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PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge, Traverse City, MI

PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano / Ballaro Wine Lounge

4.8
4.8
1603 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

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 30 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

What 1,603 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

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

    Lively

  • 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

    Lively

  • Northern Michigan

    Most Booked

1,603 Reviews

  1. drdms1

    Naples

    144 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    144 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We make a point of dining at PepeNero while in Traverse City. We ordered mussels, grilled romaine, filetto black angus with nebbiolo sauce and branzino baked in parchment. All cooked to perfection! Our server Sarah was wonderful! She skillfully recommend the best wines. Finished the evening with smooth, rich espressos!

    Is this helpful?

  2. LWW1

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful meal choices, great service with Shane, great wine recommendations!

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food! The portions were surprisingly large, we would for sure go back!

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food1service4ambience3
    Fast service but inexperienced servers. The food was really disappointing compared to the first time I ate there a few years back. A $400 Bill for 4 people for food that I would have felt okay paying $150 for.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful Chef and felt like home! Amazing experience!❤️

    Is this helpful?

  6. CharlesM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Spectacular atmosphere! Outstanding service! Outstanding food!

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had booked different high end restaurants in this area for our fishing trip and we feel PepeNero was superb. This is our second time savoring every dish. Excellent, can’t wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Cinelliman2

    Denver

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    Pepe Nero food quality and quantity have declined since our last visit. My serving of mussels had exactly 10 mussels. The polpo was rubbery and under-cooked. The value for the price is really not worth another visit.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Snuggy

    Columbus

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent. We had a nice bottle of wine between four people. The bill was $100 less than I anticipated. Upscale dining at a reasonable price.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Betsy

    London

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    This is an outstanding restaurant with superb food and superior service. We look forward to our next dining experience at Pepe Nero! Molto bene!

    Is this helpful?

  11. AmyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Pepe Nero never disappoints! The ambience and service is always outstanding, not to mention the delicious food!

    Is this helpful?

  12. MikeM

    Hawaii

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing experience and food we had. Sarah took great care of us, and gave us some great suggestions. The manager was super accommodating for a request we had, and the whole team was friendly and helpful. Our food was FANTASTIC, and you can tell the owner/chef cares about what comes out of his kitchen. His wife also makes desserts in the kitchen, and we’re so glad we got a dish to share…WOW. I know we’ll be thinking about this dinner for a long time, and can’t wait to come back.

    Is this helpful?

  13. HoosierGal

    Indiana

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great find. Service was exceptional. Good was top notch. Loved the atmosphere. Manager walked around to check on tables and tell us how dishes were made. We’ll come back next time we come up to TC

    Is this helpful?

  14. DavidB

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Pepenero just fantastic - maybe best restaurant in TVC! You will not go wrong in eating there!

    Is this helpful?

  15. CaroleG

    Detroit

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    The food was decent. The mains were disappointing in that they were mostly too heavy and rich. I ordered the spiedini took a bite of the sausage and got a big hunk of gristle so I switched with my husband and had the pappardelle which again was too rich. However, the desserts were incredible which saved my dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  16. TBCM

    Northern MI

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Favorite restaurant-consistently delicious food and service, love Pepe Nero!

    Is this helpful?

  17. JulieB

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved our server and the food was outstanding. I can’t wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Arlie

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant exceeded my expectations. The food and the service were outstanding. I will definitely go there again. It’s a great choice for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary.

    Is this helpful?

  19. DeniseS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best meal and service (Noah), to celebrate our anniversary. Plan ahead; this is not a walk in kinda place. We will be back. Thank you to the wonderful chef and the complimentary apricot drink.

    Is this helpful?

  20. MeganP

    Detroit

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food here is always phenomenal. You can tell they really care about what they put out and want their customers to enjoy the experience. The ambiance is always very unique and the location is unique which gives it a whole other something. I can't wait until we eat here again!

    Is this helpful?

  21. JoshH

    Northern MI

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary with a beautifully crafted and superb dining experience. From the VERY helpful and knowledgeable bartenders to the delightful server, everything was great! Looking forward to our next dining experience at PepaNero's!! Thank you, The Hechtman's

    Is this helpful?

  22. JamieV

    Exclusive

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a positive experience, Appreciated Noah's guidance and service!

    Is this helpful?

