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For nearly 50 years, Piccolo was more than just a neighborhood Italian restaurant in Bellmore—it was a gathering place where generations of families came together to celebrate life’s milestones, share meals, and build lasting memories.
Now, after decades of service, the longtime family-run eatery officially closed its doors today, July 3, at 6 p.m., marking the end of an era.
While the restaurant’s final day was filled with emotion, the Valenti family says what stands out most is not the closing itself, but the overwhelming support they have received from the community over the years.
“It’s been an emotional day,” Tom Valenti Jr. told Greater Long Island. “I’ve been crying for part of the day because of the outpouring of support and kind words from customers. That means everything to us.”
Tom Jr. said the family had hoped for a last-minute resolution that would allow the restaurant to remain open.
“We were hoping for a Knicks-type comeback,” he said. “We tried everything we could with the landlord. It just wasn’t meant to be.”
Despite the last-minute efforts, an agreement could not be reached, bringing an end to a local mainstay that spanned six decades on the Island.
The popular Italian restaurant on Sunrise Highway was founded in 1979 by Tom Valenti Sr. and his wife, Donna.
“All the credit in the world goes to them,” Tom Jr. said, referring to his parents.
Alongside Tom Jr., the family operation included siblings Lori, Rob, and Christie, all of whom grew up with Piccolo at the center of their lives.
Through the years, the eatery also gave back to the communities that supported it, contributing to local schools, volunteer fire departments, charitable organizations, and countless community causes across the South Shore of Nassau County.
“To every volunteer, charity, and organization we have had the honor of supporting, we thank you for looking to us to help the community,” the family said in a statement. “To every guest and family who became part of our extended Piccolo family, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
“No words can truly express our gratitude for the decades of loyalty, friendship, encouragement, and love you have given us. The memories we have shared, the relationships we have built, and the community we have been blessed to serve will remain forever.”
For anyone that has a gift card, the familuy says their friends at Gustavo Divino in Seaford will honor all Piccolo gift cards after July 4.
Tom Jr. added that while Piccolo is closing, the family hopes it is not the end of their story.
“We’re hoping this isn’t the end, but the beginning of a new chapter yet to be written,” he said.
Top: After decades of service, Piccolo has officially closed its doors, marking the end of an era. (Credit: GLI/Andrew Rappaport)
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