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

1092 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 booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

17 May 2022

May 2022

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

19:00

Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

(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
Area
Traverse City
Cross Street
inside the Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Parking Details
Public Lot
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Popular dishes

Sesame Seed FocacciaUS$5.00
with Frantoi Cutrera EVOO, Acetaio Elisa 15yrs balsamic
Tagliere Italiano*
selection of Italian salumi, cured meats and cheeses
- For TwoUS$22.00
Tartar Hand Cut Black Angus Filet*US$20.00
(Linz Heritage) truffle aioli, egg yolk, sesame powder, porcini purée, yucca chips
Mozzarella di Bufala*US$15.00
rosemary crostone, basil pesto, baby heirloom tomatoes, balsamic pearls
Polpo / Spanish OctopusUS$21.00
cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, capers, crostini
Yellowfin Tuna TartarUS$24.00
(sushi grade) capers, tomato, calabrian chili pepper, crispy yucca chips
Crab CroquetteUS$15.00
salsa rosa (mayo with calabrian peppers & tomato sauce), mint & greek yogurt sauce
Frutti di MareUS$42.00
blue point oysters, oishi shrimp, cold water lobster tail, mignonette, horseradish sauce

Insalate / Zuppa

Prosciutto di Parma & Black Mission FigsUS$16.00
baby greens, almonds, Parmigiano Reggiano, aged balsamic
Grilled RomaineUS$12.00
black garlic aioli, tomato, seeded bread crumbs, green olives, chimichurri
Porcini Mushroom Soup*US$14.00
mascarpone, truffle powder
- Add Fresh Shaved Umbria Black TruffleUS$16.00

Primi / Fresh Pasta

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

PappardelleUS$24.00
slow braised baby back ribs ragu, cream, sauce pomodoro, Parmigiano Reggiano
RigatoniUS$24.00
(Veneto) porcini mushroom puree, smoked pancetta, taleggio bechamel
PaccheriUS$22.00
san marzano tomato, guanciale, Parmigiano Reggiano
CannelloniUS$22.00
spinach, ricotta and mozzarella filling, tomato sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano
Rigatoni NormaUS$24.00
eggplant, pomodoro, ricotta salata, mozzarella di bufala, baked

Secondi / Entrees

Filetto Black Angus*US$52.00
(Linz Heritage) tenderloin, nebbiolo sauce, potatoes puree, wild mushrooms
Rack of LambUS$44.00
(8 bone) pistachio puree, charred orange glaze, preserved tomato, peewee potatoes
Spiedini Don Ciccio & House SausageUS$32.00
imperial wagyu top-sirloin roll, pine nuts, pancetta, mozzarella, raisins, peewee potatoes
Pollo / Otto ChickenUS$30.00
polenta, baby carrots, cipollini onion, lemon thyme truffle jus
GuazzettoUS$42.00
arctic blue mussels, little neck clams, lobster, tiger shrimp, rock shrimp, Nduja sausage, cherry tomatoes
Branzino*US$32.00
baked in parchment, artichoke, caper & tomato relish, dill, potatoes
Alaskan HalibutUS$46.00
pan roasted, saffron lobster risotto, preserved tomato, salt packed capers

Contorni / Sides

Soft White Polenta, Parmigiano-ReggianoUS$7.00
Potato PureeUS$7.00
Peewee Roasted PotatoesUS$7.00
Mixed Sauté VegetablesUS$7.00

What 1,092 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
5Service
4.9Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Best Overall
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Best Food
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Best Service
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Best Ambience
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Best Value
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Fit for Foodies
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Healthy
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Notable Wine List
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Romance
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Special Occasions
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Most Booked
Northern Michigan
Best Overall
Northern Michigan
Best Food
Northern Michigan
Best Service
Northern Michigan
Best Ambience
Northern Michigan
Best Value
Northern Michigan
Fit for Foodies
Northern Michigan
Healthy
Northern Michigan
Notable Wine List
Northern Michigan
Romance
Northern Michigan
Special Occasions
Northern Michigan
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

D
Dani
Detroit
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and great service.
C
Cocobutter
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great service, and great atmosphere
n
nightowl
Cleveland
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our third visit to Pepe Nero. Each time the food has been amazing. Our server, Brad, did an excellent job.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I wish we could give ten stars!!! impeccable service, fantastic food and personal attention to every little detail by our waitress Kathleen, the maître’d and even the chef!!! Well worth the 200 mile excursion to be there!
TS
TimS
Grand Rapids
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friendly staff from the hostess to the wait staff to the servers and managers. Really excellent food served at an appropriate pace. Quiet, elegant setting allowing easy conversation.
NF
NatalieF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a hidden gem. The food, the service, the food, unbelievable!!! Some of the best I have ever had. I will be traveling back, quite a bit, to enjoy.
DD
DarleneD
Detroit
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went there on my birthday weekend for the first time. Kathleen was an outstanding server. Recommended an excellent white wine from Sicily. Mushroom soup was to die for and the linguini with seafood was wonderful. Manager stopped by several times. Amazing hand made in house tiramisu. Will go again.
R
Russ
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always dependably excellent. Favorite restaurant in Traverse City.
GF
GregoryF
Western NC
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on 8 May 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Very good service. Wait time has improved and no longer takes so much time. Well done! Food was very good. Outstanding restaurante
JS
JonathonS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hostess was very pleasant and took the time to ask about our wedding anniversary. Wait staff was attentive and helpful.
JP
JaneP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 6 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first experience at PepeNero is not to be forgotten. The food was outstanding! The dessert, semifroddo, was probably the best dessert I have ever had. The service was perfect. We had everything we needed while enjoying the company of our friends. The ambiance, coupled with the history of the state hospital grounds, was very intimate and warm. Highly recommend.
G
Goalgetter460
Grand Rapids
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 6 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely favorite in TRaverse City! Go. Make a reservation now.
C
Cathy
Grand Rapids
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 5 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Did not disappoint. My guest had the Halibut and I had the Speidini. Both were excellent. Just love this restaurant!!
DS
DougS
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 4 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent authentic upscale sophisticated restaurant. Being on the pricey side is expected at this caliber, but I still can’t get accustomed to $16 cocktails.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 30 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the most amazing food! You will not be disappointed!!
OM
OMPNZ
Northern MI
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 30 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always 1st class, food is fresh and delicious, the owner is always present and it shows, service, staff,food is always spot on
JR
JoanR
Cincinnati
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 29 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What an excellent meal! Polpo was perfect with olives and tomatoes. Branzino was delicate and moist. Wine selection suited our meal and budget. The server was attentive and knowledgeable without being overbearing. A delightful atmosphere for a birthday dinner.
N
Natalie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 27 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, extremely knowledgeable and guided us through the menu. All dishes were fresh and on point. House made pasta, beef tartar, warm foccicia, 15 yr balsamic . Will definitely be back.
F
Foodie1
Grand Rapids
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 26 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious! The food was great and the service was wonderful. This is a nice choice for a special occasion or quiet night out. Setting is intimate and quiet enough to have conversation.
PM
PeterM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 26 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing place! There are so many great options for dining in Traverse City. This is the best! Food is excellent, and the dining experience feels special.
JH
JodiH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 26 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great time and the food was fantastic! I felt very special on my birthday as everyone kept coming to the table to see how everything was. Can't wait to come back!
M
Maribel
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 24 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary, and it was our fist time here. We felt welcomed starting at the entrance. Our waitress was super nice and all of the other staff as well. We Really loved our experience at PepeNero 🥰
KA
KATHRINEG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 23 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Remarkable food. Great wine list w plenty of very good affordable wines. Love the chef’s commitment to excellence.
PB
PaulB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 23 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’ve eaten at some nice places and this place takes the cake. Words can’t express how good the food,service and staff were. Will definitely be back.
RV
RickV
Northern MI
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 22 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday Quality ingredients served by professionals. Love the ambiance of this old historic place.
DA
DAKZ
Detroit
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 22 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and wine.
b
briten
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 22 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were impeccable. Definitely reccomend!
MA
MattA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience. Loved celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary with them.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Northern MI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 19 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff was friendly and welcoming, everything we ate was delicious and the courses were well timed. We had a wonderful time and will continue to go back.
GT
GregoryT
Detroit
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 16 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience from beginning to end. The food is top-notch, service is impeccable and the wine list impressive.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Northern MI
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 16 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service! A must try when visiting Traverse City!
P
Patina
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was superb, all of the staff was friendly, accommodating, and professional!
DP
DrewP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every single bit of what I spent here was well worth it. Kyle was our server and he did an excellent job explaining the menu to us and catering to our every need. I had one of the best dirty martinis ever here with the best bleu cheese stuffed olives. Absolutely would recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice night out and I will certainly be going back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Northern MI
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Small family “get out of the house” dinner very nice.
BD
BrettD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I always enjoy a night out at PepeNero. The servers and wait staff always do a great job, and Giorgio and Mika are always working the floor checking in on each table. They clearly care a lot about their work and the experience of each person. The food and experience is consistently exceptional. It's usually a special occasion when we come, because we're typically $100+ for two, but we always have a great time and look forward to coming back.
KC
KimberlyC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great table, with phenomenal service. The food was delicious and the ambience was perfect-not too dark and not too light. Highly recommended!
MI
MICHELLEC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 13 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Brad and all of the staff at PepeNero was great. We had to change our reservation several times and they were accommodating and helpful. It has become one of our favorite places to go.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 9 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was wonderful. From cocktail to entree. Love that the rotate the menu but keep some staples
N
None
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 8 April 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Good food value. Wine by the glass was slightly high price points wise!
L
Lobaby
Northern MI
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on 7 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter Brad was phenomenal!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser 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
- Waiting staff 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 1092 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

17 May 2022

May 2022

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

19:00

Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

(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
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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 booking

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

Dining areas

Additional information

Porcini Mushroom Soup

Branzino

Pappardelle

Antipasti

Sesame Seed FocacciaUS$5.00

Tagliere Italiano*

Tartar Hand Cut Black Angus Filet*US$20.00

Mozzarella di Bufala*US$15.00

Polpo / Spanish OctopusUS$21.00

Yellowfin Tuna TartarUS$24.00

Crab CroquetteUS$15.00

Frutti di MareUS$42.00

Insalate / Zuppa

Prosciutto di Parma & Black Mission FigsUS$16.00

Grilled RomaineUS$12.00

Porcini Mushroom Soup*US$14.00

Primi / Fresh Pasta

PappardelleUS$24.00

RigatoniUS$24.00

PaccheriUS$22.00

CannelloniUS$22.00

Rigatoni NormaUS$24.00

Secondi / Entrees

Filetto Black Angus*US$52.00

Rack of LambUS$44.00

Spiedini Don Ciccio & House SausageUS$32.00

Pollo / Otto ChickenUS$30.00

GuazzettoUS$42.00

Branzino*US$32.00

Alaskan HalibutUS$46.00

Contorni / Sides

Soft White Polenta, Parmigiano-ReggianoUS$7.00

Potato PureeUS$7.00

Peewee Roasted PotatoesUS$7.00

Mixed Sauté VegetablesUS$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitising

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 bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

Dining areas

Additional information