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: 4.8

4.8

1652 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.

RESTAURANT WEEK 2023 - starting Tue Feb 27th until Sat. March 11th. 3 Course Diner menu for $45 (please note regular diner menu will not be offered during this time)

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$50 and over
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 1,652 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

1,652 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 4, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, service and beverages. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
LM
LenMiller
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We has an awesome time as always. Jenn at the bar is amazing as well. Always one of our favorite places to go.
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RM
ReneeM
Grand Rapids
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything about this experience was perfection. From the ambience to the meal, it was the best of the best. Excellent service, great wine, and highly recommend the Tortelloni with shaved truffle. If you are looking for a beautiful place to have a memorable evening, PepeNero is it.
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S
Supermommyx8
Pittsburgh
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Pepe Nero never disappoints! The food quality is top notch - easy to see and taste the love that goes into making authentic dishes! Great service and atmosphere as well!
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KN
KellyN
Grand Rapids
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous food, cocktails, and service. Wine list is lovely and bottles are surprisingly affordable. Our server was Shane and he was great, as were the other team members who assisted (Melissa, Brad, and another young man). The chef stopped by our table shortly after we were seated to make sure we were enjoying our water 😂😂. We will definitely be back the next time we’re in TC!
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PM
PamM
Detroit
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful atmosphere with good food to accompany! The seasonal butternut squash soup and roasted romaine started our meals. Had the pappardelle with the ragu for entree’s , excellent! Will return for sure.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Northern MI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This an awesome restaurant!! We love it every time we go!!! Food is wonderful and the service is outstanding!
Is this helpful?
RK
RickK
Detroit
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was amazing! Kathleen and her way staff were very attentive and made us feel at home! Great experience!
Is this helpful?
JA
JoAnnaP
Northern MI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Favorite Ristorante EVER!!! Every course was superb.
Is this helpful?
j
jimandbarb
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service we got from Sarah was over the top outstanding. We challenged her to pair wine with our meal and she did an excellent job. We only gave ambiance a slightly lower rating due to having to leave the restaurant to use the bathroom. And as far as the lower rating for value, the meal was exceptional and the price reflected that without a doubt. If someone wants a discounted meal then maybe PepeNero isn’t for them. I would and have recommended PepeNero many times. Thank you for helping to make our 34th anniversary a special occasion.
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T
Tyler
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We visited PepeNaro's about a year ago when we got engaged last year and plan to come back every time we are in town because of how wonderful our experiences have been!
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SC
SuzanneC
Las Vegas
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food, drinks and service are all amazing here!
Is this helpful?
HT
HeidiT
Indiana
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The best place to eat! You can’t go wrong!! We never miss eating here when we come to TC!
Is this helpful?
CM
ChuckM
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Not worth the price. Food was average. Paid over $200; I’ve had better food for way less money.
Is this helpful?
SC
StephanieC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It's been a while since we enjoyed a meal so much. Each dish had clarity and depth!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Northern MI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is our favorite spot here in Traverse City. We ask for Noah every time we come here. As always, it was spectacular.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service as usual. The filleto was cooked perfectly.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We just love it here. Will continue to return time and time again. The closest we will get to Italy here in Northern Michigan!
Is this helpful?
RW
RebeccaW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Pepe Nero’s atmosphere is comforting and classy. The starters were delicious but the entrees were absolutely incredible. We were both very happy with our experience!
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AI
AllisonI
Detroit
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful setting. Elegant but casual which can be hard to pull off. Fine dining without being stuffy. The service and food were impeccable. I really appreciated our servers suggestions
Is this helpful?
J
John
Detroit
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Have eaten at PepeNero many time and it is consistently delicious. Best restaurant in Traverse City.
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LD
LindaDG
Northern MI
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is wonderful and we have always had a fantastic meal there. It’s our special restaurant we go to every year that we visit the Traverse City area.
Is this helpful?
KO
KimO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 17, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our meal was fantastic. We had bread, calamari, butternut squash soup, 2 pasta dishes and the chocolate dessert. Would definitely order these choices again, especially the chocolate dessert. Our waitress was very attentive and patient with our questions and poor pronunciations. We will go back.
Is this helpful?
JH
JimH
Orange County
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding service and the food was over-the-top excellent.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cleveland
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely Delicious!!! My best friend and I go every year and just gets yummier and yummier!! Mushroom ravioli pasta was to die for!!
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JC
JenniferC
Grand Rapids
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We dined here for our anniversary. The ambiance was great and the food even better. We would definitely return for another special occasion.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food and drinks! The service was excellent!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and customer service our waitress was really friendly and knowledgeable
Is this helpful?
WH
WendyH
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Whenever we’re in Traverse City, we make sure to get a reservation for PepeNero! Our dining experience is delightful every single time.
Is this helpful?
CA
CAGfoodie
Indiana
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
From beginning to end, our meal was delicious. The restaurant was beautiful and made for a perfect Anniversary date night. Our server was knowledgeable and was just the right amount of attentiveness without being overbearing. Will definitely return the next time visiting Traverse City.
Is this helpful?
C
Cycling
Detroit
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great suggestions by the waitress. Looking forward to my 3rd trip to Sicily in a couple weeks. Ciao
Is this helpful?
PH
ParkerH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was honestly a perfect honeymoon dinner. Kyle our server was amazing. Then food was Devine. And the atmosphere of the restaurant is very nice and vibrant while feeling cozy. 10/10 would recommend.
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DH
DebraH
Northern MI
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first time but it won't be the last! Beautifully appointed, perfect lighting and tables had good separation. The wait staff was exceptional; great with describing menu items for the perfect meal. Not only was everything prepared to perfection, it was beautifully plated. I would recommend dessert, all in house creations; pretty and decadent. All staff were warm and welcoming. This is a Traverse City Gem!
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B
Boo77
Detroit
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brad our server was the best. He provided a perfect wine suggestion which enhanced both the food and wine. Every dish is really an experience! I find that I eat extremely slow enjoying all the flavors and nuances chef Giorgio Lo Greco puts into his culinary masterpieces. Been coming to PePeNero for years! Do yourself a favor and ask Brad to be your server and let him guide you through a beautiful Italian culinary experience. Cheers!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Anniversary
Is this helpful?
JA
JoeA
Washington DC
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible focaccia, calamari….tortellini stuffed with mushrooms in a cream sauce and seafood pasta with an incredibly light yet rich taste….will visit again for sure!
Is this helpful?
TH
TomH
Dallas
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 5, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
what an amazing surprise! PepeNero holds up against ANY italian restaurant…these Chicagoans were blown away - definitely worth going out of your way to get to Travers City and PepeNero!
Is this helpful?
N
Nathan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 4, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very tasty and every employee was friendly. Would go back for sure.
Is this helpful?
DW
DjW20
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Amazing service from all staff who come near or to your table. Fantastic food and very pretty. This was our second time and it was nearly as perfect. The only complaint was this time we were seated at a table near the bar and door. It was quite noisy and made talking strained. Next time I'll insist on the tables more toward the back.
Is this helpful?
KW
KathyW
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 3, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful restaurant. We had wonderful service and the food and drinks were great. High priced but worth it for a special night out!
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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 4.8 stars by 1652 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

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
Price
$50 and over
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

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Grilled Romaine

Pappardelle

Branzino

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

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?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information