In Short
Anyone looking for a stylish Italian restaurant in Hamburg for a special evening will eventually come across Pellicano. Combining an elegant bar, homemade pasta, and fairly confident pricing, this is a place where northern German sophistication meets the Italian way of life.
Between Glamour and the Big City – The Location Makes the Difference
Located right next to the casino at Stephansplatz, Pellicano feels a bit like a meeting place for long nights out. Even from the outside, the restaurant looks elegant, and as soon as we stepped inside, our attention was immediately drawn to the large central bar — definitely the heart of the venue. Many evenings begin here with a drink and end… well, much later than originally planned.
Style Meets Variety – The Ambience
The interior is thoughtfully designed, elegant, and yet never feels overly formal. Different seating areas ensure that both couples and larger groups feel comfortable. Whether you’re looking for a cozy corner or a larger table, there’s a spot for every occasion. The overall atmosphere reminded us a little of Edmondo in the city center, just with a touch more drama and flair.
The staff are attentive, relaxed, and play a big part in making guests feel welcome. Overall, everything feels geared toward special occasions — birthdays, date nights, or simply an evening that’s meant to be a little more memorable than just going out for dinner.
Dolce Far Niente, Hamburg Style
The concept revolves around homemade pasta, an Italian raw bar, aperitivos, and signature cocktails. It sounds like a vacation — and that’s exactly the feeling the restaurant aims to create. You sit down, order another drink, and end up staying a little longer than planned. That “just one last glass” feeling sets in surprisingly quickly.
One detail that did catch our attention, however, was that some of the plates and bowls showed small chips or signs of wear. For a restaurant in this price range, that felt a little out of place and was something we noticed right away.
What Ended Up on the Table
- Pornstar Martini – €17
- Pellicano Spritz – €15
- Burrata & Tomato Tartare – €22
- Raviolo with Egg, Spinach, Ricotta, and Truffle – €28
- White Asparagus – €25
- Vitello Milanese – €19
- Filetto al Pepe Verde – €45
- Tiramisu – €20
Flavors That Stay With You
The drinks make a strong first impression. The Pornstar Martini is fruity and perfectly balanced, while the Pellicano Spritz leans more toward a fresh, summery profile — exactly the right way to start the evening.
When it comes to the food, it quickly becomes clear that quality is a top priority here. The burrata is wonderfully creamy and pairs perfectly with the fresh tomato tartare. The raviolo with its runny egg yolk filling is a real standout — once cut open, everything blends together beautifully, complemented by truffle that adds depth without overpowering the dish. The filet with pepper sauce then brings a bold and satisfying richness to the table, tender and full of flavor. To finish, the tiramisu does exactly what it should: it rounds off the evening with a classic, sweet touch, without any unnecessary fuss.
Is It Worth It?
To be fair, Pellicano is not the kind of place you visit every day. The prices are definitely on the higher end, and not every detail feels perfectly aligned with that premium positioning. That said, the combination of atmosphere, service, and cuisine makes it a great choice for special occasions.
Is it worth the price? That’s something everyone has to decide for themselves. For us, the answer is yes when it comes to a special evening. For a spontaneous pasta craving, probably not.
Overall Rating
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