Reviews of Donatello Italian Restaurant. (Restaurant) in Tampa (Florida).
Donatello Italian Restaurant
232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, United States
Description
Information of Donatello Italian Restaurant, Restaurant in Tampa (Florida)
Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.
We still haven't received any review on this business.
Map
Open hours of Donatello Italian Restaurant
Sunday
5–10 pm
Monday
5–10 pm
Tuesday
5–10 pm
Wednesday
5–10 pm
Thursday
5–10 pm
Friday
5–11 pm
Saturday
5–11 pm
Popular times
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Reviews of Donatello Italian Restaurant
Nikolett Talos
Authentic Italian Restaurant, highly the best in Tampa.
I used to live in Italy and loved Italian food all in my life, however when I moved to the US, I really missed not just the real, authentic Italian food but the vibes as well.
This restaurant is family owned, elegant, staff are excellent, waiters are extremely polite in the best way, they treat you as a king / queen.
Food is delicious and the wine selection is exceptional.
I’d recommend their bar room on Saturday as well, they are having live music what is awesome.
Kim Wilson
This place has an old world charm with exceptional service and food to go along with it. If you want a lovely evening out with friends and family or a romantic evening, this is your go to place. The cocktails and wine selection was great and the food was excellent. Many of the dishes are prepared tableside so they are super fresh and hot. We will be back!
Amy Entress Dudley
First time to this Tampa gem and it immediately went to the top of my list of favorite local restaurants. Cuisine is northern Italian so lighter sauces and delicate homemade pasta. Amazing service and a salutation from the owner made the experience more personal. Celebrated my birthday and received a couple of long stem red roses. Nice touch!
WALLY WOOD EATS
I was accommodated well by the management & staff for a table of 8. Valet is a must & they do get pretty busy. Music was playing & it was a bit noisy but I was in the birthday room so that was expected. Service & Food was great. Wish the bread was fresh & the butter was melted. The oysters are only for 1/2 dozen but they were fresh. Also the raw calamari was better to me than than the fried. I ordered both. I also ordered the special pasta which was an array of seafood. Comes with a white wine sauce but I would substitute it for a Alfredo next time. The wine sauce just doesn't stick the noodles so your pasta has soup at the bottom. Was still very good to eat. Desert & coffee was also fantastic. I like how they give all the ladies a rose. Great touch. Will return.
Steffie Bethel
The food was excellent, the service even better. Our order was remarkably quick, expertly cooked, and the flavors were great. The wine list is impressive as well.
Lance Lubin
Despite living in St. Petersburg all my life, I'd never been to Donatello's. I just can't say enough about the food, the service, the ambience. You are greeted at the door by Gino Owner), devilishly handsome, impeccably dressed, exuding old world charm. He even came by the table during the meal to make sure everything was to our satisfaction.
Much of the food is prepared table side and everything we had was absolutely delicious. So fresh, tasty, and well-prepared. Our table had three pasta dishes, and a veal a limone. Caesar salad and bread preceded the. Everything was just out of this world. It could very well be the best Italian restaurant I've ever been to. Five stars aren't enough.
By the way, I should also mention that the night we were there was graduation night in the area and the place was packed... Every table was occupied and it's a very large place. But neither the food nor the service suffered because of it
The lighting is great for dining, but horrible for pictures because everything is bathed in red light. I must admit that at first I looked at the menu and was somewhat put off by the fact it was so expensive. The least expensive entrée is about $34. But it is absolutely worth it...every penny. And we will definitely be going back, and will be a place that we will be delighted to take out-of-town guests to show off the best of Tampa Bay.
Badres Castillo
I came here for Valentine's Day a few years ago and it's been hard to top this restaurant since then. Five star service, five star food, and you'll feel like you're in an episode of The Sopranos with the decor and incredible ambiance around the restaurant. This is definitely a place you come to once and take in the experience and all of it's history.
Robert Eanell
I have been coming here for 30 years or more. It's the very best Italian Restaurant in Tampa or St. Pete. Known for it's romantic atmosphere, it's often the choice for special occasions and a must for a romantic first date! Geno, the owner, is always there to make you feel special and welcome. Most of the staff is Italian, and it's always fun to listen to everyone speaking Italian as the move about the restaurant. The bar area is equally fun with live music most nights of the week. If you are lookin for head banging music this is not the place. Great jazz or popular music played at more modest levels is usually the course. You know the place is great and treats it's staff well when the bartender has been there for nearly 20 years! Dress for men is anything from long pants and a golf shirt to a tux. It's common to see sport coats and suits. For woman this is one place you can dress to the nines! The perfect restaurant for your little black dress. Once you dine here I know one thing for sure. You'll be back!
Picture is of myself and my 2 daughters as we celebrate a 21st birthday.
Tony Beazley
Nice looking and cozy. A table for 4 is pretty small and just not enough room for a good 4 person apps and full meal plates. Food was descent. A/C was up pretty high.... the Lamborghini parked out front was a nice highlight!
robert Quinlan
Never been here before and was pleasantly surprised to walk in to such a beautifully decorated and welcoming atmosphere. The food was outrageously good and the presentation spectacular. Everything is delicious and the service is superb. Can’t wait to come back !
Shawn B
Having just come from Italy a few months ago, this felt like being there. Great food, great atmosphere, and friendly staff. Will be back.
Realtor Veronika Rojas-Matiz
I've been here before for drinks while enjoying the wonderful duo playing jazz, that's so cool!
But I never dining before, so this was a birthday 🎂 party of 6. I was the one to blame - I suggested Donatello - 😆
We sat down for 20 minutes if I can count the time, and no service at all. We were into our conversation and suddenly I look around for a server but everyone looks busy with their own table. I called the Maitre and he got us service. It was just a bottle of wine, simple. It took forever. We order pronto, we don't want to miss again our server 😅 The food was delicious, I order one of their suggestions: Risotto with scallops and lobster, couldn't be more exquisite. By now, we all been pampered for the servers, great job to the Maitre!! Overall it was a great moment for us 🥳 🎂
My Lam
This place is AMAZING! I went here for the first time with my little sister and the service was wonderful! The owner came by to check on us a couple of times and making sure things are going smoothly! The food there is super delicious especially the bruschetta! It’s well worth the price! Their steak melts like butter and no sauce needed because they put a little truffle butter on top. Such an amazing experience. The price is a bit high, but it is well worth it! I recommend everyone to come here and check it out. Absolutely the best Italian restaurant in Tampa, hands down.
Annie Gell
Donatello’s is the most amazing Italian restaurant. Food is so delicious. Service couldn’t be better. Friendly and authentic. 10/10. Always impressed and beyond satisfied.
Lauren Fassino
We came here for my husband's 40th birthday dinner. We had a large party and the staff made it extra special. The service was impeccable, food was amazing, and the private room was an added bonus. My little girl loved getting a rose as we were leaving as well.
L A F Berry
I attended a birthday party here. The food was tasty, but this was not one of my most memorable meals or restaurants. The servers were really nice and accommodating. The house Chardonnay was delicious. I appreciate the valet service.
Wendy P
Had an amazing time in the bar area listening to live music featuring Hsrmony Devoe! Food was good and great service!
Andrea Coneglio
We gave spend many new years eve at Donatello. This year the food and service was great as usual. But the atmosphere not so much. Music in dining room was too loud. Couldn't hear waiter speak or anyone at our table.
Band in bar area was better.
But as it got later a very unusual crowd came in.
They were very loud and disturbing. It made us uncomfortable. We also felt 45.00 for 2 glasses of champagne was a high. Previous years they gave diners free toast for new years.
We traveled from Daytona Beach to attend.
Lavisa L. Ricks
Another evening with business colleagues, learning and leaning one to another in elegance. Donatello knows how to give supreme service while making a lady feel beautiful and well provided for. From the time you enter the restuarant till leaving you feel the care. Beautifully crafted each meal course detailing the next heightens the taste buds to reach for the next dish. Anxiously anticipated was the dessert chocolate mouse cake ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS, knocked it out the park! Lastly, a beautiful🌹 handed off to the fair ladies to end an exquisite evening of fine dining.
Dom Torres
My girlfriend just took me here tonight for my birthday… AMAZING!!!! I reminisce Italian cuisine from my old neighborhood in Belmont (the REAL Little Italy in the Bronx) and Little Italy in Manhattan, Donatello supersedes those experiences and will make you feel at home. Fan for life, great atmosphere, the best service I’ve ever experienced, it’s worth traveling for.
Peter Battista
Great atmosphere & music, 5 adults 2 children we had a lot of fun Fernando & Gino were very helpful and have phenomenal customer service. They were attentive and even gave the ladies roses on the way out. We spent a ton of money but it was by choice, trying all the appetizers and deserts.
Allen Whisler
My wife and I went for our anniversary and had a blast. The food was all amazing. Everything is finalized and plated table side. The servers are quick to handle your every need. I had tortellini that was amazing and my wife had a fungi Alfredo (the daily special) that was even better. They gave us a free piece of tiramisu, which was amazing. I generally do not like tiramisu but this was light, balanced, and flavorful.
Whitney ortiz
Had a wonderful time at Donatello's.
From the greeting and handshakes when you walk in, to the rose you receive at the end of the night everything was lovely.
The wait staff was super attentive and accurate. The food was amazing.
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will be back.
Jason Buda
We had an amazing experience at Donatello. Our wine and food was delicious. The hospitality was wonderful. My wife loved that she was handed a long stem red rose on the way out. We had a very special evening.
Korean Dee
Great restaurant for a date night. Authentic Italian atmosphere, and great food. I absolutely love my main dish, I can’t remember the name of it but it was a seafood dish with “Dante” in it’s name. The tiramisu was disappointing at first site, but tasted good.
Ferrando Macchetta
Finally! A truly authentic Italian (northern) restaurant! I was born and grew up in Milano Italy and was raised on northern Italian cooking. This place is the closest I’ve had to that style of cooking outside my mom’s kitchen. I’ve not lived in Tampa long, so I’ve just recently been told about it. Aside from the great food, the service was top notch. Attentive, but not overbearing. Unlike other restaurants where they rush you out and the dining experience lasts 30 minutes, my wife and I were able to relax and enjoy our after-dinner drinks. Thanks again for the nostalgic experience. Ciao! Alla prossima!
Thomas Lessing
Great vibe to the restaurant!! The food choices are endless. If you don’t see what you want - I’m sure they can make it. Excellent service! Food was great from start to finish. The wine 🍷selection is one of the best I’ve seen! Thanks for making our experience a 5 star! …
Gloria Constant
Delicious food, excellent live music and great atmosphere in the lounge area. The owner even handed out a red rose to the female customers. There's parking at the back but the valet parking was a godsend. Cannot wait to return!
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Sanda Kruger
The food was amazing!! Traditional Italian food! And the entertainment, the live music was fabulous!
Chef Ahmad
Went there for my fiancé’s birthday. First time here and really enjoyed it. Food was amazing. Loved the atmosphere and how authentic, intimate and classy it is. Loved how they sang her happy birthday in Italian and gave a great lemon dessert on the house.
Victor Gomez (Dr. G)
Absolutely fabulous! I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to try this place. Growing up in NY and as a foodie with Italian Restaurants being my favorites, I can honestly say I found my new fav place. The food was delicious! My litmus test for any Italian restaurant is the seafood - primarily the “Linguine Alle Vongole”. This dish was prepared to perfection. The pasta was pleasantly “al dente”, the sauce was deliciously full of flavor, the herbs and seasoning perfectly blended, and the roasted and delicately sliced garlic was superb. I have found my competition as this dish is my specialty.
