After a long visit to the aquarium, I searched for a place with gluten free food bc my husband has Celiac. It was a nice walk to the marina on a beautiful sunny day. We met Raul at the counter. He is by far the most friendly, kind and informed restaurant staff (about gluten sensitivity, gluten allergy and what it is to have Celiac) we've ever met. He explained how he prepares the gluten free dough separate, bakes it separate and plates it separate. Based on Raul's genuine concern and knowledge, my hubby decided to try it. Our family had various different sandwiches. (I had the very delicious Vegetariano.) We all agreed they were THE BEST SANDWICHES WE'VE EVER HAD...EVER...ANYWHERE...(mike drop).The freshly baked bread was incredible, all of the ingredients were fresh, even the side salad was amazing!!! The service was straight out of the old days, when people actually had pride in their work and genuinely cared about how you were treated in their establishment. We wish every restaurant that offers gluten free options could have someone as friendly, kind and knowledgeable as Raul. The ambiance was very cute/quaint inside and out. It was a beautiful sunny day so we sat outside to enjoy the sunshine and listen to the sea lions. Raul came out to check on us and we could not thank him enough for his amazing food and hospitality. When we said how much we enjoyed the gluten free bread, he told us he sold the flour (from Italy) inside. My adult son immediately bought some for us to bake gluten-free bread at home. (We've since baked gluten-free bread and it was just as amazing) I've told everyone I know about this amazing place. It has the trifecta of what makes us want to return frequently: *****Food *****Service *****Ambiance Until next time Piccolo! read more

Small, cute spot by the water. There are a few tables inside and more tables outside (though it was breezy when we went). Note that this restaurant is on the ground floor and there is a different restaurant up top. We ordered the Mortadella Pistachio Panini and the Piccolo salad. The panini was absolutely awesome and the meat was sliced so delicately thin. The salad was good, but the panini was way better. Service was quick. Note: The restaurant doesn't have its own bathroom but there is a public restroom across the street. The public restroom was a bit gross when I went in (lots of flies swarming) and did not have a diaper changing table. read more

Piccolo - Piccolo Salad - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

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Food here is fantastic- the dressing on the salad, even the little side salad, I ate the entire thing it was so good. Walk up counter to order, they bring it out. It's a popular deli spot. Right on the bay, nice view and plenty of outdoor seating if you want to sit outside. read more

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Came here twice within the span of three days. Impeccable service and food. The clam chowder is one of the best I have ever tasted before; highly recommend the bread bowl chowder! Side salad that comes with the paninis is always fresh with a perfect light vinaigrette dressing on it. I wish i could give this place even more stars. The workers are beyond kind with their hospitality. Restaurant also has a gorgeous harbor view to enjoy! read more

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We stumbled upon Piccolo while down by the water and were so glad we did. We originally stopped in just for coffee, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience. I had a latte and Ray ordered a white chocolate mocha--both were excellent. You could immediately tell there was real intention and care put into their coffee service. We also grabbed some biscotti, which were absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was relaxed and authentic, and everyone there was friendly and welcoming. Although it was too early for us to eat, their Italian menu looked fantastic and very authentic--definitely a place we want to come back to for a full meal. Raul took great care of us and was incredibly sweet. We also enjoyed sitting by the water and chatting with the harbor master, which made the stop even more memorable. Piccolo is definitely off the beaten path, tucked down near the harbor, and that's part of what makes it special. A great stop, great coffee, and wonderful people. Shout-out to Raul--we'll be back. read more

Piccolo - Monterey - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

Great sandwiches on a very tasty bread.. Friendly staff and a sweet outside deck to watch the boats. The bread reminded me of schiacatta from Italy. It was soft yet perfectly crunchy on the outside. About a 14 minute walk from the Aquarium along Cannery Row. Will return for sure. read more

