Really stunning little place! I've been meaning to try it for a while, but I only saw the prices for their full plates of pasta online and thought it must be family style or fine dining. It's a little of both, but their 1/2 plates are a generous single portion for less than $20. Either way, the food quality is worth every penny. The menu features plenty of Italian favorites and regional dishes. We ordered their special puttanesca arancini, parmigiana di pollo con melanzane, spaghetti ai frutti di mare, and an imported grape ale (which was a surprise buy one, get one). I don't typically like anchovies, and yet I enjoyed the arancini. I'm typically a snob for pasta pomodoro, and this was one of the best I've had, like ever. We walked in without a reservation on a Friday night, and every seat was filled besides two at the bar. The staff were fun and attentive; my water glass was always full. The restaurant is basically one long room, so we could watch the one chef work from where we were sitting. The food quality was even more impressive knowing how many dishes he was preparing at once. I have a nut allergy which I mentioned while ordering, and I had no issues with anything I ate, although the dessert menu is very nut-heavy. Altogether, so happy to have tried this restaurant. I often crave a good red sauce, and this will be my go-to pasta place in the area. Thanks, Peperoncino! read more

Peperoncino - Parmigiana di Pollo con Melanzane - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Ate here twice in the last few weeks and in the past. Again I was amazed at the food and the service. Chef makes some fantastic specials as well as menu items. She takes the time to come and talk to the table and make you feel at home. The fusion of flavors makes your palate explode!! read more

As soon as we got in the door I knew we were in an authentic Italian restaurant with a chef from Italy. Even the music reminded me of our frequent visits to that beautiful country but not in an in-your-face kind of way. I grew up in an Italian restaurant just outside of Philadelphia established by my grandmother and then run by my mother and aunt for more than 30 years so I feel qualified to leave this review. . The food was wonderful - for appetizers we tried the Romano cheese lightly fried and drizzled with organic honey which was amazing and 1/2 dozen clams from their bar menu in a wonderful garlic butter sauce which were perfect. For our main course I had 1/2 order of bucatini amatraciana which was just like a recipe I grew up eating, and my husband had the gnocchi. Everything we had was perfect - even the presentation of oils etc with the delicious bread. Thank you - we will be back SOON. read more

Years later we tried it again and it was amazing. The gnocchi and chicken dish was delicious. We had so much extra to take home too. The waiter was very friendly. We really enjoyed our night and will definitely be back. read more

Peperoncino - Gnocchi with sausage and Parmiggiana di Pollo con Melanzane - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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I'm so thrilled we finally got to visit Peperoncino! The food was incredible, the service warm and friendly. This will definitely be a go-to for special occasions or if we've got visitors in town! The Food ‍ I know this is what you're all here for, first and foremost! And this place didn't disappoint. We started with an Arrancini ($8) as our appetizer. It delicious and flavorful, and we 100% dunked our bread in it once we were done-- the sauce was incredible! For our mains, we opted for 3 dishes-- the Bucatini Amatriciana, classic spaghetti and polpette (meatballs) and they were kind enough to make my favorite simple dish, spaghetti aglio olio e Peperoncino! This restaurant offers half-size dishes, which is what we got, which allowed us to try more flavors! These were around $13-$16 each. All three dishes were great! The polpette were melt in your mouth and reminiscent of what my Grandma Rose used to make. The pasta is perfectly cooked, which can be hard to come by in Orlando and the sauces were so clearly house made. For drinks, our server made really strong recommendations based on what I said I loved as far as wine goes, so I loved that! If you're a vino, be sure to stop by! Service The staff was so friendly-- introducing everyone working by name. Daniel was our main server, but everyone made us feel so comfortable. The place was clearly filled with repeat locals and we didn't feel like the odd people out, even though it was our first time! They also really allow you to take your time, which I appreciated. Ambiance and Inside the Restaurant This restaurant is such a hidden gem. It's got a long, galley shape, with the kitchen and bar along one wall, and seating along the other. The kitchen was really visible, which gave me a feeling like a relative was cooking for us! It's cozy and decorated with pictures, funny wine art, and just feels so natural. The door is off of the parking lot, and toward the Dellagio center with the fountain, they've got a little patio with string lights and hedges to give it a cozy feel, too! Parking Peperoncino is located in Dellagio, where there's parking available in a small lot on the upper level (sometimes valet on busier days), parallel on the streets or down in a lower garage. Visiting after 7 p.m. has helped us avoid any parking headaches so that's my tip! read more

