A THRIVING Italian restaurant chain with origins in Knutsford is giving the humble lasagne the special anniversary star treatment.

Piccolino, which turns 25 this month, has 21 restaurants around the country and two more in the pipeline, but the first opened at 95 King Street back in 1999.

Owners, Individual Restaurants, are rolling out the red carpet this silver anniversary year with a limited-time celebration menu, special cocktails, champagne partnerships, and all sort of offers.

But at the heart of it all is a spectacular new wagyu beef lasagne, with a layer for every year the restaurant has been open - that’s 25 layers of rich ragu, succulent pasta, bechamel sauce, all laced with hedonistic Italian truffle.

Executive chef, Mark Window, says it's ‘not just a lasagne - it's an experience’.

'It's not just a lasagne – it’s an experience’ 'It's not just a lasagne – it’s an experience': (Piccolino)He added: “This towering creation promises to be the centrepiece of unforgettable dining experiences. It really is a must-try dish. 

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating 25 years of Piccolino with a new menu encapsulating both our heritage and our ambitions for the future.

“The inspiration comes from the quality of the produce, which is the key to Piccolino's great success. 

“Customers can expect timeless revivals like the Bruschetta con Funghi, a heavenly blend of baked mushrooms, garlic, spinach, Asiago cheese, basil pesto, and truffle, all on toasted sourdough.

A selection of decadent dishes from Piccolino's 25th anniversary limited-time menuA selection of decadent dishes from Piccolino's 25th anniversary limited-time menu (Image: Piccolino)

“Among the main courses there's a Risotto al Merluzzo Affumicato, a delicate smoked haddock and leek risotto crowned with a poached Burford Brown egg, matured Italian cheese, lemon, and parsley.

"For dessert, the Piccolino Rocher is a dreamy choux bun cloaked in chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts, with a hidden bite of Nutella and hazelnut cream inside. A touch of silver adds a little sparkle to reflect the incredible 25 years of Piccolino.

“It's a true symphony of flavours which will transport guests straight to Italy.

“Our food offering has evolved over the last 25 years, with now the most traditional Italian cuisine showcased within our current menu, along with authentic interaction and theatre.

Who says big can't be elegant...Who says big can't be elegant... (Image: Piccolino) “We find the best quality of produce we can, which gives a balance of ingredients adding to the quality of each dish."

Those who like a tipple with their dinner can also sip on the new, exclusive ‘Italian 25’ cocktail - a playful twist on the French 75 aperitif.

Or if you’re really planning to push the boat out and prefer to toast with bubbles, champagne will be coming comes courtesy of the 25th anniversary official partner, Moët & Chandon.

Group operations director, Francesco Fiore, who began his career at Piccolino's Cheshire restaurants, said: “We have some fantastic team members across the brand who have been with us for a long time.

“We have a beautiful restaurant, with great food, but it’s the people which make Piccolino really special.”