We were just walking by and saw this little place and decided to give it a shot for a little snack. Very simple and coastal theme with some local art for sale on the walls. It was nice and quiet but a little on the warm and stuffy side for such a pleasant day. The staff was nice and helpful and made us some recommendations. We were a little disappointed for having such an impressive and authentic menu the only tea they had was Lipton but it is what it is. We got our food and sat on the patio, which is open and is pleasant enough. It could use some shade, and the seating is behind the breakwater so not breathtaking views but we had a nice lunch there! The food was simple and solid but nothing earthshaking. The Caprese was about as good as a Caprese could be, the sandwich had EXCELLENT bread but the filling with the ribs and pecorino was a bit of a miss. Not sure how I'd make it better, I think it lies in the sauce itself. Either way. Not bad! The side salad was typical Italian side salad, meaning basically carrots, lettuce, pickled onions, and blue cheese, no dressing or oil to speak of. Would be nice to get a little oil or something. Either way we would definitely come back, check it out if you're in the area! Or on a walk. read more

Piccolo - Caprese Salad. Pretty solid and simple. - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

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Was looking for an easy lunch after a busy morning. Found this place on yelp and decided to give it a try. The food was excellent! Tasty sandwiches and yummy creamy clam chowder! They have outdoor seating which looks over a beautiful view! PS: The bread is amazing!! read more

Piccolo - Delicious clam chowder! - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

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Came by here just for something small while I wait for hubby from diving. Very friendly staff, quality, food, and pretty quick. I only came down here to get a tiramisu and nothing big. But I intend to get something larger next time since this is their grand opening Quality of service: excellent Quality of food: excellent Price: reasonable read more

They have their own parking spots! Order at the counter. The chef came out both times we visited and told us the specials, and pointed to the pot of sauce stewing all day in the open kitchen. A lot of love and care goes into the food. We ordered all the specials. Baked ziti with special sauce. The owner explained and called out, "Hey Giuseppe, do we have any sauce left?" Crazy personal service. So good. Also got special salad, with dates stuffed with ricotta and wrapped with bacon. I asked the server how it was prepared, and he didn't know cause chef just threw it together that morning! Wow, like we were house guests... Dessert, same thing. Tiramisu, but they had to check if they had enough. No problem they'll make one and chill it. Should be cold enough by the time we eat our entrees. Highly recommend this place for a personable experience. They'll talk to you, and make sure everything is good, read more

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We have been to Piccolo's several times now and it's consistently good for the most part. It smells delicious when you walk in there. They have a nice extensive Panini menu and also their PINSA. They are owned by the same people that own the seafood restaurant upstairs, which is also very good. We went in on a busy Sunday afternoon and the hubby got the Cubano Panini, which was $21 and I got the chicken PINSA. Mine was 20 something dollars too. The Cubano was mediocre at Best. Very thin sandwich and it wasn't from the Panini press and it didn't have the flavors that we've come to love a good Cubano sandwich. Definitely not a good value for that price for a sandwich. I got the best thing I think I've ever had from there. Fresh baked pizza or PINSA if they call it with tender juicy chicken bits, Gorgonzola cheese, Gorgonzola cream sauce, basil, and then topped with the arugula so simple but so good. Highly recommended it was way more than enough for one person and actually we took the leftovers home and we still had enough leftover for dinner. One of the reasons we're willing to pay as much as they charge for their food which I do think is overpriced as they have amazing outdoor seating that has a beautiful view of the Coast Guard pier, and all the boats coming in and coming out and all the fisherman, pulling in the rigs and offloading them back into the water. It's really really fun. read more

Piccolo - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

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Came with a friend for lunch this afternoon! I would like to submit that this was probably the most perfect sandwich I have ever had in my entire life. I ordered the roast beef Panini with no sun-dried tomatoes and no onions. It comes with chopped giardinera (the Italian pickled vegetables) which makes a stunning addition to this delicious thinly sliced rare roast beef and arugula. It's served on a very very crispy. Panini roll with cheese. Just absolutely the perfect bite! I could only eat half and I am just now eating the other half for dinner and enjoying it just as much! It comes with the side salad, which is equally delicious, dressed with "continental" a very tasty and light Italian dressing with bits of blue cheese. It's light and contains pickled red onions and pickled carrots as well just delicious. This is a side salad. You will want to eat all of. This is probably the best place to eat lunch in the area and sitting outside looking at the boats, and the birds is a very pleasant experience. read more

