A new Italian restaurant is opening for business tonight in the space last occupied by Cobble Grill II (and before that Balaka Indian Restaurant), and from what I can gather, this restaurant will certainly be a major step up from its predecessors in the space.

It's run by the same owners as popular take-out/delivery spot Piccoli To Go on the corner of Prospect Park Southwest and Vanderbilt Street, and it looks like their philosophy will carry over into the new sit-down restaurant.

"Our philosophy is simple: quality and simplicity. When quality food meets seasoned hands, the simplest ingredients are elevated to become something spectacular," reads their website. According to a post of Piccoli's Facebook page, "the menu will feature a variety of new dishes, including more homemade pastas, fish, and meat piattis, including several new desserts." Here's a PDF of the original's menu; the food is simple and straight-ahead with an emphasis on risotto, and it's very moderately priced.

I snuck a peek of the interior, and it's clear that they've done a great job with the space. A tin ceiling, chandeliers and sconces pair nicely with light-colored walls, and it looks like there will be a small espresso/wine bar up front. Everything about the place says "simple neighborhood trattoria," and that's something just about everybody can get on board with.

After such a long time, it's nice to see that this corner may finally have a winner on its hands!

Piccoli Trattoria, 522 Sixth Avenue Brooklyn NY 11215. Phone: 718-788-0066. Reservations accepted.