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excellent service and food can't say enough about the service and owners beyond perfect Italian peeps it's a must read more

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Whenever we visit Orlando Peperoncino is always a stop our list! Tonight we had the pleasure of meeting a young Server named Aedan. He helped to make our meal very enjoyable. It's very refreshing to meet a young man that's in Orlando with his grandparents and working to get himself through air pilot school.! we wish him all the best of luck and by the way the food was delicious. Orso Buco is a must do and don't forget the fried Romano. read more

I live in Arizona and every time I visit my in-laws in Orlando I have to visit Peperoncino. Barbara is a magician in the kitchen and her food never disappoints. The food is always to die for. Raul our server always makes things fun. If you love Italian food then do yourself a favor and come here! read more

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I found this lovely Italian restaurant on a whim and had to check it out. It's located in a large shopping center with some other high end restaurants. The inside and outside patio are rather small however these are always the best Italian restaurants in my opinion, they don't have that huge chain feel. It's a family environment, where everyone is family. The outside was beautiful with a view of the courtyard fountain from the end table and greenery wall to provide privacy to guest. Our server was literally one of the most polite servers I have seen in a long time! He gave recommendations, answered our questions, continuously checked in on us. He had perfect manners. The food was perfect! We started with the house bread and created our dipping for the bread. We got Prosecco and aperol spritz to drink and the bruschetta was the best. Our main entrees were spaghetti and Cacio e Pepe! Everything was chefs kiss! Definitely go check out this cute Italian restaurant on Restaurant Row, I know I'll be back for more! Cheers read more

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Waiter was very nice and informative, you have a question they stay and answer in great detail. Our waiter addressed us as "hello friends". The inside is small but the ambiance is nice. They also have a small outdoor seating area. Now the important part. All the food was great. Mine was the gnocchi, I got the smaller portion because I usually don't eat much. But it is a very small portion. The shrimp and pasta is normal portion size. My husband enjoyed it. For dessert was a tiramisu but deconstructed. They said it was good just use to the normal way. The food is pretty pricey so go prepared. We have gone two times now with family. We will go back I am sure. read more

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Let me start off by saying the food and ambiance were very pleasant! Exactly the caliber I would expect from a genuine Italian restaurant. Unfortunately, the place falls short when it comes to the service department. Our first server was nice and informative but had to leave early due to their shift being over. Afterwards, we weren't really sure who our server was but it seemed like different staff members were filling in to help afterwards. The service took very long to bring us bread, water refills, and our bill took ages to get cashed out. I would understand if it was busy but we were one of two larger tables and maybe a couple of other small tables. We could see staff mingling at the bar and by the kitchen so there seemed to be downtime. I did enjoy the food and it was a cute, small place but all in all would probably not recommend. read more

Peperoncino - The bread was yummy! - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

1st time and was amazed! Feels like an authentic slice of Italy. Foods is amazing, owner and chef are both friendly and make you feel like local family.... read more

One of the best Italian restaurants in all of Orlando. Chef and owner, Barbara, along with Raul, the general Manager, make dining a treat. The food was outstanding. Freshly baked Italian bread daily makes for a great start. Happy hour prices are a deal. Would highly recommend. read more

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Very nice family run Italian place. The executive chef is Calabrian and I was whisked away to the meals of my childhood, I could almost hear my Nona working away in the kitchen humming her favorite tune.. Her husband ran the bar and also waited on some of the tables. Was wonderful talking to them both. Open kitchen made things even more fun. Come for great food, Neapolitan style espresso, an amaro del capo, and an Italian family dinner. read more