Piccolo - View nearby - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

My whole body was buzzing after eating the burrata panini. I cant wait to go back again. The salad that accompanies the Panini is just refreshing and a perfect addition. The staff is so pleasant and welcoming. read more

Piccolo - Burrata con Pomodori Secchi Panini - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

Tasty sandwiches and soup on the Coast Guard pier. I had the clam chowder in a bread bowl. The sourdough, which they source from a local bakery, was delicious. Nicely crusty in the outside and perfect sourdough taste on the inside. Clam chowder was nicely buttery and balanced in flavors. The rest of the family had sandwiches which were all generously portioned and flavorful. Service was friendly and welcoming. read more

My son and I are here at Piccolo this afternoon, on this wet and rainy day. We had the panini sandwiches - him, the Cuban, and me, the Vegetariano. Both were hot and toasty, with the perfect amount of crunch and the perfect amount of filling. The side salads, with dark greens, pickled onion, and blue cheese crumbles, with a vinaigrette provided just the right amount of acidity to complete the meal. My son had a Semifreddo Al Limone for dessert, which he described as similar to a custard. See photo. Piccolo does not disappoint! You will be glad you made your way down to the Coast Guard Pier. Parking is a breeze with ParkMobile (app download is quick and easy). read more

Piccolo - Semifreddo al Limone - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

Mauricio is the owner of Piccolo (downstairs) and Osteria al Mare (upstairs). As Piccolo is new and Mauricio is focusing on this new business and I'm on a budget, I went to Piccolo for the first time. Started with the meatballs. I found the meatballs tender and on flavor more subtle than I wanted. The bread crispness on the outside and softness on the inside reminded me of Parisian bread. Delish. I love garlic. The more the merrier. The garlic was too light for me. However, most people would love it. Caesar salad was the best on the peninsula. What made it unique was the pickled onions. Dessert was a pistachio, ladyfinger, lemon curd and ice cream delight. Omg, this could be one of my dessert destinations! Buena Sera! read more

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Five stars for the meatballs and garlic bread!! I am confident that the rest of the menu is just as solid. Last week I walked from Cannery Row past San Carlos Beach (best spot for sea lion watching) and out to the end of the public pier to check out Piccolo. This is an order from the counter and they bring it to you place. It's a small clean spot with indoor and outdoor seating and so much to see. Friendly staff and service which is always a plus! read more

Wonderful! The food was probably the highlight of my trip! Wonderful workers and super upbeat. Talked to the owner (I think), amazing stories and great attitude. He helped us in the morning trying to find a renting place, we figured after we should stop by there and try the food. I'm very picky so I only got chicken, mozzarella, basil and tomato but still amazing! Thank you for the wonderful service. read more

Piccolo - My food - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

Came here on a Saturday night to enjoy a live band on the back deck of Piccolo. This small but charming sandwich shop is located next to the boat launch at the Breakwater Cove Marina. You order at the counter and they bring your food to the table. There is also a side order window outside for those in a hurry. I shared a cup of clam chowder and a Cubano sandwich with my partner and it was plenty of food for us. The clamp chowder was creamy, flavorful, and the vegetables and clams are chunky with the perfect amount of bite. The Cubano was perfectly toasted, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, full of gooey cheese, tender meats, and pickles. The sandwiches also come with a small side salad. That was a nice refreshing contrast to the sandwich, and included more than just greens and dressing. They have some beers on tap, as well as wine and non-alcoholic drink options. The staff is very friendly and approachable. There is seating inside if you prefer to be cozy, but there are heat lamps by the tables outside if you want to enjoy the view or live music. There isn't a restroom inside but there is one available for use around the outside corner (part of the marina). Plenty of parking is available but it is paid parking. I'll definitely be back to try other sanwiches whether it's after boating/kayaking, or just for a casual meal. read more