We had a minor disappointment with the service as we felt slightly rushed and ny dessert was not available, it appears our waiter was eager to go home early that evening as I overheard his conversation with his fellow workers. Nonetheless, the Maitre d‘hotel and manager handled the situation as professionally as expected and to our satisfaction. We proceeded to enjoy our after dinner drinks at the bar whilst listening to the live entertainment l. Will definitely return and sample the rest of my favorites.
Priscilla Orena
I came last night as a birthday surprise from my boyfriend and friends. I live in a town an hour away from Tampa & have always wanted to be reminded of my families heritage. This was it. The food, the waiters, everything. Perfection. True Italian food & I didn’t leave a drop on my plate. I will be back here every chance I get.
Michael Nolan
Donatellos is my favorite Italian restaurant. I spent many years in Italy and I love this restaurant's food, staff, and atmosphere. Come Monday thru Thursday if you want to hear the fabulous Miss Kitty at the piano. If there is something you don't like, ask for Gino and he'll make it right.
Amy
We went for dinner on our 20th wedding anniversary and it was amazing. The pate is a must and is always my favorite. We had a memorable night!
Tom Wasilewski
Beautiful dining experience, delicious food. I asked for veal parmigiana, was not on the menu, but they made it for me. Best I ever had! We will be back!
Lena Chachaj
Chill family vibes , this is the place for celebrations (must have been 10 birthdays last night) but the food wasn't the best italian Ive had. The angel hair pasta as part of the pasta appetizer was overcooked and so bland I didnt finish it. It could have been from olive garden. The raviolis were ok. If Im having pasta as a cheat meal I want it to be spectacular! Maybe im spoiled by NYC italian food but the food was salty and average.
There is a lot of staff but service was slow and unorganized. It took 3 hours to finish a birthday dinner, the food wasn't brought out at the same time, and my pasta to-go order took 45 minutes to be delivered after the check. Our table wasnt offered fresh parmesan. For the price the service should be seamless and efficient.
Still on the hunt for the best homemade pasta in Tampa!
Brigid Dailey
Tonight was my first time eating at Donatello’s with my family. Very nice waiter, food came out really fast, and food was delicious. I would definitely return soon.
aryan vaid
Old school Italian restaurant.. and most of the staff speak Italian. The food is ok. And very expensive.. the service is terrific.. but $37 for a pasta which is half the portion size of any Italian restaurant. But it's the place where the rich hobnob...
Bigfatwillie
My wife and I go here on special occasions. It's a 5/5 every single time.
Sandy Sandmeyer
Don't go without reservations! Fabulous food. Impeccable service. We were greeted at the door by Gino, who shook our hands and wished my sun Happy Birthday then led us to our table. Our sommelier, George was from the town next door to my hometown and had a great sense of humor. We weren't rushed at all. The whole meal took over 2.5 hours. Highly recommend!
Joshua Jongko
Fantastic 5 star experience. The pasta was perfect and the wine pairing was great. Treat your self to some of their amazing canolis or chocolate cake with an espresso. You will not be disappointed!
Heidi Morales-Hake
We were lucky enough to get a reservation later than I normally eat, but we really wanted to dine here. Donatello’s is a Tampa staple serving authentic and fresh Italian cuisine. While we waited to be seated, we checked out the bar area where live music was being played. The food and the wait staff were all exceptional. What I loved the most was that despite the long line of customers waiting to be seated, we were never rushed. We took our time, enjoyed our meal and our wine. It was such a pleasant and excellent experience that it no longer mattered how late I was having dinner. As you're leaving, the women are handed a red rose... a classy touch. Can't wait to come back and have another excellent meal.
Tuan Pham
Great Italian food in Tampa Bay area. But best of all is the service and user experience. You are treated like the president of the United state here. The crab meat pasta was amazing.
Brenda McMillian
Food was very good, waiters in tuxedos were attentive to our groups needs. Three course meal served. They had my favorite wine which was good! Small, full parking area in back so they offered complimentary valet parking. Small bar area with live music. Each female customer received a rose when leaving. Impressive.
Carrie Margas
The service and food are always impeccable here. We were a part of a party of about 18 or so people. We were given a private room which was quaint. The food was outstanding. Our group shared a bunch of appetizers, fried calamari, mussels in white wine sauce and brushetta. I had the seafood risotto, one of the specials, which was amazing! Can't wait to go back
Britney Popplewell
Our first time here tonight, and let me tell you....this place is the vibe!! Live jazz! Service was top notch, food was amazing!! Owner is very involved, introduces himself to every single guest as he seats them personally. You can tell he cares about carrying on their long family legacy! We will definitely be back!! Thank you for such a great experience! 💙
Xyz All
Okay, so this restaurant has been in Tampa forever- I would say an iconic, staple restaurant. However, I never felt the want to go here until today. Interior has old school ambience, and looks a bit dated. Service from the actual waiter was limited as once our food starting coming out, he was taking orders from new tables and didn’t really check on us too much. If it wasn’t for the assistants who clear the tables and deliver food, overall service would’ve have been bad; they made up for the missing server.
Food was good. Appetizer of pate was delicious, however, the oysters gratinate lacked seasoning/taste. Overall, will absolutely return.
Vishnu
Average. For the price, everything was average. Bruschetta was good, veal pasta was okay, bread was okay, house salad and minestrone soup were good, but nothing was worth the high prices. Great ambiance but slow customer service and high prices.
Emilio Valentin
Was my birthday we order sangrias they were so good. But we had a family emergency so we had to leave. They didn’t even charge us for the drinks the waiter said hey it’s your birthday you don’t pay for drinks happy birthday. I was impressed we will definitely go back to eat there. Thank you sir.
R M
Best Italian Food in The Tampa Bay Area! EXCELLENT restaurant for special occasions. Not inexpensive, but great things aren't. Authentic Italian, and been in business for decades. Romantic and relaxing with live music. Everything is Superb! Wide variety. Plan on enjoying a nice couple hours enjoying this hidden secret, where us locals go.
dewey219
It much nicer inside than out. The wait staff dressed very well. Service was great.
Aimee A
I will start this off by saying it wasn’t the worst experience, but it also didn’t meet expectations for the price and reputation. We had a reservation to celebrate my 30th birthday and despite arriving on time, we were sat over 25 minutes after our allotted time (when we walked in we were told there would be a 10 minute delay). What made it worse was people walked in after us and were seated right away with no apparent reservation. We were rushed to order shortly after we sat down and were then served a salad that was meant for the table next to us (that neither of us even wanted). The food was ok, but was not the best Italian in Tampa or worth the price. We were asked if we were celebrating anything, which we responded that we were celebrating my birthday. Nothing was done to acknowledge this despite various other birthday celebrations in the house. We likely wouldn’t go back.
J.E. Porter
The food was okay but the service was great. I didn't think it was worth the price at all. Pictured below are the pesto pasta, veal stuffed pasta, spinach and mushroom pasta.
Brooke Palmer
One of the best dining experiences in Tampa. Always good, whether in the bar for fun, or having dinner with family. A true treasure in Tampa Bay.
Jennifer Cash
Nice business outing with people who have never been. Service impeccable! A personal touch with everything down to the ladies receiving a long stem red rose at the end of the evening.
Daniela Ingles
Love coming to this Tampa staple. It's a pretty penny but it's worth every cent. The food was amazing, and the wait staff was very personable, and ready to cater. They really want you to enjoy your dining experience. It has more of a family feel then a restaurant feel. The wine and drinks complimented the courses very well, and the roses they gave to us upon leaving was the cherry on top of the night. This place is a must try.
Tiffany M
If you are looking for an old school, rustic Italian restaurant, this place is it. It is not cheap and doesn't have some of the Italian food that comes to mind (like lasagna, chicken parmesan, etc) but they have good service and will treat you like family.
Marilyn Baez
I loved this place, the delicious food and super attention, they sang me happy birthday in Italian and I loved it without a doubt I would visit it again.
Dave Read
Meh. Definitely not the worst Italian I have had, but also not the best. The food quality did not justify the prices. I did like the classic Italian family decor, however.
I ordered the Vitello Dolce Vida, which was well cooked but under seasoned. A tiny bit of lemon in the sauce would have gone a long way. My friend liked his chicken dish more than I liked mine.
Joy G
My favorite thing in this place is the decor and the roses every lady gets at the end of the meal. I love the service and how all the servers are all dressed up. The table-side pasta prep is a nice touch too. The food is very good but a little price in my opinion. It’s a nice place for a romantic dinner, but not so suited for larger groups.
C-RENA BUMSQUADDJZ
Band was great, food was amazing...I had like a spinach stuffed ravioli...the sauce on was just OUTSTANDING!!
Get there early...if not, VALET!
Vicky Montville
I enjoyed the experience to a degree.
The food was fine but pricey for pasta dishes. The seafood seemed fresh. The decor is dingy and outdated. I appreciated the rose upon arrival. The waitstaff was fairly attentive but nothing to write home about. I didn't have a negative experience but for what we spent and the occasion we were celebrating i would not ask to go back unfortunately. There are better options in tampa for high end Italian
Dan Pera
Wow, what a great spot. Impeccable service and food. The owner seats you and shakes your hand upon entry. Great old school eatery where waiters have been there 30 years. Get the beef carpaccio and loosen up the purse strings.
Amazing experience at a real iconic place. Definitely come here.
Also hey, BIG cocktails.
Munira Grinnage
First time eating at this restaurant. The food was amazing. Atmosphere was amazing. Gio who greets you at the door was such a pleasant surprise and even checked in us at our table. The long stem rose upon departure is a beautiful touch. However, our assigned server was not very attentive. He struggled most of the night to tend to us. No linen placed in lap. Waited 30 mins to get out check in the end. However, I will go there again. There were other hands that saw the lack of attention and assisted when needed. I just wish the waiter captain was more attentive.
Graham Stone
Excellent food, excellent service and a nice selection of wines by the glass at a reasonable price but the whole experience was marred by the noise in the dining room from the large number of diners in a small space all talking loudly to make themselves heard. Then towards the end of our meal a band started playing in the lounge and the sounds percolated into the dining room. SoundPrint recorded the noise at our table at 82 decibels, Very Loud. Not a place to go for an intimate, romantic date.
Nez Jones
I came here last night with my sister to celebrate our birthdays and I must say that I was blown away! Upon entering the restaurant you are greeted by the owner, you can see he really takes pride and joy in his restaurant. The attention to detail is immaculate, the service is superb and the food is absolutely delicious!!! This was my first visit and will definitely not be my last ( definitely worth the hour drive ! )
Carly Muniz
Excellent food! Best Italian restaurant ♥️ everything was great! I’ll definitely be back.
Niko Pjetri
Great italian restaurant experience which will have you feeling like a mobster from the Godfather. The food is great, wine list is long, desert is a must and an esspresso is mandatory.