Came for apps, a glass of wine and some fun the other night... we stayed for the happy hour clams, and ordered so much more. The pasta, the salad, the octopus. I can't. Why is it SO GOOD?! I'll never love another spot like Peperoncino! Thank you Raul and Barb for a delicious and beautiful experience! We will be back. read more

This was our first time here but it won't be our last! The service was fantastic. Daniel was kind, welcoming and really knew the menu. We opted to sit at the bar and enjoyed the happy hour wine and beer. It is a small intimate restaurant that has a very authentic cozy feel. Our steamed clam appetizer came with plenty of clams in a delicious broth. We asked for it to be mild and it was perfect. My husband enjoyed the spaghetti cacio e Pepe and I had the pasta primavera. The portions were a nice size. Everything was delicious. Our only regret was not saving room for dessert. Next time! read more

Peperoncino - Pasta Primavera - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This place was way better than my expectations! We got greeted and sat very promptly and welcomed by all the staff. It was our first time and the son of the owner truly went above and beyond! He treated us like family and wanted us to feel welcomed and give us exactly what we wanted. The food was so fresh and delicious and I can't wait to go back and try more! The whole restaurant was very homie and truly reminds me of a little restaurant in Italy! read more

Peperoncino - Lasagna Spaccanapoli and Carbonara Classica - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Awesome Continental Italiano cuisine. Must do hideaway. Great atmosphere!. ALWAYS FRESH. Great wines. Espresso. Desserts. read more

Has been a wife owners, very personable, fun, family, atmosphere, reasonably priced and reasonably good food

Amazing, best Italian food we have had since going to Tuscany. Everything was fresh, and immensely flavorful. No where in Orlando can compare. read more

An awesome dinner with out of town friends. We have been there several times and were very excited to bring our friends! They/we so enjoyed the food and the service! 5 stars always! read more

My dad researched highly rated Italian restaurants in the Dr. Phillips area and this one came up with very good reviews. You need to make reservations - this is because the location is small and can accommodate a select number of groups at a time. It is located in the plaza with Norman's and MYLounge - if you arrive before 6 PM, you can park anywhere without dealing with the valet. (The valet is complimentary with tip, but they do block off a lot of the spots if you come after 6 PM.) We went on Saturday with a reservation and arrived a little early. The staff greeted us and seated us early, which was great. The waiter was very attentive and polite throughout the meal. I ordered the cacio e pepe and my parents ordered various dishes. Everything came out in a timely manner after some fresh bread and olive oil and balsamic. Pasta was fresh and well-balanced in terms of flavor profiles. It tasted like the pasta I enjoyed during some travels in Italy years ago. We ended the night with different desserts and all of us thought they were fantastic. Mom enjoyed her cannoli which only had the chocolate chips on the ends (often some places mix a lot of chocolate chips in the filling, which she's not a big fan of). I liked my tartufo which tasted exactly like one I had in Italy. Food is not cheap here, but this is a great place for special occasions or if you want an authentic, slightly more formal Italian meal. read more

Absolutely fantastic! Locally owned and a place the locals clearly eat at. Nobody is a stranger! Excellent service and suggestions. The food is 5-star. Quaint and cozy. A welcoming atmosphere. I will be back. read more

This was one of the best Italian meals we've ever had, and that's saying a lot! We were greeted warmly when we entered the restaurant and quickly seated. The waiter was extremely friendly! He brought us water and warm bread and a carousel of seasonings to make our preferred dipping plate. We ordered a bottle of Chianti Classico after speaking with the sommelier who was extremely knowledgeable and informative! We talked about 3 recommendations and we chose a delicious wine that was a middle of the road price wise! We ordered the Bruschetta Classico Al Pomodoro with fresh mozzarella! Crazy good! My wife ordered the Risotto Al Nero which was squid ink risotto with Calamari and Octopus and she loved it! I ordered the Risotto Maremonti which was risotto with wild mushrooms and shrimp! So Good! We could barely breathe but were able to sample a shared tiramisu which was delicious! We were given complimentary sambuca and amaretto while we got the check. The service was top notch! We highly recommend this small, intimate place! read more