Super friendly service and a great little spot. You can sit outside by the water or inside. I got a vegetarians sandwich to go. The bread was perfect! It was soft and fresh and fluffy. All the flavors for the sandwich were great. The eggplant was seasoned well and I loved that it had artichoke. I just wish it had more veggies inside and as always, more cheese. read more

Piccolo - Vegetarianism - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

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This place is amazing: incredible sandwiches, side salad with homemade dressing, gluten free bread (my niece who has celiac's said it was the best gluten free bread she has ever had). The setting is perfect and staff/owner were all so friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend. read more

Piccolo has the magical trifecta of good food, good service, and good ambiance. You can't beat munching on pizza or paninis overlooking the water with sea lions barking in the distance. It's a little slice of charm and comfort. And don't sleep on the soup, you'll need two bowls of it! read more

Piccolo - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

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The staff displayed a lack of courtesy and professionalism. During my meal, a server approached my table to inform me that only my friend's meal had been charged to my credit card, not my own. When my friend inquired if we could settle the bill after finishing our meal, the server ignored my friend and departed. My friend then responded, "excuse me, can you answer my question, please?" and this individual continued to depart without acknowledging my friend's subsequent questions. Also, the food was okay, not great and certainly nothing to get excited about. Far better dining experiences in Monterey. read more

Was in the area and stopped in to check out Piccolo. Too late for lunch and too early for dinner so we ordered coffees and biscotti. Lovely venue overlooking the harbor. Ryan was particularly helpful telling us about the area and the Pacific Grove Farmers Market open on Mondays. Good information for future visits. Next time we will visit at lunch time. The menu looks wonderful. read more

Piccolo - Menu - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

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My husband and I were on our way down to Carmel and stopped here for lunch and just WOW. This was one of the best sandwiches I've had in a long time. We got the Cubano and the Pinsa Margherita and I'd get both again, but the Cubano was to die for!!! Also, they have Gluten free pizzas and sandwiches... incredible. Also, the service was amazing! The guys working were helpful in choosing what to order and also just great to talk To. We ate inside and it was clean, easy and perfect sound level. read more

Gluten free bread and regular bread are made in house which really makes their sandwiches trump others in the area. The mini side salad comes with a wonderful lemony and sweet dressing. A bit on the pricey side, but a good portion and fresh bread. read more

We came here because we had one member of our party with a gluten allergy, and it turned out perfect as they could pretty much make any of their menu options gluten free friendly. Service was quick and good. The ambience of the restaurant is bright, open, and pleasant; great views of the ocean. Definitely a good spot for anyone who wants a quick bite and/or needs gluten friendly options. read more

Food is great, and the location is wonderful...right on the coastguard pier. I have gone at least 5 times

Cool little deli right on the pier serving a huge variety of paninis, salads and sandwiches plus draft beers, wine and champagne/mimosas.

We tried the Al Pollo Panini and Pinsa Diavola which were both really good. Food came out fast and fresh! Very helpful staff who gave us some recommendations. The environment was inviting and cozy. You get to chose your owns seats as well. Overall good experience! read more

Piccolo - Al Pollo Panini Pinsa Diavola - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

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Tasty restaurant located near the water on Cannery Row. The ambiance had a casual open ocean air type of feel with friendly and welcoming service! We both had the Piccolo salad -- it was delish! read more

Piccolo - Piccolo Salad - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

The food was excellent. Went in for a quick lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the freshness and quality. Staff were super friendly. read more

Piccolo - Meatballs with garlic bread and a sliver of the Two Pigs panini. - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

Excellent lunch stop. A little pricey but the sandwiches are huge and come with a side salad. They also have peroni on tap and great outdoor seating! The pistachio mortadella sandwich stole the show over the Rueben! It has so much flavor! Highly recommend. Big shout out to the staff who was so friendly and treated us with big smiles and hellos. read more

Piccolo - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey, California

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Went here during my vacation. The clam chowder is the best I have so far. Much better than some other places. The sandwich was good. If I ever come back I will definitely stop by for the chowder and their sandwich. read more