Brad Ross
Food was delicious however a few aspects of the meal made this location difficult to recommend for returning. We had a larger group (10) so that likely influenced some of the challenges for our waiter. He skipped about half of the group when taking drink and appetizer orders. This occurred again for desserts. He also refilled a wine glass with the wrong bottle which mixed different types of wine. At the end of the meal, he was unwilling to provide separate checks which created a bit of a frustrating scenario for folks at the table who did not feel comfortable splitting evenly. Just a basic service you would expect when paying $50+ per plate. Overall we felt the food was a bit overpriced for the experience. I think this would be a nice spot for a couple on a date where the situation wouldn’t be as challenging for their wait staff.
Dan Conneally, PA
Fantastic Grouper and a generous portion! Scott Hardy is the best! Didn’t even take a break!
Donna Christian butterfly garden
Normally this is an awesome restaurant.it’s been in the area a long time and offers live music in the bar. The food is good but too pricey for what you get. $35-45 for a pasta dish. Expect to pay over $150 per couple. It’s under new management now. It was loud chaos and overbooked. Staff were scrambling like mad. We waited 1hr 30 min for a table with a 7pm reservation made 30 days ahead. no compensation offered at all only an apology. It was a special night with entertainment. I was thankful half of my party cancelled 2 days before (I let them know ahead) to avoid the embarrassment and given the circumstances, it was a favor to the restaurant to have less angry customers. Several others left upset to eat elsewhere.(J Alexanders)Manager expected two seatings but didn’t let the customers know nor ask anyone to close their checks. Many came at 6 pm and left at 9:30. Several couples with 8pm reservations were turned away at the door.Very disappointing evening. Not sure if I will ever return.
Jeffrey Needle
From the service to the atmosphere and then most importantly the meal…this restaurant is exquisite. Finest ingredients, attention to detail and the fresh made gravy and pasta is some of the best ever. Donatellos is a must when in Tampa.
Robert Gonzalez
Outstanding dining experience! Excellent authentic Italian cuisine with top-notch friendly service. Donatello was a great experience and I will definitely visit again when I'm in Tampa.
Harry Spilker
KB our bartender started out our evening assisting us with both wine and dinner selections. She was spot on. Our meal was 5star and the wine selection was perfect. I hosted a business dinner for 13 customers and perfection would be the adjective to describe our evening. Virgilio was our server and made our dinning experience 5 star.
Eric Pourmand
Delicious old school Italian restaurant conveniently located just off of I-275 near the Dale Mabry exit. We started with the colossal crab cocktail which was in olive oil and garlic and was succulent and sweet. The fried calamari was lightly fried and had an amazing garlicky tomato sauce to accompany it. For dinner, I had the osso buco which was out of this world. They give you a small fork to scoop out the bone marrow, and it comes with saffron flavored rice. An absolute must try. Come here and you won’t be disappointed.
Jessica Sanchez
Definitely enjoyed my experience. Very nice upscale restaurant. The food was amazing!
Rhonda Poe
Very nice atmosphere, host friendly, band awesome.
Ashley Howard
This Tampa Gem is a classic!!! The ambiance and quality of food is unmatched. Being greeted by the owner, Gino on a busy Friday night was the icing on the cake. This is a great date night spot. Very intimate!!! This place is highly recommended… can you say FLAVOR!!! We will return soon.
Marie Hampton
Great date place. Every woman gets a rose as they leave! Food is great and service is very good and attentive
Susan Macbeth
Classic Italian Dishes made with love! The Atmosphere is fabulous, the service impeccable, the food fresh and delicious. Have brought many clients, family and friends here for over 25 years who make this one of their favorite restaurants as well.
Stephanie Wilson
Have lived in Tampa all my short 51 years and tonight was the first time I have eaten here. I do not know why I waited so long. Food was phenomenal. The gentleman who took our orders and waited on us was so friendly and attentive. We will definitely add this to our go to places for date nights.
Thank you Donatello staff for a perfect night.
V Dillingham
Celebrating bday and Anniversary from Midwest and was recommended to come here as I love Italian food.
Nice atmosphere and service was good. Wait staff friendly.
Liked they wore masks too.
Fresh roses nice touch as we left the restaurant for the ladies.
Andrew Campbell
I can only find pros for this restaurant. Professional and efficient staff, no loud music: you can talk with your guests at a normal level, the food is excellent Northern Italian food: I have been to Italy numerous times starting when I was a child and can attest to the flavors of the dishes. My wife and I have tried all the better Italian restaurant in the Tampa Bay area and this is by far the best.
Julie Diggins
The staff is super friendly and accommodating. However, the food was just average and the prices were way too high for that. I don’t mind paying high prices for a quality restaurant, but I want the food to knock my taste buds out of my mouth for those prices. Also, for being known as a romantic restaurant, it’s just too loud and packed in. Probably nicer on a quiet weekday.
Duane Maxwell
Great atmosphere, wonderful customer service , Mr Guido "the father " created an unforgettable experience for my friend and I on a visit to the restaurant one I will never forget , a very kind man . His son Gino continues the tradition by creating those experiences for customers greeting them at the door making sure everyone is taken care of , the food and ambiance are second to none . God Bless Donatellos' may they continue a long and prosperous tradition giving Tampa a landmark classically Italian place to enjoy family and special occasions.
Tee O
Donatello’s was a good dining experience and the food was overall good. We ordered a few appetizers like the beef carpaccio and the calamari. They were excellent and fresh. For entrees, we ordered a variety of meals, of which the beef tenderloin was the best. Other entrees were great, including the lamb. The downsides were that the pasta with bolognese was a bit greasy, and the veal was a bit chewy. Other than that and it being a bit pricey, we would recommend this place.
Hender Molina
I loved the Vitello Dolce Vitta, it has a delicious truffle flavor. The Risotto Principessa was awesome. It was a special dish of that day. Waiters were incredible kind and professional.
Charles P. Rutherford II
Amazing experience from top to bottom. This is the place when you're in the mood (or open to be swiftly whisked into the mood) for some traditional and imaginative Italian fare set in tastefully low lit, cozy surroundings. You'll never be too dressed up here. Bar area seemed more casual, dining was certainly more common to see biz casual or higher.
Eric Turman
Best Italian Food in Tampa. Don't be in a hurry and enjoy the full experience.
linda tambini
First time at Donatello’s. The ambiance was romantic and obviously older restaurant. The food was good but I felt portions not generous. I ordered pasta which I felt very overpriced . It was good but not exceptional. I could have gotten many meat choices for the same price which doesn’t make sense. If you want to charge that much throw in a salad. The service was good.
Mark Rumney
We had a wonderful meal as Donatellos was recommended to us by a server at another restaurant while in town.
On a busy Saturday night we were able to get in quickly while on their wait list. Wait staff offered great options so we could sample many of the fine meals on their menu. We both decided on the veal prepared in different methods and they came out perfect. We added the agnolotti and penne marinara as sides and we are still talking about how good it all tasted.
While it may be some time before we get back to Tampa, we certainly make sure and return. Highly recommend you visit Donatello for a taste old true Northern Italian cuisine.
Erica Rivera
Delicious, authentic Italian food. Very romantic vibe in the main dining room and a more fun vibe in the lounge near the bar with live music.
Kevin Wanamaker
A top notch Italian meal in a setting that feels like an authentic old school Italian restaurant in NJ, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. Great ambiance, and the service is top notch. For gluten free diners they had lots of options. GF penne is available and many of the entrees can be made gluten free. Excellent wine selection as well.
Forouz Frs
Good food, cozy atmosphere but service could be slow, specially during weekends, to the point that it become annoying and effect the experience!
Marc Bosserman
Iconic!
Gino is remarkable and this place has a real beautiful vibe.
And the steak was out of this 🌎!!
The piano bar is just amazing!
Not too many left. This one is WOW!
Great music.
Every part if this place is just class!
Tracy Jette
We first walked in and were very impressed, the owner shook our hands, all of us (party of 12 people) and welcomed us, we were very excited for the evening, the main dining room looked beautiful, but we were sat in a bland back room having to push carts out of the way to get into, and from that point on unfortunately, we felt forgotten about, we repeatedly asked for more bread, and drinks, only got after 40 min and the bread was toasted hard and burnt, we were not asked for refills on drinks (only wine bottles) as many of us did not drink wine. The food was served with the server yelling out the dish "who had the..." some of the food was amazing, other dishes like the Piccata Al Limone was disappointing, swimming in butter and gray looking. We did request 3 checks and let them know, it took 45 min to figure out the bill and had everyone stressed instead of in the jazz lounge enjoying the music after dinner, once we all got into the lounge, the server spent more time talking to the bartender instead of getting us more drinks, and ended up causing an argument over where else we could go for better service. We all thought if you come in as a small party, it would be an amazing experience, maybe larger parties are not best here...for the prices, and reviews we expected better.
Talia Monroe
If you enjoy true authentic and delicious Italian cuisine it does not get much better than Donatello's! I've been visiting this restaurant for over 10 years and every time the food is consistently excellent! From the charming atmosphere to the great service, you are guaranteed a wonderful dinner! 5 star all the way! I've since moved to Dallas and have not been able to find a restaurant there as good!
Karen Kassebeer
Beautiful spot not to be missed when in Tampa. Extensive Italian menu and amazing food!
David Mccartney
Everything from the GM to the water waiter was amazing. We've tried Italian food all over the country and Donatello's is some of the most authentic . We have zero complaints. We can't wait to go back. ( For the Wall)
Brittany Carlton
We had our Christmas work party here a couple weeks ago and we had a really great experience! The service was amazing, the food was delicious, and I loved the lighting in the restaurant it along with the music 🎶 great vibes all around. Would 10/10 recommend!! …
Maxine Phillips
Ms. Cleo sings here sometimes and her and her band is excellent. The food is good and excellent service.
Allison Tawil
Always the best in Tampa. Special thanks for taking care of us with absolutely delicious takeout and service.
Linda Cohen
Im.from the northeast and used to getting chicken parm or eggplant parm, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken marsala. The food was good and very pricey. Also they dont have a kids menu. They did accommodate us by making a dish of spaghetti with butter.
Brad Rich
Food was pretty good, they didn't have a drink menu, other than wine and our server seemed annoyed when we asked questions about the menu. I find it bothersome when you go to a nice restaurant and ask the server for recommendations and they say, "everything is good." There's always a few things that are amazing and a few you should stay away from.
Sally Hoyt
Wonderful Italian Food .
Not far from Hyde Park .
I suggest a reservation.
jeanne hueting
Food and service was wonderful. A little pricey but the atmosphere is great
Denese Staples
Very delicious and a very authentic Italian feel! This is my in laws favorite restaurant! We all gathered for Mother's Day and had a wonderful dinner. Best Caesar salad EVER! The service was amazing! Great experience! Thank you.
Linda Stein
This is a classic Italian restaurant with Ambiance fabulous service delicious food our favorite bar
Robert Kropa Jr.
This past Saturday I reserved a table for a party of 10..... We ordered 7 appetizers in which they we absolutely delicious.... The only problem was two of us ordered the lobster pasta and crab pasta entree's.
The pasta was cool and the crab and lobster was very bland tasting.... I guess I'm spoiled because of being originally from New England, so I'm used to Maine Lobster.... Very disappointed.
But several guests order the various fish entree's and they stated that we're scrumptious.....
Over all we always have a great experience a Donatello's Everytime we go...
Just they need to reassess their crab & lobster pasta dishes.....
Jessica Mansell
My husband and I were in town staying at the Hard Rock and decided to venture off in search of authentic Italian food. We couldn’t be happier that we found Donatello’s. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was outstanding. Everyone was so friendly. Every time we are in town we will definitely be stopping by for dinner!