Peperoncino - Menu - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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This restaurant is legitimately, *Chef's Kiss* ! My husband was having a rough day and knew that having dinner here was just what he needed and we weren't wrong! Daniel was a fantastic server! He presented the specials in such a way that we ended up getting the apps and entrees that he recommended and they were all amazing! The quality of the food here is top notch! The chef is incredibly talented and we always leave feeling like we're on cloud 9! We're looking forward to our next visit soon! Gracias Daniel! read more

Peperoncino - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The service was perfect. The owner read us the specials with such passion for his dishes. The bread was house baked with fragrant olive oil and pecorino cheese. . We had the Sunday sauce with fresh pasta , fettuccine puttanesca, and small purses of pasta stuffed with ricotta and pears in a cacio e Pepe sauce. The chef makes everything right in front of you. The menu was interesting and inventive. We will return and soon. The food was as good as any restaurant in Italy . Cheers to the chef. read more

Found this place on a whim while driving around the shopping center and decided to give it a try. First off, it is VERY small. The inside is incredibly tight and there are very few tables. We ended up sitting outside where there were about three more tables. It would have been a lovely atmosphere except there is either a cigar lounge or a smoking area very nearby and You can smell the stench very strongly while trying to enjoy your meal. The bread starter that is brought to the table is absolutely lovely! So delicious and a wonderful way to start your meal. The star for us was the appetizer we ordered, thick crunchy bread topped with diced tomatoes and a lovely blend of olive oil and Italian spices with some fresh mozzarella and prosciutto. it came on a bed of arugula and basil. We added a little bit of balsamic vinegar and it was absolutely wonderful. The flavors complemented each other so well, everything just felt like it created such a depth of flavor and nothing was competing with the other. For our main dish we decided to share a pizza. La Picantissima. Our waiter was very kind and did let us know that any of the dishes with a little chili pepper on them are more on the spicy side. We should have listened to their word of caution, and the name of this dish, because the heat/spice level was so overpowering that it really diminished the taste of the dish itself. We love spice, but the heat level on this was to the point that you couldn't taste any of the rest of the ingredients. The cheese on the pizza was a lovely texture and consistency, but the heat level destroyed any flavor profile. There was even some type of chili baked into the dough of the pizza. So there was not any single moment where you were getting anything else other than heat. It was very disappointing because the presentation of the pizza was beautiful, it looked delicious! But in terms of the actual flavor Of the dish, there wasn't any. It was all heat. Clearly this is a matter of preference, so if you are someone who really really loves heat, maybe give this one a try. But just keep in mind that it really does blow out your pallet for anything else that you're trying to taste. The biggest highlight was the service. Our waiter was absolutely lovely and very attentive. For two people we spent $71 before tip. That included the appetizer (added Prosciutto for a surcharge), pizza, and One glass of wine. If we had been able to enjoy the pizza, I wouldn't think it was too expensive. But since The pizza was pretty inedible, that was a big disappointment and made the price tag feel like it was too much. read more

Peperoncino - La Picantissima - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Always friendly, personal service. Real Italian food, with a classic and creative menu! Not a commercial chain. Excellent quality.

Pepperoncino is the unassuming, hidden local restaurant that smacks you up the side of the face for not discovering it sooner. In fact, we didn't even mean to eat here, as we were going to try a sushi place a few doors down. But, when that place was insanely busy we backtracked and tried this. I think we ended up better off here. Everything is house made! All the noodles are made from scratch and wow can you taste it, it's a level up from your typical pasta dishes. I got the squid ink pasta and it tasted so good I wanted to keep eating way beyond being full because it was so delicious (that's a huge compliment from me). Beyond this, our waiter Carlos was quite the character. He was a picturesque waiter who had seriously great answers to any of our questions and described dishes and flavor profiles to the nines. And he was super attentive, I was beyond impressed. The overall experience really blew me away here. This is one you mark down and don't let pass by because you will severely miss out! read more

