Piccolo Ristorante Italiano, Menlo Park's newest Italian restaurant, officially opened its doors Friday night (Dec. 14).

The restaurant is at 651-H Maloney Lane, just off Oak Grove Avenue, in the space formerly occupied by Bona restaurant.

The opening is a homecoming of sorts for Piccolo's owner, Elio D'Urzo. Mr. D'Urzo co-owned Brunello Ristorante Italiano, which operated at the Maloney Lane site from 2008 to 2010.

Piccolo's menu features many traditional Italian dishes, including gnocchi and pasta, chicken piccata, and eggplant parmigiana, according to Piccolo general manager Lucino Gonzalez. The chef is an Italian native, Mr. Gonzalez said.

The restaurant also plans to have one or two fish entrees on the menu every week, Mr. Gonzalez said.

Although the owner had hoped to have a liquor license by now, it didn't arrive in time for the restaurant's official opening. Mr. Gonzalez said the license is expected by this week, but meanwhile, patrons can bring their own wine and the restaurant won't charge a corkage fee.

Piccolo will be open Monday through Saturday for dinner only in December, but will begin offering lunch as well next month, Mr. Gonzalez said.

Dinner hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Call 326-1314 for more information or to make a reservation.

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