Jori Calvert
A great place for a date night or special occasion. Wonderful service and great food.
Michelle Del Rosario
What a fabulous, authentic Italian culinary haven! Flavors were fantastic, vast selection of appetizers and entrées. Service was impeccable. No issues splitting up a $500 bill which was confusion even to us. Valet parking, red roses 🌹for the ladies, live music, great atmosphere. A definite next time in my book!!! …
Mi Sher
Valet parking was great, food was excellent. From the moment you walk in your are treated like family. The only thing I would improve is the cleanliness of the building. The walls seemed dirty, the ceiling and the furniture is old and used. Nothing major, just some maintenance.
Megan
I have heard about Donatello’s for a while and always wanted to check it out. A few nights ago my boyfriend took me here for our anniversary and it was just okay. I really wanted to love this place, but it wasn’t all I expected it to be. To start, the service was excellent. Our waiter was just attentive enough to where he wasn’t constantly at our table yet didn’t make us feel forgotten. The house wine was delicious and they have an excellent selection to compliment any dish. Now to the food. I should have selected a pasta dish because the chicken came out dry and only with a small side of vegetables. The sauce itself on the chicken was great, but the actual chicken was hard to cut and chew. My boyfriend ordered a pasta dish that was handmade and tasted delicious, but it wasn’t filling for him. He’s not a big guy so to have him say he was hungry after was disappointing. Pasta is cheap to make so not sure what the deal was. Maybe we should have ordered an appetizer or salads first. We ended our meal with a delicious Tiramisu though that you could tell was homemade. I definitely want to give this restaurant a second chance because I have heard such great things about it from other people and it’s hard finding a really good Italian place.
marsha rau
Mangia, mangia, mangia!!!!
They make dining memorable! Elegantly done tables and comfortable booth seating. From Marco's welcome to his farewell and the gifting of a lovely red rose as a good night. Our dining experience was reminiscent of days gone by.
The waiters in Tux, attentive but not intrusive, an unrushed meal in beautiful surroundings and the food delightful! We shared a Calamari salad and a house salad with our entree and both chose the Risotto with Asparagus Shrimp Scampi. We chose the house made Tiramisu with coffee for our dessert, a delightful ending to a lovely dinner.
Joseph Reilly
We loved our meals. The Ossobucco was outstanding and the grouper was delicious. Make reservations and enjoy a wonderful evening at one of Tampa's finest restaurants.
Jay West
This is an amazing restaurant. The food was delicious, and the service was one of the best I've seen. The entire staff operated like a well oiled machine. Professional and friendly. They even handed my wife a rose on the way out the door. Highly recommended!
George Telegadis
Old school Italian. Slightly older crowd. Classic host who hands the ladies a rose as they leave. Plates are smaller than I would expect for the price and type of restaurant. Bar area was fully packed with what looked like regulars. I would go again. Make reservations and expect to wait a bit even with that. If you are looking for that old school NJ nice dining traditional Italian experience this is your place.
Noella Burgeson
One of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa. The food was amazing and service was top notch
Robert Grady
We love this place. Been going for 25 years. Classy Italiano.
Doug Erskine
This Filetto Gioacchino Rossini was one of THE BEST THINGS I'VE EVER EATEN .
It tasted so good that I honestly cried with joy........
Wow !
Thank you !
Thank you, Donatellos
Gary Sergent
Wow! What an experience. We were at a meeting in Tampa which was being held at the Marriott Westshore (close to the resturant)
Our hungry crew arrived shortly after the place opened and were greeted at the front door by the owner, Gino! What a beautiful warm Italian welcome, like we were family! He had is staff of (what seemed like 50) impeccably dressed waiters seat us and cater to our every whim! If you really want to impress a date, or your mother, take them to this place! You will not be dissapointed!
Jason Orlando
The food was only matched by this restaurants excellent service. The interior was beautiful. The Host treated my date and I like we were old friends.. simply excellent. I've never been more happy to give a review and I look foward to coming back!
Crystal Smith
Everything was par EXCELLENCE!!!! The SERVICE from complementary valet, Guido greeting us at the door, lovely familia & friends romantic atmosphere. Wonderful wine/champagne lists as well as strong drinks, delicious FRESH Oysters, rack of lamb....desserts served by a friendly amazing waitstaff while wonderful sounds of the the jazz band can be heard from the adjoining lounge/bar area. A true gem. So glad to find this treasure in our new city and We'll definitely visit again.
Justin Connor
Food was top notch. Hands down best Italian I've had. My only issue was drinks were not great which was surprising. Otherwise was amazing.
Christopher Schneider
Your typical classy Italian restaurant. Service is top notch! Very pricey but the food is worth it.
Grimm Bigham
Absolutely beautiful place. Real good genuine italian food. The service is phenomenal and the waiters are probably the best gentlemen and women I've ever had the pleasure of dining with. Not as pricey as you would think, but it can add up fast. BUT, the food is most definitely worth the price.
Justyna H.
Without a doubt the best place to enjoy Italian food on the Gulf Coast!
Domingo Nunez
Owner greets everyone as they enter, great ambiance, very good service, amazing food.
Miraglia Builders
This place is a true old Tampa staple. Gio and his family have a long lineage of providing exceptional Italian food and old time elegance. This is my family's go to spot. The prosciutto melon is amazing and highly recommended.
The live piano in the bar area is classic Italian ambiance and the photos of all the celebrities that have stopped by only adds to their pedigree as a restaurant where you can rub elbows with local and national celebrities.
Robert Kirchubel
Pretty good. Pricey and they sing Happy Birthday too loud/too often, but we enjoyed ourselves and service was friendly. One in our party pointed out the many older men with younger women trophy dates 😎 …
Priscilla Rose
My husband and I love this place. The food is outstanding. We ate there last night with a group that had never been there and they fell in love with the food and atmosphere immediately. Gino runs a top notch establishment making everyone feel welcome and special! Can't say enough good things! Highly, highly recommended! This coming for an Italian girl!
Sweet Dreams
Great venue for dinner parties. I love the family style seating. Real Italian vibe
David earnest
Great friendly staff on top of there game and was very friendly atmosphere to dine with friends/family
Stephen Wilson
In a word, Amazing! From the time we pulled into the valet to the time we were getting back into the car it was great. Service, food, everything. Over 45 years here in the Tampa area and this is one place I will be going back to. Gino, everything was spot on.
Christian Rivera
Great Experience!
Wife and I went for our 10yr Anniversary, Waited less than 10 mnts. On a Friday, right after they wrapped up a big birthday group. Good Music, Superb Staff, and rediculous good home made Italian food! 5/5
Amelia San Martin-Farley
Real Italian! Nice Jazz bar-good music!
Made me feel like I was back dining in Chicago!
Our Host “Gino” was Venice, Italy. Excellent food, service and a long stem rose for every lady in the dining room. ❤️🥀 Nice touch!
Wonderful dining experience!
Joe Grace
Ten star service / food . Enjoyed the night out start to finish. The jazz band in lounge was entertaining. Gino -Your father would be proud of your hard work and the professional you have become !
Lisa Harris
We love ❤ Donatello's restaurant. Geno is such a wonderful host. When we walk in, it is just like when we lived in Italy! Thank you Geno for making our dining experience absolutely wonderful ❤
Caesar Augustus
Great food! Great ambience! Great service!
Monique Evans
Caesar salad was to die for! The food was good but they were out of 3 dishes that we really wanted (lobster, crab, and stuffed pasta! We had to make reservations which was fine but it was really crowded. Had they not been out of 3 items on a Saturday night I would have given it 5 stars
Bob Hallman
Donatello’s is “Top Shelf” in every facet of service, atmosphere & food.
Enjoy getting pampered by the wait staff as you savor appetizers & entrees.
For that special evening this is the only choice.
Jason Bernstein
The oysters and snails we excellent! The entrees were very good (veal and pasta). The dessets were ok. Overall experience is exactly what a classic Italian restaurant should be!
Ryan Geer
Been in the Tampa area a long time and until yesterday, I hadn't heard of Donatello's. What an amazing restaurant. Incredible staff, food, and a atmosphere.
Vanessa Hanlon
This place never disappoints. Gino and his staff are tremendous. The canneloni and baked oysters are our go to. Conn creek wine we are so happy there. Service is amazing and ambiance so good 👍band on weekends is great spot to hang out. Very covid friendly! …
Marcos Espinoza
I was very impressed how host Fernando and the server gave us excellent service the food was amazing starting with the calamari, and fettuccine with shrimp delicious. Five stars ⭐️
ashley stinebaugh
What an amazing experience!!! From booking the reservation and last minutes changes the entire process was seamless! I had my moms 55th birthday at this restaurant since she loooves Italian food! And it did not disappoint! The wait staff was amazing and the food was even better! At the end of the night they handed out flowers and made every person feel special! Every single person was pleased with their meal and we were excited to taste each! I’m grateful to the entire team for making our visit a memorable one!
Zach VonBernuth
I would feel bad leaving any less than five stars, but my experience wasn't what I hoped it would be. I searched online to find the best date night restaurant I could, Donatello came highly recommended. I made reservations, they neglected to mention that they had a huge party that night in the dining room. Very busy, very loud... the owner was a great guy, very accommodating. I asked to be moved to the lounge he said no problem. Our server who was very busy with the party, was a little absent from checking in on us. The food was excellent, just very small portions for the very high prices. Maybe I'm just not a fine dining guy, but I was trying to show a date a great night. $140 later I was still hungry when I got home.
Lori January
Donatello's made my Father's Day celebration special. The house made pasta and veal dishes are very authentic Italian which is hard to find these days. The formally dressed waiters make it feel like a special occasion every time I go there.
Phillip Pitts
This place is amazing. The ambiance is perfect. The food is "slap your mother" good. Professional servers make the experience one to remember. Gino is always there to greet you at the door and ensures you have a good time. The piano bar lounge is just a great place to be. This is seriously one of my favorite places. Fair warning, this isn't a cheap place. Dinner for 2 can get well over a hundred bucks, but you know, this is one of the few places where paying a bill like that doesn't leave you feeling ripped off. Pro tip, don't forget to keep a few bucks cash in your pocket for the Valet.
Yarelis Rivera
First time visiting with my family. The breaded chicken tasted like nothing. No flavor to it at all. My husband said there speghetti & meat sauce was good but $29 for noodles n meat sauce lol . It's a high class restaurant. Everything is overpriced. Overall it was a good environment.
Anna Urena
The best Italian food, I went last night 3/25/22 and I fell in love with my dinner and the restaurant. I definitely will go again. Thank you Donatello. 👍🏼👍🏼 …
Kenny Horne
My girlfriend and I tried this restaurant for the first time for a night out. We absolutely loved it, the atmosphere feels like your sitting in a old Italian mama's dinning room and she's making you some home made pasta. Definitely going back and the waiters gave the perfect amount of attention.
Mo Reece
The food, service, and the band were Great!!
Rafael E. Fuentes-Jaimán
Good quality of food and hot. The costumer service was amazing. I think a little overprice. Overall, it was fine.
N. Mercer
One of the finest Italian restaurants I have been to in a very long time. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a "Family-like" hello, by Gino. The atmosphere was old school, the wait-staff was amazing. The food was incredible. I would Love to make this a Birthday tradition! After dinner, you have to go to the lounge and enjoy the LIVE music, you will not be disappointed!
