paccheri, which was recommended by our server. The golden raisins really add a pop of sweetness to this savory fig and marsala braised Beef short rib ragu over thin pasta. The spinach ravioli and the butternut squash gnocchi (one of todays specials) were fantastic as well. While I don't do desert very often, I'm glad we decided to try the vanilla bean pana cotta and the affogotto. Already checked my schedule to figure out when I can make it back to this gem.

  • Tom LaRocque
    3 month ago

    Amazing food and service. Spaghetti was excellent and the short rib ragu was so good! Our server Ben was excellent - gave great recommendations and very knowledgeable of the food!

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