Best meatballs I've ever had. Don't tell my grandma who is from Italy as well. I'm spoiled when it comes to Italian food so I tend to not eat out Italian food because nothing test authentic. This place has finally changed that. I'm in love with it. My wife and I shared the meatballs with a side of garlic bread. It was amazing. The ambiance makes it feel as if you're in Italy with the music and the owner who has the Italian accent. I will be back. read more

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New Italian Deli. Best sandwich and even good after I reheat the other half the next day. The meat and bread are top notch. And pizza was full of flavor. And the Cannoli well my daughter didn't share lol. Must have been amazing read more

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Yesterday's lunch at Piccolo Panini Grill was delicious! We stopped in about 12:30 and were warmly greeted by owner and chef, Maurizio. He offered us a taste of the focaccia freshly baked, before being pressed into the panini - so delicious. The sandwich would have been enough to share, but we wanted to try a couple and split. We chose the Prosciutto San Daniele (prosciutto, fresh mozzerella, tomato, basil all drizzled with EVOO) and the Calabrese (hot soppressata, with creamy mozzarella, fresh arugula, spicy chili peppers, and tomatoes). Each sandwich was accompanied by a small salad. The salad was topped with a sprinkling of bleu cheese which I am not a fan of, but others will probably love. I had a hard time picking a favorite as both sandwiches were delicious. The prosciutto had this saltiness which complemented the pressed focaccia and fresh mozzerella perfectly. The Calabrese had a touch of heat and so much flavor. Also available are soups, salads, pastas and flatbreads along with beer, wine and non alcoholic drinks. There's plenty of seating inside and out. This would be a perfect space to host an event - smaller space, but benefiting from the full kitchen at Osteria Al Mare and lovely views of the harbor. Delicious sandwiches, welcoming environment, friendly staff! I will definitely return! Located on the Coast Guard Pier in Monterey. read more

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As soon as we walked in, the owner very warmly gave us some great recommendations- we ended up getting a margherita pizza, two sandwiches, clam chowder, and a baguette on the side. There was a lot of comfortable seating both inside and outside the restaurant. There's a great view of the harbor from every table. The ingredients were all very fresh and everything tasted so good! He also let us sub some meats in the sandwich, and was so friendly and accommodating! The bread is baked fresh and had a crunchy crust and was so fluffy inside! Our favorite was the clam chowder- my parents raved about it and said it's the best they've had. It was tasty and everything you'd want in a clam chowder- not too thick and not watery and it was surprisingly light! If we had the chance we would have gone back just for that, and will definitely stop in the next time we're in the area! read more

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I credit my wife for hopping onto Yelp and finding Piccolo as we drove into Monterey last week. We lucked out and came by when it was 70+ degrees so we were debating on dining inside or outside. Seeing Piccolo had both options available, we decided to take pictures on their water front deck, but opted to dine inside. When we walked up to the entry, we were a little bit confused at first since I wasn't sure if this was a coffee shop or a restaurant. It is in fact a restaurant that offers soft drinks, beer, wine, and awesome paninis, pinsa (pizza), soups and salads. The owner gave us a warm welcome and offered to chat about anything on the menu. We ended up ordering and trying out their Alla Floriana, Beef Meat Balls, and when we asked if he could do a simple ham and cheese sandwich for my daughter, he jokingly gave my daughter a hard time. We were all laughing and appreciated how friendly he came across. Regardless of this request, he still made her a custom ham and cheese panini and opted to use a softer bread just for her. She felt special. Besides the waterfront views being beautiful and amazing, the paninis and meat balls (+ my glass of IPA) definitely hit the spot for lunch. My other daughter is picky with her meat balls but she said these were some of her favorite ones she has ever tried! We of course had to try it out and they sure were full of flavor. Definitely will be back to try out their pinsas (pizzas) when we're in town again! read more

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Just walked in. They had parking outside the restaurant. Very nice lady took our order. Couple of sandwiches. Cubano and caprese sandwhich and two clam chowders. Sandwiches were some of the best I've had! Love the fresh mozzarella they put in it. Creamy and rich. Raul came out and served us and is one of the coolest people we've met. Do yourself a favor and grab a sandwhich! read more

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