PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge

Name: PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge
Address: 700 Cottageview Dr., Traverse City, MI, United States, 49684
Telephone: (231) 929-1960
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.9

4.9

1361 Reviews

$50 and over

Italian

Top Tags:

Savor a taste of Italy at PepeNero, a chef owned restaurant with a classy, upscale and stylish atmosphere featuring seasonal changing menus using ingredients at their best, sourced from local farms or Italian artisan producers. Our menus are a combination of simple modern Italian and traditional regional recipes. Enjoy elegantly prepared dishes served with impeccable service.

Currently online reservations are available for 4 guests and under. If you would like to make a large reservation (max 8 guests per party) please contact the restaurant directly.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(231) 929-1960

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Sicilian, Lounge
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(231) 929-1960
Website
http://www.pepenerotc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Giorgio Lo Greco
Private party facilities
Located off the main dining room, PepeNero offers private dining great for private dinners, lunches and corporate meetings. The room accommodates up to 30 guests seated. Both restaurant or the wine lounge are available to rent out for private functions as well. Best of all, your event can have a custom design menu, which affords guests all the opportunity to choose and personalize. Cooking classes or demonstrations may be added onto any event.

Location
700 Cottageview Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684
Neighborhood
Traverse City
Cross street
inside the Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Sesame Seed Focaccia**$5.50
with Frantoi Cutrera EVOO, Acetaio Elisa 15yrs balsamic
Tagliere Italiano*
selection of Italian salumi, formaggi, accompaniments
- For Two$24.00
Burrata Latte Pugliese**$16.00
crostoni, balsamic di Modena pearls, cherry tomatoes, basil
Polpo / Spanish Octopus$24.00
cherry tomatoes, celery, artichoke, olives, garlic, capers, crostoni
Tartar Hand Cut Black Angus Filet*$22.00
(R.R. Ranch) truffle aioli, egg yolk, sesame powder, porcini purée, taro chips
Yellowfin Tuna Tartar*$20.00
tomato, sea salt capers, calabrian pepper, black olives, taro chips
Croquettes$16.00
lump crab meat, potatoe puree, salsa rosa, mint greek yogurt sauce

Insalate / Zuppa

Prosciutto di Parma & Fresh Figs$18.00
baby greens, almond, Parmigiano Reggiano, aged balsamic
Grilled Romaine$12.00
black garlic aioli, preserved tomato, seeded bread crumbs, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano
Porcini Vellutata$14.00
wild mushrooms, mascarpone, Guersey cream

Primi / Fresh Pasta

house made daily; all of the pasta (except the stuffed) can be substituted with gluten free gnocchi / $5

Pappardelle$26.00
slow braised baby back ribs ragu, cream, pomodoro sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano
Ravioloni$28.00
porcini mushrooms (stuffed), smoked pancetta, taleggio cream sauce, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano
Linguine$36.00
lobster, clams, rock shrimp, nduja, mascarpone
Cannelloni**$24.00
spinach, ricotta and mozzarella filling, tomato sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano

Secondi / Entrees

Add Fresh Umbian truffle (5 gr) / $16

Filetto Black Angus*$58.00
(R.R. ranch) tenderloin, nebbiolo sauce, potatoes puree, wild mushrooms
Spiedini Don Ciccio & House Sausage$34.00
imperial wagyu top-sirloin roll, pine nuts, pancetta, mozzarella, raisins, pewee potatoes
Pollo / Otto Chicken$34.00
polenta, black truffle & foie gras sauce, wild mushrooms
Branzino*$36.00
baked in parchment, artichoke, caper & tomato relish, dill, potatoes
Rack of Lamb$48.00
pistachio puree, preserved tomatoes, tricolor potatoes, burnt orange caramel
Vegetali* **$26.00
roasted cauliflower, toasted pumpkin seeds, preserved tomato, wild mushrooms, pistachio butter, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano

Contorni / Sides

Soft Yellow Polenta, Parmigiano Reggiano$7.00
Potatoes Puree$7.00
Peewee Roasted Potatoes$7.00
Mixed Winter Vegetables, Sautéed$7.00

What 1,361 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.9Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Best Overall
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Best Food
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Best Service
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Best Ambiance
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Best Value
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Innovative
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Great for fine wines
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Romantic
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Good for special occasions
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Most Booked
Northern Michigan
Best Overall
Northern Michigan
Best Food
Northern Michigan
Best Service
Northern Michigan
Best Ambiance
Northern Michigan
Best Value
Northern Michigan
Innovative
Northern Michigan
Great for fine wines
Northern Michigan
Romantic
Northern Michigan
Good for special occasions
Northern Michigan
Most Booked

