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

1457 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)

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 8, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 11 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 1,457 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
Healthy
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Hot spot
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
Healthy
Northern Michigan
Hot spot
Northern Michigan
Great for fine wines
Northern Michigan
Romantic
Northern Michigan
Good for special occasions
Northern Michigan
Most Booked

Sort by

AL
AndrewL
Detroit
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. The pasta dishes are always fantastic.
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n
nightowl
Cleveland
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We make Pepe Nero a must stop whenever we are in town. Once again the food was delicious. Don’t miss the mushroom soup or lamb chops. Brad was our server again and provided excellent service as usual. Never disappoints.
Is this helpful?
DG
DaveG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to celebrate special occasions. Food and service is always very good.
Is this helpful?
JG
JohnG
Tampa
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
PepeNero continues to impress us with consistent good food and service. I ordered the Pappardella and my wife had the Tortellini. Both were excellent. Our waiter couldn’t have been more helpful or friendly. It was a wonderful dining experience.
Is this helpful?
SP
SandraP
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is fantastic and the service is exceptional. It is on the pricey side.
Is this helpful?
MN
MichelleN
Detroit
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was outstanding! Will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
RH
RHack
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and service. Not inexpensive, but a great dining experience, especially for a special occasion. A fine dining must if you visit Traverse City.
Is this helpful?
DI
DanI
Tampa
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
One of our TC favorite restaurants but the pricing has become extremely costly. Example. We had a halibut and a filet dinner and both $58. Halibut included lots of risotto and a few vegetables. Filet included small amount of whipped potatoes and several asparagus. Food was good. We also shared a burrata salad that was outstanding and a reasonable cost. We will be back despite cost because service, ambience and food all good
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you’re in the Traverse City area…do yourself a favor….run, don’t walk to this incredible establishment. Impeccable service and beyond outstanding food. These Italian foodies give this restaurant two thumbs WAY up!! We will be back next time we visit TC.
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CH
ColleenH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great date night, beautiful night for outdoor seating, great waitress and delicious food.
Is this helpful?
LR
LisaR
Northern MI
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best restaurant in Traverse City, we ALWAYS enjoy the experience! Gorgeous place, remarkable Chef owners, outstanding service, amazing food. Could not be better.
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RP
RichardP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
From the food to the staff the drinks and desert everything was absolutely amazing. First time here and would definitely visit again.
Is this helpful?
DS
DonnaS
Detroit
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pasta was delicious but very much missed having an option with red sauce. All of these pasta dishes were with cream and very rich. Just wanted to pass that on. Of course, everything was delicious.
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TF
The2FoodieBoys
Grand Rapids
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow - the exceptional food, fantastic service, wonderful atmosphere- so lucky to have this restaurant in Traverse City. Ps- also a broad wine list with something for everyone at all price points, without the list being overwhelming. This place is amazing!
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ED
ErnestD
Western NC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing!! Kyle was great! Thank you for the wonderful anniversary dinner! ❤️❤️
Is this helpful?
MD
MikeD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Italian restaurant in Traverse City. Pricey but with it. Professional service and nice ambiance
Is this helpful?
MO
MelissaO
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and phenomenal food! A meal to remember and Sarah was so attentive. We will definitely return!!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second visit was just as good as the first visit. Be back again soon, amazing service.
Is this helpful?
KC
KatrinaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing... All different kinds of taste
Is this helpful?
CD
CD3s
Detroit
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent cocktails, meal, and service in a a unique setting.
Is this helpful?
R
Russ
Chicago
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall2food4service1ambience5
I have eaten an PepeNero multiple times with previous uniformly good experiences. Last night’s, not so much. Slow service, slow to water, slow to order drinks, slow to bring them, even slower to order appetizer, forever to bring them then, forever and a day after appetizers cleared, waiter came up and jokingly asks if we’d like shots of tequila, then seriously would we like a dessert menu. We hadn’t even had or been asked to order an entree! This is an expensive place to provide this kind of service. I expect better.
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l
lisab
Louisville
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We absolutely love PepeNero! I am from Louisville, so whenever I come to visit this area (which is 5-6 times a year), we always make it a point to dine here. The food is consistently excellent and the wait staff is always great, too. Noah was our server, and he is the BEST!
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AM
AnnaM
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding service and food and atmosphere. A must try.
Is this helpful?
CJ
CubbyJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Italian restaurant in the city. Would highly recommend to anyone I came across, I used to work at the other Italian restaurant just down the street from this one and pepenero is my choice every time.
Is this helpful?
AL
AnnaL
Oklahoma City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were greeted immediately and taken to our table. The wait staff inquired if we had been to the restaurant before (none of us had). We were given a brief introduction to the chef/owner and his background. We had a couple of drinks recommended to us and they were delicious. We shared an appetizer, had a huge salad and then our entree. Everything was magnificent. After dinner, we had dessert to celebrate a birthday. I had an espresso martini with my dessert (so good I had to share it). After we got home, both of my friends texted me and thanked me for such a wonderful evening.
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TB
TimB
Grand Rapids
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Appreciate the focus on fresh ingredients treated with respect, which leads to a truly satisfying experience. The entire team is friendly, bright, and helpful. Simply great Italian food with a Sicilian influence!
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KP
KimberlyP
Detroit
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best restaurant in Traverse City! Fantastic food, wonderful wait staff, delicious drinks, fabulous filet, delightful decor and an overall excellent dining experience!
Is this helpful?
L
Lillyjo
Detroit
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding as always! The food is incredibly good, the wine list is extensive, and the service is extraordinary. (Ryan is an excellent server!) Pepe Nero has become one of our favorite restaurants ever. It will always be at the top of our list when we visit Traverse City.
Is this helpful?
JR
JohnR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ordered the Spanish Octopus and another seafood appetizer, and then a halibut entree and the ravioloni--all of it was wonderful. Excellent Sicilian wine (and a nebbiolo), and we split a semifreddo for dessert, which was perfect. Our waiter, Stephan, took care of us in the most expert fashion, and the overall ambiance was pleasantly bustling (not overly loud). We loved it.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is amazing and the service was fantastic!
Is this helpful?
b
bobg
New England
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Excellent Raviolini. Slow offering bread, but it was delicious when finally served. Outstanding dessert. Friendly wait staff.
Is this helpful?
SS
SeanS
Northern MI
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pepe Nero is amazing, and the waitstaff is fantastic. It is a pricey restaurant, so I wouldn't say it's value, but the food and experience is so good, it's worth it.
Is this helpful?
RD
RandyD
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, impeccable food and service. PepeNero continues to be our absolute favorite restaurant in Traverse City!!
Is this helpful?
JR
JoanR
Cincinnati
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great menu. Excellent quality and taste. Perfect place for a special occasion.
Is this helpful?
AW
AngelW
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a completely wonderful experience!!! Everything was delicious and our waiter, Noah, is always so great!!
Is this helpful?
N
Nick
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent. Service was superb and food was amazing.
Is this helpful?
KA
KATHRINEG
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Two excellent salads - the fig and the romaine. Two excellent entrees - the linguine w seafood and chicken w truffle sauce. Loved the semifreddo dessert with a surprise middle. Outstanding service from Noah and the entire crew.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Naples
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mom with son, daughter and daughters fiancé having a wonderful evening
Is this helpful?
KP
KellyP
Detroit
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and wait staff! Highly recommend if you are in the area and craving Italian.
Is this helpful?
HT
HeidiT
Indiana
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our second anniversary at our favorite restaurant! You won’t ever be disappointed!
Is this helpful?

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 1457 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

Jun 8, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 11 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

Linguine

Grilled Romaine

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

Loved For

Sort by

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