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Hours
Sun
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Mon
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Tue
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Wed
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Thu
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Sat
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Is this restaurant romantic?
Details
About
We are Piccolo Cucina, a traditional Italian restaurant located in the center of Cairns. We take pride specializing in handmade pasta and hand stretched pizza. We support our local quality producers and their seasonal ingredients. Eat with us and be happy!
CUISINES
Italian, Pizza
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
732 reviews
Excellent
463
Very good
145
Average
52
Poor
30
Terrible
42
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WAGURI
Tokyo25 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
We visited with two adults and a child who will soon be three years old. We ordered a green salad, a burrata cheese pizza, arancini (rice croquettes), tiramisu, two cappuccinos, and pineapple juice. The overseas guests, even their children, ate the pizzas by themselves, but the pizzas were large, so it was enough for us. Since we tend to lack vegetables while traveling, we consciously ordered a salad with lots of leaves and occasional tomatoes in a basil-flavored dressing. The arancini also came with a salad with grated cheese, so we got more dietary fiber than we expected. We tend to avoid desserts overseas because they are too sweet, but the tiramisu we ordered as we wanted something to finish off the meal was just the right amount of sweetness and was more delicious than we expected! We ordered it because a Japanese person had reviewed it as being delicious, and it is recommended! The staff were friendly and the atmosphere was good. One thing to note is that the tables had white tablecloths, but we were worried that our young children would pull on them and cause a disaster, so the two adults were nervous and kept their elbows on the table the whole time we ate.
There seemed to be quite a few Japanese customers, but there didn't seem to be any menus in Japanese.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
madjt
Wollongong34 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
Despite a couple of hiccups with ordering food and drinks, we can hardly fault the taste and quality of the food. The homemade pasta is to die for and my main meal was a taste sensation.
My only complaint would be that there’s not enough Italian red wine options by the glass, despite the most extensive wine list I’ve seen for some time. As someone whose partner doesn’t drink red wine, by the glass is my go to option.
Service was extremely friendly and very helpful in correcting a service mistake in our favour. I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone wanting quality Italian food and service in Cairns.
Written 25 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Schlepper1939
Brisbane Region885 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Great bustling atmosphere, attentive staff and excellent food - what more could you want. Our only regret is that we didn’t eat here more often, but we will certainly return.
Both the food and drinks menu are extensive and prices mid range considering the quality and service.
Top marks.
Written 22 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dining Out Australia
Cairns130 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
Very disappointed. Stood waiting to be seated to be walked past 3 times. Zero acknowledgement. First rule in hospitality!
The place was soulless and down right depressing.
My fungi linguine was spaghetti and not linguine. The meal was tasteless and unpleasant to eat. The bruschetta was remarkably disappointing. Again zero flavor. I came here 2 years ago several times to be very disappointed this time. I have never experienced so many glum unhappy staff in one place. If I were the owner I would be very concerned as to why that was. Italian meals are one of the easiest and cheapest meals to make. It doesn't take much to add a bit of flavor. My guests were unimpressed but I would not have found that out had I not asked. Better to have booked less people and left a lasting experience than too many and leave a sour taste.
Written 7 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P S
3 contributions
May 2023 • friends
Food was OK, but way too salty. We were, however, really disappointed when we received the bill. We noticed that the price we were charged for a variation to the menu was significantly higher than what we were told it would cost when we ordered it. When we questioned this with the person who took our order, he simply ignored what he originally told us and simply said that this was the price. Pretty sad that a restaurant would charge 25% more than the quoted price. We won't be returning.
Written 10 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Milly
Gold Coast62 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
From the moment we walked in the host was very rude about where we were going to sit. The waiter did not know the wines to recommend one, we ordered a salad which didn’t come, the waiter told us he forgot to order it. My husband had the spaghetti marina no fish as advertised tasteless very bland. When ordered my husband asked for chilli to be added but this was missing. No apologies for this. I wouldn’t go back forget this place as they seem to only like you if you speak Italian!
Written 16 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosa P
Cairns71 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Our Favourite Italian restaurant in the City, food is always fresh and delicious, staff are wonderful and I love hearing Italian spoken in an Italian restaurant.
Management always make us feel welcome and they have a great Cocktail and WIne list. Definetly recommend for your next Italian dinner.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler60007103255
21 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Beautiful evening spent sitting outside here. Staff were very friendly, gave suggestions to help me decide when I had 2 dinner options that I couldn’t choose between.