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Grand Rapids
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Authentic Italian restaurant in old traverse mental hospital. Ambiance is great, food is fantastic, and service was top shelf. Drinks were some of the best we’ve had and dessert was great as well. Would go back to traverse city just for this place. Definitely planning to return for dinner and exploring the old asylum grounds.
g
gabrielf
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
EXCELLENT AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DISHES, THEY DO NOT CUT CORNERS AND USE THE BEST INGREDIENTS TO MAXIMIZE THE FLAVOR OF DISHED WE TRIED
T
Tiff25
Northern MI
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again a great experience for my birthday! The pork tenderloin was delicious, and the butternut squash soup is a must try!
A
Andrew
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
PepeNero is our favorite Traverse City restaurant! The food is always amazing—Pappardelle is my go to—and the staff goes above and beyond to welcome you and serve you throughout your entire meal. Anytime my wife and I have something to celebrate, we treat ourselves to a beautiful dinner at PepeNero.
JB
JanelB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous food! Great service! Highly recommend!
J
Jsabkeel
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Service. Creative menu. Delicious food! Thanks Jennifer for the service. Chef…everything was so original and delish!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Northern MI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Timely service, our waiter did a great job, yummy food
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Noah always does a great job! Already looking forward to next time.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a delightful restaurant. My husband and I celebrated our 34 anniversary here. The food was absolutely amazing. Italian food is our favorite. We have been to many different Italian restaurants and we both agreed this was by far our favorite. The food was authentic and the atmosphere was inviting. Our server did a phenomenal job and was spot on with each recommendation. We will definitely be back and we highly recommend this restaurant.
SH
SkieHarrison
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing server and food! Highly recommend to anyone
KR
KRISTILUV
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amazing food. Great service. Really went out of their way to make sure our dairy allergy was treated delicately. Wonderful experience!
NF
NatalieF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ate there a couple of years ago and had several bad experiences. We decided to try again and it is our new favorite restaurant in Traverse City. Great Food and outstanding service. Thank you!!!!
j
jeffs
Cincinnati
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
So enjoyed the experience at Pepe Nero. The food was excellent and the service even better. Jennifer rocked steered us in the right direction and helped with the choices. Wine list was approachable and fairly priced. Spanish octopus and Bronzino was excellent. Flavor profile and preparation were excellent. What a gem in TC. Well done!!!
DD
DDAloha
Cincinnati
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff were excellent and made our son feel very special for his 18th birthday.
LD
LDGL
Grand Rapids
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and Giorgio, Monica and the team continue as awesome hosts. Thanks to Brett for his wine memory and Sarah our first time server!
MF
MichiganFoodie
New York Area
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful Sicilian food and wine in a posh but relaxed atmosphere. It is large restaurant with bar and lounge areas in addition to fine dining section. Attentive service with fun visits from the chef.
RS
RogerS
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Server was too much into personal preferences without explaining why. We’ve been going to Pepenero for 7-8 years for special occasions and this is the first time the pasta has been a little firmer than al dente. But, we’ll be back because it’s special to us. Would love to see a bit of a change in the menu. Maybe one new item on every course. We love it there, and enjoyed a great bottle of wine recommended by the “sommelier.”
OT
OpenTable Diner
Northern MI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great good!
GE
GeoffreyE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service. Would recommend highly for a special evening.
MZ
MarkZ
Columbus
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, Brad was our waiter and the manager stopped by also. Food was excellent.
RB
RalphB
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent menu, food taste and presentation… will definitely return with more friends.
RV
RickV
Northern MI
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I always look forward to our time at PepeNero. It is amazing that they continue to exceed our expectations taking it a level above just another dinner out, it’s an experience. Food quality is exceptional, timing of delivery impeccable, and wine suggestion was spot on.
RK
RandolphK
Northern MI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was excellent and the portions were good. The wine selection is great and the port we had for desert might have been the best I've ever had! Topped off with the good service made the night a special evening.
AI
AnnI
Columbus
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Prosciutto and Fig Salad, Squash Soup and Rack of lamb were excellent. Our server helped us select a wonderful wine and was she great throughout the meal. Unfortunately, we had no room for dessert.
AK
AmandaK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We absolutely love Pepe Nero! It’s one of our favorite places to eat in TC
MS
MindyS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Some of the best food we have ever eaten. The atmosphere was amazing, and our server did an awesome job. He was very attentive, and very knowledgeable.
P
Parks
Grand Rapids
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was amazing! Authentic Sicilian dishes - loved the recommendations from our server! Their version of tiramisu is our favorite! We will be back again and again.
J
Joher
Naples
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience5
In the past we have loved PepeNero. Our waiter was fabulous and knew the menu inside out. The ambience was great to meet with friends and catch up. Our food was okay, not excellent like we’ve had in the past. The most disappointing thing was the drinks. The prices were very high and the pours were very small. A glass of oaky Chardonnay was $23, so passed on that. The martinis add an up charge and charge for olives. A vodka tonic was a decent price but was in a short glass with a huge square ice cube, so contained about five sips. There’s also a charge for bread. Overall, we’ll probably try it again, but considering they want your charge card to make a reservation, we should have had an awesome meal!
A
Andrew
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
You can’t go wrong with Pepe Nero! Best Italian in Traverse City. Incredible food and service.
SW
SharonW
Hawaii
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
PepeNero is my favorite restaurant to go to in Traverse City. The food and service is always top notch. I love it here.
J
James
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were extremely pleased with our dining experience on December 14th. The food and service were excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Northern MI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything is consistently excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It is an annual ladies tradition before Xmas to come here. Kyle was our waiter and he is fabulous!!! We had him 2 years in a row. He makes our experience wanting to come back. Food is delicious as well. I don’t like the rough plates however, the fork against them is like finger nails on a chalk board. Also would like to see a light pomadaro pasta option on the menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was outstanding, service was great. I can’t say enough good things about this place.
TG
TGintc
Charleston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is absolutely amazing and portions are perfect. It is our go to night out restaurant. It always feels like a special evening
LB
LeslieB
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite Filet in town. Taste is off the charts, presentation is beautiful. Tried the new Halibut entree and it was amazing as well. Great cocktails, all from scratch no mixes here. We willl be back
SG
SteveG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always fantastic food. Quality and flavor are impressive every time. Great menu. Consistently excellent service.
DI
DanI
Tampa
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall good experience. There was four of us. We all had 4 different entrees and each of us said our food was excellent. We shared the meat/cheese appetizer with bread added and was good. A person got the soup and another got the beet salad and both were very good. Ended with sharing dessert which was excellent. Food cost was expensive but no more today than other similar type restaurants.
LH
LawrenceH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant with great food and atmosphere. A somewhat limited menu but the food was fantastic as well as the service.
NS
NancyS
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Brad was wonderful! This is the best food in Traverse City!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (231) 929-1960.

PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge is rated 4.9 stars by 1361 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(231) 929-1960

Google Map for PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge

700 Cottageview Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
inside the Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Neighborhood
Traverse City
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Sicilian, Lounge
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Giorgio Lo Greco
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.pepenerotc.com/
Phone number
(231) 929-1960
Private party facilities
Located off the main dining room, PepeNero offers private dining great for private dinners, lunches and corporate meetings. The room accommodates up to 30 guests seated. Both restaurant or the wine lounge are available to rent out for private functions as well. Best of all, your event can have a custom design menu, which affords guests all the opportunity to choose and personalize. Cooking classes or demonstrations may be added onto any event.

PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Branzino

Pappardelle

Cannelloni

Antipasti

Sesame Seed Focaccia**$5.50

Tagliere Italiano*

Burrata Latte Pugliese**$16.00

Polpo / Spanish Octopus$24.00

Tartar Hand Cut Black Angus Filet*$22.00

Yellowfin Tuna Tartar*$20.00

Croquettes$16.00

Insalate / Zuppa

Prosciutto di Parma & Fresh Figs$18.00

Grilled Romaine$12.00

Porcini Vellutata$14.00

Primi / Fresh Pasta

Pappardelle$26.00

Ravioloni$28.00

Linguine$36.00

Cannelloni**$24.00

Secondi / Entrees

Filetto Black Angus*$58.00

Spiedini Don Ciccio & House Sausage$34.00

Pollo / Otto Chicken$34.00

Branzino*$36.00

Rack of Lamb$48.00

Vegetali* **$26.00

Contorni / Sides

Soft Yellow Polenta, Parmigiano Reggiano$7.00

Potatoes Puree$7.00

Peewee Roasted Potatoes$7.00

Mixed Winter Vegetables, Sautéed$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge restaurant rated?

Is PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information