The Culinary Crown Jewel of Trieste: A Visit to Two-Michelin-Star Harry's Piccolo

 

Harry's Piccolo, Trieste: The Two-Star Experience—What to Eat, Where to Park, and the Verdict

Harry's Piccolo in Trieste is a highly acclaimed fine dining restaurant, proudly holding two Michelin stars, which the Michelin Guide rates as "Excellent cooking, worth a detour." The restaurant is led by the talented chef duo, Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra, who are praised for their innovative approach that blends local ingredients from the land and sea with global influences, a philosophy they call "mile-quality."

The cuisine at Harry's Piccolo is described as Italian Contemporary and Mediterranean. Diners can embark on one of three distinct culinary journeys through the tasting menus: L'INCONTRO, which is a bold combination of sea and mountain flavors representing the meeting of the two chefs' styles; NON SOLO MARE..., a menu that begins at the sea and moves inland through freshwater and lagoon currents; and I CLASSICI, featuring the signature and most-loved dishes from the restaurant's history. One celebrated signature dish often highlighted is the "Harrysotto," a risotto cooked with tomato water, plankton, and garnished with basil cream and capers. Other memorable dishes mentioned include the tagliatelle with mussel water, saffron, sea urchins, and wild fennel. For dessert, the sesame ice cream with pepper cream and a touch of dashi demonstrates their creative flair. >>>OFFICIAL SITE<<<

The restaurant's ambiance is consistently noted as elegant and hushed, making it ideal for a romantic or business dinner. The interior, which has been newly redesigned, features an open kitchen that adds a theatrical element to the dining experience. Furthermore, the dining area includes illuminated tables designed to look like "fabulous ghosts glowing in the dark" and a stylish terrace for al fresco dining with views of a beautiful Italian square. The service is frequently described as impeccable, warm, and professional.

In addition to the main fine dining experience, Harry's Piccolo offers more casual dining options. The "Around12" light lunch menu, available during the day, provides a daily appetizer and a choice of three first courses, or a selection from the à la carte menu for those short on time. For a unique, informal experience in the late evening, the "After21" option offers a tailor-made tasting menu of bites. Located in the heart of Trieste, the restaurant is part of the larger "Harry's World" that also includes a bistro, a bar, and a pasticceria, carrying the heritage of the famous Harry's Bar in Venice.

The most celebrated aspects of the experience are the impeccable culinary standards and the high quality of service. Guests frequently praise the chefs, Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra, for their creative and innovative cooking that skillfully blends Italian tradition with international and Oriental hints, following their "mile-quality" philosophy. The tasting menus, particularly the Incontro menu, are often described as an unforgettable journey of flavors, with the signature plankton risotto receiving special commendation for its amazing balance of texture and flavor. The desserts are a particular highlight, with the talented pastry chef earning a "Passion Dessert Award" in 2024 and reviewers calling the desserts the menu's high point. The restaurant’s atmosphere is consistently lauded for its elegance, with the hushed ambiance and unique elements like the illuminated tables creating an ideal setting for romantic or business dinners. Additionally, the service is almost universally described as outstanding, with the staff being warm, professional, knowledgeable, and attentive, often to the point of being called "impeccable." The newly introduced open kitchen concept is also a major strength, adding a unique and engaging theatrical touch to the dining experience.

he areas that some reviewers suggest could be improved primarily relate to the overall consistency of the non-chef team and the boldness of the flavors. One translated review noted that while the maître d' is impeccable, the dining room staff "needs to grow," proposing some inconsistency in the service outside of the head-of-house. In terms of the food, one critique mentioned that while the cooking is interesting, some dishes were overly spicy. Finally, one diner felt that while the dinner was pleasant with good dishes, "something was missing," and they "didn't leave enthusiastic and completely satisfied," indicating that the high expectations set by a two-star restaurant are not always met for every single course or guest. Though this appears to be an isolated comment against a wealth of overwhelmingly positive feedback. 

The areas that some reviewers recommend could be improved primarily relate to the overall consistency of the non-chef team and the boldness of the flavors. One translated review noted that while the Harry's Piccolo in Trieste is a highly esteemed fine dining restaurant, proudly holding two Michelin stars, which the Michelin Guide rates as "Excellent cooking, worth a detour."  The kitchen is helmed by the talented chef duo, Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra, who are praised for their innovative approach that skillfully blends local ingredients from the land and sea with global influences. They call this guiding principle their "mile-quality" philosophy, emphasizing the sourcing of exceptional products without territorial limits.

Culinary Highlights

The cuisine is Italian Contemporary and Mediterranean, offering three distinct culinary journeys through the tasting menus:

• L'INCONTRO: This menu represents the meeting of the two chefs' styles, featuring bold pairings and a combination of sea and mountain flavors.

• NON SOLO MARE...: As the name suggests, this is a sea-focused narrative that drifts inland through freshwater currents and lagoons, continually seeking to surprise the diner.

• I CLASSICI: This features the restaurant's signature and most-loved dishes, offering a renewed take on their successful culinary history.

The Must-Try Dishes

The most celebrated dish and a clear must-try is the Harrysotto. This is a risotto cooked with tomato water and plankton, typically garnished with basil cream and capers. Reviewers consistently describe it as "truly amazing" and perfectly balanced.

Other memorable plates mentioned by critics include the sophisticated tagliatelle with mussel water, saffron, sea urchins, and wild fennel. The desserts are also a major strength, with the talented pastry chef having earned a "Passion Dessert Award," making the dessert course an essential part of the meal.

Strengths and Areas for Growth

The restaurant receives overwhelming praise for several key areas:

• Exceptional Food Quality: The innovative, technically proficient, and creative cuisine consistently earns top marks.

• Impeccable Service: Staff are described as professional, knowledgeable, warm, and highly attentive.

• Elegant Ambiance: The hushed, elegant interior features illuminated tables and an open kitchen, creating a unique and theatrical dining experience ideal for special occasions. The location, with its stylish terrace overlooking a beautiful square, is also a major draw.

The only minor points for improvement that surface in reviews relate to the overall service staff, where one review suggested the dining room personnel outside of the maître d' "needs to grow" in consistency. Also, a few reviewers found some creative dishes to be "overly spicy," proposing that the bold flavors are occasionally too pronounced for some palates.

The best parking option for Harry's Piccolo depends on whether you are a guest of the Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta (where the restaurant is located) or a dining-only guest.

Harry's Piccolo is located inside the Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta on Piazza Unità d'Italia, which is in a central and highly restricted area.

Here are your best options:

1. The Easiest Option (Valet Parking)

If you are a guest of the Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta, or simply prefer maximum convenience for your dining experience, the hotel offers a premium service:

• Valet Parking (Hotel Service):

  • How it works: You can pull up to the hotel entrance, and a specialized attendant will take your car to a secure lot. This is the most seamless way to park in the city center.

  • Cost: The valet parking service is typically available for a surcharge (often cited around €30 per day in recent reviews).

2. Closest Covered Public Parking

For dining guests or visitors who prefer to park their own car in a secure, covered location near the square, the following is the best option:

• Park San Giusto (Interparking)

  • Location: Via del Teatro Romano, 16. It is located directly behind Piazza Unità d'Italia.

  • Features: Covered, multi-storey car park, open 24/7, and features a direct lift to San Giusto Hill, offering easy access to the city center.

  • Approximate Walking Distance: A very short walk from Harry's Piccolo.

  • Hourly Rate (Normal Tariff): Approximately €2.20 per hour.