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The waiter was over bearing, and pushy, the pasta unfortunately was very dense and badly needed some stock or half and half. If wasn't enjoyable enough to finish. I took it and fixed it for another meal. It felt like we didn't order enough appetizers and other items seemed unappreciated for what we just had. The lady Chef assistant was fantastic and cleaning the kitchen area prior to closing. Had to serve a bit more friendly and approachable I would have recommended a makeover was some stock or dairy. We have been there before and the food is always been excellent hopefully it was just an off night but unfortunately bringing a customer and bragging about how good it was left much to be desired. read more

This is our go to spot for Italian in Orlando. The food is amazing. The atmosphere is awesome. The staff goes above and beyond every time we are there. Chef Barbara does her profession and honor as she creates dishes. You cannot go wrong here. read more

Delicious food I love coming here and always kind servers. It's a little out of my way but it's worth the drive in my opinion

LOVED everything about this place. Small restaurant located in the midst of Dr. Phillips. This is an Italian-Venezuelan own whole in the wall. Food is hands down the best italian food in Orlando, servers are very knowledgeable and if needed they always consult with the Chef who has great recommendations. I have been here a few times this year and everything I have ordered has been delicious including dessert. Will def highly recommend this place to anyone that enjoys good food/ambience and service read more

We stopped by for a drink and ended up staying for food. It is small and cozy just like Italy. It is great to see the chef (owner) cooking in an open kitchen. Staff is so friendly and recommended great options. I am coming from Clermont and will make this place a regular. read more

As authentic as it gets, from the staff to every dish. Came highly recommended and lived up to their claims of the highest regards. Only thing that caught us off guard was we had one of the appetizer specials (off menu) that was a bit of sticker shock upon getting the bill. I mean 2x more than the highest entrees, not cool. Other than that this may be my new go to for legit Italian dining. read more

Stopped in on a date night where we wanted to go to a few places to get an app and a drink. Service was thoughtful, friendly and knowledgeable. Great wine suggestions! Only ordered the bruschetta pomodoro with fresh mozzarella and it was divine! Like we were back in Italy. Kicked ourselves today for not bringing food back home with us but we'll be returning soon to try more! read more

Peperoncino - Bruschetta Al Pomodoro - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

While in Orlando on Christmas Eve, my family couldn't find many options for food. We were hungry, and then when we found this restaurant we were starving. The pictures of the food were amazing, and I'm from NJ where there's plenty of great Italian food! It smells like an Italian kitchen as soon as you walk in, and take out only took 10 minutes. Everything was super well packed, and we got extra bread to mop up all our sauces. We got 4 pastas to share between 4 people, and we had enough for a second dinner. Everything was fresh and delicious - certainly not what we're expecting in Orlando on Christmas Eve! I would highly recommend this restaurant for authentic Italian food. It's absolutely delicious! read more

Enjoyed authentic delicious Italian dishes with friends. Service was great as well as the wine selection and dinner.

The ambiance is very cozy feels like a small town in Italy tucked away from the town. The food; pasta under cooked to my liking of pasta-- to al dente The sauce on both pastas fell flat on flavor. Condiments: 4/10 -- oil, balsamic vinegar & bread Over priced bc of the location -- dishes all recommend so was expecting a wonderful meal. I heard another waiter tell guest they been in business for 15 years and small family ruin restaurant. I guess it's a local spot for friends to grab drinks -- the food wasn't authentic. -- again paying for location & ambiance. read more

Peperoncino - This is NOT a fake review-- how can you assume we would want to write a poor review? We don't know you or your business. - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This going to be my favorite Italian place. We ordered Arancini, Fiocchi, Margherita Pizza.The sauce is fresh made to order you can tell the way it tasted. I wanted to keep eating way beyond being full, because its was so delicious. The bread was good too. The Staff was so helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. Plenty of options including dessert. Awesome recommendations as well. Thank you for the awesome food and service. read more

Peperoncino - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida