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Master Critic Review
Peppone
8.0
A 51-year-old Brentwood Italian holdout where chef-owner Gianni Paoletti still runs the kitchen and a Wine Spectator Grand Award cellar backs up the tableside cart service. The draw is old-guard Continental cooking—filet mignon, veal osso buco, chicken piccata—served in red leather booths with dimmed lighting and no rush. Expect luxury pricing with a neighborhood-regular energy that rewards repeat visits over one-off curiosity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cauliflower Appetizer, Linguine with Special Meatballs, Filet Mignon
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A Brentwood institution since 1975 with a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning cellar, tableside cart service, and chef-owner Gianni Paoletti still running the kitchen.
Who should go: Old-school Italian loyalists and serious wine collectors
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for unhurried tableside service
What to order: Start with the off-menu cauliflower, share the special meatballs, then let the captain present your main from the tableside cart.
Insider tip: Ask the sommelier to pull a mature Barolo from the deep list — vintages go back decades and are priced below comparable wine bars.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking available; the restaurant is tucked into Barrington Court, a small courtyard off Barrington Ave with limited street parking
Noise level: Quiet to moderate—dimmed lighting, soft background music, red leather booths built for conversation; it can pick up on busy nights but generally intimate
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — this is one of Brentwood's most romantic restaurants. The wood-paneled dining room is dimly lit with candles and Tiffany-style lamps, red leather booths offer privacy, and soft music sets the tone without drowning out conversation. Tablecloths are brushed between courses, adding an old-world elegance. Request a booth for the most intimate experience. The Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list gives you plenty to impress with.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No — reservations are essential here. This Brentwood institution has been booked-up since 1975, and walk-ins are very unlikely to be seated, especially on weekends. Call ahead at least several days in advance for Friday or Saturday. Weeknights may have slightly more flexibility, but calling ahead is still strongly recommended. Reservations are by phone only.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. This is an upscale, white-tablecloth Italian restaurant with steep prices and a refined atmosphere. There is no dedicated kids menu, and the multi-course dining pace is better suited to older teens and adults. That said, the restaurant does host birthday celebrations and family occasions — so well-behaved older children can be accommodated. For younger kids, consider a more casual spot.
Is it good for groups? Moderately — the restaurant hosts birthday parties and celebrations, so groups are welcome. However, specific details on maximum party size and private dining rooms are not confirmed online. For groups of 6 or more, call well in advance to discuss seating arrangements. The booth-heavy layout works well for parties of 4–6 but may require advance coordination for larger gatherings.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. Peppone is entirely indoors, featuring a classic wood-paneled dining room with red leather booths and candlelit tables. The courtyard entrance off Barrington Court is charming but dining is inside only.
Best For
Better for: Old-school romantic Italian dinner with tablecloth service, candlelight, and suited waiters—the kind of place where you propose or celebrate an anniversary, not grab a quick bite
Consider Alternatives If: You want a modern, buzzy scene or a quick casual meal—this is unhurried, traditional, and unapologetically classic
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday4:30pm - 10pm