We visited one of West Midlands most iconic restaurants of the last 25 years to try its celebrated dishes standing the test of time

It was the year that was immortalised by Prince with his celebrated album and hit single that rang out in clubs across the globe.

Amidst the 1999 New Year’s Eve parties were fears that the world could change forever as a new millennium dawned - with a computer bug that could change life for ever.

Almost a quarter or a century later, concerns over the millennium bug are but a far and distant memory while Prince’s tracks continue to be loved - along with a landmark West Midlands restaurant which has also stood the test of time and is celebrating a new era.

Piccolino in Brindleyplace, Birmingham, is renowned for its stylish Italian gastronomy full of delicious ingredients and skillful culinary creations.

It’s situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the city centre which comes to life in spring with its wondrous cherry blossoms, yet delights all year round with its relaxed vibe and elegant facade.

The landmark venue has been serving up some of Birmingham’s best quality cuisine for 25 years now.

And to celebrate the milestone, it’s had a whopping £900,000 makeover - and we were invited along to check it out.

As well as being popular with locals looking for somewhere special and stylish to dine, being situated among the blue chip companies around Birmingham city centre, Piccolino was also popular with the business community.

Its appeal to locals and city slickers is as popular as ever with its elegant new 2020s look, inspired by the chic restaurants of Milan.

Bright, yet cosy, interiors welcome diners with tables along the wall to ceiling windows offering a wonderful view of the square outside - which is home to several other popular eating spots including Rudy’s Pizza, Siamais and Turtle Bay.

The bar area is super-stylish with a centrepiece cocktail bar - a fab place to drop by for a quick drink before dinner, or even if you are on a night out and not planning to eat.

A wonderful spot for a date or to spend time with a group of friends.

The terrace is fully winterproof too - so you can soak up the atmosphere all year round - it’s styled on an authentic Tuscan al-fresco dining experience and is recommended as a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Piccolino are further celebrating their 25 years in Birmingham with a menu featuring a selection of limited-edition dishes among its most popular since 1999. It's no mean feat - remembering the food that has delighted diners for a quarter of a century. I guess it is helped by the classic appeal Italian food. 

Showstoppers featured include Piccolino's own twist on bruchetta, pasta and ravioli favourites, risotto, pizza and bistecca. Look out for a specatcular 24 layer lasagna and a silver-inspired adaptation of a Ferrero Rocher. The quality of ingredients and sustainability considerations will have updated over the years, but so many recipes stand the test of time.  

My feast began with a fabulous Italian 25 - a twist on the classic French 75 - with Malfy Originale gin, Champagne and lemon. It was delightfully zingy full of fizz and flavour.

My antipasti dish of choice was prosciutto e melone - classically simple with the salty San Daniele Parma ham perfectly paired with the juicy and refreshing cantaloupe melon.

For my main, I failed to put my glasses on and thought I had ordered salmon, but had actually managed to choose Penne Con Salame Piccante!

It was a truly tasty mistake with the spicy Calabrian salami bringing a welcome warming taste on a chilly winter evening surrounded by slow-cooked tomato and chilli sauce with roasted peppers.

I decided to stick with tradition for dessert and opted for Torta Caprese - dark chocolate and almond tart with vanilla cream. It was a richly indulgent finale to a gorgeous meal in a fun environment.

The staff were so friendly and passionate about the new era for the established venue on reaching its milestone. They were happy to talk through wine and cocktail options and recommend dishes for anyone unable to decide from so many delicious options.

These days there are 21 Piccolino restaurants across the UK, which serve 1.2 million guests every year. The first opened in Knutsford in Cheshire. The brand prides itself on embodying the charm that has made it a cherished diesntion for lovers of Italian cuisine.

If you’re looking for quality food in a fun environment - but don’t want to be in the full hustle and bustle of the city centre, then Piccolino is definitely worth booking. It’s been a classic Brummie favourite for 25 years - and looks set to be a hot favourite for decades to come.