Pizzeria Piccola

Pizzeria Piccola, located at Gornji trg 20 in Ljubljana, has quickly become one of the more recognizable spots for lovers of Italian cuisine, as evidenced by the high average rating from many visitors. However, the guest experience is not always unambiguous, as behind the facade of popularity there are both exceptional qualities and some significant shortcomings. This restaurant focuses mainly on one dish, but tries to execute it to the fullest, which brings both advantages and disadvantages.

Pinsa Romana: The star of the menu

The main reason why guests keep coming back to Piccolo is undoubtedly their specialty – pizza, which is not classic. It is a style they call "Pinsa Romana", inspired by Roman tradition. This means that you can expect a dough that is both crispy and light , a kind of mix between traditional and Neapolitan pizza. Many visitors praise this feature, as the pizza is not heavy and does not settle in the stomach. The ingredients are, according to most, fresh and high-quality, which is reflected in the full flavor. Pizzas with mortadella, stracciatello and pistachio pesto are particularly popular, conjuring up an authentic Italian taste.

One of Piccola's biggest strengths is their inclusiveness, as they offer vegan pizzas . It's not just one or two options on the menu; practically every pizza can be ordered in a vegan version, which is a huge win for anyone who follows a plant-based diet or is lactose intolerant. This shows a modern approach and understanding of the needs of different guests, which puts them at the forefront of Ljubljana's culinary scene.

Speciality of service: Eat with your hands

A unique feature to know before visiting is that you will not be provided with cutlery at Piccola. The pizzas are pre-cut into pieces designed to be eaten with your hands. A roll of paper towels will be waiting for you at the table. For some, this concept is a fun and relaxed experience that encourages socializing, while for others it can be annoying or even unhygienic, especially if the restrooms are not spotless. This is certainly important information that can influence your decision to visit.

Two sides of the experience: Ambience and service

Opinions about the ambiance and service are divided and represent the biggest risk when visiting this pizzeria . While some guests describe the place as pleasant and charming, others point out significant shortcomings. There are criticisms of the interior design, which is said to be a bit cheap and uninspired. There are even visible traces of dampness on the walls and ceiling, which indicates poor maintenance of the place. The furniture is said to be uncomfortable for long periods of sitting, which suggests that the place is more intended for quick meals than for longer dinners.

Service quality: From friendliness to arrogance

Even more problematic is the inconsistency in service. There are many compliments about the friendly and helpful staff, but also very negative experiences. Some guests report extremely long waits, even when the place was not full, and staff who seemed bored and arrogant. Such fluctuations in the quality of service are a major drawback, as they can completely ruin an excellent dining experience. This is an area where the restaurant management should urgently take action to ensure a uniform standard.

Practical information and important warnings

Before you head to Piccolo, it's good to know a few more practical aspects that will affect your experience.

Limited menu and drink selection

If you're looking for Italian food in the broadest sense, Piccola might not be the place for you. Their menu is almost exclusively focused on pizza. They also offer only a few salads and desserts, such as tiramisu, which many people praise. The range of other dishes, such as pasta or meat dishes, is practically non-existent. The selection of drinks, especially beer, is also quite limited, according to some guests. So this is a place where you go specifically for a good pizza , and not for a diverse culinary exploration.

Big problem: Accessibility for the disabled

The biggest criticism that needs to be raised is the accessibility of the place. Although it is officially stated that they have a wheelchair accessible entrance, the reality inside is different. Most of the place is raised by a step of about 20 centimeters, which is a major obstacle for the elderly, parents with strollers and especially for disabled people in wheelchairs. Guest reports indicate that they have witnessed situations where other patrons had to help a person in a wheelchair to get to the restrooms. This is a serious shortcoming that shows a lack of sense of inclusion and should be clearly communicated to avoid unpleasant situations.

Sanitary hygiene

In connection with the concept of eating with your hands, the cleanliness of the restrooms is of key importance. Some guests have expressed concerns about the cleanliness of the restrooms, which are said to be at a unsatisfactory level. This is especially disturbing in a context where washing hands before a meal is mandatory. Cleanliness is a basic condition for the well-being of guests in any restaurant .

Is it worth visiting?

Pizzeria Piccola is a place with two faces. On the one hand, it offers an extremely tasty and unique "pinsa romana" style pizza, which impresses with its lightness and quality ingredients. The option of vegan versions is a big plus. On the other hand, it faces serious challenges, such as inconsistent service, a lack of ambiance, a limited offer and, above all, serious accessibility problems.

If you're wondering where to eat in Ljubljana and want to try one of the more acclaimed pizzas, a visit is recommended. However, go there with the understanding that the focus is solely on the pizza and that the overall experience may depend on the luck of the service and your tolerance for the aforementioned shortcomings. For those looking for a comfortable dinner in a pleasant atmosphere with a wide range of options, there may be better alternatives.