R Gotti
What an amazing place, from the ambiance, to the service, the amazing fresh pasta and the large format wines, we bought a 3 Liter for our table of 11 and it was perfect! I loved my papardele it was sooooo good! 🤤🤤🤤🤤
You want authenticity? This is the spot man!
kimberly scholl
Great, romantic evening..I was given a rose too🍾☺
Chris Chris
What can I say Every meal is always an experience to remember. But mother's day 2021 was the best and most memorable moment ever. Thanks Gino, Silvio, Carmelo, and all. We love you. The Russo family always keep the entire Donatello's family in prayers.
Alex
Excellent, authentic Italian cuisine. Exceptional service and warming atmosphere. Pricey, but worth it. Highly recommend trying.
Christian Diaz
This restaurant was great. Restaurant was very clean and waiters were extremely well dressed. What pleased me most is that they all worked together. If one was passing by and noticed we needed a refill he would take our drink even though we were not his table. My wife and I shared the rack of lamb, waiter suggested we take it medium instead of medium well. He sure was right. The lamb was fantastic. Great flavor. This was a very enjoyable way to spend our 12th anniversary!
Susan Trusina
What a lovely restaurant! Every diner feels so special. If you want to have a great meal, from appetizer thru dessert, and feel like a real VIP at really quite reasonable prices, Donatello's is the place to go! And the decor is special: very elegant Italian cellar. The rosy pink glow makes everyone look better. Bringing home a long stemmed rose makes the evening last much longer (my last rose lasted well over a week!).
Darren Miles
My wife and I brought the kids to Busch Gardens for 4th of July weekend and we wanted to splurge a little bit for the kids by taking them to some good restaurants and then to wrap it up with one of the crown jewels of the Tampa food scene and experience authentic Italian at Donatello. Ironically we ate at Carabbas the first night we arrived and it was VERY good, then we ate at Coopers Hawk on Friday night - COOPER'S HAWK and it was AMAZING - seriously, we all agreed that it was one of the best steaks/meals we ever had. We were really looking forward to Donatello's given the great meals we'd had at chains and especially given Donatello's pedigree, reputation and reviews. We made our reservation at 5:45pm because that's the only time Open Table said was available. We took it.
When we arrived, the first thing we noticed was how dim and dated the restaurant felt. My wife said she felt like she was in a basement. Everything was dark and just looked and felt old. We were the first patrons to arrive, which came as a surprise given that again, Open Table showed there was only 5:45pm available. The waiter arrived, and brought us the prerequisite water and bread. We ordered the calamari for the table as an appetizer. The calamari was tender and cooked perfectly, the marinara sauce was a bit watery, but was still flavorful, overall a hit with the table. For the entrees, the kids both ordered filet mignon (14oz. Filetto Gioacchino Rossini Filet of beef with Madeira sauce $50) which we agreed to let them have and my wife and I ordered the crab linguini (Linguini Al Granchio - $39), my wife had the white wine sauce, I had the red sauce and subbed the linguini with penne - just a personal preference.
The kids steaks were HUGE, and they both really loved them, my wife described her linguini as bland without a lot of flavor. Mine was good, not great, but good. I ate all of it. We each had a glass of wine, she had the Swanson Merlot ($14) and I had the waiters suggested Amarone ($17.50) - both of the wines were good.
Service was overall, excellent. The waiter was attentive and courteous.
So why only 3 stars? Well;, considering the atmosphere and that my wife thought her meal was bland, and then when the bill arrived - $266 - before tip - and we didn't order desert - I felt like I had been a bit cheated - bordering on being ripped off.
We had much better food the previous 2 nights for literally half the price.at chain restaurants. It's not that it was bad, it's just the price/value relationship is just poor - at least based on the food we ordered. Perhaps Donatello is known for a specialty, we wouldn't know, the waiter didn't go into any detail he just gave us a sheet with the specials on them in addition to the menu. Maybe it was a let down as one person described Donatello as the "Bern's of Italian" in Tampa. Bern's, though also very expensive, has a better price/value relationship.
SCORES;
Atmosphere: 2/10
Service: 9/10
Quality of Food: 7/10 (Steak awesome, pasta bland to good)
Price/Value: 4/10
OVERALL: 22/40
Maybe there are better options on the menu we didn't explore but given the price point of Donatello, I was expecting a masterpiece. But based on this experience, my wife and I agreed, we would be reluctant to return.
Susanna Curlett
It's like stepping in a time travel machine, back to Italy at its best. Amazing food and service, they love what they do and you can test it in every bite 🥇😋best birthday dinner ever.
AC Castillo
They took care of us during a very busy Valentines evening. The attention to our table made us feel like celebrities. The humor and professionalism from the owner/manager and his staff kept the experience lively and fun. The food was excellently prepared and presented. I NEVER wanted to come here because I assumed it was pretentious and overpriced. I thank my family and friends who dragged me here drastically changing my assumptions.
Jennifer Burgunder
If you’re looking for delicious authentic Italian food, Donatello is the place to go! The food is amazing, the staff is excellent, atmosphere is on point, and the bar makes the perfect drinks. What else could you want for a night out? If I could leave more than 5 stars I would. It was also wonderful to leave with a beautiful & wonderful smelling red rose :) thank you Donatello for making my date night a great experience. We will be back!
Chris Spoto
Awesome service, amazing Italian cuisine. I had the sea bass topped with lobster, it was on the specials menu. The fish is always cooked perfectly in this restaurant. Whenever I order steak, the steak is always cooked perfectly. The owners of this restaurant are always around, which means the food is always going to be very good.
If you are looking to have some of the best cuisine to Tampa has to offer, this is the spot.
austin martin
Love this place first time going with my fiancee, it was nice . The menu prices arent bad for the atmosphere and food quality. They have fancy dishes as well as normal ones . Prices go from 20 -100 pending on the dish. Dress decent, take your partner and have a nice Italian dinner.
Antonio Marcelo
Every time we come here we are delighted with the whole Donatello experience. The matre d' always seats us in the classy ambience where we never feel crowded by other tables. The waiters are all in tuxes, everyone makes you feel welcome. This time we were delighted with Zucchine Fritte appetizer. One of us is vergetarian ,and unlike many first class places who have few options, it's always a delight to choose from several here. I enjoyed the fresh Palia E Fieno Al Funghi, while my partner tried the Linguine alla Vongole which surprised us with the wonderful presentation as always. After a commedable meal with good wines and desserts we received our long stem rose and continued to the vallet who is always prompt and attentive. A great night as always. Thank you!!
anthony jordan
A romantic bliss fir everyone! The waiters' were off the charts!! Food was so delicious, it was very difficult to not chow it down fast in front of my date! Lol. Oh, the decor was breathtaking, once inside, I forgot I was in Tampa! A must to eat at while in Tampa bay! Thank you to the entire staff of Donatello's! Truly amazing experience! I will be returning.... :)
Craig Wilson
Service was good, servers were attentive, just felt rushed. From the time we were seated, to deciding on and ordering our bottle of wine, appetizers, entree and dessert and eating, an hour. Food was good, just don't think it was worth the price charged.
Luz Marina Tamayo
We called like 6 places to eat dinner. My husband wanted steak so we needed to eat steak. Every place was pack or would offer a reservation at 9.45pm when the kitchen closes at 10 pm(so poor mgmt). Finally, we called Donatello, took our reservation and the story begins. Outstanding food, excellent flavors, service is a 10. You really get what asked for. Highly recommend the beef carppacio, the steak of Madeira sause, the home made pasta. I am very particularly with flavors and quality and I have to say this place is excellent. Better to select Donatello than one of those places that are part of chain.
Darriel Johnson
Excellent Italian food. Service is top notch. A perfect place for a date night or anniversary.
Marissa F
This place...
Imagine a table of nine people all being served their entrees at the same time...yes it happens here -- and was impressive. Best birthday dinner ever for my dad!
When I say the overall experience is flawless, I mean it! From start to finish you are made to feel like family. The food is one of, if not THE best I've ever had...and I'm a huge snob when it comes to Italian food. (Eh, blame it on my last name). Homemade pasta and sauces are just the beginnning. Fresh, flavorful, consistent and authentic -- it will truly make you wonder if they've got your little Italian grandmother in the kitchen doing all the work. Old school delicious...and exactly the kind of place you will never forget. PS. Indulge in dessert, no matter how full you are. You'll thank me later!
Alfonso Acosta
I have never been to a restaurant where the staff cared so much for their customers. We were greeted with a warm handshake from who I can assume was the owner. We were quickly shown our table and the menus. Our drinks were constantly being refilled, no worry of running out. I would gladly come back anytime.
Sy Sandhu
We’ve been here a few times and have yet to be disappointed. I don’t usually take pics of the food because it’s devoured so quick but if you want Amazing Italian and want something a little fancier then Bella’s this is your place. They have good wine here and incredible food. Every dish is great and no one has ever been dissatisfied with what they order and we’ve come with some real picky eaters. 11/10 This place is a staple. The management and staff are also so incredible they make you feel like family. The true Italian way.
Rene Brasholt
My family and I have been able to spend a few wonderful evenings over the years at this wonderful restaurant.
We have never been disappointed in the food or the service.
Marty Walsh
Absolutely wonderful. A Tampa staple with an old family feel. We had our dinner here with fellow physicians and had the dinner catered to us in the community room part of the restaurant.
The owner came and greeted me in the dining room and shook my hand. This reminded me so much of the family Italian restaurants my family grew up with.
We had chicken, calamari, bruschetta, and the best Bolognese I've had in Tampa. The chocolate mousse was delightful.
Parking can be challenging but they have valet service.
I will gladly come here again and would love to come back with my date and have a nice dinner together with her.
T Essex
When I asked if they served icewine and the server said "yes, we have sangria", I knew this was going to be a memorable dining experience. Seriously though, service was prompt, server knowledge could use work. Value; food vs price wasn't close. Spices were used sparingly to the point that the grouper was bland. I was a little disappointed. Hopefully this was an off night for what was an excellent restaurant.
Ron Sjoblom
To give you an idea of how popular their food is, Valentines Day, good luck at getting a reservation within two weeks. They have been around for as long as I can remember. Not your pizza and spaghetti destination.
Clayton Bauer
Always a great experience. The staff/service is one of the biggest strengths. Good food and reasonably priced wine also make it an all around winner.
Capt'n Challenger RT
I had such a pleasurable experience at this restaurant we were visiting Tampa for one night and I made reservations there because I proposed to my now fiance. The staff was very professional and they made us feel special for such a special occasion. We will definitely be back when we're in the Tampa area. The food was very good as well top notch.
Shashank Sharma
One of the best fine dining options in the Tampa Bay area. Although there are barely 1-2 vegetarian options(I don't even take eggs), but the Risotto I tried was good enough to bring me back here again n again. One downside is that the waiters aren't good with communicating in English. My friends ordered few Pastas and were really happy with their order.
Quick tip: Try booking a table through open table to avoid the wait.
Phil Valenti
Food was excellent wait staff was excellent nothing bad to say but once again five stars only if it's free but I would highly highly highly recommend with reservations as in calling for reservations
Gina Boznak
Service is amazing...wait staff is attentive enough to not keep you waiting but not so attentive as to be intrusive. Food is good...not great...certainly not worth the $27 and $29 for the pasta plates we had. The valet parking was a nice surprise as it was downpouring rain. Overall it was good but not worth the price.