The food was amazing, so tasty, beautifully presented and ample portion sizes. The porchetta main course was marvellous so thank you with help with choosing.
Would definitely recommend to others as a perfect place for Italian cuisine.
Written 7 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David_C_C_1
Melbourne114 contributions
June 2023 • none
Had a very well prepared and presented meal here.
The staff were very attentive and the food was extremely tasty - from pizza to bruschetta to pasta dishes. Dessert was very much enjoyed by a couple of us too.
Not inexpensive but worth the $$
Written 3 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ocker
Melbourne71 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
One word sums up this restaurant - FANTASTIC!
Such a fine dining establishment seems out of place in Cairns? Not only is the menu reasonably priced, my Italian wife assured me the rissoto dish she had was great. My serving of veal scallopini was cooked to perfection.
My one bid regret is the restaurant is not in our home city as if it was it would be a regular dining place for us.
Written 5 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amber
Wales126 contributions
Sept 2024 • friends
Piccolo Cucina is a fantastic Italian restaurant that makes for a great night out with friends. We started with bruschetta, which was fresh and flavourful, followed by a variety of pizzas and pasta for mains. I had the Pappardelle alla Modenese, and it was absolutely amazing—the pasta was cooked to perfection and the flavors were spot-on. The staff were friendly and attentive, making the experience even better, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. Overall, it was a wonderful meal, and I’ll definitely be back!
Written 1 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisandJudy1000
Cleveland473 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
This is the best restaurant we have found over over the course or our 4 weeks in Cairns. The food is superb. The service is friendly and efficient. The restaurant setting is comfortable with a casual atmosphere that works well for both couples and small groups.
We dined here twice on this trip and enjoyed fabulous food each time. The menu has a good range of options encompassing all the Italian mainstays. The wine list provides a wide selection, particularly 'by the glass'. While very busy on both nights, our meals still arrived in good time and our waitress was always seemed nearby for drinks and deserts.
Prices are what you would expect at a top-end restaurant, but not excessive. Good value in our mind. We wish we had found this restaurant on one of our earlier trips up north. It will be a 'must visit' from now on.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chalkie61
Perth45 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
We chose Piccolo Cucina as the venue to celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversary. The staff made us feel like royalty.
And the food. Oh my Lord the food was amazing. We started with the Bruschetta for entree. Perfect.. the right amount of onion and tomato on lightly toasted bread, seasoned to perfection. Optional chilli oil. Light on for the bride and bit heavier for me..
Things were going well so far sitting out on the balcony enjoying a warm Cairns evening.
Luke, the head chef and seriously talented PR guru recommended the Black Angus steak. Medium for us. Fettuccini with wild mushrooms. Now mushrooms of any kind is usually a deal breaker for the bride, so this time they came on the side.
To the bride’s amazement the mushrooms were “not too bad”. ( Now dear reader, you must understand this is a life changing experience for the bride).
Luke, the head chef and seriously talented PR guru explained Piccolo Cucina support local growers, so the mushrooms are grown locally. I guess it’s back to yucky mushrooms when we get home .
The steak was amazing, soft, juicy, tender. Just lovely. What else do you want in a steak?
Our table staff was Gulia, with a G. Gulia had the balance of knowing when you look up you want something. When you are
conversing with the bride…you don’t. Guilia was that light summer breeze that flowed in, delivered and left.. with a timing and precision that only experience can develop. No short cuts.
By this time our hunger having been seriously vanquished, the question of dessert or no dessert was the discussion at our table on the balcony.
Pannacotta. Smooth creamy with ice cream and berries. Just enough to give that finishing kiss to a fabulous experience,
20 years in the making..
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrJo1972
Canberra22 contributions
Nov 2022 • couples
Very pleased our first preference for dinner was not available because then we went to this place. We had the flat bread to start, then the filet mignon and the linguine with mushrooms and mascarpone, accompanied by an excellent Italian pinot noir. The service was prompt, even though they were very busy. Linen napkins would be a nice finishing touch 🙂 I highly recommend visiting.
Written 12 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madl41
20 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
This is the second I have gone to this restaurant and find the food over priced for what it is. Second time round I had the Agnolotti di Mare for $38 ( which was 4 raviolis as a main , the sauce had no taste even with and excessive amount of pepper and cheese. If you have to go out for dinner after going to a restaurant and paying that much it's not worth all the fan fare. Staff were helpful.
Written 27 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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