As regular readers will know, I like to try new places and only return to a restaurant when there’s something on offer that I can’t get anywhere else. With this in mind, it took me somewhat by surprise when we discovered Piccos Kitchen in Maylands last year, as the food and service has taken us back there time after time for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Located somewhat unglamorously between a laundromat and a deli, Piccos would best be described as an “intimate” restauarant, and there’s seating for around 30 including a few tables outside. On entering, you will be warmly greeted by Marissa or one of her staff, who have somehow been trained to always provide the perfect level of attentiveness. Piccos is one of those rare places where they actually do want to get to know you, and make the effort to remember your name.

We usually go to Piccos for breakfast but our most recent visit was for Valentine’s Day dinner, where Chef Adam created a special five course menu with enough choices to satisfy most diners. The restaurant was specially re-arranged to accomodate couples, and there were about 15 tables. Each diner received a rolled-up copy of the evening’s menu tied with a ribbon, a simple touch but one that demonstrates the care taken.

Every course was as good as the last – with the last being a perfect, oozing chocolate fondant – and it’s a shame that it was too dark to take photos without a flash for most of the evening. You can see plenty of pictures on their Facebook page, and the photo above is of my baked brie (how did they know that baked cheese is one of my most favourite things?) Most amazingly, this meal cost a mere $75 per head for five courses. We left with no doubt that they can’t be in this for the money – passion and care is well and truly on show.

I could go on about how good the breakfasts are (great coffee, the bacon egg & brie butty, the best scrambled eggs in town – when they’re on the menu HINT HINT) or the amazing pate and terrines from their popular Poach Pear range, but I’ll let you experience them for yourself. I don’t have many photos to show, that’s because when there I’m too busy enjoying myself. There are plenty of photos and sample menus to see on Facebook and Urbanspoon.

Piccos is open for breakfast 7 days a week and dinner on Thursday and Friday only – I’d suggest making a booking as tables go fast. The dinner menus change every day, and usually include a range of pasta, fish, meat and vegetarian dishes at around $25-$35. The counter fridge is always well stocked with pies, sandwiches, salads etc and you will come face to face with a tempting selection of gourmet cakes & tarts.  There’s also a thoughtful kids menu, so don’t be afraid to take the family.

As the title says, Piccos is my favourite place, and it’s been one of those “secrets” that you want to tell everyone about but at the same time desperately want to keep to yourself – hence why I haven’t reviewed it until now. Piccos Kitchen receives my highest recommendation.