Nicole Johnson
Absolutely delicious! Great atmosphere and fun to bring a small group. Wide selection of wines and the food is devine.
Ryan Thomas
Great atmosphere! Great serve! Great food!
We had the calamari, oysters with grab, veal chop, ceasar salad, steak medallions!
wayne beck
Excellent freshly made pasta and authentic Italian. Wait staff is very friendly and helpful with their Italian accents adding to the experience. The Bolognese sauce was hitting the spot with my pasta. Finished things off with a satisfying chocolate mousse cake, which was lighter than I expected. Overall I've been here 3 times. A little pricey, but you get your money's worth in quality.
Business casual is the dress code. Valet parking.
Wendy Peters
Valentine eve. Would of given 5 stars but because of a "wanna-be" big shot guy from an 8 top table next to mine with his over-the-top vocals doesn't accept the fact this is NOT his house. A lot of $$$$ & ruined the dining experience for others as well. So much for a nice romantic dinner.
Although very busy, service was excellent.
Had Escargot, tender & tastey (one of the best I've ever had. Also had "Rack-of-Lamb for Two". It was exceptionally delicious. Tender and cooked perfect. Needless to say we skip dessert- need I say why?! Will definitely try again.
Rick Baker
I've eaten authentic Italian from Maine to Texas and this is without doubt THE BEST food I've experienced this side of the pond. The service is exemplary and the atmosphere is spot on. The food is amazing!!! Found this one by chance and was so glad I did!! Gino, well done sir!!
Ioannis Skaftouros
Really really expensive... Maybe a little over the top on pricing... But it sure was an A+ experience. Food was excellent. Wine and atmosphere was excellent. To top it of the waiter had an authentic Italian accent. You get exactly what you would expect from a HIGH CLASS ITALIAN restaurant. Good job to the owners and managers.
Lillian DiCarlo
Decent, but not amazing. The service was very quick, perhaps because the dining was limited to 1/4 capacity. Quick enough we felt a little pestered by our server.
My husband had the carpaccio as an appetizer and enjoyed it very much. Both of our entrees were mediocre. My husband had the veal cannelloni and I had the veal scaloppini. My husband's cannelloni's pasta was pretty overcooked, but otherwise it was decent. My veal was ok, the white wine sauce while not very flavorful was very salty, but fine, and vegetables were very good. For dessert I ordered the crème brûlée and my husband had the cannoli. Crème brûlée is always delicious so I enjoyed mine, my husband absolutely loved his cannoli. Of the many times he'd had it, had never enjoyed cannoli prior to this one. I assume it's because the shell was always refrigerated filled, whereas it tasted like they kept the shell room temperature and filled the shell right before serving. I thought it was fine, but my husband raved. In any case, we agreed it probably wasn't worth going to again.
Overall, for the price point, I would much sooner go to Osteria Natalina.
Shelby
The food and atmosphere was absolutely amazing. The service from our waiter wasn’t great, we only saw him twice all night and had to flag him down when we needed him which was a bit surprising considering he had worked there for 34 years. The water guy made up for it though. He was the definition of perfection!
Arlie DuBois
My favorite restaurant in Tampa. Had a great date night this weekend. The service is always the best in the area. My favorite dish is the Linquine with clam sauce. I have been dining here for over 20 years. My number one place to go!
Diane Trout
Dinner date celebrating our 10th anniversary.
This restaurant was FANTASTIC!
Appetizer:
Oysters Gratinate
Awesome French bread
The BEST Ceasar salad I have ever had in my life!
My husband had:
Scampi Caprese
Scampi cooked with mushrooms, garlic, tomato and white wine
I had:
Cannelloni Donatello
Rolled fresh pasta stuffed with veal, mozzarella, glazed with besciamella and tomato sauce
This is the first time I have ever had veal stuffed Cannelloni and it melted in my mouth. It was the best dish I ever had! Words can't describe how good it was. OMG!
Everything was PERFECT and tasted SO GOOD!
Beth Knowles
The bartender was fantastic and very personable and not overbearing. The waiters were well trained and knowledgeable. The owner is a gentleman and seems truly thankful for each guest. We were there for a party and I don't tend to like Italian food but everything I ordered was delicious.
Pamela Best
The Best food and atmosphere. My Mom loved her Birthday CELEBRATION
Bryan G
Donatello's is the best, my girlfriend and I love this restaurant. I grew up in an Italian family in New York so I am very picky. The food is delicious and the service is always outstanding, worth every dollar. I recommend Donatello's to anyone looking for a classy Italian restaurant with authentic food. Thanks Gino, we look forward to our next visit!
Linda B
Took my 79 year old mother here for dinner and we absolutely loved it. From the moment we arrived, from the valet parking to the hostess stand, to our truly excellent waiter and other service people, the service was impeccable. You are made to feel welcome and comfortable. The food was of course delicious and the wine selection was good, even the wine by the glass was decent. The piccata al limone was so tasty, with just the right amount of lemon and capers, and the veal was cooked perfectly. I can't believe it took me so long to go here!
Lynn Gardner
Unless you can travel to Italy for the old world taste, this place is the closest you will get when it comes to true Italian taste. The staff goes over and beyond to treat you like you're somebody of importance. Yes, it is a little pricey but you get what you pay for! If you want fine dining try it, you will not regret it.
Michelle C
Authentic Italian food! Best Italian money can buy in Central Florida. Homemade Italian recipes...not the garbage from big chain restaurants. Pricey, yes but worth it! We are Italian from RI and accustomed to quality Federal Hill Italian food and this place fits right in the hill...only place in Central Florida that's has deserved that status. Service is second to nonel; highly attentive staff. If you appreciate authentic Italian food, you will be in for a treat at Donatello.
Amantia Sacco
Absolutely the best Italian experience on the Bay. Fantastic food, great service, and elegant charm. Gino is an amazing host; makes you feel like family in such a genuine way. The ambiance is a bit dated, but definitely part of the charm. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu: cannelloni, veal, beef filet; all great. My only suggestion would be a better selection of desserts.
SarahSakeena
I was expecting the food to be out of this world but it was underwhelming. The 2 friends I ate with were also not impressed with their meals (we all got something different,) especially given the price. Service and ambience were excellent though!
Rick Price
I ate here for the first time this week. On the plus side, the food was very good, nicely presented and fresh. We had pasta, and a bowl of soup each. On the downside; valet parking only (though complementary), the food was a little slow in coming. (We were some of their first customers for the evening and it took 40 minutes to be served the main course), vegetarian selections are far and few between, and the prices are....lofty!! ...1 cheese ravioli, 1 angel hair pasta, 1 bowl of soup each, 2 tap waters... $86 before tip. Whoa. If it wasn't for the very high prices and slow serving time I would rate it a higher.
Antoian Carey
This place does have a wide range and variety of items on the menu. I really can't find a single negative thing to say about my experience. Excellent service. Good food and very nice environment. Would definitely recommend people coming here. I will be back soon. Just wish it was all-you-can-eat buffet. That would be amazing. One of the best place in town.
Peter L
First time at Donatello but not the last. Food was flawlessly prepared and absolutely delicious, service was impeccable but not intrusive. And the finishing touch was a rose for the wife. Great experience!!
Clarice Evans
This is a wonderful place to have dinner. Our maitre d was excellent, Gino led us to a great table and was so polite. The atmosphere and food were to die for. Everything was above my expectations. I will definitely be back.
Nandia Powell
Wonderful romantic dinner. We enjoyed a few glasses of red wine paired with with the lump crab pasta in white wine sauce. I will be back with more family to enjoy the experience with.
Aamir Ward
Took my lady there for a special getaway, lets just say im totally impressed, not one flaw last night. Gino was such a great help. Food was fresh and sooooo delicious. I recommend the 2 7oz beef steak !!! Sooo good. Will definitely be back . Real Italian dining !
Cheryl Newcomb
The building is unimpressive outside. Valet parking is complimentary. The waiters all wear tuxedos. Lighting is low. Roses are at every table. Menu has lots of selections and there were numerous specials. The food and service were fantastic. Prices are high, $120 for 2 of us but the food was worth it.
Luis Aguila
This place was very authentic italian, but it seems to have gotten rather "americanized". I ordered a spritz ( prosecco and aperol), got a semi sweet wine on ice instead. Whole meal was rather rushed, (not your leisurely European style). Check was brought without asking for it (I was going to order a an espresso), and basically my wife and I were in and out in under 1 hour. I will say quality of the food was very good. For $200 I'd kind of like to enjoy the moment.
Denisha Casiano
Amazing service, beautiful and romantic restaurant, very clean and organized. I very much liked the stuffed spinach ravioli the sauce was to kill for. The Great Silvio waiter was amazing . Coming back soon .
Steve Gagne
Been here many times and it's always outstanding. Both the food and the service are as good as you're going to find. I would knock them for having a non-existent craft beer selection but that's common among Italian restaurants, unfortunately.
Christopher Lawson
The pasta dish I had was good. My wife's dish was good as well. The bread sucks. My biggest issue is paying $30 for a plate of pasta that didn't even fill me up. Nice atmosphere. However with so many good Italian restaurants in the area like Gino's or Brovaro's . It is hard to justify.
Carol C
My husband and I went a couple months ago while visiting Tampa. We loved it sooooooo much that we are visiting again tonight! Our absolute favorite! Fantastic vibe and even better food!
M W
We had a large party of 13 relatives and needed a last minute reservation for a large group. I was nervous about bringing my foodie relatives to a place I had not been to before. However Donatellos exceeded every expectation from the initial greeting to the last rose. I had the Vitello Dolce Vita which is veal with prosciutto, mushrooms in a white wine sauce. It was delicious, seasoned just right and not too heavy. The service was excellent throughout the night, even with several people in our party arriving at different times. I get now why a friend recommended it. The folks here really make you feel welcome and are attentive to every detail. I am giving it 5 stars, they did not disappoint!
Jon Caborn
As always, This is the best dining experience in Tampa! Gino took excellent care of our family and we can't thank him and the entire staff enough. Our 2 boys were so spoiled by the amazing pasta they will probably never eat it from any other restaurant again. lol Can't wait to come back to town and see you all again!
ira schloss
outstanding service and food...what else could you ask for?
M Kennedy
Unless you can travel to Italy for the old world taste, this place is the closest you will get when it comes to true Italian taste. The staff goes over and beyond to treat you like you're somebody of importance. It is slightly on the higher end, and worth every penny! If you want REAL fine dining (unlike Carabba's & Maggiano's garbage) try it, you will not regret it! :)
Jon Webster
Shared the experience of Donatello's with my son. Always a pleasure
Catherine Smith
We don’t go here often, but when we do, the service has always been great and the food is super tasty. It’s a great date night spot.
Marcelino
Live music Sunday nights!
Valentina Gari
Wine selection is amazing, and the food isn't too far behind. Dessert was to die for! Staff is always attentive and atmosphere is very pleasant and classy. My only setback is the prices, but if that's not an issue for you I would definitely recommend!
shrey shah
Great traditional Italian restaurant. The food here is authentic and the service is pretty good. Would definitely recommend a visit!
