There aren’t many things that I consider myself an expert on, but music and eating are probably my top two things. Eating comes from my foodie family and, let’s face it, I have a strong desire to eat.
There are great Italian restaurants locally that I have tried including Massimo’s in Portsmouth, of course and a recent favorite, The Rail at La Stazione in Somersworth, NH. The Rail’s meatballs are off the hook. And don’t even get me started on the bolognese. Just mouth-watering.
There is a place in Manchester that has the best Eggplant Parmesan, in my opinion. Piccola Italian Restaurant and Martini Bar on 815 Elm Street.
Piccola used to be my birthday celebration go-to for years when we lived in Manchester and I’d always order the same thing; a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and the eggplant. Happy Birthday to me.
Why is Piccola’s Eggplant the Best?
I think this eggplant dish, versus so many other restaurants that I’ve tried, have the best because of the a couple of things; First, the sauce. If the sauce doesn’t have that deep flavor, then fuggedaboutit. Their sauce is delicious.
The second key to a great eggplant parm is to slice the eggplant very thin. Piccola slices the eggplant so thin, then they stack the slices on top on one another. When you take that first bite, your mouth is filled with “flavor up the wazoo” and you can quote me on that.
I get my order without the mozzarella cheese on top. I know, I know, it’s almost a crime, but they don’t mind.
If you go to Piccola, let me know what you think of the dish.
Here are some other favorites of ours.
5 Best Italian Restaurants in New Hampshire
New Hampshire might not be known for the best Italian food but we have some establishments in the state the bring the quality and authenticity when it comes to Italian cuisine. This author has done the legwork (and by legwork I mean eaten a lot of pasta in the name of research) and I have highlighted my top five Italian Restaurant picks in the state of New Hampshire.
Gallery Credit: Kira Lew
These 10 Smells Remind People of New Hampshire
We asked our audience on social media what smells remind them of the state of New Hampshire and their answers could not be more spot on.
Gallery Credit: Kira Lew
Dining and Cooking