  23. TimothyD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Big handshakes go out to Noah. He was fantastic for us and it felt like we’ve always known him. In my requests I asked for the staff to let my wife know she was beautiful (she is a sucker for compliments). He understood the assignment. Thank you for the high class service. The food was to die for. We will bring our friends next time.

    Is this helpful?

  24. LaurenR

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    The music was terrible elevator music and the food was just ok. The atmosphere is pretty nice and our server was good, but not a stellar experience. 

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Northern MI

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, drinks and awesome service! Highly recommended

    Is this helpful?

  26. jeffd

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall2food4service4ambience1
    We wanted a nice dining out evening unfortunately the inside dining was extremely loud and could not enjoy our own conversation and were truly turned off by the whole experience! Food was good but small serving sizes for the price. We will not go back because of the loudness!

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  27. JohnB

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    Nice restaurant. Overpriced. 16-18 dollars for dessert? Entres high. Waitress recommended 30$ glass of wine w meal?? Forgot focaccia we ordered until we asked. My wife’s pasta w ribs overly creamy w no flavor. Sea Bass in parchment ok but not a lot of flavor. Better restaurant options in Traverse City. Won’t rush back here.

    Is this helpful?

  28. MichiganFoodie

    New York Area

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Scilian food. One of the best fine dining experiences with sapacious seating in Traverse City. Nice wine list fun staff.

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  29. DurindaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and excellent service. Noah is an exceptional waiter. The Barada salad and the steak or outstanding. The pepper deli pasta was also really good. Desserts were OK.

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  30. RandyS

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and dining experience. Will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  31. JoslynG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to dinner to celebrate our anniversary and it was exceptional. The food was delicious and our server Brad was outstanding! We got the tiramisu for dessert and it was to die for! We will be back very soon!

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I can’t say enough good things about this restaurant. Fresh fresh fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked, served piping hot with exceptional service. We will be returning! Thank you for an excellent experience.

    Is this helpful?

  33. ColleenC

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Restaurant was great, but not child-friendly. Service could have been more attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  34. ChristaM

    Sacramento

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My family & I dined here for my birthday. We had such an enjoyable experience. The food and cocktails were delicious & the service was impeccable. I highly recommend this restaurant for a nice evening out. It’s a great date-night spot.

    Is this helpful?

  35. garyf

    Naples

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our 50th wedding anniversary. Dinner was delicious with wonderful attentive service. Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable of both the extensive wine list as well as the menu. We started with a bottle of wine and the focaccia bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The bead was delicious! As a appetizer we chose the mussels to share. The came in a light tomato broth with garlic and onion which were very good. I had the scallops with risotto as my entree and my husband had the pappardelle ( slow braised baby back ribs ragu, cream, pomodoro sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano) which we both enjoyed. My scallops were sweet and cooked perfectly and my husband said he would get the pappardelle again. We each chose desserts to share. I chose the Tre Cioccolati ( chocolate bavarese cream with dark, milk, and white chocolate) and my husband picked the Semifreddo ( pistachio gelato ball with sea salt caramel in the center, on a hazelnut and pistachio crust and topped off with a milk chocolate swirl as a decoration on top). Both were delicious but the semifreddo is outstanding and not be missed!!! I finished with chocolate martini. A meal fitting with our 50th wedding anniversary celebration!! It was perfection.

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  36. WadeV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food quality is awesome! The mushroom soup is unbelievable! Sara our server was great. Manager stop by to chat and as great. Just a great experience. One our favorite restaurants in TC.

    Is this helpful?

  37. PamL

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Noah was our fantastic server! So fun & knowledgeable about the menu! He made great recommendations. Excellent food and wine. Perfect place to celebrate our anniversary. We'll definitely be back!

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  38. Katrinka

    Phoenix

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We had a nice dinner for my birthday. The service is very good and pleasant. The mushroom soup was amazing and the branzino we both had was very good. Also our cocktails were good. Ambiance where we were in one of the smaller dining rooms was plain. The bar area is cool with dim with some red lighting so I imagined something more special in the dining rooms. It’s pricey so I hoped for a more special feel.

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  39. MarcieF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was excellent. Only drawback was loud table next to us. Out of your control. Service, atmosphere, and food was excellent!

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  40. LisaL

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best octopus I’ve ever had. Gorgeous presentations, high level of culinary skills and impeccable service. A little loud if you’re near the bar.

    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 4.8 stars by 1603 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 30 times today

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
  • 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.
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