Gina French
Silvio was our server - he was fabulous! Food, was great! Hubby has been before- my first time. Classic Italian food and hospitality. The best.
Nasha Sawh
This is the best Italian food in Florida. I drive from Orlando just to go here!!! Everything is so fresh.
Matt Antonucci
Everything about this place is authentic. It's hard to find places that remind me of the Italian restaurants from Connecticut/New York that I grew up on down here in the Tampa Bay area, but Donatello's brings back those memories.
The Osso Bucco is my personal favorite, but I would also give the lamb five stars.
It's also the perfect date night, as they will give the girl a rose at the end of the meal. Definitely an ideal spot for special occasions!
Prinz Chettle
Levy's Kosher of Hollywood has amazing food. Today i had the best shawarma ever! I got it with everything including the spicy stuff. It's an incredible mix of flavors in a warm laffa bread with tons of turkey and lamb. I'm a huge fan of their pastrami too. The meat is imported from France, it's juicy but not greasy, full of flavor and piled a mile high.
Wilkins Computer (Owner)
Awesome experience, great food, a little pricey.-small portions. We were there on a sun. nite while a fabulous jazz band-InPerspective, was performing. It was packed in the small room, and people were still coming in-they need to be in the bigger room when they perform there again. We'll be back.
Sandra Rios
This restaurant is very expensive. The owner is abusing of the plate prices. The restaurant bldg looks ugly outside. I ordered pasta with clams. I got a little bit of pasta and 5 little clams. Incredible. I left the restaurant unsatisfied and with hungry. I still giving 4 stars because the servers were very polite. They gave us an excellent service.
Jacob Goldenberg
We're used to outstanding Italian food in RI and have avoided this fine establishment for over 15 yrs. Too bad! Down for spring training, and sadly leaving Sunday for home.
Will revisit this wonderful Italian gem next visit. Thank you to Gino and his very professional staff. See you next spring.
Geoffrey Beaugrand
This is a very special place. The food is superb, the drinks are superb and the service is superb. It is very rare when you have all 3. This is truly the only fine dining restaurant left in Tampa. Yes we all know Berns but Berns is more of a tourist cattle herd, this isn't the same. This is like stepping back in time. It's like being in NYC or in Italy and we are truly lucky to have it in Tampa.
Alexandra Aguirre
We went to celebrate our anniversary and the attention was excellent! There was no delay in the food. and very attentive to us. We will be back!
Joyce Anderson
Always loved Donatello’s since the 90s and still love it just as much today. It is one of the most elegant Dinning experiences you can get in Tampa. The food is so delicious as are the desserts. I most always get the veal. Their wine selection is outstanding as is their service. A little expensive but well worth it.
Kristin Henrickson
Absolutely divine!! Apparently it is very authentic Italian. I wouldn't know because I have not. Been to Italy nor am I Italian. The food was delish and the atmosphere was very romantic and intimate.
karyn olsson
Authentic and very traditional menu and food. Welcoming warm Italian staff and owner. My pasta was cooked perfectly el' dente' (per my request), the wine list has an excellent and robust selection.
Eric W Thompson
Great food and service. Very attentive and catered to our preferences.
Kevin Corbett
Donatello is the preeminent Italian fine dining experience in Tampa. For me, one of the key measurements for a restaurant is the quality of their seafood and Donatello's is always fresh and prepared as well as it can be. A bonus is their bar & lounge, which has live music Monday through Saturday and makes for a great atmosphere before or after your meal or even if you have no plans to dine there. I highly recommend it.
Eric Spaulding
If the wallpaper here could tell stories. You can feel the history here. Amazing service and food. Great place with a fantastic environment. Doesn't look like much from the outside. You can order off the menu if you desire, so don't limit yourself to the already delish menu.
Gary Rodriguez
All the dishes are made with fresh ingredients. Very light complementing sauces, where they don't overpower the dish.
A real Italian taste.
And the service is always first class.
A must try !
Ernest Kollra
In Tampa last weekend,went two nights in a row. First I had the grouper based on bartender Kim's recommendation and it was as good as it gets. Second night had caneloni based on recommendation from bartender Ashley it was superb. Ate both nights at the bar and Kim,Ashley and Mark[I think I got his name right} although I am sure of the girls names. They were excellent and made the evenings most enjoyable. Service overall was top notch and I would rate the two experiences five star.
Have already touted the restaurant numerous times since my return. Can't wait to get back, definitely A-ONE across the board.
Pat Confessore
Excellent food and outstanding service. Each guest is made to feel special and so nice that the owner visits each table and presents the ladies with a rose when leaving. Highly recommend.
Thomas Boylan
We had a great time, food was good my wife has a very sensitive pallet and she had nothing to complain about. Some people might call it old and somewhat behind times. I would simply call it old world charm. The portions are somewhat smaller then what you might find at other restaurants, that was not a big deal for me since I am trying to loose some weight. We will come back for sure.
J. Smith
Absolutely a great experience! We have been here in the past, but for some reason this time was superb. From the moment you walk in you are greeted, and feel like part of their family. All of the wait staff are phenomenal. They work very well together, and are happy to give recommendations. We ordered the mussels in a white wine sauce and bruschetta for appetizers, linguini with pesto sauce and one of the steaks for our entrees, and of course the tiramisu. The linguini with pesto sauce tasted just like I had it when we were in Cinque Terre! The tiramisu is the best in Tampa, and very light/fluffy like you would have in Italy. We felt like we were back in Italy! Fantastic meal and experience! We will be back soon!
Kerry Benik
Fantastic service, but the Filet is roasted like pot roast. Green beans that came with the meal were horrible. The cheesecake was the best I ever had. Atmosphere is very old.
Scott Weathersby
My wife and I thought that our visit was amazing! The food was excellent in the service was even better! We will definitely be back!
hoakpsp3
I wanted to take a moment to thank Donatello's for making Vicky and I wedding reception amazing. Not only did they open early for us and our guests the food and the staff were outstanding. I highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion. They really went out of there way to make this a special day for us.
Higinio Lopez
The food is absolutely delicious!
They need to manage better the reservations, and also they need a host all time jn the entrance... I was surprised that they didn’t have one.
But the food completely worth it
Kristin W.
Service was AWESOME.
Food was Eh. For what you're paying, it just didn't pay off in my opinion.
If you're looking for authentic Italian *food*, I preferred Taso Italiano in New Port Richey. Its worth the drive.
RNM
Friendly, attentive staff. Excellent old-school Italian dining experience. Food was good (not sure it was quite good enough to justify the menu prices, but overall this place was worth doing once).
Robert Pollock
What a Fabulous evening , start to finish . Excel ant service , spot on and quality of food unsurpassed. Gino was beyond an excellent host , our server Silvio , can’t say enough . If you want to do something special for your loved one , or even yourself ... you must put this on you foodie bucket list . RCPollock
Marcello Scarnecchia
If you want to experience an authentic Italian dine, this the place to be! Delicious real Italian food, huge selection of wine and spirits, live music, great service. Management and waiters speak fluent Italian... Feels like home to me!
Luigi Scalabroni
I love to visit Donatello restaurant every time I visit Tampa, Florida! Last time I was in with my girlfriend, it was her birthday. From the moment you are greeted in, owners Guido and Gino, father and son, make you feel special. We enjoyed an aperitif in the beautiful, classy bar with live soft music, then we were guided in the romantic, well decorated, low-lit dining room with stucco arches. Our waiter Carmelo was fantastic, as always, ensuring food quality, presentation, great service...and great time! As an appetizer we had “Salmone di Scozia Affumicato”, freshly cut smoked salmon, and “Calamari Amalfitana”, squid salad with lemon and garlic vinaigrette. As an entree my girlfriend enjoyed the “Cernia alla Livornese”, fresh grouper with tomato, onion, capers and black olives, I had my favorite “Linguine Seafood” in white wine sauce, kind of upgraded “Linguine alle Vongole”...not quite on the menu ...but Carmelo is always so accommodating! They have a great wine selection, we enjoyed the very popular Pinot Grigio Santa Margherita, great with our seafood dinner. All waiters joined Carmelo and surprised my girlfriend with the traditional happy birthday choir, topped by a decadent Chocolate mousse cake and a beautiful fresh rose by Gino! It was just wonderful! There is only one reason why Donatello’s is a little pricey...because it is totally worth!
Corrine Mosburg
What a great setting for a fantastic Italian dinner. The staff is so welcoming and attentive. Food is very very good!! Will definitely go back on my next visit to Tampa.
S B
Food is authentic Italian! Had a gathering of family for a celebration, staff was friendly and engaging. Highly recommend if you haven't tried Donatello"s that you do so
Sherry Peligian
We had a wonderful evening. Everyone made us feel special and the food was so delicious. We can't say enough about our dining experience. Definitely will return next time we are in the Tampa area.
Natashja Batista
Food is amazing!!! And the staff is extremely friendly.
Jeff Walz
Very upscale service. Food was excellent. A little high-priced for the wine. Great place to take an important date. Or to take business clients who like Italian food.
Felipe Fulgencio
One of the greats in Tampa. In my opinion, it is up there with Bern’s, Capital Grille, Eddie V’s, and others. The steaks are great, but the pasta is what you should get. Don’t skip dessert.
Anthony Ragnauth
Excellent service and food! A lot of little details added to the experience with fresh cut roses for my girlfriend and the owner greeting us as we walked in the door. A very fine dining experience!
Kevin Weilbacher
Wonderful first time experience at Donatello's. Everyone from valet to Waiter to manager were exceptional
Dwayne Waite Sr
You get what you pay for. Excellent food and service. Had the veal osso buco(probably misspelled) over risotto.
R Dixon
I have been going to Donatello's for more than 20 years. And if I could support all their employees and staff as well as them during this crisis, I would. They are and have been that good; father, son and fantasy food; who could need or want any more.
Rob Bolinger
Always a good time. The Dover sole was spot on.
Fredrick Zaccheo
The staff is attentive and accommodating, the ambiance is quaint. Gino is a great host, Karen is very charming, welcoming. They offer an authentic experience. Good vibes!
Melissa Toyryla
Mouth watering and completely orgasmic cuisine with top notch service. Highly recommend this place. Old school Italian service and charm. Romantic and vintage sexy!! 10 stars in my book.
Lacy Maguire
Went for dinner with my family and the food was amazing as always. Donatello's never disappoints. Love the food and the staff is amazing as well.
Amie Devero
The most romantic restaurant in Tampa. The service is incredible without being obsequious. And the decor, in all pale pink, with fresh pink roses at every table, is understated and gorgeous. The food is fresh, and served beautifully. The sopa de pesci is a light, abundant seafood soup, and my friends tell me the osso buca is the best they've ever had. I have never been less than delighted.
Michael Hummel
Incredible place. Truly authentic Italian. Service was out of this world. Had cannelloni and tried the veal shank as well. Succulent.
Cindy Davis
Good Italian food (and this is coming from a picky Italian), they do their red sauce perfectly. The ricotta cheesecake is also a must. Worth the $$, the service is also always up to par.
Jorge Fernandez
Great service but food was not that great. Probably my fault for ordering a NY Steak in an Italian restaurant. I will give it another chance and try the pasta!
Eric Gable
My fav location for Italian food. Good place to relax and unwind. The staff was very helpful and observant. This place has a nice feel to it. I see why this place has so many great reviews.
