If you’re ever in Henley and craving a taste of Italy, Piccolino is the place to be. Nestled in this charming riverside town, the restaurant serves up a dining experience that’s as warm and inviting as a hug from your favourite nonna. From the welcoming atmosphere to the fantastic service, it’s an absolute gem.
25 Years of Piccolino
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Piccolino has launched a dazzling, limited edition menu that pays homage to the best in Italian dining. From its humble origins in Knutsford to becoming a beloved icon of Italian cuisine across the UK, Piccolino has always been more than just a restaurant; over 25 years, it’s become a much-loved institution for extraordinary, authentic Italian food, impeccable service and heartwarming hospitality.
At the heart of Piccolino’s limited-edition 25th anniversary menu lies the extraordinary Lasagne al Wagyu Tartufo, a dish that is nothing short of a culinary spectacle. With an impressive 25 layers, this one-of-a-kind lasagne redefines indulgence, captivating guests with its stunning presentation and rich flavours. Each layer of this masterpiece is carefully crafted, featuring tender, slow-cooked wagyu beef, harmoniously complemented by subtle hints of luxurious truffle. Rich béchamel and tomato sauce weave through each slice, while a blend of matured Italian cheeses adds a delightful creaminess. Finished with a touch of fresh basil, this dish is a celebration of Italian heritage and culinary artistry.
Kicking off the celebration is the Italian 25 aperitif and is a fresh take on the iconic ‘French 75’ cocktail. This drink elevates the sparkling elegance of champagne with hints of lemon and gin and is the perfect way to toast to the momentous occasion.
Amongst the timeless dishes making a revival for the anniversary, guests can delight in the nostalgic flavours of Bruschetta con Funghi, a heavenly blend of baked mushrooms, garlic spinach, Asiago cheese, basil pesto, and truffle on toasted sourdough. Among the main courses is the Risotto al Merluzzo Affumicato, a delicate smoked haddock and leek risotto, crowned with a poached Burford Brown egg, matured Italian cheese, lemon, and parsley. This is a true symphony of flavours that will transport guests straight to Italy.
For dessert, the Piccolino Rocher is a dreamy choux bun cloaked in chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts, with a hidden bite of Nutella and hazelnut cream inside. A touch of silver adds a little sparkle to reflect the incredible 25 years of Piccolino.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Piccolino is offering a special treat to those who share this milestone. Guests born or married in 1999 are invited to join them for lunch or dinner in honour of their 25th birthday or Silver Wedding Anniversary. To mark the occasion, guests will be welcomed with a complimentary bottle of prosecco, adding a sparkling touch to their celebratory meal. This exclusive offer is Piccolino’s way of raising a glass to its loyal customers’ unforgettable moments, while sharing in the spirit of its own anniversary celebrations.
Restaurant Review: Piccolino Henley
For a starter that’s as light as it is addictive, the Calamari Fritti at Piccolino is a must-try. Perfectly crispy squid rings are fried to a beautiful golden hue, achieving that elusive balance of crunch and tenderness. Each bite brings a delicate taste of the sea, lifted by a bright chilli and lemon mayonnaise. The tangy kick from the chilli and citrus cuts through the richness of the fried batter, adding just the right level of heat without overwhelming. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, leaving you reaching for “just one more” until the plate is clean. A simple, elegant start to an Italian feast.
Let’s talk about the Gamberoni Salmoriglio at Piccolino. These wild red king prawns are cooked to perfection, in a sizzlin’ bath of garlic, red chilli, white wine, and lemon, then topped with a fresh sprinkle of parsley. The prawns themselves are incredibly sweet and juicy, while the sauce packs a real punch, giving you that lovely, subtle heat. And don’t even think about leaving the ciabatta behind — it’s there for mopping up every last drop of that glorious sauce. It’s a dish that makes you close your eyes and say “Mamma Mia!” with every bite.
Now, onto the real showstopper — the Lasagne al Wagyu e Tartufo on Piccolino’s 25th Anniversary Menu. If you’re a fan of lasagne (and who isn’t?), this one is a revelation. It’s rich, indulgent, and comforting in the most luxurious way possible. The Wagyu beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the layers of pasta are perfectly cooked, and the truffle infusion? Pure decadence. You can see why it sells out so quickly — once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why this is the dish everyone’s clamouring for. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm, cheesy blanket. A real triumph of flavour and texture.
Next up, Piccolino’s Taglioni al Tartufo — fresh, thin egg pasta smothered in a truffle and Parmesan sauce, topped with freshly shaved truffle. If you love truffle, this one’s for you. The sauce is creamy but light, and the earthy truffle is present without being overwhelming. It’s a dish that feels both luxurious and refined, letting the fresh pasta really shine. If you’re into indulgent, yet delicately balanced flavours, this one will hit the spot.
Now, as much as I’d love to rave about every dish, I have to be fair. Piccolino’s Spaghetti Carbonara, while delicious, didn’t quite hit the same nostalgic mark as an Italian grandma’s recipe. It was creamy, well-seasoned, and packed with Pecorino Romano, but there’s something about that simple, hearty comfort you get from a family recipe that this one just didn’t capture. It’s certainly a lovely dish, but for me, I really preferred others on the menu. It is however a great dish for kids or fussy eaters, it is a play-it-safe choice and definitely does provide certainty that it will deliver on.
And finally, Piccolino’s Risotto al Gamberoni. Don’t get me wrong — this is a lovely dish. The saffron-infused rice is delicate, and the king prawns are perfectly cooked. But with so many other dishes on the menu that are truly stand-out, I felt this one would be one reserved for risotto lovers, while the pasta lovers could be directed more towards the other fabulous options. Sometimes, with a menu full of such adventurous choices, it’s worth stepping out of the comfort zone and trying something you can’t get anywhere else. After all, sometimes a little risk leads to a big reward.
Piccolino is a fantastic place to dine. The menu is full of bold, exciting flavours, and there’s something for every palate. If you get the chance, definitely go for the Gamberoni Salmoriglio and the 25-layer Lasagne — they’re worth the visit on their own. With the level of quality on offer, I’m sure you’ll end up with a meal that’s nothing short of spectacular.
In short, Piccolino in Henley is a place to savour, celebrate, and return to time and time again. Buon appetito!
Piccolino Henley
20 Market Place, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2AH
01491 521 746
piccolinorestaurants.com