Joey Colarulo
This is a Tampa staple. The food and service is so impeccable, consistent and spot on every single time. There is nothing else quite like Donatello's in the city of Tampa. I have been going here for many years and it just gets better with age.
Jessica J.
Donatellos is a very homey Italian restaurant. The service is outstanding, and the food is so worth the $$$. It is a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion or have a romantic evening. I loved the experience and the food.
Crystal Camacho
First time at this place and I must say food was great. Service was amazing!! Super attentive staff!! Very nice atmosphere I will definitely be coming back ! Thank you all who served us tonight you all were amazing !
Richard Rowe
Excellent food and service. But, tables crowded together and lots of noise.
Matt Coniglio
Great experience and love the food, very rich and tasteful, and they have very good service, would recommend
Pamela L
Delicious food and friendly service. The place was packed on a Thursdsy evening, so it was a bit loud for me.
Teri Ferraro
Well run restaurant. Food was fantastic and service was great. It is busy so there could be a little wait, but nice bar area with music.
Kristofer Kirchen
No trip to Donatello is anything less. Guido adds a personal touch. The food is always top-notch. There's a reason you can commonly dine among the elite - they know the best places to dine and where they can have a lovely experience to boot.
Dara Torb
Superb hospitality and amazing food. The staff here is beyond amazing and they genuinely care for their costumers. If you’re seeking authentic Italian food, come here!
Michael Frieri
Gino Tiozzo is a great host.. great food and wine.. a fun time., this year I am in Tampa for 3 Yankee Spring Training games...I will eat at Donatello’s all 3 nights....I have been visiting here from Dallas for the last 7 years.. I have never had dinner anywhere in Tampa but Donatello’s 😃 …
ANDREA Spiridis
Perfect place for a birthday celebration. Wonderful company and staff. Thank you for a memorable 41.
Iana Thomas
Absolutely amazing!!! Everything from the food to the service was top notch! We just celebrated my daughter's graduation and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I will definitely return!
Iúri Knuivers Franco
Real Italian place with real Italian food. The atmosphere and service are both amazing. I would definitely recommend for everyone who's around Tampa. Check it out, you are not gonna regret it...
Edwin Fontaine
Wonderful Italian restaurant. Tampa Opera Singers in the main dining room, Ms Kitty jazz combo in the bar. This place is the tops. Oh, fantastic food as well.
Howard Braun
Wonderful food, great service . We shared an antipasto then my wife had Veal oscar while I had the veal dolce vita. We finished the evening with capuchino and a wonderful napoleon.
Leslie
Absolutely wonderful! The service, food & expresso martinis were spectacular! Highly recommend.
Cristian Mondragon
Everytime me and my wife go, we always have a great time. The food is fresh and genuine Italian dishes. Gino the owner runs an amazing restaurant.
Debbie Silvia
11 of us had dinner there last night! Food was great service was very good besides a little confusion on who ordered what food.The atmosphere was amazing, hadn't been there in a long time was happy to come back.. a little pricey, nice for a special occasion
Mia Michele
Pretty good cocktails ate better than the food bread is hot. Calamari is ok marinara very good live music. Iconic Tampa place
Shannon Rutherford
This place is the hidden gem of Tampa. The food was amazing, and the service outstanding. One of the best places in Tampa!
Tim Reynolds
This place is an icon in Tampa, but this was the first time I'd been back since the early 90's. For the food we got and the price I paid, it'll be another 30 years before I go back. $508 for 4 people and I wasn't impressed...
George Soliman
as you noticed all the negative reviews are all about the restaurant being expensive , SO if you are looking for a low class cheap restaurant to fill up you fat stomach this is not the place for you.
but if you really want an elegant experience as well as good quality/recipe food along with culture/respect service this is the place to go .
Dwight Ruppert
More of a place for the theatre than the food. Mediocre taste, deafeningly loud. Much better options in Tampa for food, especially for the price.
CTYGRL
Great service. Delicious food. Very professional wait staff and a rose 🌹 for all the ladies. …
Amber Avidon
Real Italian food served by real Italian people at a real Italian restaurant. It’s everything you could possibly want. Like stepping into an episode of Sopranos.
Anne Mason
Food was very good but very pricey and small portions! Service was very good, 17 + people working the dining room
A Sullivan
Fantastic salmon
Entered 10 min before closing very friendly
matthew albright
Great atmosphere, delightful food and extremely warm and quick staff. Love the pink lights and intimate setting, nice touch giving my Fiance a red Rose on the way out. Will
Sherri Johns
Always the most incredible food, service and romantic atmosphere. Our favorite special occasion place for over 30 years. Has stayed consistent .
Jorge Duran Blanco
Great experience yesterday ... gino is amazing... even tho place was super full and us with a party of 10 + 2 kids we had an amazing time.. great food. Great drinks. Great place 😍💪🙏 …
Christina Davis
Desert was not good. Very generic and not tasty. No complaints with anything else.
Keith Mundy
Best service best food. Definitely in my top 3 restaurants in entire Tampa area and I own a 5star restaurant.
Louis Mattia
This place is like walkinf right into Italy. The food is outstanding and the service is over the top. Waiters in tuxedos. Extensive wine list. Going back for sure!!!
Helen Campbell
One of my favorite spots for tasty italian food. cool location to meet with coworkers. fast and courteous service. the prices are well within reason for the quality.
Sarah Phillips-Benbury
Beautiful location for a birthday celebration. Marvelous Italian cuisine, wonderful drinks, and great service. Super place to see and be seen...
Judith Adams
Celebrated my birthday and it was excellent, the so buco, the escargots, dessert were delicious. The osso buco was so tender. Donatello, is romantic, the service is impeccable.
Julia Jara
True authentic Italian restaurant. Service is amazing! The food isn't heavy like some other italian places. The experience was really nice!
Cathy Speronis
Amazing food and service! First class experience! We'll be back. ☺️
Chetsivah
Expensive. They treat you real right on your wedding anniversary. I'm not a fan if the food. But... my sister loves the lamb.
Angelina Christina
Classic Italian food and atmosphere. Very classy place with plenty of history. Love the bar area and jazz band. Of course the food is fantastic.
Alec Bradlow
The best in Northern Italion cuisine in Tampa for as I long as I remember.
Everything made from scratch, I usually get the Osso Buco or a veal chop but its all amazing-Guido and the whole staff make you feel like family!
Jeff J
Food was great. Service was mediocre. Chipped water glass, waiter forgot the wine. Expected a little more out of a place trying to compete at those prices.
Necia Mendonza
Best Italian restaurant I've ever had. Food and service fantastic! Will definitely come back.
Peter Shatner
Always a pleasure to spend time here, especially when Miss Kitty is singing and playing the piano. Wonderful staff!
Tegan Pianka
Above and beyond my expectations! Absolutely amazing service, best food we've had! Will definitely be back.
Carolyn F
Hands down the best Italian Restaurant! Authentic and Delicious
sameerah henderson
Great experience 🥰 …
Traci Guy
Amazing, romantic atmosphere. Great food and service. We got to stay for the live jazz as well. Can't wait to go back!
Richa Davis
The Food was amazing and the staff were very professional and precise. I will definitely be back.
Thomas Bonan
Best dinner I’ve had in quite some time. We will definitely be back.
James Polgar
Second time here. Same awesome food and service. Highly highly recommended
Amy Card
Great atmosphere, authentic fabulous tasting entrees and dessert! The staff was spot on with service. Recommend it for friends and family!
Kurt Schleicher
A Tampa institution....and a culinary delite...it is as authentic as being in Napoli.....! anyone who says different should goto Carrabbas cause they don't understand what awesome is! I have been going to this restaurant for 25 years and still is a great experience...and if your lucky maybe Guido will share some of his limoncello with you!
Scott Silverstein
Can’t say enough about this place!!! Ms Kim and Karen take care of you like family and the food is delicious! Seriously best place in Tampa!
Theresa Rose
Excellent food, excellent service, ladies are given a rose when leaving. I will definitely dine there again.
Jeffrey Williams
I have to admit, the Food and the Service was OFF THE CHARTS😃 and the owner Gino is truly a Class Act!!! This is Definitely a place I don't mind spending my money!😉. #WINNER …
PerryAndKim Clawson
Incredible food from start to finish. The atmosphere is Old Italian. Classic service by WONDERFULLY attentive staff. Highly recommend!
Tom Havens
High end Italian dining. Quality. Home made pasta and ingredients. Everything was delicious. The restaurant staff did a great job.
Tampa Cash Cows
Amazing. So glad I found this place.
Eduardo Bonilla
Amazing food and service, don't be foul by the the outside of the building, what's inside is traditional Italian cuisine.
Gigi Espinola
Consistently great in every way; service, food, drinks, etc. I find it can be both friendly and fun or quiet and romantic; piano bar or dining room. Will definitely return.
Dezelle Bennett
Great food, class atmosphere, and wonderful band
Keneth Steele
Some authentic Italian cuisine we had and it was very delicious.Wait staff was attentive and friendly. We were suggested some great specialties.It was just wow.
William Ward
Fantastic!! Iconic Tampa Bay tradition. Love the delicious food and personal service, old school feel, and quaint live music at the bar.
Marcell Beltran
Absolutely the best Italian food in Florida! And even better customer service. Gino is top notch.
Franco Castillo Tokumori
Excellent pasta! Steaks are also very tasty
Charles Pflueger
Elevated old style Italian restaurant. Decent wine list at good pricing. Stay away from $17 pasta side.
Jeff Davidson
The grouper picata was excellent. We enjoyed the smoked salmon and fried calamari appetizers. The service was excellent.
Donna Schulz
Food is really good and they have a nice lounge too
sritaw
Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food and an awesome band! Will definitely be back!
Brett H
A Class act! Outstanding Food and service. Don't let the exterior turn you away, the place is outstanding inside. A great "date night" atmosphere with fantastic food and service.
Yobe Art
Came here with the family and we all loved the food and the staff. Old fashioned/traditional dinning. I would suggest dressing up a bit for a formal dinning affair.
Chuck Lutes
Absolutely love the food! Authentic Italian cuisine. The live entertainment was excellent! I would highly recommend this to everyone.
Joseph Lang
Some of the best Italian food in Florida. Ambience is somewhat dated but service is good. Wonderful wine list.
Randy Martin
My wife has been going there since they opened. Great food and service. We love th music in the piano bar.
joe suszko
Wonderful food and people over 24 yrs coming here and the food has NEVER been bad :)
I am praying that they open back up for lunch! Gino please open for lunch :)
Manda B
Definitely a restaurant to dress up for a special occasion. But honestly, I don't think the food was worth the $30 per plate. It was good food, but I think I have had better for less.
Matthew Schwartz
Overall great. Authentic Italian food. Intimate, classy aesthetic and fantastic service.
John Bond
Took the wife for our 35 th. wedding anniversary . Treated like royalty the atmosphere ,food and attentive staff was such a dining joy . Highly recommend.
Vinny Demshar
Excellent food and service!👍🏻 …
Geno Cara
First time at Donatello's meal was excellent I don't know what you expect for price but they seem to be up there with your five star restaurants food is good prepared excellent the staff is overwhelmingly joyful we met the owner Gino him and his father has put out a beautiful old school old style warming traditional restaurant I will go again and will become a family tradition
Don Rugraff
Great atmosphere, service and food.
Austin Flynn
It's no Olive Garden, but still pretty good.